Tourism

Susie Grynol, president of the Hotel Association of Canada, speaks at a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on April 30, 2018. The tourism industry was generally pleased this week about news that Ottawa would offer relief for the struggling sector, with the exception of Canada’s major airlines, which are still waiting for more targeted aid. “The industry was at a breaking point, and there were some very important measures in the Fall Economic Statement yesterday that will provide a deeper level of support for this industry,” said Susie Grynol, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Tourism industry has mixed reaction to government aid measures

The government’s plan included specific measures for airports, such as rent relief

 

Tourists are being asked to postpone their non-essential trips to Tofino as COVID-19 cases rise across Vancouver Island, but at least one accommodation provider is offering conflicting messaging. (Westerly file photo)

Victoria woman says Tofino Airbnb host encouraged travel despite provincial restrictions

“The only way I would get a refund is if she would be able to rebook the suite for that weekend.”

 

Tourism Tofino’s Cox Bay visitor centre won VIREB’s Best Institutional Building and Judges Choice award this year. (Tourism Tofino photo)

Tourism Tofino celebrates success at VIREB awards

Tourism Tofino was a big winner at the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards

 

Crew photo with four mega bags and a necklace of abandoned buoys. (Jack Plant photo)

Remote B.C. tourism lodge staffed for coastal clean up instead of wilderness tours

The Great Bear Rainforest is home to exotic wildlife — and international trash

Crew photo with four mega bags and a necklace of abandoned buoys. (Jack Plant photo)
Kennedy Lake is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, but more resources are needed to make sure those visiting the area are respecting their surroundings. (Westerly file photo)

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation says more resources needed to keep Tribal Parks open during pandemic

Tribal Park Allies program needs more buy-in from Tofino businesses.

Kennedy Lake is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, but more resources are needed to make sure those visiting the area are respecting their surroundings. (Westerly file photo)
Tofino locals stepped up to support several tourists whose vehicles were vandalized on Sept. 10. (Juhelle Stephens photo)

Tourists’ vehicles vandalized in Tofino

Community steps up to support visitors.

Tofino locals stepped up to support several tourists whose vehicles were vandalized on Sept. 10. (Juhelle Stephens photo)
Ucluelet residents Dan and Jessica Rutherford were shocked to find the ‘Locks of Love’ fence at Wally Creek along Hwy. 4 covered with disposable face masks, plastic gloves and a hoard of other unwanted litter while driving into town on August 30. Read about it on page 8. (Dan Rutherford photo)

‘Locks of Love’ fence near Tofino-Ucluelet consumed with litter

Shocking display of environmental disrespect at Wally Creek.

Ucluelet residents Dan and Jessica Rutherford were shocked to find the ‘Locks of Love’ fence at Wally Creek along Hwy. 4 covered with disposable face masks, plastic gloves and a hoard of other unwanted litter while driving into town on August 30. Read about it on page 8. (Dan Rutherford photo)
The view of Cox Bay Beach from the Maltby Road entrance, any given day in August. (Nora O’Malley photo)

Tofino residents pumped up by perceived lack of bylaw enforcement

“Bylaw hours should reflect the influx of visitors weekends and holidays.”

The view of Cox Bay Beach from the Maltby Road entrance, any given day in August. (Nora O’Malley photo)
Mural project in Chemainus has long garnered international attention, but the Festival of Murals Society isn’t interested in trying to stage an international project in 2021. (Photo by Art Carlyle)

Mural founder’s project proposal rejected by Society

Chemainus Festival of Murals deems the time isn’t right for such a massive undertaking

Mural project in Chemainus has long garnered international attention, but the Festival of Murals Society isn’t interested in trying to stage an international project in 2021. (Photo by Art Carlyle)
Carver Ryan Villiers puts finishing touches on the lifelike chainsaw carving of John J. Rambo (played by Sylvester Stallone) before it was installed at Hope’s Memorial Park Aug. 14, 2020. (Emelie Peacock/Hope Standard)

Sylvester Stallone gives shout-out to new Rambo chainsaw carving in Hope, B.C.

