The Leadership Institute
Visitor Accommodation Expansion at Hollyhock
Hollyhock is a registered charity and social enterprise located on Cortes Island offering programs focused on leadership, the arts, wellness,…
Culture and Nature-Based Tourism
Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation’s restoration of the Gwa-yas-dums Bighouse in 2014. Image by Amanda Fortier.
Culture and Nature-Based Tourism
Cared for well, the living cultures, shorelines, and landscapes of Vancouver Island and the coast are a lasting source of local prosperity. We focus our investments on permanent visitor attractions that draw more people to the region for Indigenous, cultural, and nature-based tourism experiences, turning visitor spending into durable opportunity for entrepreneurs and local businesses across the region.
We encourage proposals for iconic tourist attractions, the aquariums, ocean and nature discovery centres, cultural and interpretive centres, and other anchor attractions that draw people to the coast, developed and sustained in equitable and responsible ways that distribute income more fairly, maximize local economic benefits, and pay workers living wages.
Through investments in community-owned assets and public infrastructure, we help build a tourism sector that can thrive over the long term: one that responds to climate change, protects cultural and natural heritage, manages visitor impacts responsibly, and keeps the benefits of tourism in the communities that host it.
SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation
Development of SȾÁUTW̱ Tourism Infrastructure
Phase 1 of the project will establish 60 rustic campsites, composting sanitation infrastructure, internal access improvements, and a staffed entrance…
The Loon Foundation, shíshálh Nation
Pacific Ocean Discovery Station (PODS)
Based on years of research and consultation, PODS has been strategically designed to provide economic, demographic, and social opportunities for…
What Projects Do We Fund?
Projects We Fund
- Development of signature destinations that attract new visitation to communities that are aligned with communities’ economic development strategies
- Acquisition or redevelopment of existing tourism assets where there is a plan to reach new markets, strengthen local ownership, develop tourism sustainably, and employ residents
- Wilderness, backcountry, marine or multi-use destination trails that have a clear and comprehensive tourism plan and tourism marketing approach to attract new nature-based and/or cultural focused visitation to local communities
Projects We Do Not Fund
- Projects that do not increase market size but instead compete directly with existing tour operators in the region
- Projects where economic benefits are focused on tourism operators located outside the Trust’s service region or with focus on employing people who are not residents of local communities
- Amenities focused on local recreational use, rather than attracting visitors and generating broader economic benefit
Start the Conversation
However far along you are – an early idea, a plan taking shape, or a proposal nearly ready – the best next step is a conversation. That is where we like to start, and where the best projects usually begin.
We welcome every chance to work alongside you as your project takes shape. Reach out before you start a funding application, while the plan is still forming. When you share where you’re headed, we can help shape it with you and build a strong application together.
We’re available by phone or online, and we’re glad to meet in person, welcoming the opportunity to meet in your community.
