News & Resources

The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.

 
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Review and Provide Feedback to the New DriveBC Website

The DriveBC website is undergoing improvements, and people are invited to test the new version and provide feedback.

 

The DriveBC website is undergoing improvements, and people are invited to test the new version and provide feedback.

The updated site will be easier to use, more reliable, and personalized, helping drivers plan safe and efficient trips. Key features include a simplified map, clearer event notifications, and enhanced mobile experience.

Individuals can test the new site and complete a survey to provide feedback and help to improve the new site.

Drivers should continue using the current site for travel planning until the updates are finalized.

Visit the DriveBC test site to review and participate in the survey here.

 
 
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Travel Order Impact Survey

TOTA and BCHA are conducting a survey to collect details on the impacts of the order on tourism operations to present a summary of the findings to the BC Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, and Sport (MTACS) to share with the other ministries.

To complete the survey, go to https://TOTABC.org/Survey

 

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) are working together to assess the immediate and long-term impacts on Thompson Okanagan tourism stakeholders from Accommodation Travel Restrictions (Southern Interior Areas) Order by the Province of BC, originally effective August 19 - September 4, 2023.

TOTA and BCHA are conducting a survey to collect details on the impacts of the order on tourism operations to present a summary of the findings to the BC Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, and Sport (MTACS) to share with the other ministries.

Survey

The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Your input is critical to understanding the impact of the order on businesses.

If you represent more than one business, please complete additional surveys for each business so that we have a better understanding of the impact of the order.

To complete the survey, go to https://TOTABC.org/Survey


Additional Support

We understand this is a challenging time for businesses. The TOTA team would like to help. If you have any questions or concerns to discuss, please email Recovery@TOTABC.com.

 
 
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Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Ready to Welcome Visitors Back After Travel Order Lifted

The Thompson Okanagan is most definitely open and ready to welcome visitors back to the region. The industry looks forward to embracing those that already have trips booked, and invite visitors to plan a trip to one of the many communities that call the Southern Interior home through ThompsonOkanagan.com.

 

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is grateful to Premier Eby and Minister Ma, the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, for coming to tour many parts of the Thompson Okanagan region yesterday. After speaking with residents and viewing the impacts of recent and continuing wildfires, Minister Ma, together with Premier Eby lifted the order restricting travel to the Thompson Okanagan region.

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Premier and Minister Ma to work with us to reopen the region sooner than anticipated, it was an essential step to protect our tourism economy,” shares Ellen Walker-Matthews of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. “On behalf of the industry, I would like to extend sincere gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, emergency workers, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help the communities of the Thompson Okanagan impacted by wildfires.”

Walker-Matthews adds, “The Thompson Okanagan is most definitely open and ready to welcome visitors back to the region. The industry looks forward to embracing those that already have trips booked, and invite visitors to plan a trip to one of the many communities that call the Southern Interior home through ThompsonOkanagan.com.”

Booking a trip is going to be one of the best ways to assist with recovery efforts for the tourism economy through the months ahead, and it is essential to have the movement of visitors back in the area. Whether visiting the Thompson, Gold Country, Okanagan, Boundary Country, Similkameen Valley or Shuswap, each has unique experiences to discover in every season that can only be found in this place. Explore the destinations, or connect socially @thompson_okanagan for further trip inspiration.

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About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association:

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society that represents a geographic area nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The region’s name is derived from two major geographic features: the Thompson River and Okanagan Lake. TOTA plays a support, leadership and growth role in the tourism industry for this region. It aims to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth by embracing the value of tourism through community engagement, innovative leadership in promoting authentic experiences, and inspiring creative collaboration. Key TOTA initiatives include; Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 7 Generations Pledge, and Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

For more information about TOTA visit TOTABC.org, or visit the trip planning website ThompsonOkanagan.com.

Media Contact:

Krista Lochhead

krista@hatchhos.com

778.227.2396

Hatch Hospitality Inc. dba hatchcomms.ca

 
 
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Travel Restrictions Order Lifted for Most of Thompson Okanagan

The order restricting travel to the Thompson Okanagan region has been lifted, except for the community of West Kelowna.

To ensure we can bring concerns and challenges the industry faces to the government, we encourage you to share your insights and feedback on how the wildfires and travel restrictions have impacted your business through TOTA's Voice Your Concerns form.

 

Premier Eby and Minister Ma, the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, toured many parts of the Thompson Okanagan region to speak with residents and view the impacts of recent and continuing wildfires. 

