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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Current Road Advisories and Information

This page provides additional information during significant events impacting travel on BC highways.

• DriveBC , your best source of current road information
• EmergencyInfoBC for information about provincial emergencies and evacuation orders and alerts
• BC Wildfire Service for current wildfire status
• News Releases for Travel Advisories

Wildfires are occuring in parts of B.C., potentially impacting driving conditions.  Please also be sure to check with EmergencyInfoBC for evacuation alerts and orders before travelling to an area that may be impacted.

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South Okanagan – Summerland Rockslide

This section of highway was closed Aug. 28, 2023 because of a rockslide when approximately 3,000 cubic metres of material came down.

Highway 97 is generally OPEN to two lanes of traffic, one in each direction, subject to short scheduled and unscheduled  closures.

As part of the plan to expedite the work, intermittent 20-minute closures will continue during non-peak hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), to support additional smaller blast events as needed.

Blasting will make short closures necessary . Closures for blasting can be expected regularly. The schedule is contingent on ground conditions which are revealed by previous blasts, and each blast requires varying degrees of preparation, so blasts may not occur on the same day each week. The public will be notified as early as possible prior to each blast through  DriveBC.ca

Oversize Loads

Daily traffic control on site. Typical travel delays observed are 2-3 minutes or less. Oversize loads are permitted through the site. These loads must be prescheduled prior to arrival with traffic control personnel on site.

Find further information on the Summerland Rockslide project page .

Check for current highway condition and event information:  DriveBC

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Extreme winter weather continues to affect travel on Vancouver Island.

With high winds and blowing snow forecast through Wednesday evening and into Thursday, motorists are advised to avoid all but essential travel.

A travel advisory applies to the following Vancouver Island routes:

• Highway 1 from Nanaimo south to Victoria
• Highway 4 west to Taylor River
• Highway 19 north to Tsitika (approximately 100 km north of Campbell River)

A travel advisory is also in effect for Highways 14, 17 and 18. The ministry will reassess conditions on Thursday morning.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure advises travellers to expect winter conditions for the rest of the week. Those who must travel are asked to use extreme caution. All motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and drive according to weather and road conditions, slowing down when they encounter bad weather or limited visibility.

Winter tire regulations are in effect, and drivers are encouraged to get the best tires they can. People should ensure their vehicles have tires with the mountain/snowflake or mud and snow (M + S) symbol when travelling on designated routes.

Also, keep space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of yours so you can stop safely.

Keep well back of all the winter maintenance equipment on highways so operators can perform their maintenance safely.

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New rules will protect vulnerable road users.

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Current conditions

Current conditions added on more routes More routes now have live webcams, the latest service notices, vessel tracking and up-to-date sailing information in one convenient location.

Changes to service notices Our approach to service notices has changed to give customers a more personalized and self-served experience. Subscribers will continue to receive critical service notices about sailing cancellations and significant sailing delays in their inbox. Other service notices about minor service impacts, parking notifications, as well as vessel trackers and live terminal webcams are available by visiting current conditions, so please check it before leaving home to ensure you have all the latest information about your sailing.

Learn more about the improvements to service notices and current conditions

Select your departure location then destination to view route sailing status and estimated deck space available. To check arrival and departure times for today's sailings,  view departures and arrivals .

To Victoria (Swartz Bay) Nanaimo (Duke Point) Southern Gulf Islands

To Sunshine Coast (Langdale) Nanaimo (Departure Bay) Bowen Island (Snug Cove)

To Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay)

To Vancouver (Tsawwassen) Salt Spring Island (Fulford Harbour) Southern Gulf Islands

To Gabriola Island (Descanso Bay)

To Vancouver (Tsawwassen)

To Powell River (Westview)

To Bella Coola Prince Rupert Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay) Klemtu Ocean Falls Shearwater

To Mill Bay

To Denman Island West

To Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove)

To Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour) Thetis Island (Preedy Harbour)

To Salt Spring Island (Vesuvius Bay)

To Brentwood Bay

To Cormorant Island (Alert Bay) Malcolm Island (Sointula)

To Comox (Little River) Texada Island (Blubber Bay)

To Sunshine Coast (Earls Cove)

To Powell River (Saltery Bay)

To Victoria (Swartz Bay) Vancouver (Tsawwassen) Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay) Mayne Island (Village Bay) Saturna Island (Lyall Harbour) Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)

