Hundreds of people from across the province will be stepping up to help endangered southern resident killer whales and other species at risk
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Hundreds of nature lovers of all ages — from a record-breaking tower runner and father-daughter duo returning for their third climb to a cancer survivor determined to keep helping wildlife — will take on 3,000 or 6,000 steps at BC Place tomorrow for World Wildlife Fund Canada’s (WWF-Canada) third annual BC Place Climb for Nature.
Together, they will climb the stands inside Vancouver’s landmark stadium to conserve the nature beyond it. The funds raised support WWF-Canada’s conservation efforts that restore and protect nature for at-risk species in B.C. and across Canada. This includes work with First Nations and local partners to restore salmon habitat, regenerate forests impacted by wildfires, and reduce threats to whales off the coast.
Media are invited to capture the climb and speak with participants at this fun, family-friendly event. WWF-Canada experts will be on hand to discuss the challenges facing B.C. wildlife, including endangered southern resident killer whales, and efforts to protect them.
The Climb for Nature is taking place as wildlife populations in Canada and around the world continue to fall, and as conversations around major projects and species at risk are front and centre.
The WWF Climb for Nature is made possible by the generous support of national sponsor Aviso.
It’s not too late for British Columbians to register! Those interested in participating can register at wwf.ca/bcplace. Those who can’t make it out to BC Place can climb their favourite trail while making a lasting impact for nature as part of the self-directed WWF Anywhere Climb for Nature.
Would you like to cover the event? For a photo-op or interview with a specific climber, or to have a reporter do the BC Place Climb for Nature, please contact wwf@yulupr.com. We will do our best to accommodate interviews.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT?
- The WWF Climb for Nature event is returning to BC Place for the third time after two successful climbs in 2024 and 2025.
- Hundreds of participants will once again climb their way around the stands of BC Place to raise critical funds to protect and restore habitats for species such as southern resident killer whales, grizzly bears, sea otters, and more. The 3,000-step “single bowl” involves completing one lap and the 6,000-step “double bowl” doubles the route.
- This is a great opportunity to capture dynamic visuals, soundbites, and interviews with spokespeople and climbers.
WHEN?
- Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Media to come in through Gate H at 10 a.m., 200-level
- Ribbon cutting at approx. 10:10 a.m.
WHERE?
- BC Place, 777 Pacific Avenue, Vancouver BC, V6B 4Y8
INTERVIEW SPOKESPEOPLE:
- WWF representatives:
- Megan Leslie, President and CEO, WWF-Canada
- Kevin Cooper, VP of Community Giving, WWF-Canada
- Hussein Alidina, Lead Specialist, Marine Conservation, WWF-Canada will be hosting a booth exploring the hidden threat of underwater noise pollution and its impact on marine species. He will be available for interviews about the potential impacts of the Pacific Link pipeline and Roberts Bank port expansion on southern resident killer whales and the salmon they rely on, and what needs to be done to protect these iconic species in the Salish Sea.
- Don Andrews, Voice of the Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Lions, and Rugby 7s at BC Place will be the MC, encouraging climbers as they go.
- Hundreds of climbers, including:
- Shaun Stephens-Whale: WWF-Canada’s Climb for Nature record holder at both the CN Tower and BC Place. Will Shaun keep his title as fastest climber? Attend to find out.
- Angela Wood: a mother and breast cancer survivor who is bringing determination and her love for wildlife to the steps of BC Place.
- Lindsay Carey and Martyna Dearing: these friends are bringing their passion for endurance events and wildlife conservation to BC Place this fall, following previous climbs with WWF-Canada at the CN Tower with Team SOSA, a group led by Bachelor alum and Save Our Species Alliance founder Blake Moynes.
- Mike and Rosie Barrenger: a father-daughter duo who will be participating in the climb for the third year in a row. Rosie, who was 8 years old when she participated in the climb for the first time, is now 10 years old and excited to climb for nature again.
- Tara Wright: Having climbed once before, Tara wants to see how many laps she can complete from event start to finish this year.
STORYTELLING OPPORTUNITIES:
- Conduct live interviews with the spokespeople to gain insight into the importance and history of the Climb for Nature event and WWF-Canada’s work to protect and restore some of the most vulnerable and ecologically essential ecosystems in B.C. and across Canada.
- Interview interesting and inspirational climbers against the stadium backdrop.
- Capture sound bites, including participants cheering and commentary on the event.
- Capture strong visuals, including participants climbing the stands together, the WWF-Canada mascot engaging with the crowd, and photos with notable climbers!
DIGITAL MEDIA KIT
- You will receive a digital media kit with visual assets and a press release after the event concludes. This will arrive in your inbox via the email that you confirmed your attendance with.
- Please ensure you check your primary inbox, spam, and junk folders for this. If you have not received your media kit, please contact wwf@yulupr.com.
About the WWF BC Place Climb for Nature
WWF’s BC Place Climb for Nature takes place Saturday, October 24, 2026. Participants can complete the 3,000-step single bowl or the 6,000-step double bowl, registering individually or as part of a team. The family-friendly event includes music, entertainment and a spectator section for friends and family.
What the WWF Climb for Nature funds
Funds raised through WWF-Canada’s Climb for Nature support conservation efforts in British Columbia and across Canada to restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change.
About WWF-Canada
WWF-Canada is committed to equitable and effective conservation actions that restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change. We draw on scientific analysis and Indigenous guidance to ensure all our efforts connect to a single goal: a future where wildlife, nature and people thrive. For more information, visit wwf.ca.
SOURCE World Wildlife Fund Canada
