2025 Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Community Forum

Thank you to all the communities who joined us online over two days of insightful sessions and collaborative discussions. From destination development to Indigenous tourism and investment attraction, your contributions helped spark meaningful conversations—and a few fun moments, too.

We’re grateful for your energy, ideas, and commitment to shaping a stronger, more inclusive visitor economy.

Meet the Iconics: Launching BC’s New
Destination Brands

Destination BC recently unveiled the full family of Iconic destination brands that will lead how we position BC on the global stage. Living under the Super, Natural British Columbia® parent brand, each of these six new Iconic brands is grounded in the distinct landscapes, nature, and cultures of the area it represents.

Learn more about these new brands, and how industry can get involved in the September consumer launch, by watching the Iconics industry launch webinar and visiting the Destination BC website. 

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Help Shape the Future of Tourism in the Fraser Canyon 

Tourism businesses and organizations in the Fraser Canyon (Hope to Lytton) are invited to help shape a new tourism vision for the region. 

The VCM team, in partnership with Destination BC and Indigenous Tourism BC, will host a destination development workshop—tentatively in September—focused on Nature’s Heartland, one of BC's new Iconic destinations. 

Shaping the Infinite Coast: Join a Sunshine Coast Engagement Session

A journey along BC’s Pacific edge, The Infinite Coast is where ocean, rainforest, and mountains meet—and where cultures, communities, and experiences are shaped by land and sea. From Vancouver Island to the North Coast, this region offers a natural and cultural richness that few places on Earth can match.

The VCM team, together with Destination BC and Indigenous Tourism BC, invites Sunshine Coast tourism partners to help guide The Infinite Coast as part of BC’s Invest in Iconics Strategy. Your input will shape a Destination Development strategy that enhances the visitor experience and supports long-term stewardship.

• Oct. 1, 2025 – Sechelt
• Oct. 2, 2025 – Powell River

Be Prepared for Emergencies this Summer

Be prepared for emergencies this summer with the help of Destination BC’s recently updated Spring/Summer 2025 Emergency Messaging Guidance document. This guide outlines official emergency information sources and provides suggested messaging, actions, and other resources produced by the BC Tourism Emergency Management Committee for BC tourism businesses to help navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions during emergencies.

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FIFA World Cup 26™: Tourism Industry Update

Excitement is mounting as planning accelerates for FIFA World Cup 26™. On June 18, Destination BC, the Host City of Vancouver, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport shared updates on planning, upcoming activations, and key milestones ahead of the world’s largest sporting event. Watch the webinar and visit www.BCTourismFC.ca to stay informed and get involved.

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Aussie Football Program Visits Whistler and Vancouver

Claudes Fabiano, presenter of The Weekly Football Wrap on SBS Australia—FIFA World Cup broadcast partner—toured BC last month as part of a collaboration with Destination BC.

The visit spotlighted Vancouver as one of the host cities for FIFA World Cup 26™, generating global exposure through football-focused storytelling. Highlights included the Concacaf match on June 17, an interview with Bob Lenarduzzi and Aussie Whitecaps player Giuseppe Bovalina, a visit to EA Sports and Lululemon, and several tourism and wellness experiences in Whistler and Vancouver.

Travel Media Relations & Travel Trade Update

VCM’s Travel Media Relations & Travel Trade representative, Heather McGillivray, recently represented the region at Rendez-vous Canada (RVC 2025), Destination Canada’s largest tourism trade show bringing together 1,500 international tour operators and Canadian destinations and tourism suppliers. Heather met with nearly 80 buyers educating on all the region has to offer. Heather also attended the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) Conference & Marketplace with a full meeting schedule of 24 Canadian travel writers to pitch the region’s stories. Congratulations to Tourism Richmond who will host next year’s TMAC conference from April 29 – May 2, 2026! 

For more information about VCM’s travel media relations and travel trade activities, or to share story ideas and new product updates, contact Heather McGillivray at [email protected].

