News & Events

Northern BC Tourism Association is a non-profit association led by a board of directors elected by industry and our team is a diverse group of experienced tourism development professionals who all share a common passion for travelling and experiencing northern BC. We are committed to creating a strong and healthy tourism economy while minimizing the […]

Program Applications Now Open Apply Before October 31, 2024 We're inviting businesses, organizations, and individuals in Northeast BC to apply for this exclusive program to support businesses develop new and enhanced revenue-generating visitor experiences in Northeast BC. The program includes a variety training elements (e-courses, 2-day in-person workshop, and group and individual online coaching). Working […]

Create a Business Continuity Plan As a small business owner, you appreciate the necessity of thoughtful planning and strategizing. A business continuity plan can help your company endure and survive an unexpected crisis or event that temporarily closes your business.  Continuity plans include:  A Communications Strategy Communication is critical for informing employees, suppliers, and customers […]

April 15, 2024, Prince George, British Columbia – As Tourism Week 2024 arrives, tourism operators, businesses and organizations are welcoming the opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contribution tourism makes to our communities. Northern BC Tourism will be spending Tourism Week 2024 highlighting the positive economic and social impacts of tourism in our economy.  “Tourism plays […]

NBCTA provides seed funding for the project through the Province of BC's Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI) and covers gathering the content, design, and installation of these signs. Before proceeding, long-term maintenance agreements for the care of the signs must be in place. The Thematic Framework and Great Northern Circle Route Signage Master Plan remain guiding documents.  The Thematic Framework is the […]

The BC Tourism Climate Resiliency (BCTCR) Initiative is a provincial project that focuses on building a foundational program to support a resilient tourism sector that is prepared to adapt to climate change. Sustainability doesn't have to be overwhelming - this initiative is set up to help understand sustainability and where you can make adjustments that help improve […]

The Iconic Destination Signage Program is the design, fabrication and installation of nearly $1M in interpretive signage infrastructure across Northern BC. This program is funded by the TRTDI and is a continuation of almost a decade of work starting with the Destination Development Strategies and continuing to include the Thematic Framework and Great Northern Circle […]

The Northern BC Tourism Resiliency Program is focused on providing local businesses with practical and practicable strategies and guidance for enduring the daily challenges and the significant events that affect the tourism industry. This program is incredibly flexible in what support it can provide to the business or organization.  Since the spring of 2020, over […]

Northern BC Tourism provides in-region support for Destinations BC's Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program, an application-based program that funds community and sector-driven marketing initiatives. This winter, we're excited to launch campaigns that showcase the unique beauty and experiences of the season Northern BC is most known for - winter! Northeast BC Welcome to the 'Home of Big […]

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) in the top Northeastern corner of the province is an expansive area made up of many small communities spread over 85,000km2 of land. It is also the location of a successful vermicompost system which facilitates the composting of organics into premium-quality soil enhancer which can be applied right back to the […]

All the Beach You Can Eat is a Northern BC Tourism stakeholder located on North Beach in Haida Gwaii. They offer off-grid cabins right on the beach for visitors to stay at. North Beach is an un-manicured original treasure, and the five unique beach cabins are designed to provide comfort within a wild setting. Thanks […]

Introducing our 2023/24 Board of Directors: Ceilidh Marlow - Chair (Northwest Region Director) Executive Director, Tourism Prince Rupert Ceilidh Marlow is the Executive Director of Tourism Prince Rupert. With a background in public relations, fundraising, and project management, Ceilidh brings a wealth of experience from her time working at the Museum of Northern BC and […]

Through the Accessibility Enhancement Fund, the Olde Time Trolley Company in Prince Rupert was provided with funding to help repair the lifts on the trolley's to be fully operational, allowing the tours to be accessible for all visitors. Global Port Holdings, which manages the Prince Rupert Cruise Port, even posted a "Love Letter to Prince […]

Every month Northern BC Tourism Association sends out a monthly corporate newsletter as a way to share the important work that we do with our partners on behalf of the northern BC tourism industry. Click the links below to access past newsletters: 2024 Newsletters May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 2023 Newsletters […]

Re: NBCTA Board of Directors Call for Nominations  Northern BC Tourism Association is looking for new individuals who understand and support the important role tourism plays in our region to join our Board of Directors.  There are 4 positions available; Please fill out the attached nomination form to nominate someone for these positions. The deadline to submit nominations is […]

Northern BC for All: Breaking Down the Barriers for Enhanced Visitor Experience, Half-Day Accessibility and Inclusion Workshop What is Accessible Tourism? Why should I care? What’s in it for me? Join us for a transformative half-day Accessibility and Inclusion Workshop designed specifically for the tourism sector. This workshop willempower you with the essential knowledge and […]

