Our Story

Wanderlust Creatures began in 2016 with a simple problem: our adventurous German Shepherd, Coheed, kept breaking his pet tags on our mountain hikes. As concerned pet parents, Trevor grabbed a metal stamping kit, and before we knew it, we were crafting durable tags for friends and launching our Etsy shop.

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But our creative journey didn't stop there. Wanting to showcase our travel adventures—especially with our new pup—we painted a map on plywood, added pins and handmade flags, and created our first push pin travel map. Those two moments of creative problem-solving became the foundation of everything we do today.

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What We Do

We specialize in handcrafted push pin travel cork maps that help you tell your story.

 

Made in Calgary, Alberta, using sustainable Portuguese cork and Canadian spruce, each map is laser-cut with our signature 3D effect and black edge detail. Whether you're tracking adventures, planning bucket list destinations, or creating a meaningful gift, our maps become the canvas for your wanderlust.

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Our collection includes everything from intimate 8"x10" maps to statement 72"x48" pieces, plus National Flag Pins representing 219 countries, 13 Canadian provinces and territories, and 50 US states. We also craft premium pet tags and expedition collars—because every adventure is better with your four-legged companion.

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Our Values

We believe in authentic storytelling, sustainable materials, and Canadian craftsmanship.

That's why we use renewable cork instead of wood, maintain transparent pricing (no fake urgency tactics), and back everything with our lifetime warranty.

 

We're proud to donate monthly to the World Wildlife Fund, Calgary Humane Society, Nova Scotia SPCA, and many other charitable partners.

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Why Cork?

Portuguese cork isn't just beautiful—it's one of nature's most remarkable materials.

 

Here's what makes it extraordinary:

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Incredibly Sustainable: Cork oak trees live for 200+ years and can be harvested every 9 years without harming the tree. The bark simply regenerates, making cork 100% renewable. In fact, harvesting actually stimulates growth and keeps the trees healthier longer.

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Carbon Capture Champions: Cork oak forests are environmental powerhouses, sequestering up to 73 tons of CO2 for every ton of cork produced. By choosing cork, you're supporting forests that actively fight climate change.

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Naturally Resilient: Cork's unique cellular structure makes it naturally antimicrobial, water-resistant, and incredibly durable. it's simply built to last a lifetime of adventures.

Biodiversity Havens: Cork oak forests support over 200 animal species and 135 plant species. These Mediterranean ecosystems are recognized as biodiversity hotspots, protecting wildlife while providing sustainable materials.

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Zero Waste: Cork is 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Even our production scraps get saved for re-agglomeration into new sheets, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

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Naturally Perfect for Travel Maps: Cork's natural grip holds pins securely while being gentle enough to remove and reposition as your adventures grow. Its warm, organic texture adds character that synthetic materials simply can't match.

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When you choose a Wanderlust Creatures cork map, you're not just documenting your travels—you're supporting ancient forests, protecting wildlife, and choosing a material that respects the planet we all love to explore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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