Greener Ways to Get Around 

Carbon-conscious travellers, take note. Unlike many other urban centers around the world, Canada’s pedestrian- and bike-friendly cities boast an easy-to-use and green transportation system whose future plans call for it to get greener still.

Leading by example: Canada is leaning into innovation, protecting places, and caring for the land, across transportation sectors. Harbour Air, based in Vancouver, BC, is charting a new course for the aviation industry. The company became the world’s first and only fully carbon-neutral airline in 2007. In 2019, it introduced the world’s first commercial electric airplane, and plans to offer zero-emission, all-electric flights to and from Vancouver Island by 2023 (see sample itinerary, below). The company plans to eventually electrify its entire fleet of 42 de Havilland Beaver and Otter aircraft. 

Boat, bus, train: In 2022, BC Ferries will introduce “Island Class” ferries powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines that use advanced clean marine technology. The ships feature wide vehicle lanes, dedicated pedestrian paths and bicycle parking spaces. Once in service, they’ll be among the most efficient and quietest ferries in the world. In Montréal, Quebec, electric – and eventually driverless – shuttles will facilitate travel along Plaza St-Hubert, helping to reduce congestion along the busy commercial artery. Trials runs will take place before July 2022, with two electric minibuses operating along a two-kilometre loop. In 2021, VIA Rail proposed a high-frequency rail connection through the Quebec City – Toronto corridor, which will dramatically expand capacity for sustainable transportation for people and goods.

Cool projects: Even small initiatives can have a big impact on the urban landscape. In Edmonton, Alberta, e-scooter rental initiatives have introduced new modes of commuting as well as a fresh tourism asset (a similar program is offered in Calgary). In Churchill, Manitoba, tour operator Frontiers North Adventures unveiled a new EV Tundra Buggy – a zero-emission vehicle designed to reduce environmental impact and sound pollution in the subarctic landscape. The business plans to shift its entire Tundra Buggy fleet to electric vehicles. And in Blind River, Ontario, an accessible tourism and inclusivity project is helping people with disabilities get around sustainably.

 Green future: Canadians will soon be getting more biking and walking paths as part of the Federal Government's new $400 million active transportation project. The dedicated funds are being spent over the next five years to build new and expand existing networks of pathways, Abike lanes, trails, and pedestrian bridges. A first: This is the first federal fund dedicated to building active transportation through Canada. 

Here’s a sampling of current and upcoming green transit options throughout Canada: 

BC

• Next-gen SkyTrain: TransLink, the transit authority in Vancouver, BC, is doubling rider capacity of the SkyTrain rapid light-rail line with more trains and line extensions for high-demand areas. The plan also increases bus service by 25 percent and adds 10 new service areas, making it easier for residents and visitors to leave the car at home. Already, the Canada Line – part of the Skytrain network – is powered primarily by renewable hydro-electric energy via BC Hydro.

• Net-zero pledge: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Vancouver, BC has boldly committed to becoming net-zero by 2030. The airport’s operations have been carbon neutral since 2020, with initiatives in place to divert waste from landfill, improve local ecosystem health and reduce water consumption. There’s also Project Green YVR, a program that helps surrounding businesses reduce their waste, water and energy use to limit environmental impact and save money.

• Travel green: Check out the green transit options in Vancouver here. And download a useful cycling map here.

Ontario

• Cycler’s guide: In Toronto, Ontario, a dedicated Toronto Cycling Map shows all the cycling infrastructure in the city, including on- and off-street bikeways, suggested routes, connections to shop or explore, and other important information about cycling in Toronto. There’s also a spotlight on winter cycling routes that benefit from snow plowing, salting and snow removal. 

• Pedestrian link: The Prince of Wales Bridge across the Ottawa River in Ottawa, Ontario is being rehabilitated from an interprovincial railway bridge to a cycling and pedestrian connection linking Ottawa to Gatineau, Québec. The walkway will be renamed Chief William Commanda Bridge, in honour of a local Algonquin leader who dedicated his life to building bridges between nations, and will be unveiled in 2022.

