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Recreational travel within B.C. allowed again as province's restart plan moves ahead

Gathering outdoors with up to 50 people also to be permitted as province moves to step 2.

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Recreational travel within the province and outdoor gatherings with up to 50 people will soon be allowed in B.C. as it moves ahead to the next step of its reopening plan.

Officials announced Step 2 will begin Tuesday, as hoped, since case counts and hospitalizations have steadily dropped in recent weeks while vaccinations rose.

Under Step 2, the following will be allowed:

• Recreational travel across B.C.
• Outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people.
• Organized indoor gatherings of up to 50 people, in places like movie theatres or banquet halls.
• Indoor team sports and fitness classes.
• Indoor faith gatherings with up to 50 people, or 10 per cent of the building's total capacity.
• Alcohol service at restaurants, bars and pubs until midnight.

Masks and physical distancing are still mandatory. Personal indoor gatherings must remain small: just one additional household or five other people.

People who don't live in B.C. are still asked to avoid travelling to the province.

"My advice to non-British Columbians: If you don't have business here that's essential … then please stay where you are," said Premier John Horgan.

WATCH: Premier John Horgan and Dr. Bonnie Henry talk about B.C.'s gradual reopening

Respect those who might not be ready for provincial restart plans, officials say

Vaccination rates exceeded threshold needed for step 2.

Horgan, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and three cabinet ministers held a news conference Monday to announce the next steps in B.C.'s plan to safely restart the province. 

The four-step reopening plan released last month said B.C. could move to Step 2 on June 15 if case counts and hospitalizations dropped, and if 65 per cent of eligible adults had received at least one dose of vaccine.

Henry said Monday those tests had been "more than met."

• Getting your 2nd shot: What British Columbians need to know

As of Sunday, the rolling averages for cases and hospitalizations were down 56 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively. Vaccination rates were also well past the threshold, with more than three-quarters of adults having had one dose.

"We continue to make great strides in B.C. and I continue to be optimistic about great days ahead ... this will be our summer of hope and healing from this pandemic," said Henry.

Businesses and tourism locales across the province had been carefully preparing for visitors to return in hopes Step 2 would go ahead. Within an hour of the announcement Monday, BC Ferries' website had crashed due to a high volume of people booking travel.

Reopening might slow, but backtracking unlikely: Henry

Plans to reopen in other parts of Canada as well as other countries around the world have been hampered by outbreaks. Yukon has continued to see outbreaks  in unvaccinated teens, despite having an adult vaccination rate of 79 per cent. The United Kingdom on Monday delayed its reopening by four weeks after a spike in cases of the Delta variant.

• Businesses prepare to open after months closed due to COVID restrictions

Henry said B.C. will likely see some increase in cases as its reopening progresses, but said the goal is to keep case counts at a level where they can be managed by public health.

"We know a lot about this virus. We don't know everything, but we can look at what's happening. We look at the rates of immunization in different age groups, where we see transmission, the things that we put in place to make a difference for transmission," she said Monday.

"I don't expect, with what we know now, we'll have to go back. But we may need to slow going forward, depending on what happens and this next couple of weeks will be very key for that."

• Conflicted about stepping out of isolation? You're not the only one

B.C.'s reopening efforts began last month with relaxed restrictions on gatherings, sports events, and both indoor and outdoor dining. Step 3 is set to begin July 1, if case counts and vaccination rates continue trending in the right direction.

The entire four-step plan could see virtually all public health restrictions lifted by Sept. 7. Residents would be allowed to attend live concerts, watch indoor sports events and leave their masks off .

The four steps of B.C.'s restart plan, as outlined by the province on May 25:

With files from The Canadian Press

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For the latest recommendations on travel for non-essential purposes, see:

• Government of British Columbia: Travel and COVID-19
• Government of Canada: COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

Travelling within BC

When travelling, follow the same precautions you use at home to prevent COVID-19. Plan ahead by checking if towns, communities and regions are ready to welcome you. For more information see, Government of British Columbia: Travel and COVID-19 .

Travelling between provinces

British Columbians travelling to other provinces or territories should check their destination's public health information for any travel restrictions. Follow local, provincial or territorial guidance.