To Victoria (Swartz Bay) Pender Island (Otter Bay) Vancouver (Tsawwassen) Mayne Island (Village Bay) Saturna Island (Lyall Harbour) Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)

To Pender Island (Otter Bay) Victoria (Swartz Bay) Vancouver (Tsawwassen) Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay) Saturna Island (Lyall Harbour) Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)

To Pender Island (Otter Bay) Victoria (Swartz Bay) Vancouver (Tsawwassen) Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay) Mayne Island (Village Bay) Salt Spring Island (Long Harbour)

To Nanaimo (Nanaimo Harbour)

To Chemainus Thetis Island (Preedy Harbour)

To Vancouver (Tsawwassen) Pender Island (Otter Bay) Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay) Mayne Island (Village Bay) Saturna Island (Lyall Harbour)

To Victoria (Swartz Bay)

To Penelakut Island (Telegraph Harbour) Chemainus

To Malcolm Island (Sointula) Port McNeill

To Quadra Island (Heriot Bay)

To Buckley Bay

To Hornby Island (Shingle Spit)

To Denman Island East (Gravelly Bay)

To Cormorant Island (Alert Bay) Port McNeill

To Cortes Island (Whaletown)

To Campbell River

To Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay) Ocean Falls Shearwater Port Hardy (Bear Cove)

To Bella Coola Prince Rupert Klemtu Ocean Falls Shearwater Port Hardy (Bear Cove)

To Bella Coola Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay) Shearwater Port Hardy (Bear Cove)

To Bella Coola Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay) Ocean Falls Port Hardy (Bear Cove)

To Graham Island (Skidegate) Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay) Klemtu Port Hardy (Bear Cove)

To Prince Rupert Bella Bella (McLoughlin Bay) Port Hardy (Bear Cove)

To Prince Rupert Moresby Island (Alliford Bay)

To Graham Island (Skidegate)

At-a-glance pages

Learn more about current conditions.

Current Conditions provides a forecast of deck space available based on the number of vehicles booked in advance and the number of drive-up vehicles in the terminal. Some sailings may show as “Full” below, but may have space available for additional vehicles depending on how many customers do not show up for their bookings, the size of vehicles that arrive, and the ability of our deck crew to fit more vehicles.

Read frequently asked questions about BC Ferries current conditions to learn about features and terminology.

Current conditions FAQs

Why do some routes have current conditions pages and others do not.

Current Conditions is available at terminals with Traffic Towers. We are looking into adding additional routes where we can install cameras for live traffic tracking.

How do we calculate Estimated Deck Space Available?

Estimated Deck Space Available is the approximate percentage of vehicle deck space that remains available for sale on a particular sailing. It is calculated after counting the number of reservations and the number of drive-up customers already checked in at the terminal. This percentage changes as more vehicles are processed through the ticket booth.

Around 10–20% of customers do not check-in for their bookings. After the booking check-in window closes, which is around 30* minutes before departure, we free up these spaces for drive-up customers.

*Some exceptions apply, find and review the check-in and cut-off times at your departure terminal.

What does Now Ticketing mean?

The Now Ticketing section of Current Conditions informs customers of the sailing currently being sold at the ticket booth. It indicates for those customers without a reservation in the pre-ticketing area with the sailing they can expect to travel on. As sailings become full during the day, Now Ticketing displays the next sailing with available deck space for non-reserved traffic.

Are commercial vehicles calculated as part of Estimated Deck Space Available?

Yes. We calculate all types of vehicle traffic, including commercial vehicles and buses, as part of Mixed Vehicle Deck Space Available calculations. Foot passengers are not calculated as they do not take up vehicle deck space.

Why do the cameras show an empty lot, but Estimated Deck Space Available indicates the sailing is full?

Estimated Deck Space Available includes advanced vehicle bookings. In most cases, these customers can check-in up to 30 minutes* before their sailing. If customers have a booking but haven’t yet arrived, the terminal lot may appear empty.

How often is Current Conditions updated?

Current Conditions retrieves live data from all terminals every five minutes.

Why does Current Conditions not show a sailing as delayed until after it departs?

There is currently no way for a terminal to update the anticipated departure time without affecting the scheduled sailing time online.

What is displayed when a sailing is cancelled or late departing?

When a sailing is delayed or cancelled, the sailing will display a message that indicates the reason. This will appear on the Departures/Arrivals page under Status.

Why does Estimated Deck Space Available only show departures for today?

