It’s time to enjoy what travellers from around the world came to Vancouver and the coastal mountains for this summer: B.C.’s incredible tourism experiences. Fall for B.C. by enjoying the full range of fun fall staycation activities right in your backyard.

Staycations give British Columbians a chance to enjoy the province’s world-class travel experiences first-hand. Staycations are also a good way to keep your vacation dollars circulating in B.C.’s economy. By visiting regional events and venues, you’re not only supporting local businesses, you're also helping sustain important jobs in the tourism sector.

B.C.’s tourism sector is strong and growing and a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan. As an economic driver in the province, it employs 132,000 British Columbians, almost one in every 15 jobs in B.C. in 2013. The sector also has more than 19,200 tourism-related businesses and paid out $4.5 billion in wages and salaries to tourism workers in 2013 – an increase of 3.8% over the year before.

More and more people are coming to our province. In 2014, 4.65 million international travellers came to B.C. That is a 5.3% increase, and nearly a quarter million more visitors than we welcomed in 2013. As well, so far in 2015 year-to-date visitors are up 8.8% over the same period last year.

Here are some activities for your Vancouver Coast and Mountains Fall for B.C. staycation:

• Top fall drive: Mighty Fraser Circle Route, Vancouver to Boston Bar to enjoy the amazing fall colours.
• Also check out the coastal route from Gibsons to Pender Harbour, Sunshine Coast Highway.
• Take Pride in BC Parks with a visit from the Golden Ears Provincial Park. There’s no charge as parking is free in all provincial parks.
• Do the Grouse Grind, the 2.9 kilometer trail up Grouse Mountain.
• Enjoy Whistler Cornucopia, Nov. 5-15, a celebration of Whistler’s food and drink.
• ·Celebrate the harvest with Vancouver Farmers Markets at RIPE 2015, Oct. 18, Exhibition Hall, Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver.
• Visit the B.C. Craft Beer Awards Festival, a one-day event Oct. 24 at the Croatian Cultural Centre in Vancouver.
• Take in The fourth annual Harrison Beer Festival Oktoberfest, Oct. 16 & 17.
• Book your tickets for the Railtown Culinary Tour in Vancouver until Oct. 30.
• Visit the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in downtown Vancouver.
• Langley Community Farmer’s Market, through Oct. 14, Kwantlen University Campus courtyard.
• Visit the Chilliwack Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm, through Oct. 31.
• Take a walk at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Ladner.
• Get down with Lost 80’s Live with Wang Chung, Naked Eyes, Animotion and When in Rome UK, Oct. 15, River Rock Casino.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –

"It's fall, the summer crowds have gone and it's a great time to enjoy a staycation. It is an opportunity to fall for B.C. and enjoy our amazing province. I encourage British Columbians to staycation and visit one of the six diverse regions that make B.C. stand out as a world class tourism destination."

Sam Sullivan, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek –

“Vancouverites love their city, and fall is the perfect time for families to come together and rediscover all that it has to offer. From craft beer festivals to art shows, this season provides plenty of opportunities for residents to experience the richness and diversity of life in Vancouver.”

Learn More at:

• For more info on Vancouver Coast Mountains tourism: http://www.hellobc.com/vancouver-coast-mountains.aspx