Vancouver Specialist Program

09/02/2024

🍸 Discover Vancouver's Craft Gin Scene at the BC Gin Festival!

Vancouver's craft distillery scene is thriving, and gin has become a local favorite, with unique spirits made from regional ingredients. On September 6, 2024, join the first annual BC Gin Festival at the Roundhouse Community Centre. This exciting event, hosted by the Indian Summer Festival team, will feature over 46 local and international gins. Guests can enjoy interactive experiences, sip on creative cocktails, and savor delicious food pairings. Whether you're a gin enthusiast or new to the spirit, come and immerse yourself in all things gin with a lively crowd of fellow fans! Or recommend your clients to add this to their Vancouver itinerary!🍹🎉

Vancouver has a thriving craft distillery scene, with local artisans showcasing their passion and talent in unique spirits. Among local distilleries, gin has become increasingly popular, with many drawing upon local ingredients to give the spirit distinctive flavour. The city’s … Continue readin...

08/30/2024

🌞 Make the Most of Labour Day Weekend in Vancouver!

Celebrate the end of summer from August 31 to September 2 with a variety of exciting events and activities. Enjoy the lively PNE Fair, immerse yourself in the Nikkei Matsuri Japanese Festival, or relax at one of Vancouver’s beautiful beaches. Check out TAIWANFest Vancouver for a cultural experience and catch a performance at Bard on the Beach. With plenty of fun options, it’s the perfect opportunity to soak up the summer sun and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on these fantastic experiences! Check-out our Inside Vancouver blog for more ideas!

For some people, Labour Day weekend marks the end of summer. While there are still a few weeks of warm weather left, it’s the perfect time to bask in the summer sun. In 2024, you can spend time in nature, … Continue reading →

08/28/2024

Attention Melbourne VSPs!
Have you RSVP'd for our exclusive event in Melbourne on September 12th? Don't miss out on an exciting evening with Destination Vancouver and Destination British Columbia. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary scene and discover the winter attractions of Vancouver and BC while enjoying farm-to-table dishes and a wine tasting experience. Make sure to RSVP to secure your spot below:

Destination Vancouver, in collaboration with Destination British Columbia, invites you to an exclusive travel agent event on September 12th, 2024, at the Farmer's Daughters, Melbourne’s renowned venue for exceptional farm-to-table dining and local craft beers and wines.

08/26/2024

When you or your clients visit Vancouver, make sure to stop by Destination Vancouver's new info kiosk in iconic Gastown. Open through September, our friendly volunteers are on hand to offer insider tips on the city's top attractions, events, and dining spots. Let us help you make the most of your time in Vancouver!

08/22/2024

🎉 Turtle Island Festival Returns This Summer!

If you are visiting Vancouver this weekend, get ready for the largest Indigenous and BIPOC festival in North America! The Turtle Island Festival is coming to Sunset Beach on August 24, 2024, from 1pm to 10pm. Formerly known as Circles Festival, this event has grown into a powerful celebration of music, culture, and community. Presented by Decolonial Clothing and Land Back Records, the festival amplifies Indigenous voices, celebrates diverse cultures across the continent, and supports the Indigenous economy by showcasing talented makers and brands. A day of unity, creativity, and empowerment! 🌅🎶

The largest Indigenous and BIPOC festival in North America (Turtle Island) is returning this summer. Since it launched in 2021, Turtle Island Festival has brought together Indigenous and BIPOC artists and cultivated vibrant community through music. Over 4,000 people attended … Continue reading →

08/19/2024

📢 Exciting News: VSP Mobile App Now Available!

The Vancouver Specialist Program (VSP) is now accessible on your mobile devices! Whether you're on Android or Apple, you can continue your learning journey anytime, anywhere with the "TalentLMS" app.

How to get started:

1. Download the TalentLMS app.
2. Enter "vancouverspecialist.talentlms.com" as the domain name.
3. Select "Default" as your branch.
4. Sign in with your username and password.

