Recently updated on August 14th, 2023 at 01:55 pm
When you explore the USA and Canada with Trafalgar, you’ll get an enriching insight and make a real difference to the communities we visit with our Make Travel Matter experiences. From meeting local farmers in Hawaii and learning about indigenous cultures in Quebec, to witnessing wild animals in Montana and experiencing true southern hospitality in the Mississippi, here are 7 ways you’ll Make Travel Matter in the USA and Canada with Trafalgar.
1. Experience the farm-to-table movement at O’o Farm in Maui
Journey through the lush forests and gorgeous white beaches of Maui to Make Travel Matter at O’o Farm. This local farm is all about sustainable agricultural practices and your visit will help support the farm-to-table movement, while you learn more about biodynamic farming in Maui. O’o Farm grows quality produce for local Maui restaurants and supports the local market in Lahaina based on the ‘100-Mile Market’ concept – only using products from within a 100-mile radius. You’ll get a taste of the true farm-to-table experience when you meet the local farmers and help gather fresh produce. Then, you’ll sit down to a ‘Be My Guest’ lunch of Hawaiian specialties, lovingly served with that famous Hawaiian hospitality.
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2. Support the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot School in Quebec
Your day in Quebec kickstarts with an exclusive experience at the Canadian Museum of History, the country’s most visited museum. Enjoy breakfast at the museum, then witness a lively performance of traditional Pow Wow dancing by native Algonquin people. Next, you’ll take a guided tour around the Indigenous village, where you’ll learn all about the diverse indigenous cultures of Canada, and enjoy a beading workshop using traditional materials.
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Then it’s time to visit the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot Project, a TreadRight supported project aiming to preserve traditional indigenous arts. The project brings elders and artisans together to teach and learn how to handcraft mukluks and moccasins the traditional way. Your visit will help support this wonderful initiative and you’ll leave with a special insight into Canada’s indigenous arts.
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3. Meet bears and wolves at a conservation centre in Yellowstone
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Venture into the stunning Montana wilderness in West Yellowstone, where you’ll discover the Grizzly Wolf and Discover Centre. This incredible centre is home to world-class conservation programs and you’ll have the chance to see incredible animals up close. See grizzly bears, gray wolves, otters and birds of prey, and watch them feeding and playing in their outdoor habitats.
You’ll also learn how the centre saves these animals who are unable to survive in the wild, and now have a second chance at life. Your visit will support the centre by providing funding for nutrition, habitat enrichment, and medical care for the animals. Your visit will also encourage responsible travel in the USA and support the centre’s educational programs about wildlife conservation.
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4. Enjoy an evening of southern hospitality in the Mississippi
You’re in for a treat when you visit Natchez with Trafalgar. We’ll introduce you to Esther Carpenter, award-winning chef and fifth-generation owner of The Elms, and Joe Stone, Esther’s neighbour and brilliant pianist. You’ll get a tour of both Esther and Joe’s centuries-old homes, including Joe’s 130-year-old family home that was a former billiard hall.
Enjoy a private piano concert with Joe, then head across the street to Esther’s stunning historic mansion. You’ll sit down to a ‘Be My Guest’ three-course southern feast with wine, lovingly prepared by the famous chef herself. Your visit will Make Travel Matter by supporting Joe and Esther’s efforts to preserve their historic homes and culture, and it’s sure to be a southern soiree you won’t soon forget.
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5. Travel back in time at the oldest hotel on Prince Edward Island
You’ll get a real dose of Charlottetown history when you Make Travel Matter on Prince Edward Island in Canada. We’ll take you to the historic Shaw’s Hotel, a National Historic Site and the oldest tourist accommodation on the island. Opened in 1860, the hotel was first built by Grandfather Shaw on the family pioneer farm as a peaceful country lodge for travellers.
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Four generations later, the property is still run by the Shaw family. You’ll get to meet the current owner, Robbie Shaw, and explore the gorgeous grounds of the hotel, soaking up a simpler way of life. You’ll then sit down to a delicious ‘Be My Guest’ lunch, surrounded by the stunning Brackley Bay.
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6. Share a traditional indigenous meal in Victoria
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When you visit the USA and Canada with Trafalgar, we’ll take you the amazing Songhees Cultural Centre in Victoria. Here you’ll meet Chef Gary and learn about the diverse indigenous cultures of Canada. You’ll also get a rich insight into the meaning and importance of native plants in the daily lives of the Lekwungen people.
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Take a private tour of the Rooftop Garden, where Chef Gary will show you the harvesting process. Then, head into the kitchen for a lively cooking demonstration. You’ll also enjoy a Bannock making workshop, before tucking into a delicious ‘Be My Guest’ lunch. Your visit will not only encourage responsible travel in Canada, but will also support this wonderful indigenous initiative.
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7. Meet the Tanners on their cotton plantation in Louisiana
Journey through the Mississippi Delta to the historic Frogmore Cotton Plantation and Gins. Here, you’ll meet the local owners, Buddy and Lynette Tanner and dive into southern history. Explore the cotton plantation, see the preserved antebellum buildings and historic tools, and learn about the history of Natchez planters and slavery in the south.
You’ll also learn about new and old cotton farming methods, and how to make real cotton gin, all with guides dressed in authentic period costumes. The Tanners are passionate about preserving the Mississippi Delta plantation heritage and your visit will Make Travel Matter by helping to share the history of their estate and the region for years to come.
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Are you dreaming of visiting the USA and Canada with Trafalgar? What’s at the top of your responsible travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!