Dear WTA Community,

We are moving the needle. We still have a long way to go, but good things have happened over the winter. We recently attended an evening with BC Premier Eby and the Honourable Lana Popham (BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport); we are feeling optimistic that real steps are being taken to build a more sustainable future for generations to come. And a more sustainable future for BC wilderness tourism as well.

There were two big pieces of news over the past month…both of them significant victories for forests and fish—and all the biodiversity surrounding them.

1. Better Forest Protection: BC Premier Eby announced the striking of a clause that gave logging operations priority over forest protection.

2. Win for Wild Salmon: The Honourable Joyce Murray, Federal Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that licences would not be renewed for fish farms in the Discovery Islands, a major migration route for wild Pacific salmon.

The WTA, and our various circles, have been advocating for many years on these issues. We will continue to push for change and we still have lots of work to do…but we will also allow ourselves a pat on the back as our initiatives are seeing results.

Read on to learn more about the news above and also find out about some great educational member offerings…we are gearing up for a fantastic 2023 in the wild.

Thank-you to our supporters!

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.

Standing up for Forests

WTA Board Members, Kathy MacRae and Ross Campell, recently attended the Old Growth Multi Sectoral Forum and shortly afterwards BC Premier Eby announced the removal of the ‘without unduly reducing timber supply’ clause from forest legislation. This infamous clause gave the logging industry ‘carte blanche’ to harvest timber even if it meant destroying precious habitat and disrupting biodiversity. This is great news and swift implementation is key as our forests are disappearing. Below is an article that explains the scenario.

Outer Shores, is an award-winning, niche adventure travel company specializing in small-group wildlife and cultural expeditions based from a gorgeous classic wooden schooner, Passing Cloud. They offer itineraries to Haida Gwaii, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and the Great Bear Rainforest. Outer Shores also recently opened a cozy new lodge in Bamfield that offers guests an all-inclusive experience in a unique coastal setting. This area is one of BC’s best kept secrets.

At the heart of Outer Shores is their mission to contribute to the conservation and well-being of the ecosystems, cultures, and communities of coastal British Columbia. They believe that providing first-hand experience and understanding of some of the most spectacular wildlife and ecosystems on the planet is key to protection and preservation.