July 2025: A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Members & Partners,
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the height of our incredible wilderness tourism season. It is a great start as Executive Director for the Wilderness Tourism Association (WTA), in this dual position also serving as Policy Director for the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC).
This collaboration marks an important evolution in how we champion the issues that matter most to you – land access, responsible development, sustainability, labour, regulation, Indigenous partnerships, and more. Our shared values and common challenges make this integration both timely and strategic.
Over these first weeks, I’ve begun connecting with regional partners, meeting with government officials, and attending cross-sector working groups. This is a critical time for our sector. I am honoured to take on this role and commit to working tirelessly on your behalf. As always, your insights are invaluable.
Please feel free to reach out to connect, share concerns, or get involved. Thank you for your continued dedication to BC’s wilderness tourism future.
Warm regards,
Cassandra Zerebeski
ed@wilderness-tourism.bc.ca
#ExploreWildBC
Knight Inlet Lodge
As one of the busiest months of the year for tourism in BC, July holds lots of opportunities for travel, sight-seeing, and wilderness activities- but it’s important that we enjoy the wilderness sustainably.
We’re once again calling on all travellers to take the #ExploreWildBC Pledge, to help protect and restore BC’s wilderness. The Pledge offers tips for enjoying wilderness responsibly, and is a great resource for embarking on journeys in BC.
When travelling, remember to keep best practices for exploring BC in mind:
Tread Lightly: Stay on marked trails, respect seasonal closures, and avoid disturbing sensitive habitats.
Respect Wildlife (and Locals): Give animals plenty of space, never feed them, and remember that rural and Indigenous communities are not part of the attraction — they’re your hosts.
Pack It In, Pack It Out: Leave no trace of your visit — this includes micro-trash like wrappers and fishing line. Even better? Pack out a little extra if you find it.
Travel Off-Peak and Support Locally: Reduce your footprint by visiting lesser-known spots and supporting small, locally owned guides, accommodations, and artisans.
Learn Before You Go: Brush up on Indigenous territories, local etiquette, and area-specific conservation efforts so you can travel with awareness and gratitude.
Are you Loving BC to Death?
Sea-to-Sky Destination Management Council
Speaking of responsible tourism, check out Don't Love It To Death, a campaign launched by the Sea-to-Sky Destination Management Council. We love BC's wilderness, but we all need to remember that if we’re not careful, we’ll lose these natural spaces. On the campaign website, you can learn about our current impacts and how to be a responsible tourist and local.
Member Feature: Broken Islands Lodge
Broken Islands Lodge
Broken Islands Lodge is a premier kayaking destination and west coast adventure lodge located in the stunning Broken Group Islands on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Come kayak for the day -or days- in the sheltered waters among the Broken Group Islands and Pacific Rim National Park for an unforgettable wilderness experience!
The lodge is accessible only by water- guests are encouraged to unplug and embrace the off-the-grid experience and breathtaking wilderness. Broken Islands Lodge has packages available now- see the link below to book!