Don’t wait—download the app today and keep learning as a Vancouver Specialist! 🎓📱

08/14/2024

🌞 Your Guide to Summer Fun at the PNE 🌞
Looking for a summer adventure for all ages? The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) at Hastings Park in East Vancouver has you covered! The annual PNE Fair runs from August 17 to September 2, with events happening all summer long. As travel advisors, you can use this exciting info to help your clients plan their perfect summer outing. Share the details and let them enjoy the fun at the PNE! 🎡🎉

If you’re looking for summer fun for all ages, head to the Pacific National Exhibition at Hastings Park in East Vancouver, known to locals as the PNE. The annual PNE Fair is on from August 17 to September 2, but … Continue reading →

08/12/2024

Trade show season has started! Our Travel Trade team is attending Virtuoso Travel Week from Aug 10 to 16 in Las Vegas. Now in its 36th year, the event brings together over 5,000 Virtuoso travel advisors and representatives from Virtuoso’s network of hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, tourism boards, and more for several days of connecting and networking. Hope to meet you there!

08/07/2024

Vancouver's summer concert season is in full swing! 🎶 Enjoy cool vibes and hot tunes at venues, theatres, and outdoor spots all over the city. Whether you love cozy stages, big concert halls, open-air spaces, or public parks, there's live music everywhere. From indie artists to big-name bands, there's something for everyone. If you are going to be in Vancouver soon, check the dates, grab a ticket, and jam out on a warm summer night! 🌟🎤

Summer concert season in Vancouver is in full swing. Keep cool by enjoying some great music performances and concerts at various venues, theatres, and outdoor settings across the city. Whether it’s a cozy, intimate stage, big concert hall, open-air outdoor … Continue reading →

07/31/2024

🍦 Ice Cream Alert!🍦 If you or your clients are in Vancouver this week, there's still time to indulge in the Vancouver Ice Cream Festival, running until August 5th! With 29 vendors across the city serving up irresistible, limited-time ice cream creations, it's the ultimate summer treat. Share this mouth-watering event and make their visit extra sweet! 😋🎉

Check our Vancouver Ice Cream Festival page. Looking for the best restaurants in Vancouver? From bubble tea to the best seafood, Noms Magazine has a

07/26/2024

🌟 The Travel Trade team at Destination Vancouver had the absolute pleasure of hosting one of the Rocky Mountaineer Learning Journeys FAM tours today! 🚂✨

We had a fantastic time with our FAM attendees, including some amazing Vancouver Specialists. We had the unique opportunity to witness the Vancouver Olympic Torch lighting ceremony at Jack Poole Plaza, in honor of the Paris Olympics which begins today.

Here are some photos from our fun day, including memorable moments on the Capilano Suspension Bridge and at the Olympic Torch. It was a blast! 🤩

07/24/2024

Have you heard about Grinder and Coola - Grouse Mountain's resident grizzly bears? Grinder and Coola are celebrating their annual Bear-thday fundraiser on Saturday, July 27th! If you will be visiting Vancouver this weekend, join in to celebrate their 23rd birthdays with fun educational programs and activities, including the must-see Cake Smash! A portion of the ticket proceeds will support the Grizzly Bear Foundation's project for rewilding grizzly cubs. It's bound to be a beary good time! Click the link to find out more!

Bear-y exciting news – Grouse Mountain’s resident Grizzly bears are turning 23! To celebrate, Grinder and Coola are hosting a Bear-thday Fun-draiser, in partnership with the Grizzly Bear Foundation...

07/23/2024

Harbour Air's Seaplane Tour Wins Viator Experience Award!

Harbour Air is excited to announce that their Vancouver Seaplane Tours have been recognized as a Viator Experience Award winner! 🌟

Their Classic and Extended Panorama tours offer breathtaking views of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, English Bay, Lions Gate Bridge, and the North Shore Mountains. Hundreds of travelers have left fantastic reviews, praising the stunning aerial views, beautiful photos, and unforgettable memories.

Chris Fordyce, VP Commercial at Harbour Air, says, "We are extremely proud to receive the Viator Experience Award 2024. This recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication to providing truly unforgettable and authentic BC experiences."

Thank you to all the amazing travelers and travel advisors for their support! 🛩️📸 Harbour Air looks forward to welcoming more visitors to experience the scenic beauty of Vancouver and BC’s west coast.

