In early November, hundreds of the world’s foremost travel leaders convened at the British Museum for the results ceremony of the 22nd Wanderlust Travel Awards. Wanderlust announced the reader-voted awards across 20 categories. Over 91,000 votes were cast by Wanderlust readers which saw British Columbia crowned as the most desirable region.   British Columbia jumped from last year’s Bronze position to this year’s Gold and Vancouver was voted in fourth place as the most desirable city worldwide.   In Wanderlust’s words: “Any description of British Columbia’s landscape will only do this region an injustice, as its natural beauty has to be seen to be believed. Dramatic mountains, misty rainforests, glacial lakes and 25,000km of coastline bring with them a plethora of outdoor activities, from seeking out local wildlife (a perfect combination of bears and whales), to meeting Indigenous communities eager to show you their home through their eyes. Although exploring nature is a must, don’t forget to explore BC’s urban side too in Vancouver and Victoria, with cool neighbourhoods, boutiques and bistros to liven up your trip.”   Destination BC’s UK media reps, Vicky Brabin and David Ezra, were delighted to attend the Wanderlust Travel Media awards at the British Museum and accept the award on behalf of British Columbia.   To read the full story and full category winners, visit Wanderlust Travel Awards 2023: https://www.wanderlust.co.uk/content/wanderlust-reader-travel-awards-results/   British Columbia will also feature significantly in Wanderlust’s 30^th anniversary issue as part of a multi-channel media campaign to launch Rainforest to Rockies and subsequent Iconics as they are released in the UK. Activities will include print and digital elements – some of which are the first of its kind for the publication, including an interactive map and travel tip reel. It will also partner with UK tour operator First Class Holidays, providing a direct call to action and a holiday competition to generate data capture. The campaign will further inspire Wanderlust readers and ensure British Columbia remains high on the travel list of this high value audience.

 

Training program supports communities across all six tourism regions of British Columbia

  A new tourism sustainability and resilience program is offering training and mentoring opportunities to BC destinations with the aim of supporting a thriving future for tourism across the province.   The program formally kicked off on March 16, 2023, with an introductory webinar on the global picture of tourism and today’s challenges. The webinar featured keynote speakers including the Travel Foundation’s CEO, Jeremy Sampson, and Director of Global Programmes, Elke Dens, as well as other key members of the Travel Foundation team. Throughout the discussion, planning concepts and tips were shared to an audience of more than 60 community stakeholders from across the province. More than 25 communities are participating in the workshop series that starts today and will continue through June 2023.   The program is being delivered by the Travel Foundation in partnership the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (comprised of 4VI (Vancouver Island), Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, and the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association), as well as the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region of British Columbia.   The capacity-building program aims to ensure that destinations and communities across BC can maximise the benefits of tourism for people and place, supporting organisations of all sizes and with varying mandates to create a strong, resilient, and just future for tourism in the province. This includes advice and guidance that will enable participants to identify and manage potential risks relating to tourism, as well as how to respond to resident, customer, and investor expectations.   The program involves a series of four online workshops as well as one-to-one coaching for participants who receive access to a comprehensive handbook and workbook exercises, covering topics such as:  

• understanding and managing tourism’s impacts,
• destination stewardship principles including climate action, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,
• how to support tourism businesses to adapt, and
• product development and marketing for future-proofing destinations.  T

  The handbook and training are tailored to BC destinations, providing relevant case studies, examples and responses to the challenges and opportunities facing the province.   Kelly Galaski, program lead from the Travel Foundation said, “At the Travel Foundation, our mission is to work with destinations to ensure that communities can fully benefit from tourism, so we’re excited to be collaborating with tourism leaders across BC on this wide-reaching initiative. The pandemic taught us that for tourism to flourish, we need to be prepared for change, and this includes being prepared for changes to visitor flows and patterns caused by climate change and other future shocks.  This program is both an answer to that need and a chance for destination stakeholders to come together to solve common challenges and ensure a better outcome for diverse communities and livelihoods, as well as the nature that we all depend on.”   Brian Cant, Acting President and CEO of 4VI said, “Communities across the province are already impacted by climate change, which has affected the tourism services and experiences being offered. Through this fully funded program, communities will be able to face these challenges by building a sustainability strategy that looks to adapt and mitigate the global and local impacts of climate change.”   The funding for this initiative is from a multi-million-dollar community revitalisation and tourism relief fund from the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, which is supporting 21 projects across Vancouver Island and the Coast. The six tourism regions are also contributing to the costs of developing and executing the program.

