Living Stories: McBride’s Walking Tour Brings Local History to Life

Situated in the Robson Valley, the village of McBride has found a new way to connect with visitors: Living Stories, a new walking tour that celebrates the community’s unique personality through public art and immersive storytelling. 

Supported by Destination BC’s Visitor Services Experience Enhancement Grant, Living Stories transforms a simple stroll down Main Street into a journey of reflection guided by the voices of the people who know the region best.  

Project Highlights

The Living Stories tour unfolds along McBride’s newly revitalized Main Street, leading visitors towards the historic train station and Visitor Centre. Highlights include: 

• Custom street banners: Five local artists created original artworks interpreting the stories that define McBride and the Robson Valley. These pieces are printed on banners that adorn newly installed lampposts, turning Main Street into an open-air gallery.
• Themed public benches: Designed by student artists and handcrafted by BRKH Custom Woodworks, two beautiful benches encourage moments of rest and reflection along the route. 
• Guidebook & map: A printed guidebook and illustrated map help visitors navigate the tour and link them to the Living Stories website, where multimedia content further enriches the experience.
• Digital engagement: The website is an interactive extension of the tour, profiling related attractions like the Ancient Cedar Forest, Bell Mountain recreation sites, and birdwatching destinations across the valley.

Why it Matters

McBride is home to extraordinary people and unspoiled nature, and the Living Stories project captures this essence in a way few tourism experiences can. Instead of simply listing attractions, it instills in visitors a sense of understanding and belonging, where each artwork, bench, and story anchors a piece of lived experience. 

Impact 

Since its launch at McBride Pioneer Days in June 2025, Living Stories has noticeably changed how visitors engage with the community. At the Visitor Centre, people are lingering longer, asking more questions, and expressing genuine curiosity about the area’s culture and outdoor experiences. 

Many visitors have extended their stays after learning about nearby destinations through the tour. As people follow the route along Main Street, local shops, cafés, and businesses have noticed increased foot traffic.

The project has also inspired a renewed sense of pride among residents. Locals are eager to share the stories behind the artwork, creating a sense of warmth and hospitality that has become part of what defines McBride as a tourism destination. 

Learnings

Community collaboration is the secret behind the success of Living Stories. Involving local artists, students, and organizations helped turn residents into passionate ambassadors. Most importantly, this project proved that small, story-driven ideas can deliver meaningful, lasting experiences for both visitors and the community. 

What’s Next

Looking ahead, McBride plans to expand the Living Stories experience. The team is working to grow the archive of local stories by engaging more artists and creating new content for the website. There are also plans to extend the interpretive route beyond Main Street, connecting visitors to surrounding trails, heritage landmarks, and seasonal attractions. 

Community partnerships will continue to play a pivotal role, with collaborations anticipated between outdoor adventure groups, historians, and educators. The Living Stories experience will also be woven into future festivals, cultural events, and educational programs, ensuring these stories continue to engage people year-round.