Vancouver Island North Tourism (VINT) has announced it is accepting applications for events and experiences taking place in 2025 (and up to March 31, 2026).
Natalie Stewart, VINT's Tourism Development Specialist, noted the fund is a new one that was created in early 2025 with the purpose behind it to "enhance experiences and events that attract visitors to the Vancouver Island North Region, to increase the length of stay, and to encourage shoulder season travel."
Stewart said applicants can now apply to receive a maximum funding contribution of $5,000.
"Applications will be considered on a rolling intake until all funding for the year is awarded," she added. "Funding notifications will be issued within three weeks of the application submission. Eligible applicants must be a registered Vancouver Island North Tourism stakeholder. There is no cost to become a registered stakeholder."
According to VINT's website, The Events & Experiences Fund invests in "the creation and enhancement of experiences, events, and festivals that attract visitors to the Vancouver Island North Region and improves the region’s competitive appeal as a preferred multi-night destination on Vancouver Island. Priority will be given to events that take place in the off-peak season (Spring, Fall, Winter) to align with Vancouver Island North’s goals of seasonal dispersion. Events and experiences that foster interest from new product sectors and new visitor demographics are encouraged."
"To qualify for funding, events and experiences must attract visitors from outside of the Vancouver Island North Region to increase tourism visitation and spending by generating overnight stays within the Regional District of Mount Waddington Electoral Areas A, B, C, & D and the Village of Port Alice, District of Port Hardy, Town of Port McNeil and the Village of Alert Bay," stated Stewart. "Tourism-related businesses, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous organizations in the Vancouver Island North Region are encouraged to apply."
Completed applications must be submitted by e-mail to natalie@vancouverislandnorth.ca
All additional details and links can be found on VINT's website.
