Arctic Range Adventure’s Commitment to Responsible Tourism

Arctic Range Adventure has a passion for service, to care for travelers and share the best of Yukon, Northwest Territory and Alaska while respectfully inhabiting the places we live, work, and visit. Locally owned since 2010, Arctic Range Adventure is an important contributor to the Arctic’s tourism sector and to rural regions. As the largest inbound tour operator of national and international visitors to Yukon, we have a unique opportunity to positively impact local people, places and culture and help set the standards of responsibility in our sector.

Internationally Recognized Frameworks

To support the creation of and strengthening our policies on responsible tourism, we have aligned with internationally recognized standard frameworks including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) for carbon measurement, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Across the three pillars of social, economic, and environmental and overseen by best-in-class Governance, Arctic Range Adventure commits to:

• Social: Protect and share the heritage and cultural diversity of Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alaska, and other destinations we visit.
• Economic: Provide economic opportunity and ensure benefits accrue to the communities where we travel, live, and serve. 
• Environmental: Work with the tourism industry and partners to support our destinations while furthering national, local and industry environmental priorities.

To achieve this, Arctic Range Adventure undertakes specific behaviors in each category:

Social

• We support organizations that promote greater cultural awareness of, and connection between, the world and Yukon, and support diversity of the Yukon experience.
• We welcome people of all backgrounds to join our team in a workplace where they can thrive.
• We foster a culture of responsibility through employee training and awareness of the principles of responsible tourism.
• We collaborate with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for additional impact.
• We provide guests with opportunities to interact with local people and communities while encouraging respect for local culture and communities.

Economic

• We seek a diverse set of regional and independent businesses to partner with to extend business and economic benefits into local and rural communities.
• We work with local guides and suppliers in each region, enhancing local livelihoods and our customers’ experience.
• We offer great benefits and fair pay, ensuring employees are treated fairly and respectfully.
• We commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion that invite all to participate in the business opportunities we offer.
• We work with local artisans, farmers, and businesses to help sustain the local economy. When shopping for souvenirs or dining out we choose locally owned and operated establishments. This keeps spending within the community and reduces the carbon footprint from transporting goods.

Environmental

• We find ways to be more efficient and conserve finite resources, on tour and in our workspaces.
• We align with the tourism industry in efforts to measure and reduce emissions.
• We inspire travelers to minimize their waste and reduce unnecessary single-use plastics.
• We encourage suppliers to adopt more sustainable practices that support superior travel experiences with a reduced carbon footprint.
• We support projects and organizations that effectively minimize negative environmental or community impacts from tourism.
• We protect the natural landscapes by following the guidelines and regulations set forth in Yukon and in each destination we visit. 
• We support the ‘Inuvik Declaration on Arctic Climate Change and Global Action’ which was published on December 5, 2008 by the Pembina Institute. The declaration can be read here.
• We minimize the production of printed material and use recycled materials for our promotional products.
• We power our exclusive aurora viewing site, the AuroraCenter, with solar energy which makes it a 100% energy independent.

Animal Welfare

• We avoid exploitation of animals for tourism activities.
• We encourage respect and awareness of wildlife habitats.
• We photograph wildlife while respecting their space. 
• Sometimes you’ll see animals in wildlife preserves or encounter those that are bred for work (sled dogs, horses, etc.). If you are in doubt that these animals are well cared for, report it immediately. If you’re on a Arctic Range Adventure tour please report this to responsible-travel@arcticrange.com as soon as possible so we can investigate.