Tourism

The Tree to Sea loop is a 1,000 km bikepacking route around the north end of Vancouver Island. Photo courtesy Miles Arbor

1,000 km route opens northern Vancouver Island to bikepackers

Bikepacking combines ultralight backpacking and bicycle touring

 

Victoria Coun. Jeremy Loveday said volunteers will be needed to assist the hosting of 2022 55+ BC Games. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

2022 55+ BC Games coming to Victoria

Organizers, participants speak to urgent need for sponsors, volunteers and accommodations

 

Sooke bed-and-breakfast owner Gerry Esselink was surprised to learn he was awarded top prize for the most hospitable hosts in B.C. by Airbnb. (Contributed - Gerry Esselink)

Sooke Airbnb host top in B.C.

Sooke Cedar House received the most positive reviews of any Airbnb in Canada

 

The Norwegian Bliss en route from Alaska to Seattle makes it's way towards Ogden Point in Victoria, B.C., on Friday June 1, 2018. Two U.S. bills proposed by a congressman and senator aimed at allowing Alaskan-bound cruise ships to bypass Canadian ports would have a "devastating" affect on British Columbia's economy, the head of Victoria's harbour authority says. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Alaska cruise ship bill would have ‘devastating’ economic impact: B.C. port official

Under proposed legislation, large foreign cruise ships can bypass Canadian ports

The Norwegian Bliss en route from Alaska to Seattle makes it's way towards Ogden Point in Victoria, B.C., on Friday June 1, 2018. Two U.S. bills proposed by a congressman and senator aimed at allowing Alaskan-bound cruise ships to bypass Canadian ports would have a "devastating" affect on British Columbia's economy, the head of Victoria's harbour authority says. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Clipper Vacations resumes its Seattle to Victoria passenger ferry service on Friday (Sept. 17), for U.S.-based passengers. (Clipper Vacations/Facebook)

Victoria Clipper ferries visitors to town for first time in 18 months

Company resumes weekend service for U.S.-based passengers Sept. 17

Clipper Vacations resumes its Seattle to Victoria passenger ferry service on Friday (Sept. 17), for U.S.-based passengers. (Clipper Vacations/Facebook)
One of four totem poles on the corners of a bridge over the Nass River to Gitwinksihlkw (Canyon City) in northwestern British Columbia is seen on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada is making a bleak prediction about its members’ ability to rapidly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Colin Perkel

Pandemic recovery for Indigenous tourism will be slow, says report

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada projects an overall 54 per cent decline since the pandemic

One of four totem poles on the corners of a bridge over the Nass River to Gitwinksihlkw (Canyon City) in northwestern British Columbia is seen on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada is making a bleak prediction about its members’ ability to rapidly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Colin Perkel
Stephane Prevost, a Banff restaurateur, poses in this handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO

Tourism destinations brace for busy winter without usual supply of foreign workers

Uncertainty around COVID-19 has kept some potential resort staffers from moving to Canada

Stephane Prevost, a Banff restaurateur, poses in this handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO
The Sidney-to-Anacortes ferry service, long a symbol of regional ties to the Pacific Northwest, won’t run until spring 2022 due to COVID-19. Sidney author and global analyst Michael Bociurkiw predicts negative consequences for the region if budget pressures lead to the service’s end. (Black Press Media File)

Sidney author laments weakening ties with Pacific Northwest, Asia

Michael Bociurkiw predicts region will continue to attract new domestic arrivals

The Sidney-to-Anacortes ferry service, long a symbol of regional ties to the Pacific Northwest, won’t run until spring 2022 due to COVID-19. Sidney author and global analyst Michael Bociurkiw predicts negative consequences for the region if budget pressures lead to the service’s end. (Black Press Media File)
Crowds check out some of the classic cars on display at the 2018 Oak Bay Collector Car Show. (Black Press Media file photo)

Oak Bay car show makes triumphant return to The Avenue

Auto enthusiasts can mark Sept. 12 on the calendar

Crowds check out some of the classic cars on display at the 2018 Oak Bay Collector Car Show. (Black Press Media file photo)
Britanny Vis, executive director of the Maritime Museum of BC, at their new location on Douglas Street. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

Maritime Museum of BC opening to public at new downtown Victoria location

The space – currently featuring an exhibit on the SS Valencia shipwreck – can be rented for events

