During the unveiling of Budget 2019, The Government of Canada announced the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), a national program geared toward supporting communities across our country as they create, improve or enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences.

How it Works

The Canadian Experiences Fund is delivered in British Columbia by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). The fund is part of our government’s renewed efforts to support the tourism sector by investing in the types of products and experiences that cater to Canada’s strengths, while also growing tourism beyond major cities and the summer season.

Investments made through the Canadian Experiences Fund are focused on the following five categories:

• Expand winter and shoulder-season by funding projects like onsite experiences development, tours, excursions, special events and tourism facilities
• Grow tourism in rural and remote communities by investing in projects such as destination development planning, adventure, eco- and agri-tourism, local product development, or rural and remote tourism facilities
• Increase Indigenous tourism by investing in such projects as market readiness, onsite experiences development, developing a line of consumer products, tours, festivals and special events
• Promote LGBTQ2+ communities, by supporting train the trainer programs, projects such as attractions, special events and festivals as well as market readiness
• Boost culinary and farm-to-table experiences, by funding projects in areas including culinary tourism trails, farmers markets, and onsite experiences development in various locations

Who Can Apply?

The Canadian Experiences Fund is open to a wide spread of organizations. These include non-profits, for-profit businesses, industry associations, and local, provincial or indigenous governments.

Non-Profits

Non-profit organizations can normally request up to $500,000. Funding requests above this amount will only be considered on an exceptional basis. CEF funding can be up to 100 per cent of eligible costs.

For-Profit

Incorporated for-profit organizations (less than 500 full-time employees) can request funding of less than $100,000 with confirmed funding from all other sources (CEF funding can be up to 50% of the proposed project costs, with the remaining funds coming from other non-government sources).