In a press conference late yesterday afternoon, Minister Ma, together with Premier Eby lifted the order restricting travel to the Thompson Okanagan region, except for the community of West Kelowna, where there are still many residents out of their homes and much work ahead. 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 accommodations are available for those who have been evacuated and are still unable to return home.

We appreciate the efforts of the Premier and Minister Ma to work with industry and communities to reopen the region sooner than anticipated. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, emergency workers, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help the communities of the Thompson Okanagan impacted by wildfires. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these wildfires throughout the region.

Additionally, we want to acknowledge the accommodation providers in the Thompson Okanagan region who have been diligently reporting their availability to provide safe shelter for evacuees and emergency responders.

Although the non-essential travel restriction is now largely lifted, we are also acutely aware of the effect this restriction has had and continues to have on tourism businesses in the region. Besides the obvious financial impacts of losing visitors during the last few weeks of the peak tourism season, operators face uncertainty regarding labour, cancellation of significant events and product loss.

Lifting the order is an important first step in recovery, and while our industry remains steadfast in our commitment to support our communities and the evacuees, TOTA, along with the BC Hotel Association (BCHA), continues to work closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and the Government of British Columbia to advocate for financial supports necessary to ensure full recovery. 


We Want to Hear From You

To ensure we can bring concerns and challenges the industry faces to the government, we encourage you to share your insights and feedback on how the wildfires and travel restrictions have impacted your business through TOTA's Voice Your Concerns form.

 
 
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Advocacy Update: Accommodation Travel Restrictions

TOTA and BCHA seeking financial relief and expedited lifting of the order prohibiting non-essential travel into Southern Interior Areas to stay in temporary accommodation, citing a surplus of available accommodations compared to evacuees.

 

As the fire fight continues in multiple areas of the Thompson Okanagan and BC, our hearts are with those evacuated and those that have lost their homes. We can't say enough about the amazing work of the firefighters and BC Wildfire Service, working together with numerous community fire departments from around the province.

Accommodators are providing ongoing updates on room availability to be shared with Emergency Support Service (ESS) Centres to coordinate room bookings for evacuees and first responders.

Having said that, we are also acutely aware that the Accommodation Travel Restrictions Order for Southern Interior areas up to September 4 has decimated the tourism industry in a critical time of the season, resulting in tremendous financial repercussions.

We all stand at the ready to support the evacuees but this need has not been realized. Presently, considering the evacuation requirements and available accommodations, we have a surplus available within Kelowna and West Kelowna. Although the fires' threat persists, the cooler temperatures and potential rain forecast offer some relief.

Over recent days, TOTA and the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) have actively engaged with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, advocating for a number of measures aimed at supporting tourism and hospitality businesses. We've presented a comprehensive overview of the on-ground situation, laying out the facts to facilitate an informed decision-making process.

On August 21, we formally urged the Tourism Ministry to have EMCR, Minister Ma, and the Premier to move forward with the following measures:

  • A safe and expedited lifting of the essential-only travel order, particularly in areas like Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton, Summerland, Vernon, and Kamloops, where accommodation is not currently being fully utilized to support evacuation efforts.

  • A commitment from the Premier that financial relief will be explored to offset the substantial economic losses experienced by operators due to the implementation of the travel order.

We continue to meet with the ministries as the situation progresses.

We encourage you to share your insights and feedback by emailing Recovery@TOTABC.com so that we can bring your concerns to the government.

In the meantime, we are working to get the region open and operating again as quickly as possible, recognizing that the current and potential losses.

Kind regards,

Ellen Walker-Matthews
CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) 

 
 
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Provincial Order: Accommodation Travel Restrictions for Southern Interior Areas

The Province introduced a new order under the provincial state of emergency, effective August 19 until end of day on September 4, 2023: people may not travel to stay in temporary accommodations for non-essential purposes in several Thompson Okanagan communities. This includes hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds.

Read Order: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/m0243_2023

 

To help ensure accommodation is available for critical-response personnel and the tens of thousands of people evacuated due to wildfires, the Province of BC is restricting travel for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation in several communities in the Thompson Okanagan region.

The Province introduced a new order under the provincial state of emergency. Under this order, effective August 19 until end of day on September 4, 2023, people may not travel to stay in temporary accommodations for non-essential purposes in several Thompson Okanagan communities. This includes hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds.

This order applies to temporary accommodation in the following cities:

  • Kelowna-West Kelowna;

  • Kamloops;

  • Oliver;

  • Osoyoos;

  • Penticton; and

  • Vernon.