Thank you to Sam Anthony Möbius for sharing the following story about his drive from Key West, Florida up to Anchorage, Alaska in an Electric Vehicle. This story was originally shared in the Alaska Highway Facebook Group and is being republished with permission from the author. ** I finished my drive from Augusta, GA down […]

The District of Tumbler Ridge has brought in 200 FoodCyclers as part of a pilot program to support food waste management in the community. The FoodCycler is a device that grinds and dries out food waste—from vegetable peels to chicken bones—and turns it into a biomass product that can be used as a soil additive […]

Emergency Communications The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) is working with provincial and community organisations to improve outcomes for destinations in a crisis situation. Wildfires, landslides, and flooding have arrived in our province. These crises have affected many regions of British Columbia in a short period of time. While prevention of these disasters would be […]

What is National Indigenous Peoples Day? June 21, 2023, National Indigenous Peoples Day, is a day for Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and valued contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people. National Indigenous People’s Day is held on the summer solstice as an acknowledgment of the many generations of […]

Tourism Prince Rupert is proud to announce that with the delivery and installation of our final two containers, our new outdoor marketplace in Cow Bay is complete and open for business! With the official opening of the site comes an opportunity to give it a name that pays homage to the long history of the […]

Cycle 16 is a 12-kilometer multi-use trail that will seamlessly connect Telkwa and Smithers. This paved trail is a game-changer, providing a safe transportation option for people of all ages and fitness levels. Last Saturday, June 10th, they celebrated the Grand Opening of Phase 1, exactly one year after the groundbreaking in 2022! The event […]

Creating accessible spaces helps ensure everyone can experience Northern B.C.’s amazing attractions. Thanks to an investment from PacifiCan through the Tourism Relief Fund, more visitors with accessibility requirements will be able to explore Northern B.C.  With this funding, the Northern BC Tourism Association created the Accessibility Enhancement Program. Launched in April 2022, the program has […]

NBCTA, Destination BC, and Indigenous Tourism BC have scheduled destination development planning sessions to create a regional destination development strategy that integrates the results from our Northeast and Northwest Destination Development Strategies. This important work will also prepare the region for success to deliver iconic experiences as part of Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics Strategy.  Your […]

April 24 - 28 is Tourism Week in 2023 and the theme this year is CANADA: Powered by Tourism! The rebuilding of Canada’s visitor economy is now underway, but there’s a long way to go before tourism reclaims being the $105-billion economic powerhouse it was pre-pandemic. On this page, you will find many different tools, […]

Northern BC Tourism provides in-region support for Destinations BC's Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program, an application-based program that funds community and sector-driven marketing initiatives. This summer, we're excited to launch three campaigns that showcase the unique beauty and experiences of Northern BC. Visit Northeast BC "The Big Five" Our Northeast BC campaign focuses on making the "Big […]

Being prepared to travel to meet our tourism colleagues and industry partners at an event, workshop, or stakeholder meeting is something folks in the tourism industry accept and most of the time, enjoy.  Whether a road trip or a flight, making travel arrangements is relatively easy, and reasons for selecting accommodation can range from price to convenient location […]

How Highway 16 has turned into an unlikely mountain bike mecca in British Columbia’s north. Read the full article in British Columbia Magazine.

The first intake of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN) is now open! This program provides one-on-one support and resources to tourism businesses looking to incorporate sustainability into their operations. This opportunity to learn and plan for a more sustainable future is offered by the five regions of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), including […]

Pictured above: Behind the scenes of a content shoot featuring the arts & trails TRTD project. This content production is in partnership with Freehub Magazine.  Through the Province's Stronger BC economic recovery plan (Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative - TRTDI) is funding the Art, Sculpture & Trail Initiative. This initiative developed partnerships between Northern BC Tourism […]

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Northern BC Spark Program after the finalist pitch session on January 11, 2023. The three finalists who made winning pitches for the Northern BC “Spark” Program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas. Click […]

We are thrilled to be launching the Spark Tourism Mentorship and Grant program in Northern BC, with our partners across the region. Have you got a new tourism idea that will increase visitation to the region or create a new high-quality experience? This program is designed to assist you in developing the idea through the support of […]

On the archipelago of Haida Gwaii, two courses operate purely for the love of the game. Read the full article on scoregolf.com

Like almost any small commercial marina, the one in Kitimat in British Columbia, Canada, offers a vista of bobbing prawn boats, orphaned trailers and jumbles of rusting mystery equipment. Read the full article in Men's Journal article here.

