Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

NOVA Alaska Guides was founded in 1975 by Vice President, Jack Spaulding’s father Chuck as Alaska’s first whitewater rafting company. What began as a small, family-run river outfitter has grown into a multi-adventure guiding operation now celebrating 50 years of sharing Alaska’s wildest places with guests from around the world. 

They pioneered commercial rafting on iconic rivers like the Matanuska River and the Class V Six Mile Creek, and later expanded into glacier trekking and ice climbing being the first guided company on the Matanuska Glacier, as well as heli-supported glacier adventures on the Knik Glacier. Still family-owned and operated by both of Chuck’s sons, NOVA’s mission remains the same as it was on day one, to deliver safe, authentic, and environmentally responsible adventures that connect people to Alaska’s raw and untamed beauty. 

Sustainability has been part of NOVA’s identity since day one. When Chuck Spaulding founded the company in 1975, his philosophy was simple. It wa to respect the rivers, the land, and the people who call Alaska home. Long before “sustainability” became a buzzword, NOVA operated with the mindset that access to wild places comes with the responsibility to protect them. 

For 50 years, they’ve focused on minimizing their footprint while maintaining authentic access to Alaska’s natural environments. Their Glacier View base has been completely off the grid for around 25 years, powered by solar energy and sustained by practices that reflect their commitment to self-reliance and conservation. This independence from the grid isn’t just a logistical choice, it’s a reflection of their belief in living and operating responsibly within the landscapes that define them.

They suggest that once you have your sustainable operation system in place, you can then focus on what’s realistic and long-term. NOVA Alaska Guides affirm that it is a journey and that changes cannot always happen over night. That is why small, consistent steps matter the most. When your entire business becomes sustainable, it becomes second nature, and not a checkbox.

Beyond the technical side of NOVA Alaska Guides’ sustainable practices, they take pride in the culture of respect that’s been passed down through generations of guides. This is a mindset that values Alaska’s rivers, glaciers, and communities as more than backdrops for adventure. That philosophy has shaped how they train, operate, and share these wild places with others. 

To learn more about NOVA Alaska Guides, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Orca Island Cabins is located in Humpy Cove, nine miles south of Seward, Alaska. Guests take a private one-hour cruise to Oca Island Cabins and catch amazing view of the area and abundant wild and marine life on the way. Orca Island Cabins has a long history in Southcentral Alaska. The business was founded by Susan and Dennis Swiderski over 25 years ago, who were pioneers of the glamping movement before it caught mainstream traction. They found a way to bring adventure and comfort not to mention making the remote wilderness accessible for the everyday traveler. In 2023, ownership was transferred to their son, Jonah, and his wife Yen who are continuing to respectfully steward the land that Orca Island Cabins rests on.

They offer nightly rentals in a remote setting surrounded by nature and wildlife.  Staff remain minimally impactful on the surroundings, priding themselves in being aware and observant of any footprint they leave on the local environment. Orca Island Cabins also aims to educate guests on the natural landscape through recreational activities such as kayaking, hiking, beachcombing, and tide-pool exploring. They also offer a wealth of knowledge of the unique and diverse history of Seward, Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Alaska Native history of the area including that of the Alutiiq or southern coastal people of Alaska, the role of Seward and Resurrection Bay in World War II, the great earthquake of 1964, and much more.

The eco-friendly yurt cabins offer guests a wonderful way to experience Alaska’s scenic beauty in total comfort. They rely mostly on solar power and each features a private bathroom with a modern compost toilet, plus running water and a fully-functional kitchen. The yurts were designed for privacy and relaxation and provide everything guests need for a memorable, stress-free experience. It is glamping (glamorous camping) at its finest!

To businesses who are contemplating sustainable practices, Yen recommends to never stop trying to think of ways to improve and to continually educate yourself. She points out a unique struggle of sustainable businesses in Alaska. The infrastructure surrounding recycling is not as developed as in the Lower 48, which requires businesses to put additional resources and effort into staying green. The unique reality of operating a sustainable tourism business in Alaska, especially in a remote location, shows the grit that the owners have in working to be the best stewards of the land by continually pushing to make improvements to their property and to their community as well.

Protecting the environment is the pillar of the Adventure Green Program that Orca Island Cabins emulates the most. They are currently working with the Department of Environmental Conservation to engineer a water treatment facility on their property that is fully off the grid and powered by solar energy. The project itself will cost the owners over $150,000, but they are committed to in order to improve and continue to reduce impacts on their surroundings.