  The True Patriot Love Foundation will bring the Invictus Games to Whistler/Vancouver, BC in 2025! Ever since their launch, the Games have played a tremendous role in harnessing the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for serving members and Veterans.   The Games will bring together over 500 competitors from 20 nations to compete in adaptive sports, including winter adaptive sports for the very first time – Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Skeleton, and Wheelchair Curling – in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.   The Invictus Games 2025 will be held on the unceded territories of the x ʷ məθ kʷə y əm (Musqueam), S ḵwxw ú7mesh (Squamish), S ə l ílw ətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, Skalulmecw L íl wat ̓ Nation and the G élpcal L ílwat Nation. The Invictus Games 2025 are working closely to ensure they respond to Canada’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and ensure Indigenous protocols are respected in all aspects of the Games.   Visit the Invictus Games website for more details: https://truepatriotlove.com/invictus-games-2025/

  BC’s largest city sits at the doorstep of wilderness. This closeness to nature shapes the people who live here—and those who choose to visit—offering a deeper connection to the natural world. Here, a rainforest stirs as the ocean ebbs and flows, and mountains rise high behind downtown skyscrapers. This city is just the beginning of the adventure, and the experiences that lie beyond can take you even deeper into the wild.  

Vancouver: Where The Journey Begins

(Minimum 2 Nights)

 

Spend just a little time in Vancouver and it’s easy to see why people are drawn to this corner of the world. Breathe in the fresh ocean air on an 10-km (6.2-mi) Stanley Park Seawall cycle or join Talaysay Tours for an interpretive forest walk with Indigenous guides, visit the Museum of Anthropology to see the art of living Indigenous cultures at the UBC endowment lands, stroll the beaches of Kitsilano, wander a rainforest canopy at Capilano Suspension Bridge, or tackle 2,890 stairs on the Grouse Grind hiking trail to scale the side of an iconic North Shore mountain. This multicultural destination is also a hot spot for international cuisine, with award-winning restaurants serving up food fusions and unique dishes.   Go beyond, and discover what else there is to see in BC. Take five days or more and discover the experiences in nature, ready to transform you.

   

Sea-to-Sky Highway to visit adventure-laden Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton

(Minimum 2 Nights)

 

It may be cliché, but sometimes the journey is better (or just as good) as the destination. A drive along the famed Sea-to-Sky Highway, from Vancouver to Pemberton, is one of those journeys.   This scenic stretch of road hugs the edge of the Coast Mountains and overlooks the Howe Sound Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Reserve, with otherworldly views from every window. Stop at the Cultural Journey kiosks along the way and learn about Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations, who have been connected to and lived on this land for over 10,000 years. Eager to go underwater? Suit up at Porteau Cove Provincial Park for a dive, with two sunken shipwrecks and a reef of west coast sea life to explore.   Stay overnight in Squamish and head up the Sea to Sky Gondola for sprawling views of the Coast Mountain peaks. Stroll the Panorama Trail to a viewing platform that perches over a cliffside, or go a bit deeper into nature and tackle Al’s Habrich Trail, an 8.4-km (5.2-mi) trek that leads to views of towering Sky Pilot peak.

   

For relaxation, book a private 90-minute natural spa experience at newly opened AIKA Spa. This hot and cold therapy retreat is located deep in the dense rainforest of the Squamish Valley, with a wood-fired sauna, cold plunges, and outdoor relaxation areas. Post-spa, fuel up with fresh, locally sourced brunch at Fergie’s Cafe alongside the confluence of the Cheakamus and Cheekeye rivers. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can book a guided whitewater rafting trip with Squamish Rafting Company.   About an hour away from Squamish, continuing up the Sea-to-Sky Highway, is the four-season resort destination of Whistler, where 2,000-metre (7,000-foot) mountains surround the outdoor adventure town. Join a 4×4 bear-viewing tour with trained wildlife guides who can take you to the best places to spot and safely view bears in their natural habitat. Or take the Whistler Gondola and record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and look down for your chance to spot bears roaming the grassy areas under the lift lines.

   

To connect deeper with the land and those who have lived here since time immemorial, wander the halls of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the local First Nations cultures from local Indigenous guides.   For relaxation and rejuvenation, soak in soothing hot and cold pools at Scandinave Spa. In Pemberton, just a 25-minute drive north, roam the landscape on a half- or full-day horseback riding adventure with Copper Cayuse Outfitters.

