BC Cycle Tourism: Unlocking the Potential
Why Develop BC Cycle Tourism?
People are already engaging in cycle tourism across BC, seeking out bike tour companies, accommodations, restaurants and coffee shops, and related services. But there is not currently concerted BC cycle tourism sector coordination or a single portal to this information.
HUB Cycling’s goal is to better understand the current state of BC cycling tourism and what’s needed to expand it in future. We also intend to make a useful information and trip–planning platform to showcase existing offerings, and attract and encourage more bike tourism.
Bike touring in B.C.'s capital region of Victoria, B.C.
The Benefits of Increasing BC Cycle Tourism
BC can enable its residents to explore our regions and communities in a more environmentally sustain
able way, and attract tourists from across Canada and internationally for rewarding cycle tourism experiences.
This would benefit numerous BC communities and businesses throughout the province. Destination BC recently released a BC Cycle Tourism Sector Profile, confirming potential province-wide economic benefits.
The Link with BC’s Tourism Strategy
BC’s Tourism Strategy includes the objective of promoting safe, responsible and respectful outdoor recreation and ecotourism that provides experiential and economic opportunities from BC’s natural spaces while maintaining strong environmental stewardship.
Successful sustainable growth management reinforces BC’s “Super, Natural” brand and contributes to the province’s unique selling proposition in a world increasingly concerned about human effects on the planet.
Recent Canadian and international tourism trends resulting from U.S. trade and political directions may present an additional provincial impetus to move this project forward ASAP.
Cycle Tourism Development in Other Jurisdictions
Velo Quebec, a parallel organisation to HUB Cycling, is currently undertaking a major project to develop Quebec’s cycle tourism industry.
Velo Quebec’s goal is to replicate resources already in place for other jurisdictions such as EuroVelo.com.
La Route Verte is Quebec’s branding for its provincial cycle route network, and it is already broadly recognised across Canada and internationally.
Moving Forward
HUB Cycling, in collaboration with the BC Cycling Coalition, is prepared to lead a broadly collaborative BC Cycle Tourism Development Project. We have met with the BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports and senior ministry staff to confirm the benefits of this project, and it’s alignment with broader BC government tourism goals. We are hopeful that financial support for the project will be identified soon.
If you're interested in partnering or funding this project, please contact Tim here.