Orca Island Cabins is a powerful example of responsible tourism that benefits the natural environment and local community while elevating the guest experience.

To learn more about Orca Island Cabins, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

Explore Kenai is a premier charter service on the world-famous Kenai River in Alaska. They specialize in guided fishing adventures targeting trophy rainbow trout, sockeye and silver salmon, providing anglers of all skill levels with an unforgettable experience. The business is owned and operated by life-long local of the Kenai Peninsula, Dallas Voss and her husband, Dustin Voss. The two Alaska locals culminate to decades of knowledge to put clients on the best fishing spots, while ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip. Whether a seasoned angler or a first-time fisherman, they offer top-quality gear, personalized service, and breathtaking scenery for the ultimate Alaskan fishing experience.

Dallas and Dustin started Explore Kenai to connect travelers with authentic Alaskan experiences through fishing, lodging, and personalized travel planning. Based on the Kenai Peninsula, their mission is to share the beauty of Alaska responsibly, helping visitors experience the wild beauty of the region while supporting local communities and ecosystems. Over the years, they’ve expanded from offering fishing charters to curating full-service adventure itineraries that highlight local businesses. 

For businesses considering more sustainable practices, Explore Kenai recommends looking at daily operations and identify one area where your footprint can be reduced, whether it’s minimizing single-use plastics, sourcing local products, or educating guests about local wildlife and ecosystems. 

Explore Kenai is most proud of their commitment to supporting local economies and protecting the rivers that sustain them. Their guides promote ethical angling and river stewardship and their lodging operations partner with local suppliers. By keeping operations community-centered and environmentally responsible, they ensure that tourism benefits both visitors and locals while preserving the landscapes that make the Kenai Peninsula so special.

To learn more about Explore Kenai, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification, please visit our about page.

The Murphy Dome Yurt is located roughly 25 miles outside of Fairbanks in the Murphy Dome area. They offer stays in cozy, authentic yurts year-round. Their sustainable practices have been inspired by the natural landscape in which their business operates. The owners continually assess the use of local resources to limit their impact on the land. Murphy Dome Yurt enjoys providing services off-grid as it shows the value of a low-impact lifestyle to their guests.

There is an abundance of ways that visitors are able to engage with their natural surroundings. With the Tanana Valley State Forest as Murphy Dome Yurt’s backdrop, guests receive a truly immersive Alaskan experience that includes forest walks, fat biking, skiing, and mushing with sled dogs. The staff affectionately call the forest trails nearby ‘enchanted.’ Natural wonders such as old-growth trees, moss, hills, and the aurora borealis are all common sights visitors take in during their stay with Murphy Dome Yurt.

The business operates completely off-grid, and they are open year-round. In the summer, they attract visitors with their fresh honey from beehives located on-site. Guests enjoy views of the Northern Lights and opportunities for mushing with sled dogs in the winter. The cuisine that is offered to guests year-round is organic and locally grown. These intentional touches from the staff at Murphy Dome Yurt set a standard of how sustainable tourism can be achieved for small businesses operating in rural locations.

To learn more about Murphy Dome Yurt, visit their Green Business profile.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification, please visit our about page.

Wild Coast Excursions was started when the opportunity came up for the founders to apply for bear viewing permits at the Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area on Admiralty Island. They began guiding on Admiralty Island for other outfitters over 12 years ago and after their successful permit application, they are now one of the major permit holders at Pack Creek and bear viewing operators in Juneau. Their staff are a passionate and small group of guides who have been Wilderness Rangers, field scientists, and managing lead guides for other programs in the Tongass before coming together to become Wild Coast Excursions.  

While the business is relatively young, Wild Coast Excursions was built on over 20 years of professional guiding experience in Alaska. They specialize in fly-in bear viewing and wilderness trips deep in the Tongass National Forest. Wild Coast Excursions offers not only a world-class experience for their guests, but they are also leaders in regenerative tourism and responsible wilderness travel in Alaska.

Sustainable and regenerative business practices are the core of Wild Coast Excursions. They have been a carbon-negative business since the start and continue to be a 1% for the Planet business member. By being a member of 1% for the Planet, Wild Coast Excursions donates 1% of their revenue to Alaskan and international environmental partners. Their philanthropy directly supports environmental organizations creating solutions locally and globally.

