For Maple Leaf Adventures, the wild and breathtaking coastline of British Columbia isn’t just a place to explore; it’s our neighbourhood. From the towering fjords of Desolation Sound to the ancient shores of Haida Gwaii, this remarkable place is both home and community, and we’ve always believed in taking care of it like a good neighbour should.
This year, this guiding principle was acknowledged with the prestigious Good Neighbour Award from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, shared with our colleagues in the Small Ship Tour Operators Association. The award recognises our transformative efforts in conservation, Indigenous collaboration, and community stewardship—efforts that embody what it means to be regenerative travel operator.
A Legacy of Conservation
Maple Leaf Adventures has been a vocal advocate for the transformative potential of ecotourism, particularly during pivotal moments in the region’s history. In the 1990s, when the Great Bear Rainforest faced the looming threat of clearcut logging, the company played a crucial role in promoting an alternative vision of sustainable tourism as part of a conservation-based economy.
Our impact resonates far beyond the wilderness. From voluntary conservation fees that fund grizzly bear and whale research to donations supporting local initiatives, our contributions underscore a deeply personal commitment to the region’s future shared by every crew member.
Before sustainability became the industry standard, Maple Leaf Adventures led by example:
- Limiting ship capacities to minimize impact.
- Formalising protocol agreements with Coastal First Nations.
- Practicing wildlife-sensitive operations.
- Setting rigorous self-imposed environmental standards.
These commitments are the cornerstone of their operations in ecologically sensitive regions like the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii.
Photo: Jeff Reynolds
The sun sets on a successful Marine Debris Removal Initiative; a pivotal moment in 2021’s effort to reclaim the wild beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest.
The Marine Debris Removal Initiative
Our leadership in the ongoing marine debris removal initiative is one tangible example of this impact. Launched in 2020 and continuing into 2024, this groundbreaking collaboration with local Indigenous Nations and other SSTOA members has removed over 370 tonnes of plastic waste from the Great Bear Rainforest’s shores—an achievement with benefits measured not only in tonnes but in thriving ecosystems and community pride.
This effort represents more than just a cleanup; it’s a triumph of partnership and perseverance. The benefits are felt in thriving ecosystems, cleaner shorelines, and the shared pride in restoring coastline to its natural beauty.
Turning Competition into Community
Through SSTOA, we have joined forces with six other small-ship operators to develop industry-wide best practices and conservation standards. This spirit of partnership extends to our relationships with Indigenous Nations, exemplified through Tourism Protocol Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding that predate modern norms.
These agreements are more than symbolic; they formalize practices like user fees that directly benefit Indigenous communities and recognize the Nations’ rights and titles. They also enable cultural exchange between local communities and international travelers, deepening the understanding of the land’s history and significance.
Celebrating the Good Neighbour Award
Accepting the Good Neighbour Award on behalf of SSTOA, our co-owner Maureen Smith shared a heartfelt acknowledgment of the “good neighborhood” we inhabit—a place where pristine landscapes inspire collaboration, and small businesses unite to achieve extraordinary things. “The reward of being a good neighbor,” Maureen noted, “is the joy of being part of something bigger than yourself. In this case, it’s being in this incredible place where whales breach among islands, and a few small people with big ideas can help make the world a better place.”
Photo: Simon Ager
Grizzlies roam free in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, a vivid reminder of why we care for these lands and waters like a true good neighbour
Good Neighbours Make Great Adventures
For travellers seeking not just adventure but meaning, Maple Leaf Adventures offers a way to experience the coast without overwhelming it. Our commitment to conservation, respect for Indigenous rights and title, and emphasis on community-driven tourism are an example of what responsible travel can achieve when done in earnest.
As the world grapples with how to balance exploration and preservation, we’re doing what we can to show that when tourism is done right, everyone—from travelers to wildlife to local communities—wins.
So, the next time you dream of coastal rainforests and untouched beauty, consider a journey with Maple Leaf Adventures. You’ll not only see the world differently—you’ll be part of a movement to make it better.