 

Scenic Highway 7 East to Explore Fraser Valley farms and the BC Ale Trail

(Minimum 1 Night)

 

Follow the winding and mighty Fraser River from Vancouver through BC’s Fraser Valley to the mountain town of Hope.   En route, tackle the Coquitlam Crunch Trail to get the heart rate up, or choose from several hiking trails in Golden Ears Provincial Park, just outside Maple Ridge. This park is one of the largest in the province, with an extensive network of hiking trails, camping areas, and options to boat, canoe, or swim in Alouette Lake.   In the Harrison River Valley, wander along the Circle Farm Tour to visit artisan cheese makers, potters, lavender growers, coffee roasters, and more. For natural healing, head to Harrison Hot Springs to soak in the mineral waters at Harrison Hot Springs Resort. Or join a Rainbow Falls Jet Boat Tour with Harrison Eco Tours for a cruise along Harrison Lake to cascading waterfalls; keep your eyes peeled for swimming seals and soaring bald eagles.   End your trip in Hope and tackle some mountain biking trails at Skawahlook Adventure Park, located on the traditional territory of the Sq’ewá:lxw First Nation. The park includes 4,000 metres of walking and biking trails, a skills park, and viewing platforms. Celebrate your tricks with brews at newly opened Mountainview Brewing Co.

 

Highway 3 to BC’s Wine Country

(Minimum 3 Nights)

 

The drive from Vancouver along Highway 3 is full of historic railway trails, fertile orchards, and sweeping landscapes, all leading to local wineries in the Similkameen, the Okanagan Valley, and Naramata, some of Canada’s most fertile wine growing regions.   Along the way, stop in E.C. Manning Provincial Park to explore the Cascade Mountains. Wander the trails in the park and choose from short, 15-minute journeys to multi-hour hikes deep into the backcountry. Paddlers can hop in a canoe and explore picturesque Lightning Lake (tip: Lakeside rentals are up for grabs). For overnights in the Cascade Mountains, book a cabin or bungalow at Cathedral Lakes Resort, sitting 2,000 metres (6,800 feet) above sea level in Cathedral Provincial Park.

   

In Princeton, walk or bike along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, through the valley of the Tulameen River. Continue along Highway 3 and through the Similkameen Valley to pick up local fruit and vegetables from the dozens of fruit stands that line the highway. Designate a driver and indulge at wineries en route, including Orofino Vineyards in Cawston. They have an on-site winery suite for those who want to stay a little longer.   Once you hit Penticton, sunbathe at Skaha Lake Park, bike the Three Blind Mice trail network, or join another wine tour in one of three regions—Naramata, Summerland, and Okanagan Falls—all within a 20-minute drive of Penticton. Journey on to Kelowna for more sun-kissed beaches, wineries dotting the shores of both sides of Okanagan Lake, and more outdoor fun.

 

Coast Circle Route to See The Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island

(Minimum 4 Nights)

 

Go coastal to find an ecosystem in perfect balance. Journey off the mainland and explore little islands, seaside views, winding rivers, and hidden forests along the winding roads of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast by following the Coast Circle Route.   Head across the Strait of Georgia to Victoria via BC Ferries. Make a detour to the artist enclave of BC and check out one of the Gulf Islands for at least one night. Galiano, Mayne, Saturna, and Pender islands each have vibrant artistic collectives, and the biggest concentration of galleries and studios is on Salt Spring Island.   Once on Vancouver Island, journey up the east coast of the Island to explore unique communities in the north, like Duncan. Follow the Totems Tour to see more than 40 totems on a self-guided tour by following the yellow footprints to read about each carver and their unique stories.   Farther north, take a heritage tour and stroll along the waterfront in Nanaimo. Stay overnight to enjoy more of the area, including the short ferry ride to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Provincial Park for a picnic on one of the many sandy and secluded beaches. In the Comox Valley, explore the mountain bike mecca of Cumberland or laze by the river at Nymph Falls Nature Park.