Celebrate BC: A One-Day Festival of Culture, Community, and Connection

Mark your calendar for Aug. 4, 2025 and head to Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park for “Celebrate BC”—a one-day festival that honours the culture, history, and diversity of British Columbia. Hosted by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. in partnership with the Kwikwetlem First Nation, the event brings together communities from across the province for a day of celebration, storytelling, and shared experiences.

Othello Tunnels Reopen in Time for Summer Visits

As of June 27, the northern section of Coquihalla Canyon Park near Hope has officially reopened, giving access to three of the five iconic Othello Tunnels.

This partial reopening follows extensive restoration work required following the November 2021 atmospheric river event, which caused significant damage to the entire park and tunnel system.

To accommodate increased visitation, BC Parks has also added more parking at the site. The remainder of the park is expected to reopen in spring 2026 as repair work continues through the summer and fall. 

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TIDAL: Turtle Island Design and Lifestyle

The first Indigenous women-led pop-up shop in downtown Vancouver is now open! Located at Unit 202, The Shops at Bentall Centre (555 Burrard St.), TIDAL features four Indigenous women-owned brands offering high-quality, culturally grounded products —@westcoast.wildflowers, @sriracharevolver, @coppercanoewoman, and @ravensongsoap. Indigenous Tourism BC invites you to stop by, explore the space, and support these incredible makers. Open Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Oct. 31, 2025. Don’t miss it!

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The Good Neighbours Lhewá:mel Project

In May 2025, the Gathering Place and Welcome Portal officially opened along the Vedder River as part of the Good Neighbours Lhewá:mel Project. Led by the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, in partnership with Tourism Ch’illiwack, the City of Chilliwack, and the Stó:lō Research & Resource Centre, the project is a powerful example of reconciliation in action.

Rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing, the initiative invites visitors to see the land not just as a destination, but as a shared responsibility. Through immersive design, interactive storytelling, and a deep commitment to long-term stewardship, the site honours and celebrates S’ólh Téméxw (our sacred land).

Hope Welcomes Riders with New Black Diamond Trail

Hope’s mountain biking scene just leveled up. From June 27–29, 2025, AdvantageHope, in partnership with the Fraser Valley Mountain Bikers Association and First Journey Trails, celebrated the grand opening of First Blood—Hope’s first hand-built, black diamond trail and the first completed trail in the new Hope Mountain Trail Network.

Named in tribute to the iconic 1982 "Rambo: First Blood" movie filmed in the area, the advanced five-kilometre trail offers riders a new reason to stop and stay. The VCM grant team worked with project partners to secure approximately $485,000 in funding for trail planning and construction.

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Wayfinding Milestone Marks Progress in Sumas Mountain Trail Development

On April 16, 2025, Tourism Abbotsford and its board joined Semá:th First Nation, Abbotsford City Council, the Fraser Valley Regional District, Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association, and local user groups to celebrate the installation of over 80 new directional and wayfinding signs on the Sumas Mountain Trail Network. Funded through the Provincial Destination Development Fund—secured in 2023 with support from the VCM grant team—this project aligns with regional goals to enhance mountain-based outdoor recreation and protect Sumas Mountain as a vital recreational hub, especially as nearby trail networks face increasing development pressures. The event also sparked meaningful dialogue and a collective call to action for continued collaboration on future funding and infrastructure improvements in the area.

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Major New Hotel Development Signals Growth in Vancouver’s Accommodation Sector

Slated to open in summer 2028, the 30-storey Moxy and Elements by Marriott will be the biggest hotel development in downtown Vancouver since Parq Vancouver in 2017—marking a major addition to the city’s growing accommodation landscape. As construction begins, Destination Vancouver's economic analysis reports that the metro region will need 20,000 more hotel rooms by 2050 to meet rising demand.

The Hotel Community Impact Assessment further emphasizes the need for a broader range of accommodations at varying price points across neighborhoods. In response, the Metro Vancouver Destination Development Strategy is prioritizing new accommodation investment, supported by a region-wide Hotel Working Group bringing together experts in tourism, planning, and economic development to address this critical need.

