|
|
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
Feb. 2026 Newsletter
|
|
|
Paddling in Sechelt Inlet. (Dolf Vermeulen)
|
Tumbler Ridge Book of Condolences
|
|
We extend our deepest condolences to everyone impacted, including those who have lost loved ones, those who’ve been injured, the students and staff at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, and the wider community.
To our tourism colleagues in the region: our thoughts are with you, and we are here to support you.
An online book of condolences is available for signing until the end of day on Friday, Feb. 20.
|
|
|
The online condolence book is open until Friday, Feb. 20.
(Mike Seehagel)
|
|
|
|
|
It’s a wrap on the VCM Industry Forum.
|
|
VCM Industry Forum Highlights
|
|
Thank you to everyone who presented and participated at this year’s VCM Industry Forum, held on Feb. 4 in Burnaby. Our theme, Tourism Together, was reflected in the insights shared and the collaboration across the day.
We were pleased to welcome the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and Amber Papou, new CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of BC.
To help you revisit the day, check out the event photo gallery where you can relive the highlights.
|
|
|
|
Destination Events Program Intake Now Open
|
|
The Province’s Destination Events Program supports tourism, arts, culture, and sport initiatives that drive economic growth and strengthen BC’s position as a leading destination for diverse experiences.
The 2026 intake is open for events taking place between June 1, 2026, and Sept. 30, 2027. Eligible events can receive up to 10% of their total budget, to a maximum of $150,000. A minimum event budget of $150,000 is required.
Applications close March 6 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
|
|
|
Deadline approaching for the Destination Events Program.
(Jon Ross Films)
|
|
|
|
|
2025 BC Tourism Industry Award winners.
Congratulations to the 2026 finalists!
|
|
Congratulations to the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Awards Finalists
|
|
Heartfelt congratulations to the finalists, who have demonstrated their passion, innovations, and dedication to driving BC’s tourism industry forward.
We wanted to share a special shout-out to the finalists from the VCM region: Takaya Tours, Science World, Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association, Locality Brewing, Tourism Richmond, and our partners at Spinal Cord Injury BC.
The award winners will be announced on March 5 at the BC Tourism Awards Gala in Kelowna.
|
|
|
|
Tourism Businesses: We Want to Hear From You
|
|
Destination BC and partners from the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI) are inviting tourism businesses across the province to complete the second Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey. The survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and gathers data on climate preparedness, environmental sustainability practices, and related investments to inform provincial, regional, and sector insights.
The survey launched today, Thursday, Feb. 19, and is open for a limited time of two weeks. Participating businesses will be entered into a draw for a pass to a tourism conference in BC.
|
|
|
Tourism businesses: your input will help track industry progress.
|
|
|
|
Read the full highlights and access the tools here.
|
|
BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative: Key Highlights and Impact
|
|
Over the past two years, the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative has contributed significantly to advancing sustainable tourism in British Columbia. With $3.3 million in funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport through the Destination Development Fund, the initiative delivered sustainability and adaptation planning for businesses, micro-grants, a shared data framework, and province-wide collaboration.
While the initiative is now complete, its impact continues. The BCTCRI has equipped BC’s tourism industry with practical tools, shared knowledge, and strong networks that are inspiring ongoing action and progress on climate readiness.
|
|
|
|
FIFA World Cup 2026™: Community Activation Playbook 2.0
|
|
For communities, businesses, and residents across BC, the recently updated Community Activation Playbook is your guide to getting involved.
Version 2.0 of the guide is now live, with tips on activating, permitting, and public viewing. Consider it your guide to bringing the FIFA World Cup 2026™ atmosphere to life province-wide.
|
|
|
The updated playbook offers tips on creating memorable celebrations.
|
|
|
|
|
Join the webinar to learn about Indigenous tourism opportunities.
|
|
How Indigenous Tourism Businesses Can Benefit from FIFA World Cup 2026™
|
|
Indigenous-owned businesses and First Nations Communities are invited to join Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) for an upcoming webinar.
Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Webinar via Zoom
Join Maya Lange, Vice President, Global Marketing, Destination British Columbia, and Paula Amos, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Indigenous Tourism BC, to discuss opportunities for Indigenous tourism businesses and communities across British Columbia before, during, and after the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
|
|
|
|
New Tour Packages for FIFA World Cup 2026™
|
|
Destination BC has engaged two Vancouver-based tour operators, Discover Canada Tours and Entrée Destinations, to sell BC packages to visiting fans, either during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ or in the future.
VCM joined Team BC to deliver training to both companies to bring awareness to the Iconics and new offerings around the region which they can recommend or sell to their customers.
|
|
|
A recent training session with Discover Canada Tours.
|
|
|
|
|
Viajes de Gala travel agents fell in love with Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
|
|
Viajes de Gala Winter FAM in Vancouver & Whistler
|
|
Destination BC recently collaborated with Viajes de Gala—one of Mexico’s leading tour operators, specializing in North America—to deliver a winter familiarization trip, along with Destination Vancouver and Tourism Whistler.
In February, we welcomed five top travel agents from Mexico to experience the best of Vancouver and Whistler. With winter a strong travel season for the Mexican market, the itinerary highlighted both ski and non-ski activities, showcasing the diverse winter experiences British Columbia has to offer.
|
|
|
|
Call for Indigenous Content Creators – Open Until July 9
|
|
Destination BC is inviting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis content creators to help shape the story of tourism in BC.
Writers, photographers, graphic and artistic designers, and videographers are encouraged to submit their information through Destination BC’s Indigenous Content Creators Request for Information.
The call is open until July 9. Please help spread the word by sharing with your networks.
|
|
|
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis content creators are invited to help shape the story of tourism in BC.
|
|
|
|
|
go2HR For Hire can help with customized support.
|
|
The Next Phase of HR Leadership for BC’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector
|
|
After 4.5 years of measurable impact, go2HR’s Regional HR Consultant Network will conclude at the end of March 2026.
Through more than 14,000 advisory engagements, go2HR’s HR professionals strengthened workforce practices across the province and became trusted advisors to employers. Free HR tools, templates, and training will continue to be available online.
For businesses ready to move beyond foundational support, go2HR For Hire delivers customized, expert-driven solutions designed to elevate workforce strategy and drive long-term operational success.
|
|
|
|
Sq'ewlets First Nation Builds New Trail in Agassiz
|
|
Sturgeon Trail is a short, scenic hike near Lake Errock, built by the Sq’ewlets First Nation and recently opened to the public.
The 720-metre out-and-back trail (1.4 km return) takes roughly one hour to complete. It climbs to a scenic viewpoint over Harrison Bay, with bench seating and a picnic table at the top. Along the way, interpretive signage shares stories of the land and the Sq’ewlets First Nation Peoples.
Walkers, bikers, and on-leash dogs are welcome. Visitors are encouraged to pack in and pack out, and to learn more before planning a visit.
|
|
|
View from the peak of Sturgeon Trail. (Urban Systems Ltd.)
|
|
|
|
|
North Vancouver’s Spirit Trail. (@vancitywild)
|
|
North Vancouver Wins Again!
|
|
The City and District of North Vancouver are celebrating an impressive achievement: for the second year in a row, they have been named Canada’s Most Livable City for 2026 by the Globe and Mail.
The recognition reflects strong results across nearly 60 indicators. North Vancouver stood out for key measures of livability, including access to nature, walkable neighbourhoods, and vibrant public spaces and amenities, such as the Shipyards.
Neighbouring West Vancouver also earned high honours, ranking second on the list.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
If you have an event that you’d like to feature on that page for free, please review the Event Listings Guidelines for eligibility and instructions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