07/18/2024

Wrexham AFC are in town next weekend!
Next Saturday July 27, Wrexham AFC will face off against Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Wrexham AFC (a.k.a the Red Dragons) shot to fame in recent years due to the acquisition of the team by Vancouver-native, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The documentary, Welcome to Wrexham, has followed their successful journey since then. The announcement of the game back in April generated significant interest with media and fans alike and we expect there will be a great turnout and perhaps BC Place will feature in season four of the show!

07/12/2024

Vancouver shines in Tripadvisor's Best Experiences 2024!

Six of Canada's top 10 experiences are in Vancouver, with the Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures taking the top spot. This award recognizes businesses with great reviews, placing them in the top 10% worldwide. Prince of Whales' Vancouver Half-Day tour and Sea Vancouver City & Harbour tour ranked first and eighth, respectively. Other top experiences include Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours, Cycle City Rentals and Tours, and Robert Sung Tours.

Check out the full list below:

Tripadvisor - Travellers' Choice Awards. Find out what the best travel experiences in Canada are as awarded by millions of real travellers.

07/09/2024

🌟 Stay in the loop with our Trade Talk Newsletter! 🌟
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/travel-trade/trade-talk-newsletter/

Are you passionate about getting to know what's new and exciting in Vancouver? Stay informed with the latest industry news, sample itineraries, and insights by signing up for our Trade Talk Newsletter! 📬

Don't miss out on:
✅ Exclusive updates
✅ Vancouver Specialist Program Opportunities
✅ Destination highlights
✅ Expert tips and more!

Sign up now and be part of our vibrant travel community!

07/08/2024

Get Ready for an Electrifying Season Canucks Fans! 🚨🏒
The Vancouver Canucks have just unveiled their 2024-2025 season schedule, and it's packed with thrilling matchups and can't-miss games! The excitement kicks off at Rogers Arena on October 9, 2024 with a highly anticipated showdown against the Calgary Flames. What a way to start the season—home ice, intense rivalry, and the energy of Vancouver fans!

For more information on their schedule, please visit their website:
https://ticket.canucks.com/singlegame

07/05/2024

Spring was filled with FAMs, as our Destination Vancouver Travel Trade team welcomed over 242 travel agents, agency owners, and tour operators to Vancouver.

In coordinating and hosting 10 unique itineraries, our team highlighted the city’s spring experiences and culinary highlights to our core markets. Thanks to all who joined us!

Find more itineraries showcasing the best of Vancouver, here:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/travel-trade/itineraries/

07/03/2024

A perfect way to celebrate Canada Day! On June 28, 2024 - ahead of the Canada Day long weekend - Flyover launched their newest flight journey - Awaken Canada!

Awaken Canada offers an immersive flying journey in front of a 65-foot spherical screen. This enhanced Flyover experience celebrates Canada's beauty, diversity, and welcoming spirit, showcasing spectacular landscapes from unique perspectives, such as soaring above Baffin Island, through the sails of the historic Bluenose II, the Prairies, Mt. Logan, the Athabasca Sand Dunes, the Arctic, and more. The use of flight motion seats engineers swoops, dips, and turns to provide the exhilarating feeling of flight, complemented by cutting-edge sound and projection upgrades. The experience utilizes integrated drone technology and classic cinematic helicopter shots, presenting a heightened and breathtaking view of Canada’s most iconic vistas.

After its initial debut in Canada, this upgraded Flyover experience will roll out to other Flyover locations worldwide at a later date.

For more information, please visit https://www.flyovercanada.com/

06/25/2024

🌏✨ Discover the Vibrant Heart of Chinatown with Us! ✨🌏

We are thrilled to announce our latest adventure – A Wok Around Chinatown Tour! From colorful street markets to historic landmarks, this tour is a deep dive into the rich culture and traditions that make Chinatown a must-visit destination.

🛍️ Explore hidden gems and bustling markets
🍲 Savor authentic culinary delights
🏯 Uncover fascinating stories and history
🎨 Experience the vibrant art and architecture

Our recent tour left us mesmerized, and we can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with your clients. This is an excellent opportunity to offer them an immersive journey through one of the most dynamic and culturally rich neighborhoods.

https://awokaround.com

06/19/2024

We have exciting news! 🥳
New tour from Harbour Air!

