Outdoor recreation and B.C.’s Look West: Tourism Sector Action Plan

Credit: Coal Creek Heritage Society

The Province of British Columbia has released the Look West: Tourism Sector Action Plan, outlining a strategy to grow the visitor economy and strengthen tourism’s role in communities across the province.

Outdoor recreation plays an important role in this vision. Trails, rivers, parks, and backcountry landscapes are central to the experiences that attract visitors to British Columbia and support the quality of life enjoyed by residents.

Outdoor recreation already contributes at least $4.8 billion annually to the provincial economy, supports thousands of jobs, and plays a vital role in rural development, community wellbeing, and environmental stewardship. Across the province, recreation opportunities connect people with nature while helping communities attract visitors and support local businesses.

As the province works toward its goal of doubling tourism revenues by 2036, there is an opportunity - and a need - to ensure that outdoor recreation infrastructure, stewardship, and community capacity grow alongside visitor demand.

Outdoor recreation: A foundation of B.C.’s visitor economy

B.C.’s visitor economy generates billions in revenue and supports more than 113,000 jobs across the province.

Many of the experiences that draw visitors to B.C. are rooted in nature-based recreation. Hiking, paddling, mountain biking, skiing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the province’s diverse landscapes encourage visitors to travel throughout the province and experience communities in every region.

Outdoor recreation also plays an important role in supporting rural economies. Trails, campgrounds, recreation sites, and waterways help attract visitors, extend tourism seasons, and create opportunities for small businesses and local tourism operators.

Just as importantly, outdoor recreation contributes to healthy communities, active lifestyles, and meaningful connections with nature.

The critical role of community and volunteers

A defining feature of British Columbia’s outdoor recreation system is the leadership of community organizations and volunteers.

Across the province, volunteer-led recreation clubs and stewardship groups build and maintain trails, manage recreation areas, support safety initiatives, and care for outdoor areas. Their work enhances the visitor experience while protecting the environments that people come to enjoy.

These efforts represent thousands of volunteer hours each year and provide significant social, environmental, and economic value.

As visitation grows, it is essential to ensure these organizations have the support and resources they need to maintain the recreation infrastructure and stewardship efforts that communities and visitors rely on.

Investing in recreation infrastructure

Outdoor recreation infrastructure, such as trails, recreation sites, campsites, blueways, and backcountry access, is the foundation of a thriving recreation and tourism economy.

Many communities are already experiencing increased visitation, and with greater global attention on British Columbia as a destination, demand is expected to continue growing.

Investments in recreation infrastructure can help communities:

• Welcome visitors safely and sustainably

• Protect natural landscapes and wildlife habitat

• Extend tourism seasons and support local economies

• Improve recreation opportunities for residents

Ensuring that recreation infrastructure and stewardship programs keep pace with growing demand will help communities fully realize the economic and social opportunities that outdoor recreation provides.

Looking ahead

Outdoor recreation brings people together, strengthens communities, and supports local economies across British Columbia.

As the province moves forward with the Look West strategy and the Tourism Sector Action Plan, there is a need to further recognize and support the role that outdoor recreation plays in economic development, community wellbeing, and climate resilience.

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC looks forward to continuing to work with government, Indigenous partners, communities, and recreation organizations to help ensure that outdoor recreation remains a strong and sustainable contributor to British Columbia’s future.

With thoughtful investment and collaboration, British Columbia can continue to offer extraordinary outdoor experiences while supporting healthy communities and protecting the natural landscapes that define our province.