Do you love Vancouver Island? Whether you found your way here by moving across the country, growing up with the smell of the ocean right outside your door, or some variation in between, most of us who get to call this spectacular place home are pretty stoked to be here. Since moving to the Island in 1998, I have been exploring its forests, coastlines, lakes, trails, rivers, and back roads—and the many spaces in between. I learn about people and places, and look for ways to help more people (myself included) feel more connected to the communities that surround us. With so much beauty and diversity here, we are so very fortunate.
“For every engaged community member loving their Vancouver Island life, we also have many residents who are unable to experience the joy of exploring where they live”
Not everyone gets to explore
But for every engaged community member loving their Vancouver Island life, we also have many residents who are unable to experience the joy of exploring where they live. Children and adults who have never swum in salt water, camped in a campground, wandered a farmers’ market in a neighbouring town, or road-tripped up Island with loved ones. That’s not right, and for many years I’ve been trying to figure out how I can make a difference.
The research behind the mission
In 2012, I completed field work for my master’s program in sustainable leisure management at a UK charity, the Family Holiday Association (now called the Family Holiday Charity), where I worked alongside the fundraising and programming team to learn how and why they make holidays happen for families who face barriers to participation. I found out about the Family Holiday Charity because I was looking for organizations and research on families and vacations. I had observed and experienced positive family interactions among people who camped while I worked at Living Forest Campground & RV Park in Nanaimo for 12 years, road-tripped with my family, and studied recreation and tourism management during my undergrad before starting my master’s.
Complementing my field work in the UK, I researched and wrote my thesis on local tourism participation on Vancouver Island and how it contributes to the quality of life for residents. I shared that research in an article I wrote for the CV Collective in the summer of 2016.
The case for local tourism
Both during COVID-19 and post-pandemic, domestic and local tourism surged significantly as visitors and hosts realized the many benefits of holidaying close to home. Socially, you connect with people you love, away from the stresses of everyday life; economically, you don’t have to spend so much just to get to the place; environmentally, you reduce your carbon footprint; and culturally, you learn more about the history and present-day lives of neighbouring communities. But again, those benefits are still not being realized by many residents, for economic, social, or systemic reasons.
“LoVE VI is a not-for-profit organization that helps Vancouver Island families with limited resources explore where they live by offering them fully funded one-, two-, or three-night local vacations and experiences”
About LoVE VI
After many years of jotting down ideas and concepts, sharing my dreams of making something happen, and many conversations with friends and family, finally, in 2025, I launched LoVE VI (Local Vacations & Experiences Society Vancouver Island).
LoVE VI is a not-for-profit organization that helps Vancouver Island families with limited resources explore where they live by offering them fully funded one-, two-, or three-night local vacations and experiences.
Our process includes full-spectrum trip planning guidance, so that families learn about budgeting, timing, and time management, types of vacations, considerations for accommodations, food and beverages, transportation, activities and attractions, packing, needs vs wants, decision making, and how to make direct bookings.
The families travel autonomously, but support is available when needed. A LoVE VI trip may be the first time someone has made a reservation at a hotel or travelled away from home overnight for pleasure, so we are creating an organization that meets people where they are at.
I love Vancouver Island, and I think every Vancouver Island family deserves LoVE. I invite anyone who feels the call to get involved with LoVE VI to connect with me.
LoVE VI policies include social procurement best practices, health and safety guidelines, and capacity building for all involved in the process. Learn more at www.lovevi.ca
