The Campbell River Visitor Centre ushered in a new era Saturday during its grand re-opening.
Andrea Knowles, a member of the Tourism Campbell River and Region team, said the centre is offering all-new merchandise that is sourced locally and regionally in order to provide visitors with unique souvenirs that are representative of this part of the world.
New products for sale include: t-shirts and sweaters, books, cards, jewelry, jams and jellies, natural and organic soaps, ornaments, stuffed animals, spa products, pottery, West Coast art, and travel mugs.
Several of the products in the gift shop were handcrafted either locally or regionally.
A barrel display features products for sale from Shelter Point Distillery in Oyster River while wooden walking sticks are available for the more adventurous.
Mayor Andy Adams said the time was right to overhaul the tourist information centre.
“In 2015, Tourism Campbell River and Region staff welcomed approximately 40,000 guests to our community at the Visitor Centre,” Adam said in a release.
“With numbers expected to increase in 2016, the time was right for a refresh that better reflects the unique local character and opportunities.”
On Saturday, that refresh was unveiled to the public and celebrated with lemonade and a cake bearing a photo of the Visitor Centre.
Visitors to the centre were also given the chance to win day passes to Mount Washington and Mount Cain, as well as Campbell River swag bags.
In addition to the new merchandise, the Visitor Centre was also refreshed with West Coast wood features.
The Campbell River Visitor Centre develops tourism promotions and works with community partners and tourism operators to provide visitors with information about special events, accommodation, activities, adventure tourism, park locations and shopping, as well as trail maps, transit information and more.
The Visitor Centre is located at 1235 Shoppers Row, in Tyee Plaza beside Spirit Square.
Regular hours of operation are Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information on the Visitor Centre go to, www.campbellriver.travel
Andrea Knowles serves up cake Saturday in celebration of the grand re-opening.