By Zara Durrani
BC Place is no stranger to roaring crowds and major sporting events. But on October 24, 2026, the Vancouver stadium welcomed a different kind of challenge, one where every step counted toward protecting Canada’s natural environment.
Nearly 400 participants gathered for WWF Canada’s third annual Climb for Nature, raising an impressive $122,000 in support of wildlife conservation and habitat restoration.
Participants tackled 3,000 steps through the stadium stands, with some doubling the challenge to 6,000 steps, all for a shared cause.
Speaking with Zara Durrani at the event, Megan Leslie, President and CEO of WWF Canada, explained what makes the initiative so meaningful.
“Every step they take, every dollar they raise goes to supporting nature and wildlife in Canada,” Leslie shared.
“They’re here because they love wildlife. They’re here because they love nature. And we are delighted to have them.”
Beyond the physical challenge, the funds raised will contribute to critical conservation initiatives across British Columbia and Canada, including restoring salmon habitats, regenerating forests affected by wildfires, and reducing threats to endangered southern resident killer whales.
The Vancouver event also helped push WWF Canada’s 2026 national Climb for Nature fundraising total to $1.6 million, alongside its CN Tower climb in Toronto and the nationwide Anywhere Climb.
What made the day particularly special wasn’t simply the number of steps climbed or dollars raised, but the collective commitment of everyday Canadians determined to make a difference.
As Leslie emphasized, every contribution matters and together, those individual efforts can help create a future where nature and wildlife thrive.
To learn more about WWF Canada’s conservation initiatives, visit wwf.ca.