Sylvester Stallone, the star behind John J. Rambo, “very proud” of newly installed red cedar work

Carver Ryan Villiers puts finishing touches on the lifelike chainsaw carving of John J. Rambo (played by Sylvester Stallone) before it was installed at Hope’s Memorial Park Aug. 14, 2020. (Emelie Peacock/Hope Standard)
Masked up to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Ucluelet’s Ellen Kimoto holds an apology letter she received from two tourists who trespassed on her Spring Cove property last month. (Andrew Bailey photo)

Ucluelet senior grateful after trespassers apologize

“It gave me some of my dignity back,” said Ellen Kimoto of Spring Cove.

Masked up to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Ucluelet’s Ellen Kimoto holds an apology letter she received from two tourists who trespassed on her Spring Cove property last month. (Andrew Bailey photo)
Crystal Cove Beach Resort has been named Tripadvisors top family resort in Canada for the second year in a row. (Photo from Tripadvisor.ca)

Tofino’s Crystal Cove crowned top family destination for second year in a row

TripAdvisor has announced the recipients of its Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards.

Crystal Cove Beach Resort has been named Tripadvisors top family resort in Canada for the second year in a row. (Photo from Tripadvisor.ca)
West Coast Aquatic Safaris delivers ‘almost live’ footage of a whale tour to a group of Easter Seals campers on July 22. (West Coast Aquatic Safaris photo)

West Coast company brings virtual whale watching experience to youth with disabilities

About 40 Easter Seals BC/Yukon children, youth and adults with disabilities were…

West Coast Aquatic Safaris delivers ‘almost live’ footage of a whale tour to a group of Easter Seals campers on July 22. (West Coast Aquatic Safaris photo)
Hesquiaht Harbour. (Hesquiaht First Nation)

Visitors and non-residents entering closed Hesquiaht territories

With limited resources, they say they don’t have any authority or power to enforce the closures

  • Aug 6, 2020
Hesquiaht Harbour. (Hesquiaht First Nation)
Could you imagine a couple of these guys hanging around Crofton for a while? (Photo submitted)

Dino-mite chance to snag some dinosaurs

Island man in the hunt for a piece of a rare collection at auction

Could you imagine a couple of these guys hanging around Crofton for a while? (Photo submitted)
Signs like this one have been placed throughout Ucluelet to remind locals and visitors to be cautious and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. (Andrew Bailey photo)

COVID-19: Ucluelet local frustrated by lax protocols as tourism reopens

Musician Geoff Johnson disappointed to see town drop its guard.

Signs like this one have been placed throughout Ucluelet to remind locals and visitors to be cautious and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. (Andrew Bailey photo)
Visitors Center along Hwy 5 to the town of Valemount, B.C., with the Cariboo Mountain range in background. (Village of Valemount/Wikimedia Commons)

Northern communities welcome tourists as province opens to in-B.C. travellers

Officials have asked British Columbians to be careful as they travel this summer

  • Jul 6, 2020
Visitors Center along Hwy 5 to the town of Valemount, B.C., with the Cariboo Mountain range in background. (Village of Valemount/Wikimedia Commons)
B.C. accommodators need phone lines to light up as in-province travel given green light

B.C. accommodators need phone lines to light up as in-province travel given green light

Travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have decimated the tourism and hospitality industries

  • Jul 5, 2020
B.C. accommodators need phone lines to light up as in-province travel given green light
A Homalco member poses in their traditional attire. (Photo courtesy Homalco Tours)

Indigenous B.C. tour operator keeps culture alive through virtual journeys in COVID-19 era

Campbell River based Homalco Tours is also setting up live cameras for bear viewing in Orford

A Homalco member poses in their traditional attire. (Photo courtesy Homalco Tours)
Tofino and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation release joint statement welcoming ‘respectful’ tourists

Tofino and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation release joint statement welcoming ‘respectful’ tourists

“We have adapted to the new landscape and are very eager to welcome you back.”

Tofino and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation release joint statement welcoming ‘respectful’ tourists