By Pat Bell
Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
June 26, 2012

VICTORIA - The vast landscape of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is as famous for its gold panning and cowboy culture, as it is for its fishing, camping, and paddling routes. This is a region with a past rich in the spirit of adventure, a land settled by entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts, artists and explorers.

From Xwísten experience tours or hikes in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park to guest-ranch stays or cruises on the Discovery Coast Passage with BC Ferries, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region has something for everyone, visitors and locals alike.

With vacation time just around the corner for many families, I encourage you to explore the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region this summer. Hands down, my personal choice would be Barkerville historic town, an experience that is well worth the trip. I'd also recommend canoeing the Bowron Lake circuit or visiting the community of Wells.

These and other 'moments' in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Region and around the province can be found at 100BCMoments.com, part of a new tourism marketing campaign we recently launched to promote B.C. in key North American markets. The '100 BC Moments' campaign features some of the most inspiring and memorable tourism activities from around British Columbia, along with trip ideas and special offers.

Tourism plays a significant role in British Columbia's economy, in every region of the province, in terms of revenue earned by tourism businesses, value added to the economy by tourism activities, and the creation of jobs for B.C. families.

As Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, I invite you to explore and experience B.C. with your family and friends this summer.

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For more information on Barkerville, visit: http://100bcmoments.com/moments/strike-gold-in-historical-barkerville/

* This Op-Ed is the first in a series featuring regional tourism activities.