Adventure & Outdoors
BC’s Best Mountain Towns
British Columbia is dotted with delightful, laid-back mountain towns.
Emergency Information
In emergency situations, contact the local police, ambulance service, fire department, and other emergency services by dialling 911, a free call from any telephone. The news media and many tourism businesses cooperate with the RCMP to communicate urgent messages to visitors. If you see or hear your name, phone the number given.
Visitors from outside the province should clarify coverage provided by their personal insurance carriers and may wish to obtain additional health insurance before coming to BC.
STAY SAFE, STAY INFORMED
- Information about emergencies in BC, including evacuation orders and alerts.
- Twitter: @EmergencyInfoBC #BCFlood #BCWildFire
WILDFIRES
- Interactive map of all active wildfires across the province.
- Twitter: @BCGovFireInfo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo/
- Campfire bans, restrictions and forest use
- Report wildfires to *5555 on a cell or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.
PARKS AND RECREATION SITES
WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
- Information about provincial campgrounds and park closures.
- Alerts, closures, and warnings about BC’s rustic campsites and recreational trails.
AIR QUALITY
- Smoke conditions across the province can change hourly. Check the Air Quality Health Index for real-time updates from across BC.
WEATHER ALERTS
- Resource for the latest weather information, statements, and air quality advisories.
- Twitter: @environmentca
FLOODS
- Analyses snow pack, assesses seasonal water supply and flood risk, and predicts flows in BC’s rivers and streams. It produces a range of bulletins, maps, and warnings to inform emergency managers and the public about current and upcoming streamflow conditions.
- Flood Warnings and Advisories
- Current Water Levels and Flood Forecast Modeling
- Snow Conditions and Water Supply Bulletins
Passport & Customs Info
Canada Border Services Agency has current information for visitors to British Columbia about required travel documents, restricted goods, travelling with children and pets, and other resources.
For information about entering or re-entering the United States, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Currency
Credit cards (mainly Visa and MasterCard) are accepted by most businesses, but it’s a good idea to carry some Canadian cash. ATMs, located in banks and retail areas, dispense Canadian currency. A bank or currency exchange outlet can change your funds to Canadian dollars. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday, with some open on weekends.
A federal goods and services tax (GST) of 5% and a provincial sales tax (PST) of 7% are applicable to most purchased goods and services.
A tip of 15-20% at bars and restaurants is customary. Tips are also given to tour guides, taxi drivers, and for spa treatments and haircuts. Porters at airports, railway stations, and hotels generally expect $1-2 per item of luggage.
Driving in BC
If you are going to drive in BC, here are some rules and regulations you should know:
- There are strict car/booster-seat regulations for children up to nine years old or 145 centimetres (57 inches) tall.
- Visitors to BC can drive with a valid licence from another country for a maximum of six months.
- It is against the law to drive while using a handheld cell phone or other electronic device. *Note that mobile phone reception in BC is strong in urban areas, but spotty in remote areas.
- Highways outside of Metro Vancouver and Southeast Vancouver Island require winter tires from October 1 to March 31.
- There is a network of more than 500 electric charging stations in BC.
- Consult Drive BC for up-to-date information about road conditions closures.
Consult the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s list of frequently asked questions for other driving regulations.
Accessibility
BC strives to be an inclusive destination for people of all abilities. Learn more on our Accessibility page.
Be CoastSmart When Travelling in BC
Planning to explore BC’s beaches and coastal trails along the Pacific Rim? Ensure your next adventure is accident free with these tips for staying safe near and in our beautiful waters.
Learn more about these tips and the three T’s of coastal adventure at coastsmart.ca
Near the Water
- Take time and observe the conditions closely before you step out onto the shoreline
- Keep an eye on the incoming waves and stay alert
- Check the daily tidal information
- Stay in arm’s reach of your children when near the water
- Stay off drift logs if the tide or swell is high
In the Water
- The Pacific Ocean is cold! Stay warmer with a wetsuit
- Learn surf etiquette and how to navigate the surf zone
- Stay in shallow water, unless you are trained and suited
- Be alert to the effects of cold water
- Know how to avoid a rip current, and how to escape one if caught
Measurements
Canada uses the metric system. The following conversions may be useful:
Public Holidays 2020
Banks, government offices, and some stores will be closed on statutory holidays, or on the following Monday if the holiday falls on a weekend:
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- Family Day – February 17
- Good Friday – April 10
- Easter Monday – April 13
- Victoria Day – May 18
- Canada Day – July 1
- BC Day – August 3
- Labour Day – September 7
- Thanksgiving Day – October 12
- Remembrance Day – November 11
- Christmas Day – December 25
- Boxing Day – December 26
Start Planning Your BC Experience
Getting Here & Around
Visitors to British Columbia can arrive by air, road, rail, or ferry.
Visit TodayAccommodations
Five-star hotels, quaint B&Bs, rustic campgrounds, and everything in between.
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