As the snow falls and the holidays quickly approach, many Cariboo Chilcotin Coast residents are eager to get into the spirit and to make special memories with family and friends by enjoying what this region has to offer. One of its most famous citizens, Williams Lake Paralympic athlete, Rick Hansen remembers special times growing up here.

While residents in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast enjoy local holiday activities, they are contributing to B.C.’s economy by spending their vacation dollars nearby. By visiting regional events and venues, they’re not only supporting local businesses but also helping to sustain jobs in the tourism sector.

The province’s tourism sector is strong and growing and a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan. The solid growth in the tourism sector can be linked to a number of factors including provincial tourism marketing efforts, lower fuel prices and direct flights to B.C. Compared to the rest of Canada, in 2014 B.C. was number one in absolute visitor volume growth and had the highest growth rate in total international visitation.

To find out why visitors are making B.C. their destination of choice, experience tourism offerings in your backyard. Here are some activities for your Cariboo Chilcotin Coast staycation:

• Old-Fashioned Victorian Christmas, Barkerville, Dec. 12-14
• Quesnel Farmer’s Christmas Market, Arts and Recreation Centre, Dec. 5
• Quesnel Kangaroos vs Smithers Steelheads, Quesnel Twin Arenas, Dec. 5
• Winter Lights Festival, downtown Williams Lake, Dec. 4-6
• Christmas Market SC Farmers Market, 100 Mile House, 100 Community Hall, Dec. 5
• Santa Free Skate, 100 Mile House, South Cariboo Rec Centre, Dec. 20
• New Year’s Party on the Ice, Nimpo Lake, Dec. 31
• Bella Coola Valley Museum, open daily

British Columbians are urged to spread the news about their fun holiday activities by tweeting about them using #StaycationBC #ExploreBC or #SnowBetterPlace.

Quotes:

Rick Hansen, Williams Lake Paralympic athlete –

“I love spending time during the summer exploring and fishing in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. I also have many fond memories growing up in Williams Lake in the wintertime. There are all kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy with family and friends."

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

“What Rick Hansen says is true about the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, it’s a destination for winter activities. Overall it’s been an amazing year for tourism in British Columbia. We’ve seen growth in visitor numbers from around the world. However, success also includes British Columbians enjoying a staycation and experiencing the world class tourism offerings in their own province. I encourage everyone to take in a holiday activity coming up. Make some memories with loved ones at this time of year.”

Coralee Oakes , MLA Cariboo North —

“From Barkerville’s Old Fashioned Victorian Christmas to Christmas markets and hockey in Quesnel, to the Winter Lights Festival in Williams Lake, there are lots of fun activities for families to enjoy in our region. Get out and explore this holiday season.”

Donna Barnett, MLA Cariboo Chilcotin —

“The possibilities for winter escapes are endless in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. From snowmobiling and skiing, to skating on a frozen lake and taking in the beautiful Christmas lights, there is something for everyone in our special part of B.C. at this time of year.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province invests more than $90 million annually in the tourism sector in every region of our province.
• Tourism builds communities, promotes culture and creates year-round jobs in every region or our province.
• Staycations help boost domestic tourism revenues and local economies and support over 19,000 businesses and 132,000 jobs in the tourism sector in B.C.
• The BC Jobs Plan builds on the strengths of our key sectors and our educated and skilled workforce, keeping our province diverse, strong and growing.

Learn More:

For trip planning in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and around B.C.: http://www.hellobc.com/british-columbia/trip-ideas.aspx

Rick Hansen Foundation: http://www.rickhansen.com/

For more info about Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism: http://www.landwithoutlimits.com/

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/