Sustainable Tourism in Lethbridge

How Does Lethbridge Support Sustainable Tourism?

We know that Lethbridge values sustainability. From the Clean Energy Improvement Plan approved by our city council to the wind and solar farms that surround our city, we work to meet our needs while reducing harm and preserving our landscape for future generations. But what is sustainable tourism, and how does it follow the same principles?

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Sustainable tourism is an approach to travel that weighs the social, economic, and environmental factors of tourism, addressing their impact and ensuring that tourism initiatives have a positive influence on local communities. If done right, tourism can be a powerful driver of economic growth. In effort to follow these principles, Lethbridge has created and signed on to many initiatives supporting sustainability.

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Buffalo Treaty

Having perfectly adapted to the plains, bison form a symbiotic relationship with the land. They keep the grasslands healthy through grazing, their wallows create basins that capture rainwater to enrich the soil, their hooves aerate the ground, and their dung fertilizes it. Bison were once central to life for the Blackfoot people, providing food, shelter, clothing, and tools. And the relationship between the two provides an enduring model of sustainable living.

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Lethbridge marked a milestone by becoming the first municipality to sign the Buffalo Treaty, a visionary Indigenous-led agreement. Rooted in the knowledge of the Plains People, especially the Blackfoot Confederacy, the treaty seeks to protect cultural, educational, and environmental values. At its heart is the reintroduction of buffalo to their homelands, a powerful step towards honouring traditional wisdom and embracing natural methods of ecological sustainability.

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Agricultural Sustainability

Because excessive and expedient agricultural practices pose a risk to natural ecosystems, Southern Albertan farmers live by the “Law of the Harvest.” With the understanding that their actions directly affect what can be produced, many are committed to sustainable practices. Such practices include everything from efficient irrigation systems to methods that protect the soil and restore the land. Not only do these efforts produce large harvests, but they also protect the land’s health for the growth of future crops.  

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Furthermore, Lethbridge takes pride in the 100-mile diet, highlighting food grown and raised close to home. Local restaurants proudly feature ingredients from local farms, reflecting a shared dedication to sustainability. Choosing local supports farmers, reduces environmental impact, and delivers incredible flavours straight to your plate.

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Environmental Sustainability

Lethbridge is committed to preserving its natural habitats. Protected parks like the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands and the Helen Schuler Nature Reserve provide refuge for waterfowl, turtles, dragonflies, and countless other species. This protection preserves the biodiversity that enriches our region.

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Home to the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, Lethbridge is also committed to educating visitors and locals alike about the ecosystems and wildlife that make Southern Alberta unique. The Birds of Prey Centre (just a short drive out of town) rehabilitates birds of prey, further showcasing our region’s value for natural environments and the animals who call it home. Both attractions offer amazing educational experiences that are vital in the ongoing effort towards sustainability.

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Cultural Sustainability

Supporting the cultural tapestry of our region is an integral piece of cultural sustainability. The Iissksiniip Coulee Walk, a self-guided tour at Lethbridge College, was designed by traditional Blackfoot plant knowledge keeper William Singer III (Api'soomaahka / Running Coyote) to honour Indigenous traditions and knowledge. The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden honours and shares he history of Japanese Canadians who built their lives here in the mid-20th century. Fort Whoop-Up tells the stories of the Blackfoot peoples, early settlers, and traders who shaped this region. Similarly, the Galt Museum preserves and presents the diverse histories of Lethbridge, celebrating the people and events that made Lethbridge into what it is today.

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Economic Sustainability

Tourism has the power to create lasting, positive change. By encouraging responsible practices and visitor behaviours, we strengthen our community and our economy. Through it all, tourism remains a vital component of the city's economy, attracting visitors and generating employment opportunities. Lethbridge's initiatives towards sustainability position the city as a leader in responsible tourism and sustainable growth.

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