   

In Parksville, ocean lovers can beachcomb sprawling Rathtrevor Beach or walk the trails to Englishman River Falls. Journey on north to Courtney, and, if you’re feeling extra exploratory, take the ferry to Hornby Island, where turquoise beaches and artisan communities thrive.   From Courtney/Comox, hop on BC Ferries to the Sunshine Coast and make a quick detour north. Here you can drive to the “end of the road” (a.k.a. the very end of Highway 101) to wander the boardwalks of the quaint seaside town of Lund. Explore Desolation Sound via multi-day kayak trips or day-trip boat charters.   Continue south and head to Powell River where you can easily spend a couple of days exploring. Walk the Willingdon Beach Trail (temporarily closed) along the waterfront to the original Townsite and ride the mountain bike trails at Mount Mahony. For a gentler cruise, bike along the 13-km (8-mi) Island “Loon” Lake Trail that circumnavigates Inland Lake.   On the lower Sunshine Coast, once you cross at Saltery Bay, hike the Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park trail, see the narrows at high tide, and grab treats at the Skookumchuck Bakery, hidden in the forest. Rent paddleboards or kayaks to explore the islands and inlets of Pender Harbour or the Sechelt Inlet before sampling flavours at brewery and cidery tasting rooms at laid-back farms and orchards all the way down the coast. Book into a cozy bed and breakfast or hotel in oceanside Gibsons to stay for at least one night before heading back to the city.

   

  As travel resumes around the world, Destination British Columbia is competitively vying for international visitors with its launch of The British Columbia Effect – Find Yourself: an extensive CA$6.7M marketing campaign designed to drive emotional urgency and encourage travel to BC in 2022 and into 2023 from key markets, including the UK.   The campaign leverages the global brand platform, The BC Effect, which aims to inspire travellers to tap into something bigger, awaken a deeper connection, gain a different perspective, and find themselves – in every sense of the term – all within British Columbia. With travellers seeking wide-open spaces, nature, wildlife and authentic experiences now more than ever, Canada’s westernmost province is well-positioned to meet and surpass their expectations.   The campaign is driven by content that immerses consumers in the transformative powers of British Columbia’s nature while leveraging BC travel motivators such as rainforests, mountains, the ocean, wildlife, cities in proximity to nature, Indigenous experiences and sustainability.   Trade-facing tour operators taking part include Audley Travel, First Class Holidays, My Canada Trips and North America Travel Service. Dedicated e-shots and trade events are among the planned support on offer to help travel agents capitalise on increased awareness of the province generated by TV, video, newsprint, magazine and digital ads. For additional British Columbia resources agents can also sign up to the BC Content Hub which includes images, videos, b-roll, travel stories, maps and more.   Hiking in Mount Robson Provincial Park cr Megan McLellan. High-res version downloadable at:   Hiking in Mount Robson Provincial Park cr Megan McLellan. High-res version downloadable here   Lisa Cooper, Destination BC’s UK Travel Trade Director, said: “The British Columbia Effect – Find Yourself campaign will share the authentic values and transformative powers of BC’s nature with potential visitors, creating an emotional connection with the province. We are looking forward to working with our tour operator and travel agent partners to turn that into memorable, meaningful holiday experiences.”   International travellers are essential for the full recovery of British Columbia’s tourism industry, as they spend more time and money in the province compared to domestic travellers. Pre-COVID, international travellers represented approximately 25% of visitor volume to BC, but approximately 50% of visitor expenditures. The Government of BC also recently announced an additional $6 million of funding for Destination BC to help support international marketing efforts through to 2024.   Links and Resources:

• Up-to-date Know Before You Go travel information
• The BC Effect video
• The BC Effect campaign landing page

  Now, more than ever, we’re seeking something different from our travels. Amassing selfies has given way to the desire to travel more consciously, to connect more deeply with people, places, and cultures while leaving a place better than we found it.   Inspired to protect the towering mountains, forested coastlines, abundant waterways, and wildlife habitats that make up the province, and following in the footsteps of long-established traditions introduced and preserved by Indigenous Peoples here for millennia, BC has been a leading socially-responsible and environmentally-friendly travel destination. And thanks to travellers’ growing appreciation for nature’s role in sustaining our health and happiness—a scientific fact that has been at the forefront of Indigenous practices—BC operators and tourism businesses, many Indigenous led, are leading in this space.   Local doctors are now even prescribing an annual pass to Canada’s National Parks to patients who are suffering mental and physical health issues. The good news is you don’t actually need to get a prescription to receive all the benefits that BC’s nature has to offer—instead it can be as simple as choosing the landscape that speaks to your heart or a tour that calls to your social conscience.   Here are 12 trip ideas to get the conscious traveller in you excited to make a difference on your next holiday to BC.   Learn about Indigenous culture and land stewardship  

