Dear WTA Community,

One minute we are in full summer sitting outside on a warm evening wearing t-shirts. The next, we are donning puffy jackets and toques while kicking through the autumn leaves.

For many of our operators, November is a coveted time of rest after a busy season. But it is also a time of preparation for next year. Lodgings are closed up for winter. Boats are scrubbed down. Equipment is inventoried and tucked away. Staff recruitment is already happening for next year. Future bookings are rolling in. Itineraries are being carefully planned. Marketing initiatives are in the works. Niggly administrative tasks are tended to. And there is always the constant stewardship of the land and the seas—that never stops for our members. The protection of the precious areas upon which we all operate is always on our minds…and that is why our members are part of the WTA. Our membership applications are open for 2023- we’d love to have you join us if your values align with ours (see below). It can be lonely out there in the wilderness and we are collectively doing great things.

Read on to learn why we added our name on a letter to government asking for better management of our forests. In this newsletter we also share details about the Reconciliation work that we are doing. And we’ve got a treat of a member spotlight for you too!

Enjoy the last of the falling leaves…

Jeneen Sutherland

Executive Director, Wilderness Tourism Association of BC

Our collection of wilderness adventures is vibrant and varied, each offering unique opportunities to connect with the land, wildlife and people of British Columbia. In this section, you can expect to find the latest travel tips and inspiration to help you prepare for your next big adventure.

We believe in a sustainable future for British Columbia’s wilderness tourism industry, and a significant aspect of that work is education and awareness-building around environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism. This section will keep you looped in on news and updates that impact the outdoor spaces we all love, because protecting BC's wilderness is a collective effort.

BC’s Forests Being Used for Wood Pellet Production—Some of them Old Growth!

Did you know that BC’s forests (some of them Old Growth) are being chopped down and used for wood pellet production? Yes, you read that correctly…wood pellets have been hailed as a renewable source of energy and the BC government has allowed foreign investment to destroy forests so that these pellets can be produced for use all over the globe. What…destroying Old Growth for wood pellets? It’s true, and in fact, Britain’s largest power plant, Drax Power Station, the Kingpin of the industry, has big plans for expansion in Canada. The WTA, along with the Fish, Wildlife & Habitat Coalition, signed a letter asking government officials to investigate this practice and step up with better Old Growth protection. Below is a CBC article that explains the scenario.

Mothership Adventures is a family run business dedicated to providing guests with a wilderness adventure vacation beyond their expectations, in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. The crew is passionate about sharing their love of British Columbia's coast. Guests are provided with attentive service, great food, a spotless ship (read more about the Columbia III here) and a warm family atmosphere while exploring spectacular coastlines.

The 2022 operating season has come to a close and the historic Columbia III is now safely tucked away at her winter home on Sonora Island. Here she will undergo her regular winter refit under the delegation of Ross Campbell and his crew while under the protection of her custom-built houseboat shed — a godsend in BC’s inclement winter climate. 

You can stay up-to-date with the maintenance season by following the Mothership Adventures Blog. Captain Ross provides all sorts of insight into what actually goes on during the winter, helpful tips here and there, and always a good splash of humour.