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Tourism Grants and Funding in British Columbia for 2026

British Columbia offers a diverse mix of tourism grants and funding programs from provincial, federal, regional, and community sources. Opportunities range from capital projects and destination development to tourism marketing, events, workforce training, accessibility, and sustainability. This directory explains key streams, eligibility concepts, and application guidance to help organizations plan competitive projects across the province.

72 programs available

Frequently asked questions about tourism grants in British Columbia

Here are concise answers to common questions on BC tourism funding, eligibility, and application steps for infrastructure, marketing, events, and workforce projects.

How do I apply for tourism grants in BC?

Start by defining clear outcomes and mapping programs that fit your project scope and geography. Verify eligibility, match requirements, and intake timing, then collect designs, quotes, permits, and letters of support. Complete a concise application with a work plan, budget, and measurement plan. Prepare to report on KPIs such as visitation, room-nights, or trail counts.

Who is eligible for BC tourism funding?

Eligibility varies by program, but municipalities, regional districts, First Nations, non-profits, DMOs, and some for-profit businesses can apply. Applicants must show community benefits, market demand, and project readiness. Many streams require cost-sharing and alignment with destination strategies.

What costs are typically eligible?

Eligible costs often include design, construction, equipment, signage, accessibility upgrades, marketing, research, and project management. Ineligible costs can include land acquisition, regular operations, and costs incurred before approval. Always check each guide for precise rules.

Can MRDT proceeds be combined with grants?

Many communities leverage MRDT to match provincial, federal, or trust funding for marketing and destination development. Confirm stackability and attribution rules to avoid double-claiming. Maintain clear documentation of the proportion funded by each source.

Are there grants for accessibility upgrades at attractions and museums?

Yes. Programs support accessible washrooms, ramps, platforms, tactile maps, and inclusive wayfinding. Accessibility can be a scoring priority, so integrate it into design, budgets, and schedules early.

What is the PacifiCan Tourism Growth Program?

It is a federal regional development stream that has funded non-repayable contributions to expand tourism capacity and extend seasons. Projects should show market demand, export readiness, and collaboration. Check intake timing and eligible costs before applying.

Do BC tourism grants cover digital marketing and booking systems?

Many programs support digital adoption, including website upgrades, online booking, analytics, and multilingual content. Emphasize accessibility, SEO, and measurable conversion improvements. Co-funding and reporting are common conditions.

Are there grants for wildfire or flood recovery?

Recovery and resiliency streams may fund repairs, visitor safety upgrades, and marketing to rebuild demand. Build climate adaptation measures into the project to reduce future risk. Coordinate with regional trusts and provincial programs for stackable support.

Can small tourism businesses apply directly?

In some programs, yes, especially for digital adoption, energy efficiency, EV charging, or scale-up projects. For infrastructure in public spaces, applications are often led by municipalities, DMOs, or non-profits. Partnerships strengthen proposals.

How much match funding is needed?

Match ratios vary, but cost-shared grants commonly require 25–70% from applicants. Clarify whether in-kind is allowed and document all sources early. Build contingency funds to handle price changes and delivery delays.

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