1. Stanley Park with Talaysay Tours, Vancouver

    The “Spoken Treasures” tour from Indigenous-led Talaysay Tours invites visitors into Vancouver’s Stanley Park, one of North America’s largest urban parks, to learn about the traditional territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil Waututh) Peoples.   The goal of the walking tour, which traverses a short stretch of the 8.8-km (5.5-mi) seawall then heads through the forest to the park’s Totem Poles, is to educate and inspire as Indigenous guides share the rich history, traditions, and beliefs of the Nations who inhabited the park long before its 1888 colonial founding. As you wind through the park you’ll hear stories of traditional spiritual practises and learn the many uses of plants like skunk cabbage, Sitka spruce trees, and licorice fern. You’ll also be reminded that when we head into the natural world and take time to learn, laugh and go deeper into ourselves, we find balance and gratitude.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Book tickets ahead online. Tours run for 90 minutes. Bring comfortable walking shoes and meet at the Information Booth in Stanley Park.  

2. Tours with Moccasin Trails, Kelowna

    Known as a sunny fruit growing region studded with warm, clear vacation-worthy lakes, the Thompson Okanagan region has been home to the Interior Salish’s Syilx, Secwepemc, and Nlaka’pamux  Peoples since time immemorial. You can learn more about the rich Indigenous cultures found in the forests, grasslands, lakes, and deserts that make up this unique region on a single or multi-day cultural journey with Moccasin Trails in Kelowna.   Indigenous Knowledge Keepers will share teachings about their practical, and deeply spiritual, relationship with the land. You’ll visit Kamloops and learn about the racist policies that led to the residential school system, and develop an appreciation for the cultural resilience that has seen the Syilx and Secwepemc Peoples forge a renewed connection to the land and their living culture. You’ll learn first hand how they’ve gone on to cultivate award-winning restaurants and wineries, develop innovative cultural centres, and inspire others to reconsider their own relationship to nature and the environment.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Half-day to five-day tours available and can be booked online. Multi-day tour pickups are available at airports in Kelowna (YLW), and Kamloops (YKA), approximately 4.5 hours’ and 4 hours’ drive from Vancouver (YVR), respectively; single-day tours have various meeting points in Kamloops or Kelowna.   Did you know?    The Thompson Okanagan region of BC is the first destination in North America to receive the Biosphere sustainable tourism certification for its commitment to meeting the sustainable development goals set out by the United Nations and the Paris Agreement.  

3. Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler

    There are 204 distinct First Nations in BC, and historically most were able to coexist peacefully alongside each other thanks to mutual agreements that supported the sharing of overlapping territories.   Visitors to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler can learn about a modern-day Protocol Agreement that guides the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations in the co-management of their shared territory and cultural centre. Housed in a building that blends the style of a Squamish longhouse with a lil’wat istken (earthen dwelling), the centre offers indoor and outdoor workshops, cultural tours and the Thunderbird Café—an onsite restaurant with a menu inspired by traditional Squamish and Lil’wat Nation cuisine.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Tours run for 1-2 hours. From Vancouver, take Highway 99 (Sea-to-Sky Highway) 130 km north to Whistler by car or shuttle. Scheduled floatplane service from Vancouver and Victoria to Whistler is available from May to October; helicopter charters can also be booked.  

4. Malahat SkyWalk, Vancouver Island

    Located on the traditional territory of the Malahat First Nation on Vancouver Island, the newly opened Malahat SkyWalk (and first of its kind in BC) offers visitors the opportunity to experience the kind of bird’s eye view of trees and animals typically reserved for hikers and climbers.   The fully accessible 600-metre (1,968-ft) elevated wooden Spiral Tower walkway rises 10 storeys through an arbutus and Douglas fir forest and gives you the sense of full immersion in the natural world, with dramatic views of the Salish Sea, Mt. Baker, and the Saanich Peninsula. While there, don’t miss the carved Thunderbird and traditional cedar canoe crafted by Coast Salish Master Carver John Marston—the works offer insight into how the Coast Salish people thrived in this abundant landscape from time immemorial.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Day tickets (valid for one year from date of purchase) can be booked ahead online for visits of approximately 90 minutes. Located on Vancouver Island’s Malahat Highway (Trans-Canada Highway), approximately 35 minutes’ drive from Victoria, there are numerous ways to get here, including via BC Ferries with a shuttle service from Downtown Victoria.   Did you know?   Travellers to Haida Gwaii are asked to take the Haida Gwaii Visitor Pledge, a promise to tread lightly and respect the unique ways of life of the Haida during their visit.  

