ALGONQUIN PARK, Ontario - s4story -- ALGONQUIN PARK, ON — Six months of documenting, evaluating, and independently assessing sustainability practices already embedded throughout its operations has resulted in national recognition for Northern Edge Algonquin. This June, the retreat and wellness centre became the first business in Canada to achieve Level 5 Standing through GreenStep's Sustainable Tourism Pathway, the highest level of recognition within GreenStep's updated sustainability framework.

GreenStep's Sustainable Tourism Pathway evaluates tourism organizations across more than 85 indicators related to environmental stewardship, community impact, governance, purchasing practices, staff engagement, and long-term planning. The Pathway launched in 2025 as an evolution of GreenStep's previous certification framework, with updated methodology and alignment to internationally recognized sustainability criteria. Level 5 is awarded to organizations that demonstrate excellence across all pillars of sustainability while acting as innovators and role models within Canada's tourism sector.

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"Northern Edge Algonquin is a remarkable example of sustainability leadership in tourism. Achieving Level 5 on GreenStep's Sustainable Tourism Pathway means demonstrating leadership in measurable, outcome-oriented impact, not just good intentions. What stood out to us was the depth and consistency of their practices across every area of the assessment," said Amélie Chanda, Senior Program Manager, Sustainable Tourism & Climate Action at GreenStep.  "They are, in fact, the first business to reach Level 5 since the launch of our Pathway program in 2025, and that milestone speaks for itself. We're proud to have them as part of our network."

Northern Edge has operated entirely off-grid for decades, generating its own electricity through solar power while continuously exploring ways to reduce resource consumption and environmental impact. Examples reviewed as part of Northern Edge's GreenStep assessment included its off-grid solar energy system, local purchasing practices, sustainability training programs, community partnerships, environmental stewardship practices, and guest education initiatives. Assessors also reviewed innovative infrastructure projects including Northern Edge's zero-powered walk-in refrigerator, developed in partnership with Canadore College's Innovation Centre and research partners as a low-energy food storage solution designed specifically for off-grid operations.

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Learn more at https://www.northernedgealgonquin.ca