Know Before You Go:

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Know Before You Go

Updated: December 1, 9:35 am

If you are a tourism industry partner seeking updates about COVID-19 or the current flooding situation, please visit Destination BC’s corporate website.

Travel Updates

  • UPDATE: As parts of British Columbia have been impacted by heavy rain and flooding, there are multiple highway closures and travel restrictions in place for impacted areas to ensure the movement of essential goods and services. In addition, there are temporary restrictions on vehicle fuel (gas and diesel) purchases. 
  • Under the Emergency Program Act, an order restricting non-essential travel along severely damaged highways is in place for the certain routes. Please check Drive BC for an up-to-date list of the latest restrictions and advisories.
  • Effective immediately through December 14, 2021 non-essential vehicles will be limited to 30 litres per trip to the gas station in the following areas: the Lower Mainland-to-Hope region, the Sea-to-Sky region, Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island. People in those areas are also being asked to avoid all non-essential road travel for the fuel restriction period.
  • Further details on travel and fuel restrictions can be found here.
  • NEW: Incoming air travellers from all countries except the United States will be required to take COVID-19 tests when they arrive in Canada (at the airport where they land). There is no cost to the traveller for these tests.
    The tests will be required of all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status. The requirement will also apply to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
    Incoming travellers will have to self-isolate until they receive results of the test.
    Canada has temporarily implemented new travel restrictions to incoming travellers from certain countries in response to the omicron variant. See the list here.
  • The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed that given the current situation in BC, travellers who must transit through the United States to get to their residence in Canada are exempt from the COVID-19 pre-arrival test, the test in Canada, and quarantine requirements. Pre-existing exemptions within the Orders in Council (OIC) can be applied to travellers in this situation:
    Exemption – Pre-Arrival Test – By Land S1.T2.I20: A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States
    Exemption – Quarantine S2.T1.I14: A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States
    Exemption – Test in Canada S2.T2.I14: A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States
  • As of October 30, all travellers aged 12 and older taking flights leaving Canadian airports or travelling on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains must be fully vaccinated before boarding. Marine passengers on non-essential passenger vessels like cruise ships must also complete the vaccination series before travelling. Marine vessels do not include ferries.
  • Fully vaccinated international travellers (including American citizens and permanent residents living in the USA) can now enter Canada for leisure travel. Find out if you can enter Canada, here.
  • At this time, non-essential travel to, from or within Northern BC, Fraser East and the Interior remains discouraged for unvaccinated people, excluding children who are traveling with vaccinated adults. Learn more.
  • As of August 25, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout BC to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 as BC prepares for the fall and respiratory illness season.
  • Starting September 13, proof of vaccination will be required in BC to attend certain social and recreational events, including indoor ticketed sporting events, indoor and patio dining at restaurants, fitness centres, casinos and indoor organized events, including conferences and weddings. Starting October 25, capacity limits at these businesses/events will be lifted. Learn more about proof of vaccination, here.
  • For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada website here.
  • Further details on the COVID-19 situation in BC can be found at: gov.bc.ca/COVID-19.

The Province has created a dedicated phone service to provide British Columbians with non-medical information about COVID-19, including the latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing. Information is available in more than 110 languages, seven days a week between 7:30 am-8 pm, at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) or via text message at 1-888-268-4319.

Key Resources

Border Info

Canadian Border

The Canadian border is now open to fully-vaccinated international visitors who meet the entry criteria:

  • Incoming air travellers from all countries except the United States will be required to take COVID-19 tests when they arrive in Canada (at the airport where they land). There is no cost to the traveller for these tests.
    The tests will be required of all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status. The requirement will also apply to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
    Incoming travellers will have to self-isolate until they receive results of the test.
  • Fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents (currently residing in the USA) are able to enter Canada for leisure travel.
  • Fully vaccinated international visitors from all other countries are now enter Canada for leisure travel.
  • Starting September 13, you will need proof of vaccination to access some events, services and businesses, including indoor ticketed sporting events, indoor and patio dining at restaurants, fitness centres, casinos and indoor organized events, including conferences and weddings. Starting October 25, capacity limits at these businesses/events will be lifted. International visitors must show:
    • Proof of vaccination they used to enter Canada (like ArriveCAN)
    • Passport
  • Learn more about proof of vaccination, here.
  • Find out if you can enter Canada, here.
  • For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada website here.

Provincial Border 

BC is in Step 3 of its Restart Plan and is thrilled to welcome visitors for safe and responsible travel in the province. Get travel ideas, offers, and the latest information at exploreBC.com.

Starting September 13, you need proof of vaccination to access some events, services and businesses, including indoor ticketed sporting events, indoor and patio dining at restaurants, fitness centres, casinos and indoor organized events, including conferences and weddings. Starting October 25, capacity limits at these businesses/events will be lifted. People from other Canadian provinces or territories must show:

  • Provincially/territorially officially recognized vaccine record
  • Valid government photo ID

Learn more about proof of vaccination, here.

For more information about provincial borders and current travel restrictions, please visit the Province of BC’s Travel Affected by COVID-19 website.

 

Skiing

The 2021/22 ski season will be upon us once the snow flies. What do you need to know? For information on winter fun both on and off the slopes, visit Skiing & Snowboarding. To get the inside scoop on pre-travel prep, see How to Plan Your Ski Trip This Year.

