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Upper Humber Settlement is more than just a place to stay—it is an immersive experience in circular economy tourism, where sustainability, cultural preservation, and environmental responsibility come together to create a model for the future of travel. Located in the heart of Newfoundland, this eco-conscious bed and breakfast operates as a social enterprise, ensuring that every visit contributes to heritage conservation, sustainable agriculture, and community well-being.
By embracing zero-waste initiatives, regenerative farming, solar energy, and local partnerships, Upper Humber Settlement offers travelers an opportunity to be part of a movement toward responsible tourism.
When you choose Upper Humber Settlement, you're not just booking a room—you’re joining a movement toward a more ethical and sustainable future for travel.
Book your stay now and be a part of the future of responsible tourism.
What is Circular Economy Tourism?
Unlike conventional tourism models, which often prioritize profit over sustainability, a circular economy approach focuses on minimizing waste, repurposing materials, and regenerating natural resources. This means:
Reducing waste through composting, closed-loop food systems, and zero-waste amenities.
Supporting the local economy by sourcing food, products, and experiences from nearby farms, artisans, and businesses.
Investing in renewable energy to decrease dependence on fossil fuels.
Giving back to the community through nonprofit partnerships and social initiatives.
Using reclaimed materials and upcycled furnishings in buildings and guest spaces.
By integrating these principles, Upper Humber Settlement creates a tourism experience that regenerates rather than depletes resources.
Sustainability in Action at Upper Humber Settlement Zero-Waste & Regenerative Food Systems
Food waste is a major issue in the hospitality industry, but Upper Humber Settlement has implemented solutions that turn waste into value:
Composting: All organic waste is composted and reintegrated into the soil, enhancing food production and soil health.
Closed-Loop Food Partnerships: Through LOOP, surplus food from grocery stores is rescued and repurposed, reducing waste and providing high-quality meals to our farm animals and rebuilding our soil health through composting.
Farm-to-Table Dining: As a working farm, Upper Humber Settlement grows its own produce and sources other ingredients from local farms, minimizing environmental impact and supporting the regional food economy.
Guests have the opportunity to learn about and engage in sustainable farming practices, from regenerative agriculture techniques to composting and food preservation.
Eco-Friendly Guest Amenities & Upcycled Spaces
Every detail of the guest experience at Upper Humber Settlement has been designed with sustainability in mind:
Zero-Waste Guest Amenities: Instead of single-use plastics, guests enjoy locally made products, including Sea, Salt & Twig aromatherapy items in plastic-free packaging.
Repurposed & Upcycled Furnishings: Nearly every building and room has been crafted with salvaged materials, including antique apple crates, reclaimed wood, and vintage artifacts like old radios, typewriters, and fishing traps. Even our furnishings have been refurbished, refinished and refined for our space.
By prioritizing waste reduction and circular design, Upper Humber Settlement proves that luxury and sustainability can coexist.
Empowering the Local Economy: The Authentic Honesty Market
The Honesty Market on the roadside at Upper Humber Settlement is more than just a place to buy fresh produce—it is a commitment to making naturally grown, local food accessible to our community. Stocked with farm-fresh eggs, homemade jams, seasonal vegetables like peas, strawberries, and root crops, this market operates on a trust-based system, allowing people to purchase healthy, chemical-free food directly from the farm.
Based on our roadside market, there is an Authentic Honesty Market, a space within the bed and breakfast where visitors can support local artisans, farmers, and small businesses.
Products available include:
Sea, Salt & Twig Aromatherapy Products – Locally made, plastic-free self-care items crafted with natural ingredients.
Gros Morne Organic & Locally Roasted Coffee – Sustainably grown and sourced, and roasted right here in Newfoundland.
Handcrafted Goods from Local Artisans – A curated selection of handcrafted, locally sourced products that celebrate the region’s heritage.
The market operates on an honor system, fostering trust, transparency, and a direct connection between visitors and the local economy.
Investing in Renewable Energy & Regenerative Agriculture
Upper Humber Settlement has made major investments in long-term sustainability, ensuring that operations align with its regenerative tourism mission.
Solar-Powered Energy: In 2024, a solar system with a grid tie-in was installed, allowing the property to generate its own electricity while maintaining a reliable power supply for guests.
Land Expansion for Regenerative Farming: Additional steps to acquiring additional 30 acres of land was taken in 2024 to increase sustainable food production, permaculture initiatives, and soil restoration efforts.
Water Conservation & Off-Grid Capabilities: Future plans include rainwater harvesting systems and increased energy self-sufficiency to further reduce environmental impact.
By continuously scaling sustainable and renewable energy solutions, Upper Humber Settlement is setting a new standard for eco-tourism in Newfoundland.
Giving Back: A Social Enterprise with a Purpose
Beyond sustainability, Upper Humber Settlement operates as a social enterprise, ensuring that tourism dollars directly benefit local heritage, indigenous culture, and environmental initiatives.
$10 from every Farm-to-Table meal is donated to the Cormack Heritage Society, which supports heritage conservation and nonprofit tourism development in Newfoundland.
Cultural Sharing with Indigenous Partners: The property offers a complimentary tea night with the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association, featuring wild-foraged teas and cultural discussions.
Community Education on Regenerative Agriculture: In partnership with the Western Environment Center, Upper Humber Settlement provides workshops on sustainable food production, teaching locals how to grow their own food while protecting the environment. Western Environment Center takes the lead through their not for profit organization's programing and implementation efforts.
Leadership in Sustainable Tourism & Agriculture: The owner plays an active role in shaping Newfoundland’s tourism and agriculture industries as a board member of the Newfoundland Indigenous Tourism Association and the Newfoundland and Labrador Confederation of Agriculture.
By reinvesting in community-driven initiatives, Upper Humber Settlement ensures that tourism and agriculture does more than sustain—it strengthens and restores.
Experience Regenerative Tourism: Stay at Upper Humber Settlement
Tourism doesn’t have to be extractive—it can be a force for positive change. At Upper Humber Settlement, every guest becomes part of a larger mission to create a sustainable, regenerative, and community-driven travel experience.
Enjoy a peaceful stay in an eco-conscious retreat, surrounded by nature and history.
Indulge in farm-to-table dining, crafted from fresh, local ingredients, complimented by a unique storytelling of the pioneer war veterans who settled here less than 100 years ago.
Engage in sustainability workshops, cultural events, and hands-on regenerative agriculture experiences or take in our Permaculture Farm Tour.
Support Newfoundland’s artisans and farmers through the Authentic Honesty Market.
By choosing Upper Humber Settlement, you’re not just booking a room—you’re becoming part of a movement toward a more ethical and sustainable future for travel.
Plan your stay and experience the future of responsible tourism today.
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