Roam British Columbia, a road trip along the Fraser River to the Burnie Glacier Chalet including El Shaddai Ranch, Prince George, Salmon Valley Campground, The Adventure Bus, and the Burnie Glacier Chalet near Telkwa. Read the article

August 10, 2022 – For Immediate Release Northern BC Region Officially a Biosphere Certified Destination Northern BC Tourism was excited to receive the Biosphere Certified Destination status on July 20, 2022, from the Responsible Tourism Institute. Northern BC has received this status, one of only 35 globally and only 5 in Canada, demonstrating a commitment […]

Northern BC Tourism is dedicated to the sustainable development of the tourism sector in our region.  We believe that this commitment is at the core of protecting and nurturing the amazing assets that bring so many visitors to our region each year. Sustainability is about so much more than just the environment and we believe […]

Through the Province of BC's Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI), Northern BC Tourism Association, Ride Valemount (VARDA) and other sponsors, were able to fund the construction of the Zen Garden Trail and two kiosks in the new Swift Creek staging area at Valemount Bike Park. This project, adds more variety to the trail […]

March 11, 2022 The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) has been recognized with a 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Award in the category of Community Contribution & Impact.  The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional […]

January 11, 2022 Prince George, BC - Accessible washrooms, trail upgrades and new signage are just a few of the completed projects in Northern BC this year as part of the Province of BC’s Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI).  In early 2021, Northern BC Tourism Association, in partnership with community destination management organizations, […]

Through the Province of BC's Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI), which Northern BC Tourism Association is managing and distributing, money was invested in the Tumbler Ridge Pump Track, which opened in July 2020. This looped and bermed paved track is the first of its kind in Northeast BC and offers a low-impact activity […]

Through Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Funding (TRTDI) and a partnership with BC Parks, a new accessible pit toilet has been installed along the Alaska Highway at Buckinghorse River. Amenities such as this are valuable assets for visitors and also important for corridor development work in Northern BC.

Through the Province of BC's Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI), Northern BC Tourism Association has funded the installation of Universally Accessible Infrastructure at eight high use visitor sites in the region. This project will increase the presence of facilities, infrastructure, and services that support universal design which enhances the experience for residents and […]

Northern BC Tourism has invested in a research program through the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat. The data is obtained from the Environics Analytics Visitor View Canada Program and allows us to see the volume of visitors to Northern BC, as well as the types of visitors who are coming to our region. You can view […]

Northern BC Tourism has invested in a research program through the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat. The data is obtained from the Environics Analytics Visitor View Canada Program and allows us to see the volume of visitors to Northern BC, as well as the types of visitors who are coming to our region. You can view […]

Northern BC Tourism has invested in a research program through the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat. The data is obtained from the Environics Analytics Visitor View Canada Program and allows us to see the volume of visitors to Northern BC, as well as the types of visitors who are coming to our region. You can view […]

Destination BC actively supports the development and improvement of accessible tourism products, services, and activities to ensure every person can participate in BC’s transformative experiences. In 2019, they added an Accessibility feature within business listings. To date, over 500 tourism businesses have added the Accessibility feature to their HelloBC listing, helping to build consumer confidence […]

READ ARTICLE >> Pristine wilderness dotted by ancient village sites so protected that only 12 people at a time are allowed to step ashore -- this is Canada's final frontier, a remote archipelago off British Columbia's northernmost coast.

READ ARTICLE >> Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest remaining temperate rain forests in the world and also home to the rare white Kermode Bear!

READ ARTICLE >> We are very excited to share that Haida Gwaii is number 26 on the list of 52 places to visit in 2020 put out by the New York Times. Excerpt from the feature: "On this isolated archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, you’ll see more bald eagles than people on hiking […]

READ ARTICLE >> We all suffer from not being fully engaged. It’s hard, but so is the everyday swirl of life. Don’t fret, the workplace hamster-wheel can be reset by powder to the face, snowshoeing in the woods and taking time to learn a new skill.