The order does not impact travel through to other regions, but the Province is calling on everyone to avoid non-essential travel to the central Interior and southeast to ensure roadways are kept clear for emergency-response operations, including further evacuations. People should check information from the BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC, and DriveBC before heading out.

Essential travel includes:

  • providing emergency or critical services;

  • sheltering for evacuees;

  • travelling for health or medical reasons;

  • transporting essential goods and supplies;

  • attending court or complying with a court order;

  • attending a funeral service;

  • avoiding the risk of abuse or violence;

  • exercising parental responsibilities;

  • moving or assisting with moving to a different principal residence;

  • carrying out a temporary work-related purpose, including volunteer work;

  • attending classes or training; and

  • exercising an Aboriginal or treaty right.

View Announcement →

Read the Order: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/m0243_2023

 
 
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Urgent Advisory Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Update

The wildfire situation in the Thompson Okanagan is, and continues to be, extremely serious.

 

The wildfire situation in the Thompson Okanagan is, and continues to be, extremely serious.

On Friday, August 18, the Government of British Columbia declared a provincial State of Emergency to enact emergency orders, including travel restrictions to specific areas if needed. 

Residents and visitors have been asked to avoid all non-essential travel to the Central Interior and Southeast parts of the province. For those who must travel, please refer to the BC Wildfire interactive map, and emergencyinfobc.ca to learn about evacuation alerts and orders.

We are working closely with our municipal, regional and provincial partners to assist emergency and wildfire responders wherever possible with the current situation. The safety of our community, local businesses, and visitors are our top priority. We ask everyone to follow the instructions of emergency responders.

 Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the complex wildfires in Keremeos and Oliver, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country, and the Shuswap, Adams Lake, and Lee Creek fires, as well as the numerous additional fires that are igniting.

We also want to thank all of the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers for all that they are doing to fight the numerous blazes and keep people safe and protected.
We want to ensure you have timely information and key messages to share with your employees and guests where needed. Please see below:

From August 19 through 21 hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected around many parts of BC, leading to increased wildfire risk. Slightly cooler temperatures, thunderstorms and rain are forecasted for the days ahead in the Central Okanagan. 

Residents and visitors are asked to avoid all non-essential travel to the Central Interior and Southeast parts of the province, as well as any areas that are currently under an evacuation alert or order. 

  • If you must travel, please refer to the BC Wildfire interactive map, and emergencyinfobc.ca to learn about evacuation alerts and orders.

  • For those needing to re-book travel for another time, or to make alternative plans to unaffected parts of the province, Visitor Centres are available to assist.

  • Water access must be prioritized for fire suppression efforts. Okanagan Lake users are asked to keep boats away from areas where other aviation resources are operating.

  • Refrain from drone use. Drones are a significant hazard to air crews fighting fires, and it is both illegal and irresponsible to fly them in fire-affected areas. 

  • The situation can change rapidly, and anyone traveling in BC is asked to monitor official information sources regularly, including the BC Wildfire Service and DriveBC

  • Be prepared for changes and further evacuation alerts and orders

  • Visitors are encouraged to download and allow notifications from Alertable: a community notification app with customizable settings to receive the latest local alerts, such as road closures and evacuation information, straight to your mobile device.

For the latest information please refer to ThompsonOkanagan.com’s Know Before You Go page. 

If you need further assistance with guidance and messaging with visitors in your community or business, please reach out. 

 
 
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Keremeos Creek Wildfire Impacting Parts of Okanagan-Similkameen

The Keremeos Creek Wildfire is impacting parts of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen, including Keremeos, Hedley, Olalla, Skaha West, Kaleden, Apex, and Highway 3a. There are several evacuation orders and alerts in place, as well as heavy smoke over Olalla and Marsel.

The BC Wildfire Service is managing the situation and crews continue to work around the clock to protect structures.

For up to date information, see the BC Wildfire Service info page and the DriveBC Current Incidents page.

 

The Keremeos Creek Wildfire is impacting parts of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen, including Keremeos, Hedley, Olalla, Skaha West, Kaleden, Apex, and Highway 3a. There are several evacuation orders and alerts in place, as well as heavy smoke over Olalla and Marsel.

The BC Wildfire Service is managing the situation and crews continue to work around the clock to protect structures.

For up to date information, see the BC Wildfire Service info page and the DriveBC Current Incidents page.

 
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Possible Heat Warning for Southwest and Central Interior B.C.: July 22-27

A ridge of high pressure is building over B.C. this week and appears to be strengthening. It will bring an extended period of hot and dry weather. It is yet unclear how long the heat may persist.