Britanny Vis, executive director of the Maritime Museum of BC, at their new location on Douglas Street. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
B.C. Premier John Horgan said on June 3 that COVID-19 restrictions won't be eased regionally, “If people want to book arrangements at their favourite place in B.C, you can certainly do that now, but there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to get there,” Horgan said. (NEWS file photo)

FINLAYSON: Time for a ‘health check’ on the tourism industry as summer winds down

To revive the economy, this piece in the strategy is integral, writes Jock Finlayson

  • Aug 26, 2021
B.C. Premier John Horgan said on June 3 that COVID-19 restrictions won't be eased regionally, “If people want to book arrangements at their favourite place in B.C, you can certainly do that now, but there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to get there,” Horgan said. (NEWS file photo)
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation member Timmy Masso set up a blockade at West Main Forest Service Road in an effort to prevent disrespectful visitors from further destroying the area. (Andrew Bailey photo)

Teen’s blockade of Tofino-Ucluelet backroads to tourists underway peacefully

Ucluelet RCMP confirm zero reports of confrontation as stand made against ongoing litter, fires

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation member Timmy Masso set up a blockade at West Main Forest Service Road in an effort to prevent disrespectful visitors from further destroying the area. (Andrew Bailey photo)
A river otter came out of the water to explore the neighbourhood near Victoria Harbour on Aug. 9. (Courtesy of Carly Nagtegaal)

VIDEO: Why did the otter cross the road in Victoria?

Seven-year-old boy spots otter frolicking in the grass near Victoria Harbour

A river otter came out of the water to explore the neighbourhood near Victoria Harbour on Aug. 9. (Courtesy of Carly Nagtegaal)
Timmy Masso is setting up a blockade at West Main Forest Service Road on Tuesday to prevent areas like this from being destroyed by disrespect. (Photo courtesy of Timmy Masso)

First Nations teen set to block destructive tourists from Tofino-Ucluelet wilderness area

“I will be shutting off that road starting at 4 pm today”

Timmy Masso is setting up a blockade at West Main Forest Service Road on Tuesday to prevent areas like this from being destroyed by disrespect. (Photo courtesy of Timmy Masso)
AquaLink, a tourism pilot project connecting five Southern Gulf Islands by water taxi, is set to start this September. (AquaLink/Screenshot)

Water taxi to connect five Southern Gulf Islands in pilot project

Taxi will run every Saturday and Sunday in September

AquaLink, a tourism pilot project connecting five Southern Gulf Islands by water taxi, is set to start this September. (AquaLink/Screenshot)
An empty supermarket inside the mall building. (Binny Paul/Terrace Standard)

Northern B.C.’s famed abandoned town preserved in time awaits its turn

Kitsault’s owner Krishnan Suthanthiran still interested in his plans for a dedicated energy corridor

An empty supermarket inside the mall building. (Binny Paul/Terrace Standard)
Riders with Bikers Against Child Abuse chose to visit the Peninsula on Sunday because of the Sidney Street Market and its food trucks. The market is operating out of a temporary location in the parking lot of the Mary Winspear Centre. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Tourists starting to roll back into Sidney

Sidney Street Market organizers, vendors observing more out-of-towners

Riders with Bikers Against Child Abuse chose to visit the Peninsula on Sunday because of the Sidney Street Market and its food trucks. The market is operating out of a temporary location in the parking lot of the Mary Winspear Centre. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
Here’s Jonny, the one and only Jonny Harris on stage in Chemainus. (Photo by Chris Armstrong)

Vancouver Island community depicted in all its glory for TV’s ‘Still Standing’

Program brings unlimited benefits to featured communities like Chemainus

Here’s Jonny, the one and only Jonny Harris on stage in Chemainus. (Photo by Chris Armstrong)
View of the Malahat Skywalk’s Welcome Centre & Gathering Place, which has ticket sales, a cafe and a gift shop. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

VIDEO: Unique Malahat SkyWalk wows opening day visitors

Tourist facility combines nature-based tourism with a cultural tourism experience

View of the Malahat Skywalk’s Welcome Centre & Gathering Place, which has ticket sales, a cafe and a gift shop. (Robert Barron/Citizen)
Canadian flags are seen on the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council as tourists take photos on Parliament Hill before Canada Day, in Ottawa on June 27, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Feds launch tourism fund to help tourism businesses avoid spiral of debt, Joly says

Even as restrictions ease, Minister Mélanie Joly says tourism operators feel some anxiety

Canadian flags are seen on the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council as tourists take photos on Parliament Hill before Canada Day, in Ottawa on June 27, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang