Save the Date! VCM Industry Forum

Mark your calendars for the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Industry Forum, which will be held on Thursday, November 21 at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront in Vancouver. Stay tuned as we share more details.

Tsawwassen First Nation and sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł / Great Blue Heron Way

The VCM team, along with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, were recently invited to meet with Tsawwassen First Nation and Trails BC to learn about the sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł / Great Blue Heron Way project and how we can provide support. The vision of Elder xwasteniya (Ruth Mary Adams), the trail aims to reconnect Tsawwassen First Nation community members with their traditional lands on the south side of Highway 17, including areas for swimming, harvesting and canoeing. The larger goal is to create a pathway connecting First Nations communities around the Salish Sea and along the Fraser River.

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Empowering Indigenous-Owned Tourism Businesses through Free Training

The Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative (ITTI), organized by Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), offers free training programs with the goal of empowering Indigenous tourism workers, businesses and communities. Since its launch in Fall 2023, ITTI has trained over 100 people in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region alone. The initiative includes culturally centred workshops, professional development certifications, and work placement programs designed to enhance business operations and encourage sustainable growth. Subscribe to the training e-newsletter to stay updated on future opportunities.

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BC Parks Visitor Survey

BC Parks wants to hear from you! The organization’s visitor satisfaction survey explores:

• Who's visiting the parks
• What activities they're doing
• What they like about the parks
• What can be improved

BC Parks is particularly interested to hear from first-come, first-served campers, day users, backcountry campers, and marine visitors. This information will be used to support future decision-making, training, and funding for facilities, trails and other initiatives. The survey is open until September 16. 

TAKE THE SURVEY →

Mountain Bike Park and Mountain Coaster Coming to Grouse Mountain

There will soon be even more ways to enjoy Grouse Mountain Resort, with the addition of a Mountain Coaster and the North Shore’s only chairlift-accessed Mountain Bike Park, both opening next spring. Part of a $9-million investment, the attractions will open after the launch of the resort’s new state-of-the-art gondola in winter 2024/25, kicking off an exciting 12 months for Grouse Mountain as it works to enhance its four-season offerings and overall guest experience.

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Business Spotlight: Backroads Whistler 

Backroads Whistler is well-known for their canoe and kayak tours of the River of Golden Dreams. What you may not know is that the business can accommodate people using wheelchairs for on-the-water offerings. There’s a pathway to Alta Lake, which is accessible for most people, and a transfer chair on the dock can help lower guests into the water.  

“Backroads Whistler is committed to making sure all of our guests have an amazing experience on and off the water and are thrilled to be able to provide access to people living with disabilities,” says Spencer Wight from Backroads Whistler.

The company was recently assessed by Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC), which was very impressed with what they saw.

“Mobility can be challenging, particularly with water activities; however, the staff at Backroads Whistler try to get everyone onto the water regardless of ability,” says Nancy Harris, SCI BC Regional Development Liaison and Access BC Lead. “They offer a double kayak for individuals who require assistance with navigating, and one of the staff members has solid experience working with people from the autism community.”

The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region has an ongoing partnership with SCI BC to help tourism businesses update their accessibility attributes on their HelloBC.com listing. SCI BC assessors can also work with businesses to identify improvements. To request this service, contact [email protected].

Self-driving Robotic Pods Coming to Vancouver International Airport

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is expanding options for passengers who need assistance travelling through the airport. Developed by Vancouver-based A&K Robotics, the new self-driving pods are an important step forward for accessibility at YVR, with real-time mapping software helping passengers understand where they are in the massive airport. Over the coming months, YVR will conduct trials with employees, members of the accessibility community, and travellers.  

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Community Spotlight: Tourism Ch'illiwack Supports Evacuees

Did you know that during the recent evacuation of Jasper, Alberta, Tourism Ch’illiwack posted a video on social media offering assistance to evacuees? The organization supports anyone who has been affected by road closures, wildfires and/or evacuation orders.

Tourism Chi’illiwack’s Visitor Centre is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with staff providing assistance with trip planning, reservations and more. The building is air conditioned, and has accessible washroom facilities, Wi-Fi and drinking water. There’s also an outdoor picnic area with tables, lots of shade, and treats and water for furry friends.

WATCH THE VIDEO →

Tourism Squamish Launches Red Bag Program

Tourism Squamish has launched the Red Bag Program, which rewards residents and visitors for picking up garbage. The organization’s Destination Stewards (look for the bright yellow shirts) will be handing out red garbage bags to campers and hikers. As a token of appreciation, and to add a little motivation, visitors who fill a red bag can exchange their garbage at the Visitor Information Centre in the Squamish Adventure Centre for a lager, a latte or an ice cream cone. The creative program recently received international recognition in The New York Times. 

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BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative: 
Workshop 4 – Climate Resilience & Indigenous Knowledge

This workshop will explore the intersection of climate resilience and Indigenous knowledge by examining the invaluable wisdom and practices that Indigenous communities have developed to adapt and respond to environmental challenges. The session is scheduled for September 18 at 10 a.m.  

register now →

Don’t Love it to Death: Signage Project Complete!

If you’ve been out on the trails in the Sea to Sky Corridor this summer, you may have seen the new Don’t Love it to Death campaign signs encouraging visitors and residents to recreate responsibly. Using Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI) funding, the Sea to Sky Destination Management Council coordinated the installation of over 180 signs between Vancouver’s North Shore and Lillooet at recreation sites, service roads, trailheads and SeaBus terminals. The signage component of this project is now complete! Follow along on Instagram and Facebook and visit dontloveittodeath.com to learn more. 

Accelerate Your Digital Marketing! Register Now for the Tourism Digital Academy Program – Space is Limited

Register for the upcoming fall intakes of our Tourism Digital Academy:
 

• October 8 – November 27
• October 15 – December 4

This free, eight-week digital marketing program is for BC tourism businesses eager to build intermediate knowledge and skills in digital marketing. Designed for business owners or marketing team members, the comprehensive program provides actionable guidance and live sessions with industry experts that will help build an understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, and analytics.

REGISTER NOW →

WORTH Academy Accepting Applications from the Fraser Valley and Sea to Sky

The WORTH Association is inviting women in the Sea to Sky and Fraser Valley regions to apply to the WORTH Academy – a free, 12-week leadership course starting Monday, September 9. Attendees will learn leadership principles, cultivate essential skills, receive coaching, and build a robust professional network. The opportunity is open to all women interested in leadership roles within recreation, tourism and hospitality. The application deadline is Monday, August 26.