Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
Sept. 2025 Newsletter

Bringing BC’s Iconic Destination Brands to Life: Sept. 18 Virtual Event

Join Destination BC on Sept.18 at 10 a.m. for an exclusive look at the full consumer launch of the Iconic Destination Brands. 

In this Industry Call, you’ll learn about:

• How the brands are coming to life across the consumer journey
• The evolution of the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand
• The “Let the Outside In” creative platform
• The global media plan, including travel trade and travel media activations
• New tools for industry partners to leverage brand awareness

register here →

New Toolkits for Iconic Destination Brands

Toolkits for all six Iconic Destination Brands will be released during the Industry Call on Sept. 18. First up: the Rainforest to Rockies toolkit—now available.

To celebrate, Destination BC is spotlighting each brand weekly on @SuperNaturalBC (formerly @HelloBC).

R2R will be featured Sept. 15-21, and we’re inviting tourism partners along the route to help bring the brand to life.

Here’s how to get involved:
 

• Reshare Destination BC’s posts
• Tag @SuperNaturalBC and use hashtags #ExploreBC and #RainforesttoRockies
• Send a Facebook collaborator request to @SuperNaturalBC (one per day)
• Create your own content using our brand-aligned templates (within the toolkit)
• Engage through comments and “Add Yours” story prompts

R2R BRAND TOOLKIT →

Squamish Canyon Now Open

A major new attraction in the Sea-to-Sky corridor opened on Aug. 1. Squamish Canyon offers a striking new way for visitors to be immersed in the coastal rainforest. The attraction is 15 minutes away from downtown Squamish and is accessible via a gravel road off Highway 99.

Highlights include:
 

• 1.5-km elevated boardwalk through old-growth forest
• Stunning viewpoints overlooking Mamquam Falls
• Forest Lounge café, kids’ nature play area and immersive storytelling along the boardwalk

PLAN YOUR VISIT →

North Vancouver’s Shipyards District Featured in New Video

As part of a new video series highlighting the value of Destination Development in the province, North Vancouver’s Shipyards District is featured as a model for community-first tourism development.

Learn how it transformed from a historical industrial site into one of North America’s most celebrated waterfront spaces.

WATCH THE VIDEO →

Improvements to Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon

Construction begins this fall on the replacement of the aging Sackum overhead bridge, 22 km east of Lytton.

The project will deliver a modern two-lane bridge, improved highway alignment, wider shoulders, new barriers, and upgraded drainage. Together, these improvements will support safer, more reliable travel through the Fraser Canyon.

The bridge replacement is expected to be complete by summer 2027.

LEARN ABOUT THE PROJECT →

Travel Media Relations & Travel Trade Update

Looking ahead to fall, VCM’s Travel Media Relations & Travel Trade representative, Heather McGillivray, will represent the region at Destination Canada’s GoMedia Canada Summit 2025 from Sept. 14-18. Destination BC will host a Rainforest to Rockies pre-FAM to this tourism industry event for six international media. Heather will also represent the region at Destination BC’s Vancouver Media Event to launch the Iconics on Sept. 23.

Registration Open for Sport Event Exchange BC 

Sport Event Exchange BC is a one-day sport tourism industry forum happening on Nov. 21 in Richmond.

This first-ever event is being created for:
 

• BC's provincial and multi-sport organizations
• Events rights holders
• Municipalities
• Destination Management Organizations

Join the conversation shaping the future of sport events in BC, and take part in a high-energy networking session designed to spark new partnerships and inspire lasting collaboration across the amateur sport sector. Early bird pricing ends Sept. 12.

LEARN MORE →

Register Now for the 2026 Mountain Travel Symposium in Whistler

Get ready for one of the most anticipated events in the mountain tourism industry! Mountain Travel Symposium (MTS) is heading to Whistler from April 13-18, 2026, and registration is officially open. Early bird rates are available until Oct. 31.

MTS is the world’s largest and longest-running annual gathering of mountain travel professionals, drawing more than 900 representatives from 30+ countries. The event offers unmatched opportunities to grow your business, expand your network, and gain valuable insights into the evolving mountain travel landscape. 

