British Columbia Aviation Museum received $250,000 to help create a dedicated display for the Martin Mars Firefighting Aircraft. @tourismvictoria
BRITISH COLUMBIA – PacifiCan recently announced over $4.3 million in funding for 24 organizations to enhance local attractions and bring more visitors to communities across B.C.
B.C. Minister Sajjan also announced $500,000 for the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade to help more businesses diversify their sales to new export markets through the Trade Accelerator Program.
As part of the recent announcement, Destination BC will receive $250,000 to launch a global market development program, helping B.C.’s tourism operators attract more international visitors. This initiative will connect local businesses with global travel trade specialists, bringing more visitors to communities across our province and strengthening B.C.’s tourism industry.
Redd Fish Restoration Society will receive $250,000 to create an interactive, interpretive centre in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island. This immersive experience will educate visitors about the region’s watershed and old-growth ecosystems through dynamic exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on conservation activities, promoting sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
The Gitanyow Huwilp Society will receive $250,000 to advance the creation of the Gitanyow Reconciliation Trail, a year-round hiking, riding, and sledding route that follows the historical Grease Trail in Northern B.C. This investment will help to establish Gitanyow traditional territory as a premier destination for active tourism and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Gitanyow Nation.
The projects announced:
Regional Innovation Ecosystem
Vancouver Board of Trade – $500,000 – With this funding, the Vancouver Board of Trade will deliver the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) in B.C., helping five cohorts of 15 local businesses each access Canada’s top export advisors, resources, and contacts. This will help companies grow at home as they expand their sales in international markets.
Tourism Growth Program
British Columbia Aviation Museum – $250,000 – Funding will create a dedicated display for the Martin Mars Firefighting Aircraft at the British Columbia Aviation Museum in North Saanich, B.C., bringing an important cultural and historic asset to the region. The exhibit is expected to draw many aviation and aerospace enthusiasts to the museum.
Canada Men’s International Sevens Limited Partnership – $150,000 – Funding supported the marketing and delivery of the 2025 HSBC SVNS tournament in Vancouver, B.C. This international, multi-day event attracts over 50,000 visitors annually and drives significant economic impact to the region during the off-peak tourism season in February.
Canadian Paraplegic Association (B.C.) – $61,750 – Funding will support the development of 27 virtual tours to highlight accessible accommodations, business attractions, and outdoor spaces in the Kootenays and Northern B.C. This will make it easier for people with disabilities, and their families and friends, to travel within these regions.
Destination B.C. – $250,000 – Funding will help implement a global market development program that supports tourism growth across British Columbia by helping B.C.’s tourism operators attract more international visitors. This will create new tourism offerings, open new channels for attracting visitors, and strengthen the tourism ecosystem.
District of Tumbler Ridge – $130,000 – Funding will help develop a Trails and Destination Management Strategy to promote the region as a tourism destination and support sustainable tourism growth.
Fraser Valley Mountain Bikers Association – $125,000 – Funding will expand the Fraser Valley trail network and connect Cultus Lake with Chilliwack’s Vedder River via accessible, multi-use trails for hikers and bikers. Trails will be built to accessible standards, allowing people using adaptive mountain bikes to enjoy the route.
Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory Society – $165,440 – Funding will go towards the creation of new programming, site improvements, and targeted marketing to position the Centre of the Universe as a premier tourist attraction for Southern Vancouver Island.
Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. – $250,000 – Funding will improve access to world class recreational fishing destinations in the Omineca and Skeena regions and increase tourism in Northern B.C. This will include installation and upgrades to docks and boat launches, and upgrades to site access, trails, and other amenities.
Gitanyow Huwilp Society – $250,000 – Funding will promote active tourism and showcase the Gitanyow Nation’s cultural heritage by advancing the creation of the Gitanyow Reconciliation Trail, a year-round hiking, riding, and sledding route along the historic Grease Trail between Kitwancool and Stewart in Northern B.C.
Gitselasu Stewardship Society – $78,700 – Funding will boost adventure tourism in Kitselas traditional territory by improving trails for walking, hiking, and biking and adding a fleet of rental bikes. The project will build on an existing trail network that brings visitors to viewpoints and ancient archaeological sites on the Skeena River.
Gostlin Keefer Lake Lodge- $250,000 – Funding will expand the cat ski mountain resort in Cherryville, B.C. to increase visitor capacity and drive tourism in the region. The project will expand skiable terrain and develop a network of hiking and mountain biking trails transforming this community to a year-round backcountry destination.
Indigenous Tourism BC – $300,000 – Funding will help implement a marketing program showcasing Indigenous cultural and sports tourism to global audiences in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and encouraging visitors to experience Indigenous communities outside Vancouver.
Mountain Soul Vineyard and Winery Inc. – $250,000 – Funding will help a small, family-owned vineyard and winery in Trail, B.C. build an event space and cabins, enabling them to host weddings, offer overnight stays, attract more visitors, and extend operations into the shoulder season.
Pacific Northwest Economic Region (Canada) Inc. – $195,000 – Funding will be used to develop a destination management strategy with an action plan to improve cross-border travel to B.C. for marquee events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Pacific Region International Summer Music Association – $250,000 – Funding will transform a 5,000 square-foot venue in Powell River, B.C. into a vibrant arts and culture hub with flexible performance spaces, workshops, and galleries. This will support diverse community groups, showcase local businesses, and attract visitors to the region.
Redd Fish Restoration Society – $250,000 – Funding will transform a 4,000-square-foot building into a dynamic interpretive centre featuring interactive exhibits that highlight the region’s watershed and old growth ecosystems. The interpretive centre will serve as a hub for regenerative tourism in Ucluelet, on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Shearwater Resort Management Ltd. – $48,448 – Funding will improve and expand an Indigenous-owned resort on Denny Island with modern business systems and new equipment, like kayaks and paddleboards, attracting more visitors to the resort.
Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association – $110,500 – Funding will revitalize four core trails in Squamish with repairs, drainage improvements, and adaptive access, enhancing rider experience and boosting visitor volume.
Sunday Cider Company – $164,177 – Funding will transform the cidery into a year-round destination by creating a versatile indoor/outdoor space and increasing capacity for special events, like weddings and seasonal markets.
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations Economic Development Corporation – $179,875 – Funding will enhance local Indigenous tourism offerings in Tofino, B.C. by using Nation-owned amenities for cultural events and visitor education. The project will also provide training for Tla-o-qui-aht youth and staff in guiding and storytelling, helping to share their rich heritage with visitors.
Tourism Association of Vancouver Island – $149,045 – Funding will create a Destination Stewardship Plan to increase sustainable tourism on Vancouver Island. This project will help position Vancouver Island as a leader in sustainable tourism across Canada and globally.
Tourism Fernie Society – $126,000 – Funding will support guided and self-guided paleontology tours, a year-round fossil interpretive display, and improve a visitor welcome centre, enhancing sustainable tourism in a region renowned for its rich paleontological history.
Qathet Regional Cycling Association – $250,000 – Funding will expand the Mount Mahoney trail network in Powell River with new downhill, cross-country, and accessible trails, adding signage, a trailhead kiosk, and drainage improvements to boost mountain biking tourism. This project will help attract outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers of all levels to explore the region.
Whistler Film Festival Society – $100,000 – Funding will enhance the 2025 Whistler Film Festival, attracting more domestic and international visitors, boosting economic benefits for Whistler, Pemberton, and Squamish with a non-sporting event during the shoulder season.
Source: Canada.ca