Wild Coast Excursions recommends to businesses who are considering implementing sustainable practices to set your sights high and aim for real change. Prospective businesses should assess where their current negative environmental impact is and to make a plan to greatly reduce or eliminate it. Wild Coast Excursions emphasizes transparency and real changes behind sustainable messaging to avoid greenwashing.

They partner with the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund. This organization uses donations from Wild Coast Excursions to install efficient electric heat pumps into low-income homes in Southeast Alaska. This greatly reduces the carbon footprint of these homes and saves the homeowners a significant amount of money each year! It is a real win-win for the community and environment. They calculate the carbon footprint of their entire operation, and then purchase reductions from the Carbon Fund equivalent to 125% of that footprint in order to be carbon-negative. 

With a strong commitment to transparency, environmental stewardship, and community partnerships, Wild Coast Excursions proves that memorable adventures and responsible tourism go hand in hand.

To learn more about Wild Coast Excursions, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

Arctic Dog Adventure Co. offers small-group dog sledding tours and expeditions in the Alaskan Interior and the Arctic. Founded in Fairbanks in 2016, Arctic Dog Adventure Co. is one of the few dog sledding companies in Alaska that operates overnight and multiday wilderness trips. Arctic Dog Adventure Co. provides guests with a deeply immersive and ethically-rooted experience of Alaskan landscapes. These experiences foster connection with nature, animals, and a slower, more intentional rhythm of travel.

They center their operations around the health and happiness of their dogs, the safety of their guests, and the preservation of the wild places they explore. Their sled dogs live with them year-round, retire on-site, and are treated as partners and companions. Arctic Dog Adventure Co. is committed to offering high-quality jobs and paying living wages, and they collaborate with local organizations to support conservation and educational efforts.

Sustainability has been foundational to Arctic Dog Adventure Co. from day one. The business was created with the explicit goal of doing things differently, from building a low-impact homestead base to choosing expedition-style trips that emphasize self-reliance, minimal resource use, and a respect for wild spaces. They’ve never seen sustainability as an add-on. Responsible tourism has been baked into their decisions since before their first guest ever stepped onto a sled.

For businesses that are just starting their sustainability journey, Arctic Dog Adventure Co. recommends starting small by .identifying the values that guide your business and then letting them shape your operations.

Arctic Dog Adventure Co. is most proud of their commitment to ethical animal care. Their dogs are the heart of the company, and they’ve built their business model around ensuring the dogs have the best possible lives, not just during their working years, but for their entire lives. They limit the number of guests they take, retire dogs on-site, and make decisions based on their dogs’ wellbeing.

By joining the Adventure Green Alaska program, Arctic Dog Adventure Co. has been provided with visibility among travelers who care about responsible tourism, and that’s exactly who they want to attract. Adventure Green Alaska certification has also given them a framework to reflect on and communicate the values that have always guided their business. Through the program, they’ve connected with like-minded businesses and found inspiration in the diverse ways other Alaskans are prioritizing sustainability. To Arctic Dog Adventure Co., Adventure Green Alaska is more than a certification, it’s a community.

To learn more about Arctic Dog Adventure Co., visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

Kantishna Roadhouse is owned and operated by Doyon, Limited. Doyon, Limited is the for-profit Alaska Native Corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. Kantishna Roadhouse is a backcountry lodge offering guests an immersive Alaskan wilderness experience. Situated along the banks of Moose Creek and deep within Denali National Park, Kantishna Roadhouse provides activities, such as gold panning, guided hiking, and cultural sharing.

In 2018, they earned gold-level LEED certification, a reflection of their longstanding efforts to operate responsibly. Kantishna Roadhouse incorporates energy-efficient lighting, low-flow fixtures, non-toxic cleaning products, and an active recycling program. They prioritize sourcing supplies from local vendors and using post-consumer recycled materials to minimize their footprint.

When the Pretty Rocks landslide in 2021 closed the Denali Park Road, they adapted by transitioning to a fly-in-only model. That change not only allowed them to continue welcoming guests – but it also enhanced the exclusivity and sustainability of the experience they offer, keeping their impact on the land as low as possible. From cultural presentations that share their Athabascan heritage to daily operational choices that protect the environment, they are deeply proud of the way their values are reflected in everything they do.

