In 1990 we launched with the belief that other travellers would share the desire to experience authentic adventures in a responsible and sustainable manner. We've grown from a one-man show to a company of over 500, and from a handful of trips in Latin America to hundreds of adventures spanning the globe... and beyond! Thousands of travellers experience the real world with us every year. If you have a sense of adventure, burgeoning wanderlust, or a curiosity for culture and nature, our style captures the essence of adventure. With comfort voyages, wildlife encounters and active adventures lasting from a week to a month - whether it's a trek in the Andes or the Sahara, sailing the Galapagos or the Arctic, exploring the markets of Hanoi or the plains of Africa - our small group tours have what you seek. In October 2007 we were named the number 1 "Do It All Outfitter on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure magazine in a survey of Best Adventure Travel Companies in the World!

Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what we are all about. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

Becoming Impact Neutral

We're on a journey to become impact neutral. Our commitment to the planet's future focuses on social, environmental and cultural initiatives. How are we achieving our goals?

...Environmentally

Our goal of heading towards a neutral environmental impact is spearheaded by our Planet Positive Project. The initiatives of this program include planting trees around the world and carbon offsetting the fuel of all our marine vessels and corporate flights. Additionally our offices are green powered and we use recycled paper in our brochures and office products.

...Socially and Culturally

Our social and cultural stewardship is managed through our non-profit foundation, Planeterra. Through local community projects, international charities and long-term support from us, we have developed a network of projects around the world. Many projects can be visited on our tours, or experienced first-hand through our growing list of Volunteer trips, which provide a rewarding experience for travellers wanting to work together with local communities, and help improve the basic living conditions of the people in areas visited by our tours.

Head Office Initiatives

We have taken numerous steps to help our offices, and staff, minimize their impact on the environment and be a responsible member of our local communities. Some of our initiatives for continual improvement are listed below.

Supporting Green Energy

Our Head Office, and Toronto, Calgary, Melbourne and New York Concept Stores are all 100% powered by green energy providers including Bullfrogpower. These companies provide green electricity and purchase power exclusively from wind and low-impact hydro generators.

PEFC Certified

All brochures are 100% PEFC certified. The PEFC Council (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) is an international organization focused on promoting sustainable forest management.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

In an effort to reduce paper within the office, all fax transmissions and pay stubs are sent electronically. We also donate used computers and equipment to reBoot Canada, who refurbish these items for people with limited access to technology.

Public Transportation Subsidy

In an effort to encourage Head Office staff to do their part to reduce air pollution, individuals who purchase passes for use on Toronto's public transportation system are provided with a monthly subsidy.

Clean Air Commute

Pollution Probe hosts the Clean Air Commute, a weeklong event to promote awareness of Toronto's air quality. We have won awards for the past seven years as a result of 100% staff participation in using cleaner methods of commuting to work.

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