5. Haida House & Haida Gwaii Museum, Northern BC

    The Indigenous peoples of Haida Gwaii, the Haida Nation, are governed by a handful of traditional laws that outline personal responsibilities and cultural expectations.  For example: Gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagid—“everything depends on everything else,” is a philosophy of life you will come to appreciate during your stay at Haida House.   Spend your days exploring pristine beaches, dense forests, and ancient villages, where you’ll discover that we don’t merely belong in nature, but that we are part of it. One excursion will take you to the The Haida Heritage Centre, where you’ll learn the important concept of yahguudang (respect) as Haida guides teach you about their Nation’s work to repatriate cultural artefacts and ancestral remains taken from their lands by early settlers. To date, remains of over 600 Ancestors and dozens of treasures have been returned. The Haida are now telling their own story in their own way and tourism providers like Haida House are inviting others to learn about this rich history and the wisdom their culture is passing forward.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Eco-cultural experiences are offered for 3, 4, and 7 nights. You can travel to Haida Gwaii by air or by water.   Explore biodiverse waters, coastlines & secluded inlets  

6. Cruise the Great Bear Rainforest

  Board a small ship cruise with locally-owned Bluewater Adventures and unplug from the outside world as you sail into the intricate waterways that lap the rugged shoreline of the Great Bear Rainforest. Spend eight days aboard a 70-foot yacht that takes you into traditional Gitga’at, Kitasoo/Xai’Xais, and Haisla territory, where local guides will teach you about the region their peoples have thrived in for over 14,000 years.   Your schedule will be set by the wind and tides: At sea you’ll sail around kelp forests, past rock bluffs, and waterfalls while keeping an eye out for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions and individuals from the newly rebounding sea otter population. Shore excursions will take you into forests of sacred Western redcedar where you may spot black bears and grizzlies.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Eight-day tours of the Great Bear Rainforest run August to October. Shuttle pickups for your cruise are in Bella Bella (ZEL) or Prince Rupert (YPR), both accessible by direct flight from Vancouver (YVR) with Pacific Coastal Airlines and Air Canada, respectively, or via the BC Ferries Inside Passage route.    

7. Kayak With Whales, Northern Vancouver Island

  Paddling a kayak through the traditional territories of the ‘Namgis, Mamalilikulla, and Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis Peoples is a magical, meditative experience that gives you a sea-level view of marine flora and wildlife of Northern Vancouver Island.   On the Kayak With Whales Tour with Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures, you’ll enter a rich story populated by soaring bald eagles, playful seals, orca and humpback whales, rare marbled murrelets, and Dall’s porpoises. Night comes with stars in the sky and in the sea, as the water shimmers with bioluminescence. Traditional Indigenous clam gardens, culturally modified trees and ancient village sites will remind you of the significance of water and how coastal landscapes have shaped human culture.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Four-day base camp tours run June to September, departing from Port McNeill on Vancouver Island. From Vancouver (YVR), fly to Port Hardy (YZT), a 30-minute taxi ride from Port McNeill. Or, take BC Ferries (reservations recommended): Drive time from Victoria (Swartz Bay, connections from Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay) is approximately 5.5 hours, and from Nanaimo (Departure Bay, connections from Horseshoe Bay) is approximately 4 hours.  

8. Farewell Harbour and the Broughton Archipelago

    A stay at Farewell Harbour brings you to the more protected, nutrient rich waters of Broughton Archipelago, a network of islets, islands, and inlets north of Vancouver Island, which makes up BC’s largest marine park. Wildlife tours offer up soul-stirring encounters with black bears, grizzlies, and whales, followed by a hearty dinner and fireside ecology talk before you turn in for the night to your cozy waterfront room.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Farewell Harbour operates from June to October, with a minimum two-night booking required. It is accessed by water taxi from Alder Bay, 15 km south of Port McNeill or 190 km north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Complimentary parking is available. Guests can also fly from Vancouver (YVR) to Port Hardy (YZT). Both hotel and airport shuttle pickup in Port Hardy are available.   Did you know?   There are over 40,000 islands of various sizes throughout BC, with Vancouver Island being the largest. Vancouver Island is 32,134 sq km roughly the same size as Belgium or Taiwan.  