REGISTER NOW →

Call for Applications: Tourism Marketing Committee

Destination BC is seeking six new members to join its Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) starting Jan. 1, 2026. One of those new representatives needs to be from the VCM region. 

• Experience in destination marketing (global, national, or provincial)
• Expertise in destination management (sustainability, visitor management, training, partnerships)
• Sector knowledge in areas such as Indigenous tourism, attractions, investment, or transportation
• Leadership experience as a tourism business owner/operator or senior manager in BC

All members are expected to represent the tourism industry from a provincial perspective, working collaboratively with others, for the benefit of tourism province-wide. 

The initial term of each appointment is three years, starting on Jan. 1, 2026.  Apply by Oct. 17. 

APPLY TODAY →

Accessibility Resource: Destination BC’s Learning Centre

Destination BC offers resources to help the tourism industry enhance accessibility and inclusivity across the province. These include a disability-inclusive language guide, practical toolkits, accessible attributes checklists, graphic and website design resources, tip sheets, inclusive recruiting tools, guidance on inclusive language, strategies for building inclusive corporate cultures, and more.

LEARN MORE →

Deadline Approaching: Destination Canada’s Tourism Sprint Program

Destination Canada has launched the Tourism Sprint Program (TSP), a new funding initiative designed to accelerate short-term, high-impact tourism projects that support destination development.

The TSP offers up to $25,000 in matching funds to help unlock new tourism products, such as accommodations, attractions, and tourism-related transportation and infrastructure. 
 

• Expressions of interest due: Sept. 12
• Final applications due: Oct. 1

learn more →

REDIP Applications Open until Oct. 31

The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is accepting applications for its 2025–2026 intake.

Administered by the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth, REDIP provides annual grant funding to support rural communities across British Columbia in developing resilient, sustainable, and inclusive local economies with a focus on:
 

• Economic diversification
• Economic capacity building
• Economic infrastructure development

The deadline to apply is Oct. 31.

LEARN MORE →

Save the Date: ITBC AGM & Indigenous Tourism Gathering, Nov. 12-14

The Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) Annual AGM & Indigenous Tourism Gathering at the Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver will bring together ITBC Stakeholders or Members, First Nations Community Leaders, and Industry Partners to share updates and exchange knowledge to advance Indigenous tourism in British Columbia. In 2024, more than 100 participants joined two days of dialogue, presentations, and networking, exploring opportunities shaping the industry while strengthening connections. In 2025, ITBC looks forward to building on this momentum, welcoming back familiar faces and adding new voices. 

ReGISTER HERE →

NWX 2025: A New Platform for Tourism Innovation in New Westminster

Bold ideas that inspire visitors are about to take centre stage in New Westminster. Tourism New Westminster is launching NWX 2025—the New West Experience Program, a Dragon’s Den-style competition inviting fresh, experience-driven tourism ideas that could shape the future of the city. Whether it’s a unique walking tour, cultural event, or culinary experience, the goal is to spark innovation in New West’s visitor economy. Submissions open Sept. 12, with a deadline of Oct. 31, and finalists will pitch their ideas live in November. 

LEARN MORE →

Emergency Resources for BC’s Tourism Industry

In BC, we have a dedicated group of tourism industry and government partners—the Tourism Emergency Management Committee (TEMC)—who work collaboratively to support the safety of visitors, the viability of tourism businesses, and our reputation as a safe and welcoming destination in a provincial or multi-regional emergency preparedness and response.
  
TEMC resources available to the BC tourism industry include emergency communication modules, emergency messaging guidelines, responsible tourism graphics, and regional emergency contacts.  

ACCESS THE RESOURCES →

Now Open: Community Emergency Preparedness Fund

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is a suite of funding streams intended to enhance the resilience of local governments and First Nations communities in responding to emergencies and to reduce risks from future disasters due to natural hazards and climate-related risks. 

Application deadlines have been established for the winter 2025 / spring 2026 intakes. Please refer to the funding streams for more information.