Estimated Deck Space Available is built on a 24-hour clock and is designed to be a near-term planning tool that displays real-time conditions at the terminal. We have recently made updates to Deck Space Available that now show the day’s sailings as well as the first three sailings of the next day.

How we allocate space for our bookable routes

We provide travel certainty for customers who want to book in advance while keeping a percentage of space for customers who choose to travel without a booking.

• Events for Vancouver Island

Explore Vancouver Island's wild side

From ancient forests to secluded beaches, the remote sanctuary off Canada's Pacific Coast has it all

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The only way to reach Vancouver Island is by boat or plane. Either way, arriving at this remote sanctuary off Canada's Pacific Coast is a memorable experience: cedar trees carpet the rocky shores, hazy mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. 

If you're lucky, you might be greeted with the bark of a seal or the whistle of a bald eagle returning to its nest. The island is teeming with wildlife; this is a place where black bears roam the forests and humpback whales can be spotted along the coast. Here are a few ways to experience the untamed beauty of Vancouver Island. 

Catch waves at Tofino

Chesterman Beach is an excellent spot for storm-watching 

In the manicured streets of Victoria on the southern tip of the island "you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Cheltenham", said Stanley Stewart in Conde Nast Traveler . "But things get rugged remarkably quickly." Around a three hour drive up the coast lies Tofino - a little beach town known as the surfing capital of Canada. Cox Bay Beach hosts most of the surf competitions, while Mackenzie Beach is ideal for families thanks to its sheltered location and calm waters. The winter months can be spent storm-watching: expect dramatic skies, gigantic waves and fearsome winds (take it all in from Pointe Restaurant overlooking Chesterman Beach).

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Hike the West Coast Trail 

Adventurous hikers will need five to seven days to complete the perilous trail

Built in 1907 to help rescuers reach shipwreck survivors along the treacherous 'Graveyard of the Pacific', the West Coast Trail is one of Canada's most popular hiking spots. The 47-mile stretch of "ladders, bridges, creek crossings, rock-hopping and beachcombing hugs the Pacific shoreline for most of its course", said Brendan Sainsbury in Lonely Planet . Adventurous hikers will need a permit, camping gear and between five and seven days to complete it, but despite volatile weather and slippery conditions "the rewards are immense". Be sure to plan your route carefully in advance - and bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots.

Take in the forest from the Malahat Skywalk

The spiral walkway curls above the forest canopy revealing sweeping views 

For panoramic views of the forest, fjords and mountains beyond, it's worth taking a scenic stroll along the Malahat Skywalk. Located a 35-minute drive from Victoria, the spiral tree-walk opened in 2021. The 32-metre glass and wooden structure looks like a "giant cane basket poking above the forest canopy" and is accessed by a "gently graded walkway that curls up through 10 storeys to a circular lookout", said Sainsbury in The Independent . There's also an 'adventure net' for daring guests to bounce across at the top, and a 20-metre spiral slide for kids.

Go wine tasting in Cowichan Valley 

The mild climate is ideal for grape growing 

Those looking for something a bit more relaxing could consider taking a scenic drive from Victoria around an hour north along the Trans-Canada highway to Cowichan Valley. Known for its warm, dry summers and mild winters, the region is home to a burgeoning collection of wineries and vineyards. In Cobble Hill, craft cider maker Merridale offers tours and tastings, and has plush yurts on site for overnight stays. "The best place to eat is hidden in the woods near Lake Cowichan, where passionate locavore and chef Brock Windsor runs the Stone Soup Inn," shared Carolyn B. Heller in Forbes . The menu is brimming with foraged ingredients and changes with the seasons.

Where to stay

The Wickaninnish Inn overlooks Chesterman Beach on the island's rugged west coast

Perched on the far edge of Vancouver Island in Tofino, the Wickaninnish Inn looks out over Chesterman Beach. The stunning landscape is "reflected indoors at every turn", said Nikki Bayley in The Telegraph , from the floor-to-ceiling windows to the custom furnishings crafted from driftwood. All of the rooms have balconies with ocean views, cosy fireplaces and bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. 

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge comprises 25 luxurious tented accommodations on the banks of Clayoquot Sound. It might be hard to reach but the journey is "well worth the effort", said Sarah Marshall in The Times . Set in a former mining outpost, each of the lodge's eco-friendly tents feature spacious outdoor decks and ensuite bathrooms.

