Know Before You Travel in British Columbia

British Columbia has many climate and vegetation zones ranging from the fast-running rivers, ocean coastlines to forested mountain ranges and dry desert areas. 

On this page you will find links to updates about wildfires, environmental hazards, driving updates and park/recreational resources to help you plan a fun and informed trip.

Travellers are encouraged to check in with the accommodation operators and the local Visitor Centre in the communities they will be visiting for real-time, on-the-ground updates.

October 1 to March 31 is considered winter driving season and can be challenging for even the most experienced drivers. Poor visibility and the presence of snow, slush and ice are additional hazards you normally don’t have to deal with. Having the correct tires can make driving in winter conditions easier. M+S (Mud and Snow) tires are a safe option if you only encounter winter conditions on a limited basis and are prepared to drive with added care and caution if winter conditions are encountered. ShiftintoWinter.ca

COVID-19

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.

Starting September 13, 2021 – proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required in British Columbia 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. As of September 13, 2021 people accessing these spaces will need to provide proof of one vaccine dose. By October 24, 2021 entry to these settings will require people to be fully vaccinated with both doses. Learn more here.

Effective August 25, 2021 – masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout British Columbia to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 Delta variant as British Columbia prepares for the fall and respiratory illness season.

Effective August 9, 2021 – Canada will allow entry to fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents (currently residing in the US) for leisure travel. If you meet the entry criteria, fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine upon arrival to Canada.

COVID 19 and Travel News

CURRENT ALERTS

WINTER DRIVING: Winter tires are required on most designated highways in British Columbia from October 1 to March 31.  For select highways, including mountain passes and rural routes in high snowfall areas, the date is extended until April 30 to account for early spring snowfall. These highways are marked with regulatory signs.  ShiftintoWinter.ca

WILDFIRES:  No Wildfires of Note – To report a wildfire (dial *5555 on a cell phone or call toll free 1-800-663-5555). 

SUMMER CAMPFIRE BANS LIFTED: Check out the latest fire bans and restrictions.

PLEASE CAMP RESPONSIBLY. FOLLOW THE CAMPER’S CODE

The Camper’s Code has 9 rules that are really easy to follow. When all campers follow them, these good things happen:

• Camping continues to be enjoyable for all
• Nature remains pristine and beautiful
• People camping in the same area become friends
• Animals stay wild and free

Camper’s Code take the pledge.

KEY RESOURCES

Check BC Wildfire Service for wildfires of note, fire bans and restrictions.

• Interactive Maps and News Releases BC Government Wildfire Status
  and Twitter: @BCGovFireInfo
• Air Quality Health Index

Check DriveBC.ca for major road events such as delays, closures, and suggested detours:

• DriveBC.ca
• Highway Webcams
• ShiftintoWinter.ca
• Winter Driving – Province of BC
• Twitter: @DriveBC

River Forecast Centre analyses snowpack, assesses seasonal water supply and flood risk, and predicts flows in British Columbia’s rivers and streams:

• Flood Warnings and Advisories

PARKS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATED CAMPGROUNDS

• BC Provincial Parks – wildfire notices
• BC Provincial Parks – COVID-19 notices
• Recreation Sites and Trails BC.ca
• Recreation Sites & Trails closures

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

• Report Wildfire or Irresponsible Behaviour 1-800-663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone)
• Evacuees and Reception Centres call: Emergency Info BC at: 1-800-585-9559.
• BC Wildfire Information Line 1-888-336-7378
• ESS Evacuees Information 1-800-585-9559
• Canadian Red Cross Evacuees Reunification 1-800-863-6582
• Emergency Coordination Centre 1-800-663-3456

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Destination BC – https://www.hellobc.com/know-before-you-go
• Thompson Okanagan – https://www.thompsonokanagan.com/know-before-you-go
• Kootenay Rockies Tourism – Know Before You Go – Kootenay Rockies
• Cariboo Chilcotin Coast – https://landwithoutlimits.com/plan-your-adventure/know-before-you-go/
• Vancouver Island – https://vancouverisland.travel/2020/03/12/covid-19-travel-advisory/