Please join the UBCM Funding Webinar: 2025-2026 Community Emergency Preparedness Funding on Oct. 8 (1:30–3:30 p.m.) to learn more about this intake.

wEbinar registration →

Build a Greener Future with Support from the Green Municipal Fund

The Green Municipal Fund—a program of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)—is helping communities across Canada bring sustainable infrastructure projects to life, from clean energy initiatives and resilient housing to climate-smart planning. The fund covers up to 80% of eligible costs for planning, studies, and pilot projects, while capital projects may qualify for low-interest loans, often paired with a grant of up to 15% of the loan amount. It’s a valuable resource for communities ready to invest in a greener, more sustainable future.

LEARN MORE →

BC Rivers Day Celebrates 45 Years of Community and Conservation 

On Sept. 28, BC Rivers Day returns for its 45th year, marking one of BC’s largest and most impactful community-driven environmental events. Organized by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, the annual celebration unites residents, organizations, and communities in a shared mission to honour and protect local rivers and waterways. Through public events, cleanups, and educational activities, the event promotes stewardship, community engagement, and collective action to preserve these essential ecosystems. 

LEARN MORE →

• Symbiotic Echoes Exhibition (Port Moody): Symbiotic Echoes brings together four distinct exhibitions by Ilze Bebris and Robin Ripley, Dave Mutnjakovic, James Pocock, and Artem Struyanskiy. Each artist explores the crucial balance between humanity and the environment, the need for interconnectedness, resilience, and active engagement in response to the crises of our time. Dates: Sept. 11 – Oct. 26, 2025

• Great Outdoors Comedy Festival (Vancouver): Get ready to laugh under the open sky at Brockton Point in Stanley Park. See an incredible lineup of comedic talent—ranging from local gems to superstar headliners—all in the stunning backdrop of beloved parks and communities across the nation. Come for the jokes, stay for the scenery, and let the good times roll! Dates: Sept. 12-14, 2025

• stɑl'əw̓ Pow Wow (Langley): Drive, ride, or dance your way to the Langley Events Centre to witness and support intergenerational transfer of traditional songs, dances, regalia, languages, medicines, foods, and artwork. Fill your ears, eyes, bellies, and hands with Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and eating. Dates: Sept. 12-14, 2025

• Taste of Abby (Abbotsford): Celebrate Abbotsford’s agricultural roots, arts, and culture. It kicks off with the Night Market on Sept. 19, featuring local culinary delights, drinks, and live music. Enjoy farm-to-table dinners, cooking classes, a movie in the vineyards, mural walks, and more. Dates: Sept.19-28, 2025​​​​

• Fields of Flavours (Maple Ridge): This unique experience at Golden Ears Cheesecrafters brings together local growers, chefs, and makers for an unforgettable showcase of seasonal tastes and community pride. From fresh farm-to-table bites to artisanal creations, it’s the perfect way to experience unique culinary options. Tickets available online. Date: Sept. 21, 2025

• Vancouver International Film Festival (Vancouver): The 44th Vancouver International Film Festival will feature over 170 films, 80 shorts, live performances, talks, and special events across the city. This year’s program includes a Spotlight on Korea, showcasing new films and three world premieres from emerging Korean filmmakers. The spotlight continues VIFF’s long-standing celebration of Korean cinema. Dates: Oct. 2-12, 2025

• Burnaby Halloween Festival (Burnaby): Returning this Oct. is a month-long celebration with more than 15 experiences across the city. Discover the glowing displays of Pumpkins After Dark, feel the thrills of the Monster Dash 5K, and take in exciting additions like BC’s newest FanCon, MetroCon, and the bold theatrics of the Sinner’s Cabaret. Dates: Oct. 3-31, 2025

• Artistry Uncorked: An Evening of Fine Wine, Cheeses, and Art (Port Moody): Embark on a sensory journey with curated Canadian wines and cheese pairings led by Sommelier Sean Nelson, a globe-trotting wine expert and storytelling aficionado! Sip and savour as Sean unveils the stories behind each wine, expertly chosen to complement the art exhibition, Symbiotic Echoes, at PoMoArts. Indulge your senses and connect with art in a whole new way. Date: Oct. 16, 2025

• Langley City Film Festival (Langley): The second annual Langley City Film Festival at the Langley Community Music School features two themes: The Emotion of Sound and The Natural Environment. All films shown in the festival have been created by film makers who reside in British Columbia, providing a space for emerging to established filmmakers to submit and showcase their original films. Date: Oct. 18, 2025