For information from other provincial and territorial governments, see:

• Alberta: COVID-19 travel requirement
• Manitoba: Pandemic Response System
• New Brunswick: Travel Information
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Travel Restrictions
• Northwest Territories: Travel +Isolation
• Nova Scotia: Coronavirus (COVID-19): international travel
• Nunavut: Travel Checklist
• Ontario: Travelling during COVID-19
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• Quebec: COVID-19
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International Travel

For international travel advice and advisories, see Government of Canada: Travel outside Canada

Testing before international travel

Follow the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to. Check to find out if you can enter the country and if there are any vaccination, testing, quarantine, or other requirements. Routine testing of people without symptoms is not performed in B.C., including for travel purposes. For information on testing for travel, see BC Centre for Disease Control: Where to get a COVID-19 test in BC

Entering Canada

Starting October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements will end for travellers entering Canada by land, air or sea. Requirements that are ending include:

• Mandatory use of ArriveCAN
• Testing requirements
• Quarantine or isolation requirements

Requirements change often. Check before you travel. Visit Government of Canada: COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for the most up-to-date information.

For more information about returning to Canada after travel, see:

• BC Centre for Disease Control: Travel

Find more information about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself, your family and your community, see Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) .

Last updated:  September 27, 2022

The information provided in the Travel and COVID-19 Health Feature was adapted from the BC Centre for Disease Control: Travel , BC Centre for Disease Control: Public Exposures , Government of British Columbia: Travel and COVID-19 and Government of Canada: COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders  pages accessed September 27, 2022

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Honourable Bowinn Ma

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Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has released the following statement about travel restrictions for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation:

“In recent days, B.C. experienced some of the most devastating wildfires in our history. We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who cancelled their plans to travel to the Interior in recent days, as well as to our partners in the tourism industry for their support and understanding. 

“The emergency order we put in place on Saturday has had the effect we required and thousands of hotel rooms were made available for people forced from their homes, as well as the many firefighters and emergency crews who are protecting us during the worst wildfire season in our history. Working with local governments and First Nations, we will continue to place people in the accommodations that are now available. 

“Because of this, we are lifting travel restrictions for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation for most of the southern Interior, with the exception of West Kelowna. The order will be lifted for Kelowna, Kamloops, Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton and Vernon starting tomorrow, Aug. 23, 2023.

“Non-essential travel to West Kelowna continues to be prohibited for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation, including hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds, to ensure accommodation is available for those who may need it.

“If you are planning on travelling in B.C., please do so safely and avoid fire-affected communities. Know before you go and be prepared. Many communities continue to be impacted by wildfires and continue to face challenges. Listen to the direction of local communities. Respect emergency orders and alerts. While many communities in the Interior are looking forward to welcoming people, others, like Lake Country and the Shuswap, are advising that now is not a good time to visit. 

“We’re asking anyone who’s travelling to monitor information from the BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC and DriveBC. Highway 1 between Chase and Sorrento remains closed. 

“We want to thank everyone for their empathy and willingness to change their plans to support their fellow British Columbians who are impacted by these devastating wildfires. The situation remains dynamic. We will continue to assess the situation, work with local governments and First Nations, and adapt our response as needed to.”

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Leisure travel services as an employee benefit

We offer our corporate clients the option of a comprehensive leisure travel benefit program for employees..

Our services vary from country to country, but your employees will receive exclusive travel offers and a high level of service that helps them get the most for their vacation budget. You receive a powerful employee benefit program that:

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Our leisure travel specialists, with years of experience selling vacation travel, are delighted to provide assistance with:

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We respect your employees and your company’s policies regarding unsolicited email and communications in the work place and will never solicit business directly from your employees unless they expressly request notification of vacation specials.

To find out more about what BCD Travel’s Leisure Services has to offer, please email [email protected] , call 1-800-913-1942 or visit our website .

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BC Government News Release: Adjusted Order on Accommodation and Travel Restrictions

Details from the BC Government news release: 

Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has released the following statement about travel restrictions for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation:

“In recent days, B.C. experienced some of the most devastating wildfires in our history. We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who cancelled their plans to travel to the Interior in recent days, as well as to our partners in the tourism industry for their support and understanding.

“The emergency order we put in place on Saturday has had the effect we required and thousands of hotel rooms were made available for people forced from their homes, as well as the many firefighters and emergency crews who are protecting us during the worst wildfire season in our history. Working with local governments and First Nations, we will continue to place people in the accommodations that are now available.

“Because of this, we are lifting travel restrictions for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation for most of the southern Interior, with the exception of West Kelowna. The order will be lifted for Kelowna, Kamloops, Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton and Vernon starting tomorrow, Aug. 23, 2023.

“Non-essential travel to West Kelowna continues to be prohibited for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation, including hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds, to ensure accommodation is available for those who may need it.

“If you are planning on travelling in B.C., please do so safely and avoid fire-affected communities. Know before you go and be prepared. Many communities continue to be impacted by wildfires and continue to face challenges. Listen to the direction of local communities. Respect emergency orders and alerts. While many communities in the Interior are looking forward to welcoming people, others, like Lake Country and the Shuswap, are advising that now is not a good time to visit.