How to get there

BC Ferries operates vessels between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Leave Vancouver from Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen to arrive in Victoria or Nanaimo (you can also take a one-day scenic cruise through the Inside Passage between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy). The other option is to fly: daily flights from Calgary and Edmonton take visitors to Victoria, Comox and Nanaimo. 

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WEATHER ALERT

5 warnings and 4 advisories in effect for 22 regions in the area

Dozens of united airlines passengers headed to houston fall ill after international cruise, “thirty minutes before we land, we get told that they’ve been exposed to an unknown virus.”.

Gage Goulding , News Reporter , Houston, TX

Michael Lemons , Photojournalist

Ahmed Humble , Digital Content Producer

HOUSTON – More than two dozen people on a United Airlines flight to Houston on Friday became ill while the plane was traveling from Canada.

RELATED: United Airlines says it has regained some privileges that were suspended after problem flights

United Airlines flight 1528 was flying from Vancouver, British Columbia to Houston. During the flight, 25 people became sick.

According to the Houston Fire Department , the sick passengers reported symptoms of nausea.

“About an hour and a half before we hit Houston, they ask for if you’ve been on this cruise ship, could you raise your hand,” James Snell recounts from his flight.

All of the ill passengers were previously on a cruise. A total of 75 passengers flying on the plane were on that cruise.

🤒 More than two dozen passengers aboard a @united flight to @iah on Friday became sick. @HoustonFire says the passengers just got done with an international cruise. @KPRC2 is also learning that the @CDCgov is also involved in the investigation. pic.twitter.com/y9Bdmx2Nbr — Gage Goulding - KPRC 2 (@GageGoulding) June 1, 2024

Firefighters and paramedics met the passengers as they landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport following the five-hour flight from Vancouver, British Columbia.

“Then all of a sudden, the flight attendant, she put on a mask, and the guy next to me is like, ‘What do you think’s going on?’ And I’m like, ‘Bro, I don’t know. You know? I mean, COVID, we’re all going to die.’ You know what I mean,” said Snell.

Three people were “evacuated” from the airplane, but no one was taken to the hospital.

MORE STORIES INVOLVING UNITED AIRLINES

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the plane landed around 6:30 p.m.

“Then firetrucks and ambulances started pulling up,” Snell said. “They didn’t hold us very long, maybe 45 minutes-ish.”

Passengers aboard the airplane say that the pilot and flight attendants alerted them that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the illness.

“This is where it got weird,” Snell said. “He [the pilot] got over the speaker, but he came out to us and he said, ‘Hey, in my 25 years of flying, I’ve never seen anything like this. We have been quarantined by the CDC. Nobody can exit the plane until the CDC lets us off.’”

After being let off the plane passengers were screened by paramedics from the Houston Fire Department.

“As soon as you got off, you got mobbed, wanting to know if you had any symptoms and did you want to be triaged,” Snell said. “But then they let us off and I thought, man, you’re letting us off in Houston airport. Like we’re going everywhere in the world. This is how it started the last time.”

The last time refers to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s what he and other passengers thought they could be dealing with.

“We’re all trapped in this tube, and we’ve all lived through Corona. And I was just like, ‘oh, come on. Not again,’” Snell said.

KPRC2 asked the FAA, CDC, Houston Fire Department and United Airlines for information about which cruise ship the passengers who got sick were on and for the illness, but none of the organizations would provide further information.

According to information from the CDC, there have been seven outbreaks of illness on cruise ships this year.

The most recent is a norovirus outbreak on the Celebrity Summit cruise ship.

Norovirus is commonly known as the “stomach bug” and can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s a highly contagious virus, but is typically not a severe illness and passes in a few days, the CDC reports.

According to Celebrity Cruises’ website , the Celebrity Summit ship is currently sailing between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Vancouver is where the United Airlines flight full of sick passengers took off.

KPRC 2 asked Celebrity Cruises for more information about their outbreak and if it’s connected to the sick passengers that landed in Houston. We’re still waiting for an answer.

Meanwhile, United Airlines tells KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding that the plane is being pulled from rotation until it can be deep cleaned.

UNITED AIRLINES STATEMENT

“Several passengers who had been on the same cruise and did not feel well were on United Flight 1528 from Vancouver to Houston tonight. United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”

CDC Statement

“CDC is aware of a flight from Vancouver, British Columbia, that arrived at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday, May 31.

Public health officers from CDC’s Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board. Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans.”

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Gage goulding.

Gage Goulding is an award-winning TV news reporter and anchor. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, he comes to Texas from Fort Myers, FL, where he covered some of the areas most important stories, including Hurricane Ian.