Lava beds and other reasons to love northern British Columbia. READ ARTICLE >> Wandering quietly and cautiously down a small, stoney path, I am surrounded by dramatic lava beds that I didn’t know existed in Canada. It was here in the mid-1700’s that a volcanic eruption sent lava spewing out of a crater, down a […]

Khutzeymateen Grizzlies READ ARTICLE >> A guided tour through the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary offers breathtaking views of two of B.C.’s largest predators

On June 7-11 2021 the Nisga’a Community of Gitlaxt’aamiks hosted an Economic Development week for entrepreneurs in their community, which geared towards assisting indigenous owned businesses information to become market ready as well as gathered facilitators to present opportunities to create a sustainable business that would be beneficial to locals and visitors. Gitlaxt’aamiks Village Government-Economic […]

June 4, 2021, Prince George, British Columbia – Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA), recently surveyed residents regarding their perceptions and understanding of tourism in the region. From May 17th - 21st, 2021 Northern BC Tourism surveyed a sample of 1277 residents from our region regarding their understanding of the tourism industry as well as their […]

May 20, 2021 Prince George, BC - National Tourism Week (May 23-30) traditionally signals the kick-off of tourist season, and the CEO of Northern BC Tourism is encouraging people in the region to celebrate the occasion by staying local and supporting local tourism businesses. Clint Fraser says the health and safety of British Columbians needs […]

April 22, 2021 Prince George, BC – To commemorate World Earth Day, Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) today signed a letter of commitment to pursue a Responsible Tourism Institute Biosphere certification; an international designation that aligns with 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations. NBCTA joins three other regional destination management organizations (Cariboo Chilcotin […]

February 1 2021, Prince George, British Columbia – Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA) and the seven northern Community Futures announced today that the organizations have entered a formal partnership, working collaboratively to support businesses in the Northern BC region through the COVID19 pandemic. The newly formed partnership will build on existing informal relationships, establishing […]

On behalf of the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and Destination British Columbia, the Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) is pleased to announce the funding of 13 projects under the provincial catalyst funding, established to mitigate the social and economic impacts of the 2019 mill closures on rural communities through strategic […]

In early 2021, Northern BC Tourism Association received $2.3 million to invest in regional tourism development.  As part of the Province’s Stronger BC economic recovery plan B.C.’s six tourism regions will receive a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and spur economic diversification within communities.  Twelve new destination and tourism infrastructure […]

Indigenous Tourism BC and the Northern British Columbia Tourism Association has renewed their Memorandum of Understanding to advance a competitive, sustainable and socially conscious Indigenous tourism industry while contributing to cultural understanding and economic prosperity within the northern region.  This is a guiding document that ties the organizations together to foster the growth of the Indigenous tourism […]

Northern BC Tourism Association is excited to announce Lori Slater has come on board as the Access & Inclusion Team Member. This position has been made possible through the Neil Squire Society’s Working Together with Employers and Enhancing Employment Program (WTEEE) and a partnership with Spinal Cord Injury BC. Lori will be conducting audits of […]

In the face of adversity due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, many tourism businesses in British Columbia have reached out to be part of the Tourism Resiliency Program launched by the BC Tourism Resiliency Network. Northern BC Tourism Association has recently hired two new Business Resiliency Specialists who will be working directly with […]

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has granted the use of its Safe Travels stamp to Northern BC. This stamp allows travellers to easily recognize destinations and tourism businesses around the world that have adopted globally standardized health and hygiene protocols to ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. Tourism stakeholders in Northern […]

Western Economic Diversification Canada Announces $1-million FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 4, 2020, B.C. -- The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) will receive $1-million in funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada to fund the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network. Evolving from a program initiated by Tourism Vancouver Island, the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is […]

The Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark is a community driven project celebrating fossils and landscapes of international significance found in the Peace Region. When the global pandemic hit and they had to close the Visitor Centre, their team started thinking of ways to support the town, recognizing that tourism would come later in the recovery […]

April 24, 2020 MESSAGE FROM THE HONOURABLE LISA BEARE MINISTER OF TOURISM, ARTS AND CULTURE With each passing week, people across our province and around the country continue to sacrifice for the greater good of our communities. Those working in the tourism and hospitality sectors were among the first to feel the effects of physical […]

In an effort to keep industry informed on the fast-moving COVID-19 pandemic, Destination BC is sending out regular bulletins in place of monthly Directions emails for the foreseeable future.  Subscribe to Directions for the latest updates from us on COVID-19 as it relates to BC tourism. General Information & Resources: Destination Canada: Updates on the COVID-19 Situation […]

Never have we been faced with a challenge like the one currently being presented as we collectively battle to slow the spread and flatten the curve of the COVID-19 virus worldwide. In our local and regional communities across British Columbia, where tourism is the largest employer and often the main source of revenue generation for […]

Northern BC Tourism will receive $200,000 in catalyst funding to support strategic planning and destination development in rural communities. This funding is part of $1 million announced yesterday by the Province to support rural communities impacted by mill closures across the province.  “British Columbia is an amazing place with unparalleled natural beauty that we are proud […]

