BC Parks Foundation

“YVR is British Columbia's gateway to the world, so when people arrive at our airport, we want them to feel the beauty of this spectacular place from the very first step.” —Richard Beed, Vice President People and Culture at Vancouver Airport Authority.

Each year, millions of travellers pass through Vancouver International Airport (YVR)—on their way to new destinations, returning home, or stepping foot in British Columbia for the first time. Now, thanks to a new partnership with BC Parks Foundation, every journey through YVR’s Canada Line walkway comes with an introduction to BC’s natural beauty and an invitation to explore it. 

With a $75,000 contribution, Vancouver Airport Authority is helping bring BC’s parks to people in two powerful ways.  

The first is through the Discover Parks program, a joint effort between the Foundation and BC Parks which places Ambassadors in twenty-five provincial parks to spark curiosity, share knowledge, and connect people more deeply with nature.  

Discover Parks Ambassador Beatrice leads a nature walk in Golden Ears Park this summer.

Interpretation was once a hallmark of BC’s parks, reaching nearly a million visitors a year through beloved programs like Jerry’s Rangers. But in the early 2000s, government funding cuts brought those programs to an end—leaving BC as one of the only park systems in North America without consistent in-park interpreters.  

Discover Parks, with the support of partners like YVR, is helping bring that tradition back. Since its launch in 2020, Ambassadors have engaged with more than 800,000 visitors, including 175,000 people this summer alone.

Discover Parks Ambassador Gavin leads a game for visitors to Lac Le Jeune Park this summer.

The second is through a striking experiential window wrap along the Canada Line walkway, spanning 115 windows between the terminal and YVR–Airport Station. The immersive forest scene transforms one of the airport’s busiest corridors into a moment of stillness and beauty—inviting travelers to pause, look closer, and feel connected to the landscapes that define BC. 

"Public spaces like YVR are incredible opportunities to spark curiosity and connection," says Andy Day, CEO of the BC Parks Foundation. "This installation brings a piece of BC’s parks into one of the province’s busiest transportation hubs, reaching millions of people with a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the importance of protecting it." 

"YVR is British Columbia's gateway to the world, so when people arrive at our airport, we want them to feel the beauty of this spectacular place from the very first step," says Richard Beed, Vice President People and Culture at Vancouver Airport Authority. "By working with BC Parks Foundation, we’re helping to connect travelers to the landscapes and wildlife that make this province extraordinary—whether they have an hour-long layover or a lifetime here." 

For YVR, the walkway installation is both a beautiful artistic statement and a commitment to environmental education and community connection, ensuring that nature has a place in the heart of the airport experience. 

Because when people feel the wonder of nature, they’re more likely to protect it. 

What visitors are saying about Discover Parks Ambassadors: 

"My daughter enjoyed her camping trip so much more because of this program and the fantastic and interactive effort the girls put together. Thank you!" — Aisha, visitor to Bear Creek Park  

"Our ambassador Katie was so informative. She turned a nature walk into a nature class." — Ethan, visitor to Cypress Park  

"Such a fun, interactive program that got the kids involved and excited about protecting our wildlife and parks." — Maria, visitor to Goldstream Park 

Partnerships like this make big things possible. If your business shares a love for BC’s parks and wants to share that love with millions of people, connect with Director of Individual & Corporate Giving Kaela McDowell at kaela.mcdowell@bcparksfoundation.ca. 

Did You Know? 

BC Parks receive over 26 million visits a year. That’s more than the entire NHL season for all teams! The number of visits to BC Parks increased by approximately a million visits a year in the five years prior to COVID, then increased even more as a result of COVID. British Columbians and visitors can’t get enough of our parks!