The Government of B.C has declared August as the official month of staycations, and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone has taken his ‘staycation’ close to home on the Discovery Coast Circle Tour.

Stone travelled with his family from Kamloops to the coast, up Vancouver Island to Port Hardy, across to Bella Coola, and through the Chilcotin and Cariboo back to Kamloops. The journey included travel on BC Ferries from Tsawwassen to Duke Point, Port Hardy to Bella Coola aboard the Northern Expedition, and from Bella Bella to Bella Coola aboard the Nimpkish.

British Columbians are encouraged to explore local attractions and take in the many summer events, festivals and outdoor markets held in cities and towns throughout the province. Because when you take a staycation, you’re not only supporting vital businesses near home, you’re also contributing to the province’s economy and helping to create jobs in B.C.

Tourism is an important economic driver in British Columbia and is one of the eight key sectors in the BC Jobs Plan. In 2011, the tourism sector generated revenues of $13.4 billion and employed 127,000 British Columbians, almost 1 in every 15 jobs in B.C. The industry supports businesses of all sizes - with approximately 18,000 tourism-related businesses in B.C.

Quote:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

“The Discovery Coast Circle Tour was a great adventure for my family. We enjoyed every moment of our travel, from our arid Thompson region to lush Vancouver Island and through to the wild and scenic Chilcotin and Cariboo via BC Ferries. We’re so lucky to call this rugged, beautiful province home, and I encourage all British Columbians to take a ‘staycation’ and appreciate the beauty of B.C.”

Learn More:

To find out about activities and destinations throughout the province, please visit: www.hellobc.com

British Columbians can join the conversation on Twitter with #staycationbc

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241