9. Clayoquat Wilderness Lodge and Clayoquot Sound

    Clayoquat Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island’s rugged western coast offers you days of education and enrichment in the UNESCO-designated Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve. Here is a land of contrasts: Exposed ocean and sheltered waterways; towering old-growth forests and craggy arbutus tree groves; rocky coves and white sand beaches. Such landscapes make it a decidedly unique region to view land and marine wildlife in its natural habitat. At night, the sounds of the ocean and forest envelop you as you slumber in your luxury tent, while in the morning you’ll be greeted by serene views of the ocean and Bedwell River and adventurous itineraries that will have you connecting deeply to the natural life that is preserved and protected here.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Clayoquat Wilderness Lodge is open from May to September and a minimum 3-night stay is required. To access the lodge, the easiest way is to book a seaplane from Vancouver (YVR South) to the dock, or to travel via Tofino and take a 35-minute boat passage for a fee, arranged by the lodge. Fly direct to Tofino from Vancouver. Or, take BC Ferries (reservations recommended): Drive time to Tofino from Victoria (Swartz Bay) is approximately 5 hours, and from Nanaimo (Departure Bay) is approximately 3 hours.   Learn about bears & wildlife conservation  

10. Sonora Resort, Desolation Sound with the Homalco First Nation

    Experience the adrenaline rush that comes from catching sight of a grizzly or a family of black bears feeding before hibernation. Beyond the mere thrill of the moment, what you may not expect is the deep appreciation that will overcome you as you witness these majestic creatures participating in the great cycle of life.   From Desolation Sound-based Sonora Resort, head out safely into bear habitat with a wildlife and cultural guide from the Homalco First Nation. After an exhilarating boat ride up Bute Inlet, your guide will take you to view points along the Orford River. Afterward you’ll return to the lodge for local, sustainable fare before settling into one of the resort’s luxurious rooms, suites, or villas.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Sonora Resort is open from May to October and a 3 nights’ minimum booking is required. The resort can only be accessed by air or water. Arrange with the resort team to fly from Vancouver (YVR) by floatplane or helicopter. Or, take a water taxi from Campbell River, approximately 3 hours’ drive from Victoria (Swartz Bay) or 1.5 hours from Nanaimo (Departure Bay). Transfer costs are additional.  

11. Knight Inlet Lodge and the BearID Project

    At the Indigenous-owned eighteen-room Knight Inlet Lodge bear fans will have a chance to spot grizzlies from late spring to early fall with both land- and water-based tours. Expert guides will give you insight into the private life of bears and teach you to spot day beds, bear trails, “rub” trees and tracks, while telling you about the BearID Project, that’s helping to improve conservation of the grizzly population. Back at the lodge, meals are served buffet style and the casual environment invites you to relax.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Knight Inlet Lodge is open from May to October and is accessed by float plane from Campbell River on Vancouver Island (included with your stay). Fly or take BC Ferries from Vancouver to Campbell River for shuttle pickup. Drive time to Campbell River from Victoria (Swartz Bay) is approximately 3 hours, and approximately 1.5 hours from Nanaimo (Departure Bay). A minimum 3 nights’ stay is required.   Did you know?    The Great Bear Rainforest is a temperate rainforest that covers 6.4 million hectares and provides habitat to a highly diverse variety of plant, animal, and marine life. It’s also the habitat of the Kermode or “Spirit bear”, a rare black bear with a recessive gene for white fur.  

12. Klahoose Wilderness Resort and the bears of Toba Inlet

    At Indigenous-owned and -operated Klahoose Wilderness Resort you’ll be taught about the cultural importance of marine wildlife and grizzly bears on guided tours in Toba Inlet. Back at the lodge, comfy overnight stays also include the possibility of Indigenous storytelling, cedar weaving, and nature walks, which will teach you about the local flora and its cultural significance. Don’t miss going for a swim–it may surprise you but the waters of Desolation Sound are some of the warmest in BC and can reach up to 24 degrees Celsius. Other activities include sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.   MAKE IT HAPPEN   Klahoose Wilderness Resort is open from May to October and is accessible by air or water only. Resort bookings include boat transfer from Klah ah men (meaning “place of refuge”) or Lund on the Sunshine Coast. Drive time to Lund from Vancouver, including BC Ferries connection from Horseshoe Bay, is approximately 5-6 hours. You an also fly from Vancouver (YVR) to Powel River (YPW) with Pacific Coastal Airlines or Harbour Air and the resort will provide a complimentary shuttle to Lund. Or, fly directly to the resort by floatplane for an additional fee.   ADDITIONAL SUSTAINABLE OPTIONS   We rely on nature for our wellbeing and nature relies on us with the choices we make to preserve and protect it. This is why from the moment you arrive, until the time you depart, you’ll find so many sustainable options that support the cultures, communities and ecosystems that make British Columbia so remarkable.   Visitors will find LEED-certified buildings and regions with or working toward Biosphere Responsible Tourism System certifications as well as sustainable dining and lodging options. (In fact, Vancouver has more hotel properties with sustainable operations than any other city in the world, at over 40 per cent). You’ll also be able to select from some 400 tourism businesses owned and led by Indigenous hosts, who offer unique cultural perspectives on connecting with the wilderness in safe and responsible ways.   Keep an eye out for Ocean Wise logos at restaurants and Green Key eco-rating for hotels. Opt for low-emission options for getting around, including walking on when taking BC Ferries, as well as renting e-bikes and scooters (visit CycleBC in Vancouver, The Pedaler in Victoria, and E-Kruise in Kelowna). For longer trips, rent an electric vehicle from Zero Car; mobile apps Plugshare and Chargehub are available to locate nearby EV charging stations.

