Press Release

July 13, 2017

Eagle Wing Tours is pleased to announce that as a leader in sustainability and experiential tourism, they are immediately halting the sale of single use plastic water bottles. This follows similar announcements by both the Vancouver Aquarium and Butchart Gardens in recent weeks, and they are looking forward to having all tourism businesses in Victoria consider doing the same. Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles with them.

“As winners of multiple sustainability awards both locally and nationally, we feel it is incumbent on us to continue to do all we can at every step of our operation not only to remain leaders in sustainability but also to demonstrate what responsible ecotourism truly looks like” according to Brett Soberg, co-owner.

In addition: biodegradable plastic bags are used at both the office at Fisherman’s Wharf and on the boats, 80% tree free paper is used for all paper products, printed waivers have been replaced with digital, a green purchasing policy has been implemented, and recent office upgrades include adding R40 insulation and a new water filtration system and water bottle re-fill station (in progress) at the floating office. A “Go Green Pledge” has been created to help encourage all guests to reduce their own ecological footprint. A new 50 passenger catamaran will further reduce each guest’s carbon footprint while providing a larger platform for experiential tourism and education.

Their rating as #1 on Trip Advisor since 2007 is due in part to their position on sustainability. They were the first Victoria whale watching company to join 1% for the Planet in 2013,  the only whale watching company in Canada to be 3^rd party verified 100% Carbon Neutral, rated Green with the Vancouver Island Green Business Certification, Surfrider Approved, and have been rated Gold with Green Tourism Canada since 2013.

They were the first to institute a $2.00 Wildlife Fee per passenger, with 100% of funds raised benefitting the Center for Whale Research, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and other not-for-profits. After much encouragement a wildlife fee has now been implemented by other members of the industry as well. Not only does Eagle Wing Tours do more than any other tourism business in Canada to maintain their leadership in sustainability, late last year they formed the Wild 4 Whales Foundation, a not-for-profit that will raise funds through donation for research, advocacy, education and protection of whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife as well as their food supply and habitat.

This is what true leadership looks like. At Eagle Wing Tours, they always go a step beyond.

For more information contact

Mika Ogilvie
Social Sustainability Manager
mika@eaglewingtours.com