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Canadian Experiences Fund - Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)

Q: Who is eligible for the Canadian Experiences Fund - Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) program?

To be eligible for the Canadian Experiences Fund - Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) program, you must: Open to diverse organizations including non-profits, for-profits, governments, and industry associations.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Canadian Experiences Fund - Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)?

You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at ACOA.information.APECA@canada.ca.

Q: Where is the Canadian Experiences Fund - Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) available?

The Canadian Experiences Fund - Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) program is available the province of Quebec.

Last Update: February 4, 2026

QC, Canada

Supports tourism projects and regional tourism development.

Grant and Funding

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Processing And Agreement

Contact

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Develop strategic partnerships

Develop a new product

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 500,000 $

Timeline

Open Date : February 3, 2026

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Quebec

Legal structures

Non-profit

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Economic, Social and Community Development

Target groups

All the groups

Revenue structures

100% donations / grants

Scope

Provincial

Overview

The Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) supports the development and enhancement of tourism products, facilities, and experiences across Canada, with priority given to projects that attract international tourists, create jobs, and have a broad regional impact. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) manages the delivery of this fund in Western Canada, providing vital financial assistance to organizations aiming to expand tourism activities, diversify regional tourism offerings, and promote inclusiveness and sustainable growth. The program emphasizes projects that expand winter and shoulder-season tourism, grow rural and remote community tourism, and boost Indigenous tourism, along with initiatives that develop culinary and farm-to-table experiences.

Activities funded

Development of new or improved tourism products and services.
Market readiness training for tourism businesses and organizations.
Creating or upgrading tourism infrastructure and facilities

Examples of admissible projects:

Develop eco-tourism infrastructure to attract international tourists

Organize a cultural festival to promote Indigenous art and tourism

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Non-profit organizations
For-profit businesses (less than 500 FTEs)
Industry associations
Local, provincial or Indigenous governments

Who is not eligible

Organizations not involved in tourism development.
Applicants outside eligible regions.
Projects not aligned with program priorities.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Activities not related to tourism development or enhancement.
Expenses unrelated to project implementation or outcomes.
Projects outside eligible regions or sectors.
Costs incurred before application approval.

Eligible geographic areas

Western Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, and northern Ontario)

Selection criteria

Potential to attract international tourists.
Economic impact across multiple communities.
Leveraged funding from other sources.
Jobs created or sustained.

How to apply

Contact the appropriate federal agency depending on project location.Prepare a project proposal and supporting documentation.Submit the application through the designated channels before the deadline.Await review and response from the funding body.Implement the approved project according to the funding agreement.

Processing and Agreement

Applications are reviewed for eligibility and project alignment by WD.
Applicants will be notified of approval or rejection.
Funding agreements are required before disbursing funds.
Payments are typically made based on project milestones or expense claims.
Progress reports and final evaluations are likely required as part of post-funding obligations.

Contacts

ACOA.information.APECA@canada.ca

QC, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Canadian Experiences Fund - Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canadian Experiences Fund - Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.