At Kantishna Roadhouse, the sustainable practice they’re most proud of is their ability to offer an immersive, low-impact wilderness experience deep in the heart of Denali National Park while protecting the environment and honoring the culture that surrounds them. They’re proud of how they’ve adapted to challenges in ways that reinforce their values. When the Pretty Rocks landslide in 2021 forced the closure of the Denali Park Road beyond mile 43, they could have seen it as a setback. Instead, they embraced it as an opportunity to deepen their commitment to sustainability by becoming a fly-in only lodge. This change dramatically reduced visitor volume in the area, helping preserve the delicate ecosystem that makes Kantishna so special. It also allowed them to provide a more intimate, intentional guest experience – one that’s rooted in nature, connection, and respect for the land. Beyond logistics, they’re proud of how they incorporate Athabascan cultural education into the guest experience. Kantishna Roadhouse believes that sustainability isn’t just environmental, it’s also about sustaining identity, language, and heritage. By sharing their stories and traditions, they’re helping guests form deeper bonds with Alaska, and supporting a tourism model that’s not only responsible, but meaningful. The combination of operational choices that reduce impact and cultural practices that foster respect is at the heart of what makes their sustainability efforts something they’re deeply proud of.

Kantishna Roadhouse aligns most closely with the Alaska History and Culture pillar of the Adventure Green Alaska program. They proudly share and celebrate Athabascan culture through educational programming, storytelling, and traditional knowledge. For them, cultural sustainability is just as important as environmental protection – it connects their guests to the land in a more meaningful way and ensures that Indigenous voices remain at the forefront of Alaska’s tourism narrative.

To learn more about Kantishna Roadhouse, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

Cindee Brown-Mills founded Breathe Alaska in 2023 after a 20-year corporate career. She found herself burned out, anxious, and overwhelmed by grief and panic attacks. Discovering breathwork was truly life-changing. It offered her a way to reset the nervous system, release deeply held emotions, and reconnect on a more meaningful level.

Cindee became certified as a breathwork coach and launched Breathe Alaska with the intention of helping others, especially women, who feel stuck, stressed, or emotionally exhausted. She wants to create experiences that offer a real sense of relief and reconnection.

Today, Breathe Alaska offers both in-person and virtual breathwork sessions, along with their signature Mindfulness in the Wilderness program. This one-of-a-kind experience combines guided meditation, immersive time in nature, and nourishing local meals designed to quiet the mind, restore balance, and foster a deep sense of emotional freedom. It’s wellness, Alaska-style: wild, intentional, and deeply healing.

Sustainability has been a core value of Breathe Alaska since day one. Cindee has been committed to creating experiences that not only support personal wellbeing but also respect and protect the natural environment she’s privileged to work in. Mindfulness and sustainability go hand in hand. Both are about intentional choices, presence, and long-term care. Whether it’s minimizing impact on trails, supporting local food systems, or partnering with like-minded organizations, sustainable practices are woven into everything Breathe Alaska does.

Cindee’s advice for tourism businesses starting their sustainable journey is to start simple, stay intentional, and let your values lead the way. Sustainability isn’t a checklist; it’s a mindset. She emphasizes that businesses don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Instead, small, consistent actions make a big difference. These changes are as simple as looking at your daily operations and asking, “How can we reduce harm and increase care?” Whether it’s minimizing single-use items, choosing local suppliers, or educating guests on how to be good stewards of the land, every choice matters. Also, sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about creating meaningful, respectful connections with people and place.

Cindee is most proud that sustainability has been a foundational value of Breathe Alaska from the very beginning, not an afterthought or an add-on. These practices have been woven into how she guides experiences, care for the land, and engage with their community. From minimizing environmental impact on trail to educating guests on respectful interaction with nature, every decision is made with sustainability in mind.

Breathe Alaska aligns most closely with the environment and Alaska history and culture pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska program. Their work is rooted in helping people reconnect with the natural world through breath and mindfulness, and they take great care to guide experiences in a way that honors and protects the land. Breathe Alaska also acknowledges and respects the deep cultural history of the places where they operate, especially the unceded lands of the Áakʼw Ḵwáan and they incorporate that awareness into the way they lead and speak about their experiences. For Breathe Alaska, sustainability isn’t separate from mindfulness; it’s an extension of it.

