Skip to main content

Ski the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb with Destination BC’s 360-degree videos

Virtual reality and 360-degree videos are proving to not just be entertainment but also learning tools, therapy tools, and marketing tools. From exposure therapy for people with post-traumatic stress disorder to touring the White House, there is a VR experience for everyone.

It’s no surprise, then, that some of the most beautiful travel destinations on Earth use VR to showcase their attractions for the 360-degree experience. Destination BC, the travel bureau for the scenic Canadian province of British Columbia, was one of the first travel/tourism companies in the world to use 360-degree immersion videos, recognizing early on what a great fit they made for marketing.

Recommended Videos

“Virtual reality and immersive 360-degree video are important new platforms for tourism organizations to bring destinations to life and market travel experiences in an immersive way,” says Marsha Walden, president and CEO of Destination BC.

That immersion was brilliantly captured in 2015 with its first two VR 360-degree videos, The Wild Within 360-degree Hiking and The Wild Within 360-degree Wildlife, a video shot in the Great Bear Rainforest.

“Travel trade and travel media are increasingly competitive sales channels, with emerging and established destinations vying for representation and coverage, and these technologies gain an edge, allowing viewers to feel what traveling in British Columbia is like,” says Walden. “Videos are an important part of destination marketing; while TV commercials and traditional online video provide viewers with a ‘one point of view’ window into a destination, this technology provides 360-degree points of view.”

Their most recent video, The Winter Within, takes viewers on the one of B.C.’s most famous resorts, Whistler Blackcomb. The video was shot using two six-camera rigs, one loaded with GoPro Hero 4s and the other packed with GoPro Hero 3+ Blacks. Also in the mix were a Kodak PixPro SP360 4K and a Freefly Alta 6 drone, which caught guest appearances from the infamously friendly Whisky Jack birds.

“The video has been well received with both media and consumers alike,” says Walden. “This video gives travelers a ‘360-degree’ immersive taste of the best skiing in the world, here in B.C. We’ll have their appetite for the real experience.”

Kate Erwin
Kate’s first job as a kid was working at a climbing gym and her first mastered computer program was 3-D Studio Max (around…
Aventon goes all in on smart security and connectivity on Level 3 commuter e-bike
Aventon Level 3 right profile with Queen Mary in the background.

Aventon invited me to a pre-launch press briefing on its new Level.3 commuter e-bike in Long Beach, California. The Level.3 has several significant upgrades from the Level.2, including increased range and an adjustable suspension seat post, but the greatest upgrade is the Aventon Control Unit (ACU).

The ACU is a proprietary technology that incorporates 4G, Bluetooth connectivity, and GPS tracking. It enables a host of security, convenience, and personalization features. The Level 3 isn't the first Aventon model with the ACU; the Abound SR utility and cargo e-bike was the initial ACU-equipped e-bike.

Read more
Anker Solix EverFrost 2 Giveaway (Winner Selected)
anker solix everfrost 2 electric cooler giveaway february 2025 1024a241 40be 4543 9e71 cf91899c8f33

Would you believe that Anker, an electronics brand that's known for its power banks, also has an electric cooler? Known as the Anker Solix EverFrost, it's the perfect companion for backyard parties and outdoor adventures. It's so good that it's getting a sequel in the form of the Anker Solix EverFrost 2, and you've got a chance to win one!

Anker's giveaway for the Anker Solix EverFrost 2 runs from February 27 to March 27, which means you've got a month to send in your entries. You're going to want to do so as early as you can just to make sure that you don't forget. There will be only one lucky winner of the all-new electric cooler, so we wish you the best of luck!

Read more
Aventon launches Abound LR super-cargo smart e-bike
Aventon Abound LR left rear three-quarter view facing Long Beach harbor.

Aventon announced the Abound LR e-bike, a longer alternative to the Abound SR and original Aventon Abound cargo e-bike lineup. During a pre-launch press briefing for the Abound LR in February, Aventon characterized the Abound SR as an all-purpose utility and cargo bike and the Abound LR as a cargo carrier for families and a possible replacement for a second car.

The new long-rack LR version shares the short-rack SR's technical and ACU-based smart features and most physical details, except length and weight. The Abound LR is 8 pounds heavier and 7.1 inches longer than the SR. The two new Abound models are similar to the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, two other vehicles built for the same purpose; one's just longer.
Abound LR features and capabilities

Read more