By Pat Bell
Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
July 16, 2012

VICTORIA - Recently named by Travel+Leisure Magazine as the top island in the Continental U.S. and Canada, Vancouver Island is also its tenth-ranked island in the world and home to some of the magazine's top rated Canadian resorts.

Vancouver Island is renowned for its epic scenery and warm hospitality.

The Island offers a multitude of activities and attractions for locals and visitors. From winery tours in the Cowichan Valley or kayaking in the Gulf Island National Park Reserve to surfing in Tofino or family fun on the beaches in the Parksville area, there is truly something for everyone.

Now that summer weather has finally arrived, I encourage you to explore Vancouver Island with your family and friends. On a warm, sunny evening my personal choice would be a stroll through Victoria's Inner Harbour, followed by fish and chips at Fisherman's Wharf. Further up island, a day trip to Duncan to check-out the BC Forest Discovery Centre or salmon fishing in Campbell River are ideal activities for the whole family.

These and other 'moments' on Vancouver Island 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 throughout 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 B.C. with your family and friends this summer, and share your experiences with others around the world on: https://www.facebook.com/HelloBC

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