BC is in Step 3 of its Restart Plan and is thrilled to welcome Canadian and fully vaccinated international visitors for safe and responsible travel in the province.
Starting September 13, proof of vaccination will be required in British Columbia for those 12 and older to access certain social and recreational events and businesses to help protect people from COVID-19. Learn more about proof of vaccination, here.
For more travel updates, please visit HelloBC’s Know Before You Go page.
We’ve compiled some tips to help you plan for a safe and responsible travel experience in BC so you can Know Before You Go.
Plan Ahead
Take extra time to research and plan your trip in advance. Many businesses and services in BC have adopted new protocols, as well as changes to their operating schedules or policies to ensure your safety and the safety of their staff. Become familiar with these changes ahead of time, as some attractions or experiences may require booking in advance or might be operating at reduced capacities, and some may even be closed.
Be Respectful
Responsible tourism means that the experience creates a positive impact for all involved—not just the traveler. Keep in mind you are a guest of your fellow BC residents when traveling and respect the guidelines and protocols they’ve put in place in their communities during this time. The BC Bird Trail has many attractions, birding points of interest, and experiences within Indigenous communities, so please be sure to read and review current travel guidelines on Indigenous Tourism BC’s website.
Support Local Businesses
Your support is more crucial than ever and BC’s tourism businesses are eager to welcome you back. Check in with local Visitor Centre staff to learn more about supporting local businesses in the areas you are travelling, or better yet, check out our regional Bird Trails for local business focused itinerary suggestions – just remember to check ahead of time to see if new protocols or operation hours are in place.
Be AdventureSmart
No matter the outdoor activity you are planning, be prepared. Remember to follow the three T’s—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials. AdventureSmart.ca is a useful resource for information before heading outdoors.
Leave No Trace
This is an essential part of all outdoor expeditions – if you pack it in, pack it out. When exploring BC’s outdoors, always leave it in a better state than when you arrived. Make sure to dispose of waste properly.
To learn more about the principles of Leave No Trace and responsible outdoor recreation, visit LeaveNoTrace.ca.
Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Patient
It’s always important to think about how you affect the people around you, and this mindfulness is especially important right now. Remember that activities you want to participate in may take longer than usual, or places may be at capacity when you arrive. Practice patience. Have a backup plan researched and ready. Use our regional Bird Trail itineraries for suggestions. Remember, we are all in this together.
Prevent & Report Wildfires
Nature has been there for us throughout the pandemic, now we need to be there for nature. Minimize the impact of campfires and check BC Wildfire Service for fire bans and more fire safety tips.
Practice Water Safety
Wear your lifejacket, know the water risks, and always carry the required safety equipment. If you’re adventuring near or on the ocean, check out CoastSmart for more tips.
Respect Wildlife
Respect local wildlife by keeping a safe distance, following the identified trails to reduce the disruption of habitats, and avoiding loud disruptive noises.
Last updated: September 16, 2021
