B.C. tourism operators say plenty of options remain for summer vacation

VICTORIA (CityNews) — Even with some of the province’s most popular destinations off-limits due to COVID-19 and wildfires, B.C.’s hard-hit tourism operators say there are still options for people to make the most of the last few weeks of summer.

Travel to the southern Interior and central Okanagan is being discouraged, prompting many to flock to Vancouver Island instead.

Tofino — always a popular spot — is having a busy summer.

Samantha Hackett, Chair of Tourism Tofino, says the destination is seeing close to pre-pandemic numbers.

“We were coming out of a very slow spring, obviously, with travel restrictions. So, to hit the summer back to close to 2019 — not the same but close to 2019 numbers — has just felt like a big adjustment for everyone,” she says.

“We’ve definitely had a lot of people booking well ahead for their Tofino vacation. There isn’t a lot of last-minute availability.”

But there’s still hope for procrastinators or people who’ve had their plans cancelled due to travel warnings. The website has a “current vacancies” section that shows same-day availability. Another option is to send an email to Tourism Tofino with details about how many people are travelling, as well as details about budget and dates.

“It’s a great way to sort of put out feelers in all areas, for BnB’s, vacation rentals, campgrounds resorts, hotels, motels — everything.”

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But Brenda Baptiste with Indigenous Tourism BC says there are plenty of other options for people who want to avoid the crowds.

“Vancouver Island’s a good place to visit right now. The Tofino area’s pretty busy, I think everybody’s heading to Tofino,” she says.

“But you’ve got over 40 nations there that are open for business, they’re wanting to share who they are as Indigenous people, their culture and heritage. If you’ve never been to Ucluelet, oh my goodness, it’s the most beautiful place that you could visit.”

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Baptiste says with over 200 First Nations, B.C. offers a wealth of unique experiences.

“It’s been a tough year for the tourism industry in general, but take the time to come and visit learn, explore, and truly understand who the Indigenous people are in this province,” she says.

“It’s very transformative in nature, because when you hear those stories and you hear the legends and you hear how the Indigenous people engage with their lands and with our waters — you never really look at where you come from or where you live, the same again.”

There are options even without leaving Metro Vancouver.

“Some of the unique experiences and the smaller experiences are like to Takaya Tours with Tsleil-Waututh Nation which has this incredible history of having their people live right along the water.
So they talk about that rich cultural history that they’ve had and their relationship with the lands and the waters which they’re from,’ she explains.

“If you are going through an Indigenous experience, feel free to ask questions. Part of creating relationships between Indigenous people and our visitors is having that open dialogue”

Haid Gwaii is another option for those who want to venture farther afield.

“It is one of those pristine areas that is life-changing to go and visit. It’s got such rich cultural experiences there and the people are very committed to hosting and explaining their cultural values, and the meanings of their lands to their people,” she says.

Regardless of where people visit, Baptiste says preparation is key.

“It’s important to do your research,” she says pointing to the website as a way to learn which businesses are open and which territory they are located in.

“There’s a number of resources there in terms of protocols and looking at and understanding what those protocols are. What we’re offering people is a chance to explore not only the pristine parts of B.C., these incredible cultures but also it gives you a chance to reflect on your own experiences and this changes how you’re going to look at the world from that moment on. If you are going through an Indigenous experience, feel free to ask questions. Part of creating relationships between Indigenous people and our visitors is having that open dialogue.”

For those with COVID-19 concerns, the BC Centre for Disease Control has maps posted online showing case counts and vaccination rates in different parts of the province.