Ahmed Humble

Historian, educator, writer, expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer, essayist, film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar. Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue.

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Canada's best wildlife encounters on a small-ship cruise of British Columbia

A small-ship cruise around the maze of islands scattered off the remote north coast of Vancouver Island reveals some of British Columbia's most magnificent wildlife.

Vancouver Islanders have a name for the few weeks in late summer when whales can be spotted from ships close to shore: ‘humpback soup’. Like a pot on the boil, the sea churns over this period with heaving, grey muscle, all popping and roiling and slapping the surface with barnacle-crusted flukes, so close you can hear the wind-tunnel roar of air being sucked wetly into gargantuan lungs.

Whale-watching — normally a sedate activity — practically becomes an adrenaline sport, involving many unsteady sprints from port to starboard and back again for a triumphant glimpse of a tail fin or a gut punch of lingering spray.

Cetacean-spotting here offers rich pickings, but the Johnstone Strait — a narrow and, on the surface, completely unremarkable channel cleaving the northeast shore of Vancouver Island from craggy mainland British Columbia — is particularly notable for its high number of humpback sightings. But myriad other species call these shores home, among them galumphing, salt-crusted grizzlies, skulking black bears and rare fish-eating sea wolves, as well as porpoises, dolphins and cougars. Bald eagles also perch imperiously on the island’s coniferous fringes, their white heads starkly contrasting with the green, feathery fronds.

For Canadian wildlife, there are few better places — and for orca, there are few better places in the world. There are three kinds that ply the waters here: the vocal ‘residents’, which feast on the salmon that wash silvery life into the waterways every summer; the ‘transients’ — seal-eating, sneaky and wolf-like in their ‘pack’ behaviour, and silent unless celebrating a meal; and the elusive and mysterious ‘offshores’, which ply deeper waters and are rarely seen.

The only way in or out of this maze of waterways is by seaplane — a wide-angled, often wide-eyed perspective that misses the finer details — or by boat. On a small-ship cruise, those finer details — and the essence of what this stretch of coast is about — come into focus: the cathedral-like hush beneath the rainforest canopy, the heavy scent of sap hanging like incense in the air; the sound of beachcombing grizzly bears crunching mussels like breakfast cereal; the briny tang of nibbled samphire, plucked fresh from the intertidal zone from aboard a rigid inflatable boat. And the sight of a mighty black fin — not glimpsed from above but at eye level — cleaving the waves just beyond the bow.

The journey always begins in Port McNeill, a picturesque community overlooking the water on Vancouver Island’s northeast coast, and from there days are flexible and easygoing, taking the ship wherever the wind and the wildlife sightings lead; time seems to slow, dictated by the turning of the tides. Occasionally, if weather conditions allow, the mighty sails can be unfurled and the engine can be switched off, so the only sounds are the puffing blows of cruising whales and the washing of the waves over the bow.

From the Johnstone Strait, pit stops include West Cracroft Island, where the Pig Ranch Trail is popular for its mighty cedars, which troop like evergreen giants towards the shallows to meet the fiery orange seaweed; the sandy banks of the Otter River, which are crisscrossed with wolf tracks; and Knight Inlet, a lagoon of aquamarine water occasionally traversed by families of swimming bears. This labyrinth of islands is at the centre of a rich natural world, in a place where gradually all lingering thoughts of modern life drift away with the tides.

For Hungry Minds

Related topics.

• MARINE MAMMALS
• WHALE WATCHING
• HUMPBACK WHALE

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Environment Canada issues rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley

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VANCOUVER — Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with up to 60 millimetres expected by Monday morning.

It says the warning comes as a moisture laden Pacific frontal system moves into the south coast of British Columbia, bringing heavy rain.

The weather agency says this will intensify by Sunday afternoon before easing into showers early Monday.

The warning says localized flooding is possible in low-lying areas, and that heavy downpours may also cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

The weather office first issued a rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver on Saturday, but expanded the alert Sunday to cover the Fraser Valley, including Chilliwack and Hope.

Metro Vancouver issued a separate advisory warning that the weather would cause high flows for the North Shore’s Capilano and Seymour rivers.

It noted the rivers can change drastically without much notice.

"Metro Vancouver is urging those who enjoy spending time near the rivers, whether it be using nearby trails, fishing or kayaking, to protect their safety by being alert and extremely cautious," the news release said Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2024.

The Canadian Press

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