They just launched a groundbreaking direct service to The Butchart Gardens, with their "Butchart Gardens Flights 'n' Flowers" tour! 🛩🌺

What's included?
- 30-minute scenic seaplane service
- Downtown Vancouver to The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, and back
- 2 hours admission to explore the gardens

Tours will operate Wednesday to Sunday until September 15, 2024!

Harbour Air is excited to announce a groundbreaking direct service to The Butchart Gardens, offering an exclusive travel experience to one of British Columbia's most iconic destinations for the last 120 years. Beginning June 12th, this 30 minute scenic seaplane service will operate from downtown V...

06/18/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Last week, our travel trade team had the incredible opportunity to visit the Museum of Anthropology (MOA), which officially reopened on Friday, June 14th. We conducted a thorough site inspection and were blown away by the stunning exhibits and state-of-the-art facilities.

From the breathtaking art collections to the innovative installations, the MOA is truly a masterpiece. We can't wait to share this amazing experience with all of you and look forward to bringing even more visitors to explore this cultural gem.

05/08/2024

Recently, our team took part in the Inaugural Granville Island Uncorked Tour ✨ This new tour takes guests on a 3-hour journey through Granville Island's artisanal food and drink offerings. The intimate tour — limited to 12 guests — goes beyond the usual routes to uncover the rich stories and unique tastes of locally-sourced food and handcrafted drinks.

Clients will engage with local artisans, learn about their craft, and enjoy exclusive tastings that aren't available to the general public.

Learn more about the Granville Island Uncorked Tour, here: https://bit.ly/3JMGUK8

05/07/2024

Find the newest tours, transportation, hotels, attractions, events, and restaurants from May 2023 until now in our 2024 New Product Guide!

Our guide is designed to be easily printable, providing a handy resource for offline use to share with your clients. Stay tuned, as we’ll be updating the product guide in the fall to include new winter products.

Find the 2024 new product guide, here: https://bit.ly/3Qr9aFV

Find all the up-to-date information you will need in Vancouver's New Product Guide full of information about hotels, restaurants, things to do and more.

05/06/2024

In collaboration with Air Canada, our team’s Training Event in Miami saw the participation of 40 agents eager to learn more about Vancouver, from Air Canada’s nonstop service, to our upcoming VSP Fam Trip.

From October 15 – 20, we’ll host seven Vancouver Specialists from Miami in Vancouver! A draw will be held in July to select the winners of this exciting trip. VSP Specialists, please ensure your profiles are up-to-date and all courses are completed for eligibility.

05/02/2024

Last week, Destination Vancouver was in London to hold a series of events for our UK audience. There, we hosted a special Vancouver-themed MICHELIN dining experience for our UK Vancouver Specialists at Murano London.

As we’re planning for the year ahead, we would love to hear – where do you think our next Vancouver Specialist event should be?

05/01/2024

Happy National Travel Agent Day! Sending a huge shoutout to our Vancouver Specialists; thank you for your expertise, dedication, and passion for creating unforgettable experiences for clients.

04/26/2024

Nature and greenspace are just steps from downtown Vancouver. There are many ways to explore Stanley Park: with a walk along the seawall, by hiking through the rainforest, learning about Indigenous art, relaxing on the beach, or grabbing a bite to eat.

In a city surrounded by nature, Stanley Park adds even more greenspace to the heart of Vancouver. Locals and visitors alike love strolling the seawall, exploring the forest, learning about plants, animals, and Indigenous culture, and so much more. Walk … Continue reading →

04/19/2024

Mountains, beaches, and forests are just steps from — and within — the city! Find six day-trips from Vancouver, here: https://bit.ly/49BKuRN

No car? No problem. It’s easy to explore the forests, mountains, beaches, and islands outside Vancouver on a car-free day trip thanks to public transit, shuttle buses, and ferries.   Lonsdale Quay Market and Capilano Suspension Bridge Combine two of … Continue reading →

04/05/2024

Planning a spring day in Vancouver? Find recommendations for an amazing day in the city complete with visits to gardens, shopping, and incredible food: https://bit.ly/3x82ENw

Spend an amazing spring day in Vancouver immersing yourself in this floral season with visits to gardens, shopping, and incredible food.   Breakfast in Yaletown Start your spring day with coffee and pastries in Yaletown. Head to Matchstick for decadent … Continue reading →