Tatuk Lake Wilderness Resort is located 78 km from Vanderhoof in Northern BC and their tagline is ‘accessible for everyone’. This remote backcountry resort with rustic cabins overlooking Tatuk Lake is the ideal getaway from city life. Amazing fishing, ATV and hiking trails and more. To top it off, Tatuk Lake Resort offers a fully […]

Looking for some ways to take your marketing to the next level in 2020? Making sure your TripAdvisor account is up-to-date is a good start! HelloBC.com business listings are pulled in to the site from TripAdvisor. Here are some considerations to ensure your TripAdvisor and HelloBC listing is at its best. It’s no secret that we are […]

Our content team was recently in Dawson Creek at the 2019 Word Junior A Challenge in Dawson Creek, working in partnership with Tourism Dawson Creek and Hockey Canada to produce content to promote sports tourism in the community.  We are also hard at work in post production for content projects from Tumbler Ridge, Pouce Coupe […]

Lucy, April and Clint attended the International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Kelowna in November. The conference theme was to inspire communities and entrepreneurs to explore tourism as an economic driver, focus on the impacts of Indigenous tourism on visitors and Indigenous operators alike and spoke to the power of partnerships and coming together to empower the […]

NBCTA’s Destination Development Specialist, April Moi, and Indigenous Tourism Specialist, Lucy Martin, joined Marketing and Communications Specialist, Amber Harding, in Fort St. John on November 26 and 27 to discuss the implementation of the 10-year Northeastern BC Destination Development Strategy with stakeholders. This facilitated session was attended by 24 tourism champions involved in the Destination […]

Indigenous peoples’ representatives worked for more than two decades to achieve the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which was adopted by 144 countries, with 11 abstentions, and 4 countries voting against it. The four opposing states have since reversed their positions and endorsed the Declaration. So, what does this mean for […]

Last winter, NBCTA played a support role and offered logistics guidance to a large scale video production in partnership with Toyota Canada and both Forecast Ski Magazine and King Snow Snowboard Magazine. The six episodes promoting skiing and snowboarding around the communities of Smithers, Terrace and Stewart are currently being released through both Toyota and […]

The Tetachuck Wilderness Lodge, like many tourism operators in Northern BC, was affected by the 2018 fire season. In 2019, they offered guided hikes to their guests where they talked about the impacts of the fires and explain how it’s not just a negative thing, but an opportunity for the forest to rejuvenate. In owner […]

Plans are coming together for the Implementation Session for the 10-year Northeastern BC Destination Development Strategy. This initial kick-off workshop is being held in Fort St John on the evening of November 26 and a full day workshop on November 27. Many members of the original Working Committee have agreed to participate. As well, invitations […]

Snorkeling with Salmon is Your Next Underwater Adventure READ ARTICLE >> Desperate to swim with a spawning salmon, I fling myself into the Kispiox River even though the fish are late and haven’t been seen yet this year. They don’t call this murky, winding waterway the “hiding place” for nothing. Before I can search the […]

For real adventure in British Columbia, head to The North READ ARTICLE >> THE SKEENA RIVER slices through northern British Columbia, serving as an important lifeline for the communities along its banks from the headwaters in the Spatsizi Plateau until it spills into the Pacific Ocean 350 miles downstream. The Skeena’s deep turquoise water contrasts […]

Northern BC Tourism’s April Moi and Lucy Martin joined Indigenous Tourism BC, Destination BC and industry partners and tour operators at the Nisga’a Tourism Pilot Tour from July 12-16, 2019 in the Nisga’a' territory in the Nass Valley to learn about the tourism opportunities in each of the four Nisga’a villages - Gingolx, Gitwinksihlkw, Laxgalts’ap […]

The Fort St. John Chamber of Commerce hosted an Indigenous Celebration on June 12. The event was sponsored by BC LNG Alliance and began with a visit to Tse’K’wa (Rock House) at Charlie Lake, an 8 acre property owned by Doig River, Prophet river, and West Moberly. According to archaeological evidence, the cave site at […]

To celebrate Tourism Week and acknowledge the operators, employees, suppliers, destination marketing organizations, visitor centres, sectors, and others who contribute to this important industry, we are inviting stakeholders from every community to spread the word about the power of tourism in British Columbia. This initiative is part of a concerted effort to showcase local tourism […]

In HBO's highly publicized worldwide scavenger hunt, For the Throne, six replicas of the Iron Throne from the popular TV series Game of Thrones were placed around the world. The thrones spanned six countries and three continents. As part of our role to support film production in Northern BC, we were proud to play a part […]