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Welcoming Port Moody Arts Centre to the Visitor Services Network

The Port Moody Arts Centre (PoMoArts) is home to the Visitor Services Network’s newest Affiliate Visitor Centre. PoMoArts is located in the Old City Hall and Appleyard House buildings in the heart of Port Moody. Along with providing visitor information, PoMoArts offers a contemporary art gallery for local and international artists to exhibit their work with new exhibitions throughout the year, and a range of classes for all ages and abilities. Accessible within 40 minutes of downtown Vancouver by Skytrain, Port Moody is a growing community along the Burrard Inlet.

Congratulations to Tourism Pemberton on the Opening of the Community's New Visitor Centre

The Pemberton Visitor Information Centre has returned in a brand-new central location. The new kiosk is in the heart of the Village, beside Blackbird Bakery on Frontier Street. Following the closure of the previous Visitor Centre, Tourism Pemberton was tasked with finding a new location to continue offering valuable resources for visitors. The visitor centre is open Thursdays to Sundays from 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. until Oct. 12.

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Plan Ahead: Remember to Book a Day-Use Pass

If you are planning to visit Golden Ears, Pipi7íyekw /Joffre Lakes, and Garibaldi Parks this summer, you will need a day-use pass. The passes can be reserved online at 7 a.m., two days before your visit. To learn more about the day-use requirements for these parks, visit day-use passes on BC Parks’ website.

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Fishers Walk is Now Open in Steveston

Fishers Walk—a new joint initiative by Tourism Richmond and Steveston Harbour Authority—offers an engaging opportunity for visitors to learn about Richmond's fishing industry. The self-guided outdoor experience connects Fisherman’s Wharf to Garry Point Park in Steveston, showcasing colourful displays, quirky fishing facts, and engaging stories that highlight the people and marine life behind Richmond’s working harbour. 

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Surrey's Signature Experiences 

Discover Surrey has officially launched Surrey’s Signature Experiences, a curated collection of eight bookable experiences that highlight the city’s cultural diversity, natural landscapes, and passionate local hosts. From Bollywood dancing to birdwatching, these varied year-round experiences invite visitors to connect more deeply with Surrey through authentic stories, hidden gems, and memorable moments they won’t find anywhere else.

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Introducing Canada's First Neurodiverse Backpack Loan Program

Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association (VNSTA) is setting a new benchmark for inclusive travel with the recent launch of the Neurodiverse Sensory Backpack Loan Program—the first of its kind in Canada. 

Designed with care and intention, each backpack includes items like noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, earplugs, and a guide to sensory-friendly experiences across the region.

Available to borrow for free from MONOVA’s visitor services counter, the backpacks aim to create a more welcoming experience for visitors with autism, ADHD, and other sensory sensitivities.

“Vancouver’s North Shore has always prided itself on being welcoming and inclusive,” said Jennifer Belak, Executive Director of VNSTA. “With this program, we’re making it easier for neurodivergent visitors to feel comfortable and supported as they experience our region’s natural beauty and attractions.”

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• Summer Harvest Series (Harrison River Valley): The Summer Harvest Series is a feast for the senses, celebrating the Harrison River Valley’s rich agriculture and vibrant farm-to-table experiences. We invite you to discover the taste of the region all summer long!

• Barns to Beaches Officially Open (Delta): The Barns to Beaches Bike Route officially opened on June 1, offering a scenic, 16-kilometre ride through working farms, beaches, and local hubs. Along the way, cyclists can enjoy stunning vistas, spot local wildlife, and stop in at cafes, breweries, restaurants, and shops. Date: opened June 1, 2025

• Bike & Bites (Maple Ridge): Bike & Bites convened cyclists, local businesses, and community members for a tasty tour from Memorial Peace Park to The Patch. The event welcomed 60 riders, over 80% of whom were first-time visitors to Maple Ridge from across the region. Date: June 28, 2025

• Harrison Festival of the Arts (Harrison Hot Springs): For four decades, the Harrison Festival of the Arts has presented the best in Canadian and international performing and visual arts. Get ready for a hip-shaking celebration of global music, engaging exhibits, and hands-on workshops. Dates: July 11–20, 2025

