SERVICES FOR VISITORS OF BC

HEALTH SERVICES FOR TOURISTS FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY 

HEALTH SERVICES FOR CANADIANS VISITING BC 

TOURISM BC 

Tourism services in British Columbia are primarily managed by Destination BC, a provincial Crown corporation, in collaboration with regional partners and Indigenous communities. These services are divided between those for travelers (trip planning and on-the-ground support) and those for the tourism industry (business growth and marketing). 

1. Direct Services for Travelers

If you are visiting or planning a trip, these services provide information, bookings, and navigation support.

• HelloBC (Official Travel Website): The primary digital hub for trip planning. It includes business listings, event calendars, and "Know Before You Go" safety information.

• Visitor Centre Network: Over 100 community-owned Visitor Centres identified by the blue-and-yellow "i" logo. They offer:

  • Professional visitor counseling.

  • Itinerary planning and accommodation booking assistance.

  • Free maps, brochures, and Wi-Fi.

• Mobile Outreach: Many communities deploy mobile visitor units (vans or tents) at major events and trailheads to assist travelers where they are.

• BC Parks & Parks Canada: Management of campsites, day-use areas, and thousands of kilometers of trails. They provide educational programs and interpretive centers.

• DriveBC: A critical service providing real-time road conditions, weather alerts, and highway webcam feeds to ensure safe travel.

2. Indigenous Tourism Services

BC has a dedicated focus on authentic Indigenous experiences through Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC).

• Indigenous Experience Planning: Tools to find First Nations-owned businesses, cultural centers, and traditional stays.

• KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line: (1-800-588-8717) Provides 24/7 culturally safe support for Indigenous travelers or residents in distress.

3. Services for Tourism Businesses & Industry

Destination BC provides resources to help local businesses grow and reach global markets.

Service Name

Description

Learning Centre

Free online resources, templates, and guides for digital marketing, social media, and accessibility.

Co-op Marketing Program

Funding and support for communities and sectors to market themselves collaboratively.

Destination Development

10-year strategic planning to improve infrastructure and tourism experiences in specific regions.

Tourism Events Program

Support for major events (festivals, sporting events) that drive provincial visitation.

Industry Research & Insights

Access to data on visitor demographics, spending patterns, and global travel trends.

4. Regional Tourism Organizations

BC is divided into six tourism regions, each providing localized marketing and development services:

1. Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

2. Vancouver Island

3. Thompson Okanagan

4. Kootenay Rockies

5. Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

6. Northern BC

Destination BC is the provincial Crown corporation responsible for marketing British Columbia as a premier travel destination and supporting the growth of the tourism industry.

As of 2026, they operate through two primary websites—one for travelers and one for the tourism industry.

1. For Travelers: SuperNaturalBC.com

Formerly known as HelloBC.com, this is the consumer-facing site. It is designed for trip planning and inspiration.

• Trip Planning: Maps, itineraries, and "Know Before You Go" travel alerts (including road conditions and emergency updates).

• Accommodations & Activities: Direct links to book hotels, tours, and outdoor adventures.

• Destination Brands: Highlights BC's six "Iconic" routes and regions, such as Rainforest to Rockies and Valleys & Vineyards.

2. For Industry: DestinationBC.ca

This is the corporate and business-facing site. It is used by tourism operators, researchers, and government partners.

• Learning Centre: Resources for digital marketing, business planning, and crisis/emergency preparedness.

• Research & Data: Access to the Tourism Industry Dashboard, which provides the latest stats on visitor volumes and economic impact.

• Grants & Marketing: Information on co-op marketing programs and how to get your business listed on the consumer site.

Key Information for 2026

• FIFA World Cup 2026: Destination BC is currently a major lead in coordinating tourism logistics and branding for the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches being held in Vancouver.

• Sustainability Focus: A major part of the 2025–2028 strategy is "Destination Stewardship," focusing on promoting travel to lesser-known areas of BC to prevent over-tourism in popular hubs.

• Contact: If you are a business owner, you can reach them at brand@destinationbc.ca; if you are a traveler, the best way to get live help is at one of the 130+ Visitor Centres mentioned previously.