If you are considering planning a trip to BC’s backcountry, please see Avalanche Canada’s Safety in the Snow: What You Need to Know and BC AdventureSmart’s 3 Outdoor Winter Safety Tips Everybody Should Know article for tips on staying safe.

Roads and Driving

Check Road Conditions

Always check DriveBC before heading out on the road to learn about the current conditions along your planned route, including webcams, closures, construction delays, or detours.

Prepare Your Car

Plan ahead with BCAA’s Ultimate Guide to Safe Road-Tripping in BC, including helpful resources such as the BCAA vehicle checklist, how to pack for an emergency, and more.

Check Weather Conditions

BC’s mountainous terrain means weather conditions can change rapidly within relatively short distances, and snowfall can happen any month in the higher-elevation mountain passes. Before heading out on the road, always check the current weather conditions and weather alerts along your planned journey. Drive for the conditions. If the weather is bad (i.e. snowfall warning along the Coquihalla), delay your drive until the weather and road conditions improve, or consider an alternate route or a different mode of transportation.

Winter Tires

BC’s winter road conditions can include snow and ice. Drivers legally need winter tires from October 1 until April 30 when travelling on all BC highways, even if there’s no snow on the road. Learn all the details about the winter tire requirement from the Government of British Columbia website.

BC Road Rules

Whether you’re new to driving in BC or need a refresher about province’s road rules, see ICBC’s Driving Guides to refresh your knowledge and skills.

What's Open

BC tourism businesses are open and ready to experience in a safe and responsible manner, but it’s still not business as usual. Right now we recommend that you check with the tourism businesses you are hoping to visit to get the latest on-the-ground information. Here are some helpful resources to get you started:

Visitor Centres

If you’re looking to connect with a local tourism expert, there are more than 100 community-owned Visitor Centres and booths across the province that make up BC’s Visitor Services Network.

Accommodations

See our BC Accommodations listings for a full list of accommodations in BC, including hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds, and more.

Attractions

See our Experience Providers listings for a full list of attractions in BC.

Indigenous Experiences

Please visit Indigenous Tourism BC’s website for a list of Indigenous experiences currently open in BC, and familiarize yourself with their valuable tips on how to visit responsibly.

Travel Deals

Find the latest special offers and travel deals for your next BC getaway.

BC Ferries

Find all you need to know about travelling with BC Ferries at bcferries.com.

Reservations are highly recommended. If you have questions about travel with BC Ferries, you can contact 1-888-BC Ferry, or www.bcferries.com/contact-us.

Hiking, Beaches, and Parks

Be AdventureSmart

This summer, many visitors are looking to explore the outdoors in new ways, such as hiking on a new trail, taking up mountain biking, or learning how to kayak. No matter what outdoor activity you are planning, do your research in advance and be prepared. Learn the three Ts—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials—and apply them to all your outdoor adventures.

Tip: AdventureSmart.ca will be your best friend when it comes to outdoor safety in BC.

Practice Leave No Trace

When exploring BC’s outdoors, always leave it in a better state than when you arrived. Respect local wildlife. Minimize the impact of campfires and check BC Wildfire Service for fire bans and fire safety tips. Pack out what you pack in and dispose of waste properly. These are just some of key principles of Leave No Trace, a set of seven guidelines for enjoying the outdoors responsibly while minimizing your impact on the landscape.

Tip: Visit LeaveNoTrace.ca to learn more about responsible outdoor recreation.

National Parks (Parks Canada)

Check the Parks Canada website for the latest updates on BC’s national parks, such as Pacific Rim (including the West Coast Trail), Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke, and Gwaii Hanaas.

Provincial Parks (BC Parks)

For more information on BC’s provincial parks, please visit the BC Parks website.

Recreation Sites & Trails BC (RSTBC)

For more information, please visit Recreation Sites and Trails BC.

Note: Recreation sites and trails are often accessed by resource roads, also known as forest service roads (FSR). BC’s resource roads are not built or maintained to the same standards as public highways, with many additional hazards such as rough, loose gravel, potholes, sharp corners, large industrial vehicles and other unmarked hazards. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are often required. Remember to check your insurance policy, as some coverage may be void when using these roads. Please read road safety, road use regulations, and road policy information before travelling on forest service roads. For more information, please visit the Government of BC website.

Regional & Municipal Parks

Not all parks fall within national or provincial jurisdiction; many are managed by regional or municipal parks boards, which set their own rules, regulations, openings, and closures to ensure visitor safety. Always check with the park’s website before planning your visit to learn about the latest updates.

Camping

Camping is an extremely popular way to experience British Columbia’s outdoor spaces. Please plan ahead, adhere to any campfire bans, and ensure you’re taking all the appropriate steps to have a safe and enjoyable time. Campground reservations are strongly recommended.

For safety tips, see COVID-19 Tips for Camping and RVing.

Camper’s Code

Please camp responsibly and follow the Camper’s Code.

Private Campgrounds & RV Parks

To find a complete list of campgrounds and RV parks throughout British Columbia, visit the Camping & RV in BC website.

Provincial Parks (BC Parks)

Reservations for BC Parks campgrounds can be made on