Updated 5:15 PM July 26th
IMPORTANT UPDATES
- Prolonged periods of hot, dry conditions can lead to wildfire activity, which certain areas in BC are currently experiencing. Always monitor official information sources (detailed below) regularly, before and during your trip, to make informed travel decisions.
- Non-essential travel to and within fire-affected areas is discouraged to help avoid traffic congestion on evacuation routes. If people must travel on highways adjacent to wildfires, drivers should ensure they are prepared for possible delays or closures. Travel with a full tank of gas, food, water and other emergency supplies. Drivers are advised to visit DriveBC.ca for up-to-date information on highway and side road closures and for route planning.
- An evacuation order is in place for the Village of Silverton due to wildfire activity, and Highway 6 NS along Slocan Lake is currently closed. Please check Drive BC and the Regional District of Central Kootenay for the latest updates.
- We recognize many travelers in BC also have plans to explore our neighbouring province of Alberta during their trip, including Jasper, which is currently under evacuation order due to a tragic wildfire that reached the townsite July 24. Please visit Travel Alberta’s Know Before You Go page and Parks Canada for the latest information and updates.
- A province-wide campfire ban has been in effect since 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on Friday, July 12, 2024, with the exception of the Haida Gwaii Forest District.
- Visitors are encouraged to download and allow notifications from Alertable, an emergency notification app with customizable settings, to receive the latest local alerts, such as road closures and evacuation information, straight to your mobile device.
- For more information on trip planning, such as maps, links to visitor centres around the province, and accessible travel, please visit our Need To Know page.
Key Resources
Floods, Wildfires, and Other Weather Events
FLOODING
Flooding can occur during season shifts in various areas of BC due to high temperatures and melting snow. Conditions can change rapidly across the province, so we encourage you to check the latest information before and during your trip. If you are currently visiting BC or planning a trip, you can find on-the-ground information and support by visiting or calling a Visitor Centre in the area you are travelling. For the latest flooding information, check Emergency Info BC for alerts and the River Forecast Centre for an interactive map with warnings and advisories.
WILDFIRES
Wildfires can occur during sustained periods of hot, dry weather. Conditions can change rapidly across the province, so we encourage you to check the latest information before and during your trip. If you are currently visiting BC or planning a trip, you can find on-the-ground information and support by visiting or calling a Visitor Centre in the area you are travelling. Check Drive BC for information on road closures, the BC Wildfire Service for an interactive map, and Emergency Info BC for alerts. During your travels, make sure you follow the necessary protocols to prevent and report wildfires.
- BC Wildfire Status
- Fire Bans and Restrictions
- Smoke conditions across the province can change hourly. Check the Air Quality Health Index for real-time updates from across BC.
- Report a wildfire by dialing *5555 on a cellphone or calling toll-free: 1-800-663-5555.
Roads and Driving
Driving 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.
Please visit Emergency Info BC for updated details on emergencies including evacuation orders and alerts.
Between October 1 and April 30, many BC highways require winter tires.
Highway Closures & Construction
- Construction on the Highway #1 Kicking Horse Canyon Project has begun, and the anticipated completion date is in winter of 2024.
- Currently the highway is open during the day at the Kicking Horse Canyon with possible delays of up to 30 minutes, and full closures overnight. View the full closures schedule here.
- Please use alternate routes Highways 93S and 95.
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.
Cruises
Find everything you need to know regarding travelling on cruise ships including health protocols, boarding, and disembarkation here.
TRAVEL ADVISORIES
There are no current travel advisories.
If you are a tourism industry partner seeking updates about emergency preparedness, please visit Destination BC’s corporate website.