• Bard in the Valley (Langley City): Bard in the Valley, a charitable theatre company based in the Fraser Valley, is dedicated to bringing Shakespeare’s works to life. This summer, it returns to Douglas Park with free performances of The Merry Wives of Windsor—a lively comedy first penned by Shakespeare in 1602. Dates: July 18–27, 2025

• Art Out Side (Port Moody): Art Out Side is a new city-wide festival transforming Port Moody with bold, multidisciplinary art in unexpected public spaces—including waterfront and commercial hubs, alleyways, park benches, and surprise locations. The event is curated by PoMoArts with support from the City of Port Moody. Dates: July 21 – Aug. 10, 2025

• Three New Exhibitions at PoMoArts (Port Moody): Explore three solo exhibitions by Azadeh Mehryar, Kacey Hughes, and Iva Staykova, which use ceramics, site-specific installation, and painting to reflect on identity, place, and humanity’s impact. 

• Slow Food Cycle Sunday (Pemberton): Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pemberton’s iconic Slow Food Cycle Sunday. The beloved 40-kilometre round-trip route along the Pemberton Meadows Road invites cyclists of all ages to connect with local farmers, celebrate local artisans and artists, and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery at their own pace. Date: Aug. 17, 2024

• 50th Anniversary Celebrations (Whistler): The Resort Municipality of Whistler is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking the milestone with a dynamic weekend of community events honouring Whistler’s past while looking toward its future. Dates: Aug. 21–24, 2025

• Fridays on Front is Back (New Westminster): Starting July 11, 2025, Front Street Mews in New Westminster transforms into the ultimate summer street party. This free, family-friendly event brings the community together with live music, delicious eats and drinks, artisan vendors, and all the good vibes to kick off your weekend. Dates: Fridays, now until Aug. 22, 2025

BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative Sustainability & Resiliency Survey Results

Results from the first-ever province-wide Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey are now available.

This critical baseline data is the result of survey responses from 550 tourism businesses between Jan. 21 and Feb. 21, 2025, and will help identify priority areas, track progress, and share success stories that inspire collective action as the industry continues to adapt to climate change.

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How Do You Measure Up?

The new How Do You Measure Up? guide summarizes efforts across the tourism industry in BC on key environmental sustainability and climate resiliency indicators—including emissions, waste, and climate adaptation—and provides practical actions that businesses can take to measure and track their sustainability practices.

As you work toward your sustainability goals this year, you can leverage valuable resources like the How Do You Measure Up? guide and the VCM Sustainability Playbook and Toolkit to achieve success on your sustainability journey.

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New Greenwashing Rules: What Tourism Businesses Need to Know

In May 2024, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-59, a broad budget bill with significant implications for businesses promoting their environmental credentials—especially in the tourism sector. Among its many provisions, Bill C-59 introduces key amendments to the Competition Act aimed at curbing greenwashing: the use of unsubstantiated or misleading environmental claims to market products or services.

Now that these changes are law, tourism businesses across Canada must ensure their environmental messaging is backed by credible evidence or face penalties. Whether you're a hotel advertising energy-efficient upgrades, a tour operator highlighting conservation efforts, or a destination marketing organization promoting “eco-friendly” experiences, these new rules apply to you.

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Have Your Say on the Future of CleanBC

The Province is reviewing its CleanBC programs to evaluate their impact on emissions reduction, affordability, and economic strength—and your input is needed. This is a key opportunity for tourism partners, communities, and individuals to share how climate action can support sustainable growth and resilience. 

Feedback can be submitted via a short survey until Aug. 1, 2025, or by written submission to [email protected] by 4 p.m. on Jul. 18, 2025.

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Webinar Recording: Welcoming the American & Canadian Visitor

Hosted recently by Destination BC, this one-hour webinar is aimed to equip BC’s tourism operators with practical tools and timely insights to help deliver informed, inclusive, and memorable guest experiences in the current political environment.

As Canada–US relations continue to generate headlines, many travellers from both sides of the border are reconsidering where, how, and why they travel. With conversations around tariffs, the “Buy Canadian” movement, and social values becoming more prominent, the way we welcome visitors this summer matters more than ever. For additional tools and key messaging, check out the Destination BC Tackling Tariffs webpage.

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