As we begin to climb out of our pandemic shells, what could be a better way to acclimate to the province opening back up again than adventuring around the city we call home?
Particularly when our city is full of breathtaking trails, cozy restaurants, and farms teeming with fresh produce – why not make a full experience of it?
Jane Stark, chair of Tourism Delta, is encouraging residents and visitors alike to make their way to the many sights and activities waiting to be explored this summer.
And it can be as simple as thinking local while you’re out and about.
“Now that we’re opening back … we really encourage people to just tie-in a visit to your favourite restaurant or coffee shop when you’re out, or the farm to pick up some fresh produce,” she says.
We Love Delta has created different one-day itineraries for people to use as creative guides while venturing around the city, including ones for farm hopping, brewery visiting, golfing, shopping and trail blazing throughout Ladner, Tsawwassen and North Delta.
“Small businesses really are the backbone of the community and they’re part of what makes up a community and what makes it interesting. You get those unique mom-and-pop stores, and restaurants and breweries that have ties to the community, and that’s what brings culture and uniqueness to a community,” said Stark.
And not only is it fun to do some exploring within your own community, but it also supports the local economy and helps these local businesses and attractions stay open and functioning, she explains.
This has really been highlighted throughout the pandemic, and she says that within Delta, the retail and restaurant sectors were hit the hardest.
When, suddenly, there weren’t visitors coming into Delta, or as many residents shopping around, it became blatantly obvious just how important tourism is for the city’s economy.
“These businesses can’t rely solely on residents, and we’ve heard that from our business community – that they need visitors, they need tourism, they need people coming and visiting our community from outside of our community to help their businesses thrive,” she adds.
And when local businesses are thriving, their communities thrive, and it just continues in a looping circle of supporting one another.
To get some inspiration on where to explore around Delta this summer and support local businesses, check out We Love Delta’s website at https://www.welovedelta.ca/day-trips.