Breathe Alaska was recently awarded Adventure Green Alaska certification, and they’re honored to be recognized alongside other businesses committed to sustainable tourism. “While we’re still in the early stages of sharing this achievement, we see it as a powerful way to show visitors that they can experience Alaska in a meaningful, mindful way while also supporting sustainability. This recognition helps us communicate our values more clearly and encourages travelers to choose experiences that care for both people and place,” says owner Cindee Brown-Mills.

To learn more about Breathe Alaska, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page. 

Lighthouse Excursions has been a fixture of Ketchikan’s tourism scene since 2001, when locals Rob and Pamela Holston founded the company to share the remarkable nearshore waters of the Tongass Narrows with visitors. Today, under the ownership of Jeff Karlson, who purchased the business in 2018, Lighthouse Excursions offers wildlife viewing and sightseeing cruises that bring guests face-to-face with American Bald Eagles, the Alaska Native clan house and totem poles of Totem Bight State Park, and the iconic Guard Island Lighthouse.  

While some sustainable practices – like recycling aluminum cans and cardboard – were already in place when Jeff purchased the business, the majority of their sustainability practices were implemented in the unexpected down-time following the 2020 COVID-19 shut down of the cruise and tourism industry. The shut down actually gave the team breathing room and time – something small business owners rarely have enough of – to build a stronger tour product with a much more intentional approach to environmental stewardship, crew well-being, and community investment.  

That commitment now touches every pillar of the Adventure Green Alaska program. Lighthouse Excursions prioritizes sourcing supplies and retail goods from other small businesses in Ketchikan and Alaska. Guides are thoroughly trained on Alaska history and culture, so that the stories they share with guests are authentic and respectful of the communities that call Ketchikan home. And on the water, the team operates with a careful eye toward minimizing the impact on the wildlife and wild places they encounter.  

Perhaps what the company is proudest of, though, is something less visible to guests: the sustainability of their crew’s livelihoods. Lighthouse Excursions offers competitive wages, meaningful benefits, and a genuine commitment to work-life balance. They recognize that a thriving team is just as foundational to a sustainable business as any environmental practice.  

Lighthouse Excursions believes that the Adventure Green Alaska program helps create what they call “positive peer pressure:” “Sometimes, all it takes is seeing another company doing something that helps them stand out to inspire others to try it too. Adventure Green Alaska provides a platform to businesses to share their stories, and an increasingly recognizable badge for businesses to work towards achieving.” – Rebekka Esbjornson, Operations & Finance Manager.  

To learn more about Lighthouse Excursions, visit their Green Business Profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page. 

Northern Epics launched in 2023 with a single guide, two unreliable vans, and a clear-eyed vision: to create hiking experiences in Alaska that prioritize safety, sustainability, and deep immersion. That debut season, the company introduced 200 guests to the wonders of Denali. By 2025 Northern Epics has grown into a thriving operation with 10 guides, six dependable vans, and nearly 4,000 guests exploring Alaska’s trails in a single season.  

Sustainability has been a cornerstone of Northern Epics’ philosophy since before the first hike ever began. Each year, Northern Epics donates 5% of its net profits to conservation efforts in the areas where they guide. Their team practices Leave No Trace principles, organizes trail cleanups, and looks forward to collaborating with organizations like the Denali Education Center to protect Alaska’s natural beauty. Beyond these tangible efforts, Northern Epics creates lasting impact by educating guests about the environment and the realities of climate change, inspiring many to become advocates for conservation in their own communities. 

Cultural sustainability is equally important to their work. Guides receive thorough training on Alaska Native tribes and cultures, ensuring guests gain a deeper understanding of the land and its people. The company partnered with Alyssa London to support her Culture Story initiative, which is aimed at sharing authentic Indigenous narratives with the tourism industry – a testament to their dedication to preserving cultural heritage. 

Despite these achievements, Northern Epics acknowledges there’s always room for improvement. Reducing single-use plastic water bottle use, improving vehicle fuel efficiency, and navigating Alaska’s limited interior recycling infrastructure are all ongoing priorities. Acknowledging those gaps is a key step in their sustainability plans, which emphasize relentless continuous improvement. “Don’t try to do everything at once. Start with one change that makes you 1% better. Over time, those small steps add up to big impacts.” — Trinidad Collier, Northern Epics Co-Founder & Guide 

For Northern Epics, sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. By blending adventure with education and stewardship, they are helping ensure that Alaska’s wild beauty and cultural richness endure for generations to come. 

To learn more about Northern Epics, visit their website.