• Going electric: Brampton, Ontario, is launching a milestone electric bus pilot project. The e-bus launch will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city by 80 percent before 2050, and represents the largest global deployment of standardized and fully interoperable battery electric buses and high-powered overhead on-route charging systems.
• Express connection: In Toronto, Ontario, UP Express – which connects Pearson Airport and downtown’s Union Station in a 25-minute ride – offers an easier, faster and more sustainable mode of transportation than vehicles. 

• Travel green: Check out the green transit options in Toronto here. 

Quebec

• Bike network: Stretching over 5,300 kilometres, La Route Verte is North America’s longest network of bicycle trails. As well as allowing cyclists to travel across regions and linking Quebec to Ontario, New Brunswick and the US, the Route Verte is marked by carefully designed facilities and clear signage. Experiences are infinite in their variety, from quiet country backroads to paved shoulders and off-road trails – many of which have breathed new life into abandoned rail lines, far from car traffic and close to nature.

• Electric light rail: Montréal, Quebec’s new light rail system, Réseau express métropolitain (REM), is 100 percent electric and directly connects the city’s North Shore, South Shore, West Island and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. The first trains are scheduled to run in summer 2022.
• Travel green: Check out the green transit options in Montreal here. And check out this useful cycling guide.

Alberta

• E-buses: Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) in Edmonton, Alberta continues to be at the forefront of electric buses in Canada, with 40 electric buses currently in service and another 20 expected to arrive in late 2021/early 2022. ETS is the first transit agency in North America to have overhead chargers inside transit facilities, which significantly reduces the amount of floor space required for charging. The buses can travel up to 400 kilometres on a single charge.

Spotlight: An Iconic Seaplane Itinerary in BC

Ever traveled by floatplane? Explore BC’s coastal islands on these iconic fixed-wing aircraft. They can take off and land on water and fly lower than commercial airplanes, therefore offering stunning views of the city, islands, and waters, and taking “island-hopping” to a whole new level. Harbour Air plans to offer all-electric commercial flights to and from Vancouver Island by 2023. 

Day 1: From the Harbour Air terminal in downtown Vancouver – accessible via vehicle or foot traffic – hop aboard a seaplane bound for Tofino. Renowned for its surf culture, charming cafes, top-rated restaurants and food trucks, and spectacular scenery, this island destination is located on the remote west coast of Vancouver Island. Travelling here from Vancouver via ferry can take upwards of six hours – but the seaplane flight will get you to Tofino harbour in less than an hour.*

• Once you’ve arrived, check into the Wickaninnish Inn, situated between rainforest and ocean on Chesterman Beach – here, you’ll find above-and-beyond customer service, mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscape, and luxurious amenities. 
• For longer stays, book Pacific Sands Beach Resort, whose oceanside beach houses are perfect for families seeking an outdoor getaway in indulgent comfort. 

Day 2: Tofino getaways are all about nature. Spend the day walking on Chesterman Beach (at the Carving Shed by Wickaninnish Inn, you can watch local carvers at work) or hiking the trails in Pacific Rim National Park. Or, try your hand at surfing alongside the locals (Pacific Surf Co and Surf Sister offer targeted lessons for beginners). 

• Then, book a sightseeing excursion with Tofino Air, whose 30-minute Coastal Explorer Tour takes guests on an aerial seaplane journey over sprawling beaches like Cox Bay and remote islands like Whaler and Bartlett, with plenty of opportunities to catch sight of orcas, grey whales, sea lions, black bears and eagles. 
• In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at Wolf in the Fog, whose indulgent dishes are inspired by fishing and foraging in the ocean, shorelines and forests of Tofino.

Day 3: In the morning, fuel up at the newly opened Roar Tofino, where decadent dishes such as French toast drenched in brown butter, maple syrup and white chocolate whipped cream sidle up next to locally inspired meals like the Island Egg Pie Sandwich, with grilled avocado, fire-roasted slaw and citrusy morning greens. Enjoy your floatplane ride back to Vancouver, content in knowing there are plenty more islands to explore tomorrow.

*Note: Harbour Air’s Tofino-Vancouver route runs seasonally (March to October).

Readers looking for more information check out www.explore-canada.co.uk

For more media information please contact Ms. Nim Singh, Media and PR Manager, Destination Canada, singh.nim@destinationcanada.com (not for publication)