“We’re asking anyone who’s travelling to monitor information from the BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC and DriveBC. Highway 1 between Chase and Sorrento remains closed.

“We want to thank everyone for their empathy and willingness to change their plans to support their fellow British Columbians who are impacted by these devastating wildfires. The situation remains dynamic. We will continue to assess the situation, work with local governments and First Nations, and adapt our response as needed to.”

Read the full BC Gov news release, here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023EMCR0057-001332

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Reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed while travelling on government business away from your normal work location. Find out what’s covered and how to claim expenses before you travel.

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For PEA employees, if travel is required to receive medical or dental treatment for you or your family, employees are entitled to accommodation and travel expenses reimbursement to a maximum of $1,143.51 effective April 1, 2024 per calendar year.

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For other locations, you'll need to contact your ministry facilities coordinator to inquire if any designated government administered parking is available for employees .

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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Periodic roadblocks but no individual stops planned for B.C.'s COVID-19 travel rules

The Canadian Press Staff

VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government is looking at using periodic roadblocks to limit travel in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and the solicitor general, said the checks would be set up at locations like ferry terminals or along major highways leading out of Metro Vancouver.

The goal is to discourage recreational travel, but there will be no random, individual stops, Farnworth said in a statement Tuesday.

Farnworth said his ministry is also working to ensure the new rules announced by Premier John Horgan on Monday don't unfairly impact racialized communities.

“Most British Columbians know they have a part to play in helping to curb the spread of COVID-19 and I am sure they will adhere to the new rules and stay in their region,” Farnworth said.

“Our intention is to discourage recreational and leisure travel, not punish people, and we are not interested in disrupting commuters and people going about their lives.”

He is expected to announce more details on Friday.

Police will wait for an order under the Emergency Program Act and any associated guidelines before proceeding, the Public Safety Ministry said.

The government has been working with the tourism industry to cancel bookings that have been made and to not accept new ones from people living outside their intended destination. B.C. Ferries will be cancelling reservations that include recreational vehicles such as campers.

Measures that ban indoor dining and adult activities at gyms were also extended for another five weeks, matching the length of the travel restrictions, which will continue until at least May 24.

On Monday, the B.C. government said the province had 2,960 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday along with eight more deaths as COVID-19 claimed its youngest victim in the province, a two-year-old child who died in hospital.

Vivek Sharma, chair of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C., said businesses across the province are suffering from the absence of domestic and international travellers. Even some destinations on Vancouver Island and the Okanagan, for example, that have had tourists from within the province can't survive much longer without year-round bookings from abroad, he said.

The industry needs more financial support from the government as they work together to consider what other jurisdictions in Canada and globally are doing to try and boost tourism when it can safely resume with the use of rapid testing for COVID-19, Sharma said.

Ontario has introduced a travel tax credit allowing for a 20 per cent return on every dollar spent on travel within the province this year, with the government setting aside $150 million. Sharma said that's one example of the types of measures that could be taken to spur a recovery for the sector.

“How are we going to use and deploy rapid testing and reopening the travel economy? What is our position on vaccine passports? How are we going to allow people who've been vaccinated greater movement and freedom in travelling wherever they want to travel?”

Horgan said Monday that signs would be posted at the B.C. and Alberta boundary to advise against non-essential travel between the two provinces.

Justin Brattinga, press secretary for Jobs, Economy and Innovation Minister Doug Schweitzer in Alberta, said the province has not heard any specific details from the B.C. government.

“Alberta's government continues to recommend against interprovincial travel and urges all Albertans to follow the public health guidelines,” he said in a statement. “Our No. 1 priority is getting Albertans vaccinated, which will ultimately allow economic activity related to travel and tourism to resume safely.”

Along with upcoming travel restrictions aimed at curbing growing demand on hospitals, B.C. is ramping up vaccinations with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, including by lowering the eligibility to age 40 from 55, the same as in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. Saskatchewan and Quebec will start offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to those 45 and over starting Wednesday.

The Fraser Health authority in B.C. will be vaccinating people 40 and older in 10 different communities across the region in an effort to target areas classified as high-risk for spreading the virus.

“Protecting our communities with the vaccine means that we're also protecting our hospital capacity and ensuring we have enough space and people available to look after and care for patients that come to our hospitals,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, the health authority's president.

Dr. Elizabeth Brodkin, Fraser Health's chief medical officer, said she understands the frustrations in the community regarding health restrictions, but residents need to “hang on” for a few more weeks as the vaccination process ramps up.

- By Camille Bains in Vancouver, with files from Nick Wells.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 20, 2021.

A BC Ferries vessel is seen arriving at Horseshoe Bay near West Vancouver on March 16, 2020. (Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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