  A one-time allocation of $3.7 million will support Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) in leading the Indigenous tourism industry to its pre-pandemic levels of success by 2024.   “Before the pandemic, Indigenous tourism was one of the fastest-growing sectors of the tourism industry. This funding is a call to action from the sector to empower Indigenous communities to recover and grow so Indigenous cultural experiences can once again be shared with the world,” said Melanie Mark, Hli Haykwhl Ẃii X̱sgaak, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “This funding supports self-determination, economic and cultural reconciliation and responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”   As part of its Tourism Alignment Strategy, ITBC will support stakeholders and First Nation communities through capacity building and resilience funding to cultivate a prosperous and sustainable tourism industry. This funding will enhance Indigenous tourism by making tourism planning, training and mentoring services available to First Nation communities and businesses. It will provide support for Indigenous businesses to expand their reach through purchasing new digital and online tools, delivering training programs to assist businesses in developing marketable tourism products and working with interested First Nations to develop and market tourism experiences.   “For the next two years, ITBC is committed to make choices that bring benefits to stakeholders and Indigenous communities to support the recovery and strengthen competitiveness for the future,” said Brenda Baptiste, chair of Indigenous Tourism BC. “We value and appreciate the collaboration and partnerships that we hold with industry and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.”   ITBC’s Tourism Alignment Strategy focuses on creating alignment of Indigenous, provincial, regional and federal partners so ITBC can continue to improve British Columbia’s collaborative tourism network and support the expansion of tourism business activities by Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities over the next two years. Supporting this strategy will help numerous First Nations through tourism recovery in their communities.   Indigenous Tourism BC plays an essential role in facilitating a significant and positive impact on the recovery and resilience of B.C.’s Indigenous tourism businesses, operators and communities affected by the pandemic. ITBC ensures Indigenous tourism businesses are supported in their recovery from the pandemic and encourages the development of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism experiences for visitors. They also help generate bookings for market-ready businesses.   Quick Facts:  

• $3.7 million is being provided to support the application of ITBC’s Tourism Alignment Strategy 2021-24 to implement COVID-19 recovery and fully recover Indigenous tourism to 2017-18 levels.
• $8 million has been provided to ITBC for Business Recovery Grants in 2020-21 and 2021-22 to provide direct support to Indigenous tourism businesses during pandemic recovery.
• Prior to the pandemic, Indigenous tourism was the fastest-growing sector of the tourism industry and generated $705 million in gross domestic output and created 7,400 full-time jobs.
• There are more than 480 Indigenous tourism businesses within more than 200 First Nations in British Columbia.
• ITBC reports 91% of its stakeholders were closed or operating with limited capacity, and 74% of Indigenous businesses had to lay off staff during the pandemic.
• The role of ITBC is to support all tourism-related Indigenous businesses to increase their economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits through tourism. This role includes engaging with the First Nations in B.C. to create awareness of the value of tourism for consideration as part of their economic development plans and provide connections to tourism businesses and entrepreneurs.

  Vancouver Island was featured recently in The New York Times on a list of 52 places to travel in 2022 where travellers can be part of the solution.   The influential publication lauded the Cascadian rainforest as a “wonderland” and encouraged readers to experience local old-growth forests at MacMillan Provincial Park, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve.   Vancouver Island is one of three Canadian destinations that made the list. See the coverage and full list here.