This is Tourism Week in Canada. Until May 30th the Canadian Tourism Industry is celebrating the impact tourism has on Canada’s local economies from coast to coast to coast. Again this year, the annual event is highlighting the resilience of the industry struggling to make it through this unprecedented time.
The Tourism Industry is calling on Canadians to take the 2021 Tourism Pledge To Travel In Canada. An invitation to come together as a country and support our local tourism destinations, businesses, and employees. With one in every ten Canadians employed in a tourism related position, chances are you know someone who has been impacted over the last year. If everyone pledges to spend at least part of their vacation time and budget within Canada it will go a long way to help the industry.
As restrictions start to ease, even your weekend adventures can help. Staycations, day-trips and local visits all contribute to the tourism industry.
In spite of the pandemic, there are even new attractions and activities to visit. Here’s a few ideas to check out this season, and our local tourism agencies that can help you with suggestions of what’s open to explore.
North Shore:
MONOVA, the brand new Museum of North Vancouver is scheduled to open later this year, but in the meantime the North Shore offers plenty to see and do, like the North Shore Culture Compass self-guided public art walks, Polygon Gallery offers ever changing exhibitions, and of course Grouse Mountain is a hive of activities all year-round.
Visit vancouversnorthshore.com for more activities, adventures and deals on accommodation.
Vancouver:
Vancouver is the hub of things to do this summer, book a timed-entry ticket to visit Science World, Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum, HR MacMillan Space Centre and Vancouver Art Gallery all offering great fun for the family, while VanDusen Botanical Gardens provides beautiful outdoor spaces to roam. Watch for Vancouver Aquarium to reopen this summer, as well as Playland welcoming families back. If restrictions permit Vancouver International Jazz Festival June 25 – July 4, is hoping to offer small in-person events to bring music back to our spaces, and Indian Summer Festival June 17-July 17 is planning a mix of hybrid digital/in-person cultural events.
Visit tourismvancouver.com to find out what’s on and what offers are available near you.
Burnaby:
With over 25% of its land dedicated to parks and greenspace there’s plenty of ways to get outside in Burnaby, from hiking Burnaby Mountain to miles of bike paths and trails found around the city. Take to the waters of Burnaby Lake or Deer Lake, and while you’re at Deer Lake step back in time at Burnaby Village Museum, or get lost in the works at Burnaby Art Gallery.
Visit tourismburnaby.com for trail maps, bike routes, golf courses and what’s on.
Fraser Valley:
Get away from the city and into the rural peace of the Fraser Valley, filled with Farm Tours and Markets, amazing Wineries, historic sites like Fort Langley, Kilby Museum & Farm, the soothing Harrison Hot Springs. There’s so much to offer you can plan a whole vacation in the Valley.
Visit thefraservalley.ca for more information on the communities, activities, and adventures that make up the Fraser Valley.
Victoria:
The provincial capital gives people a quaint taste of old England with the urban vibe and amenities of a city much larger than its size. The Royal BC Museum features Orcas: Our Shared Future as its summer exhibition on now. Taking afternoon tea (to-go for now but hopefully reopening for seated service soon) at the famed Fairmont Empress is a much do for any visit, then strolling the shops and alleys of Canada’s oldest Chinatown is a great way to spend an afternoon. For a bit more of an adventure one of the many Whale and Wildlife Expedition companies will whisk you out on the water for some whale spotting.
Destinationgreatervictoria.com has all the details for whatever type of getaway you’re looking for this summer.
Vancouver Island:
Moving north from Victoria, Canada’s Big Island has it all. Vancouver Island boasts amazing beaches and resorts like Wickaninnish Inn on Chesterman Beach in Tofino on the wild West Coast or Tigh Na Mara Resort & Grotto Spa on Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville on the Island’s sheltered Eastern side. The fertile Cowichan Valley offers farm markets, wineries, distilleries, cideries and everything you can sink your teeth into. The action fan can rev their engines at the Vancouver Island Motor Sport Circuit, or zipline, bungy jump and more at WildPlay Nanaimo. The new Malahat Sky Walk opens this July for a one of a kind view from above the peak of Malahat Mountain. Continue further north to the renowned mountain bike trails in Comox Valley, Campbell River and Strathcona Provincial Park – BC’s oldest park or head up to the northern tip of the Island and experience the rugged wilds of Cape Scott Provincial Park.
Vancouverisland.travel has all you need to plan your island vacation.