Generally, daytime high temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 30s in the Southwestern Interior, and high 20s or low 30s along parts of the Central Interior. Overnight lows are expected to be in the mid to high teens. There may be thunderstorms and lightning.

 

A ridge of high pressure is building over B.C. this week and appears to be strengthening. It will bring an extended period of hot and dry weather. It is yet unclear how long the heat may persist. 

Generally, daytime high temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 30s in the Southwestern Interior, and high 20s or low 30s along parts of the Central Interior. Overnight lows are expected to be in the mid to high teens. There may be thunderstorms and lightning.

Resources to monitor current weather forecasts and alerts:

Further Information:

 
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BC SPCA Reminds Pet Guardians about Dangers of Leaving Animals in Hot Cars

With temperatures rising across the province, the BC SPCA is reminding pet guardians not to leave their pets in parked vehicles.

If you see an animal showing signs of heatstroke or other distress, please call the BC SPCA Call Centre at 1.855.622.7722 during business hours or contact your local animal control agency, RCMP or police.

Tourism companies can help by providing a shaded outdoor space or indoor space with water for pets.

Learn More →

 

With temperatures rising across the province, the BC SPCA is reminding pet guardians not to leave their pets in parked vehicles.

If you see an animal showing signs of heatstroke or other distress, please call the BC SPCA Call Centre at 1.855.622.7722 during business hours or contact your local animal control agency, RCMP or police.

Tourism companies can help by providing a shaded outdoor space or indoor space with water for pets.

Learn More →

 
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Border Restrictions to Enter Canada Extended to Sept. 30

The federal government announced Wednesday all existing border restrictions to enter Canada will remain in place until at least Sept. 30.

Learn More →

 

The federal government announced Wednesday all existing border restrictions to enter Canada will remain in place until at least Sept. 30.

That means foreign travellers will still need to provide proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the country and unvaccinated Canadians or permanent residents will need to provide a molecular COVID-19 test taken prior to entering and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The government is also still requiring all travellers, regardless of citizenship, to upload their vaccine information and travel documents to the ArriveCan app. The restrictions were last extended on May 31.

Learn More →

 
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Notice to Take Pre-Cautions Due to Okanagan Lake High Water Levels and Mission Creek Flooding

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated due to rising water levels in creeks and streams and flowing into Okanagan Lake. Central Okanagan Emergency Operations recommends that property managers with waterfront and flood-prone areas take pre-cautions, as any wind, rain, or wake from boats has the potential to cause further erosion and damage to waterfront property and structures.

For the most up to date information, visit the Emergency Details & Update page or CORDEmergency.ca.

For tourism related questions, concerns, or challenges, feel free to connect with TOTA's Crisis Communications Coordinator by emailing CrisisMgmt@TOTABC.com.

 

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated due to rising water levels in creeks and streams and flowing into Okanagan Lake. A local state of emergency was declared for the City of Kelowna on June 14.

Okanagan Lake has not peaked, but reached full pool on June 17. Unsettled weather is forecasted in the coming days and crews will continue to monitor creek, river and lake levels.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations recommends that property managers with waterfront and flood-prone areas take pre-cautions, as any wind, rain, or wake from boats has the potential to cause further erosion and damage to waterfront property and structures.

Recommended precautions include:

  • Review the Prepared BC Flood Preparedness Guide on what to do before, during and after a flood and make a plan.

  • Ensure docks are secured and that anchor lines are long enough so they don’t snap if water continues to rise.

  • Boaters are asked to be mindful of speed and wake to prevent property damage along the shoreline.

  • Encourage staff and guests to use care when walking near creeks as banks can be slippery and unstable and subject to erosion.

  • Leave debris washing up along the lakeshore in place until water levels recede to protect the shoreline from further erosion.

  • Get sandbags, which are now available for Peachland, West Kelowna, and Joe Rich areas.

  • Call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

Details & Updates

For the most up to date information, visit the Emergency Details & Update page or CORDEmergency.ca.

Information will also be provided via twitter.com/CO_Emerg and facebook.com/CORDEmergency.

For tourism related questions, concerns, or challenges, feel free to connect with TOTA's Crisis Communications Coordinator by emailing CrisisMgmt@TOTABC.com.

 
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Vaccine Mandates for Domestic Travellers, Transportation Workers & Federal Employees Suspended as of June 20, 2022

The government announced that as of June 20, 2022, the vaccination requirements are suspended for domestic and outbound travel, federally regulated transportation sectors and federal government employees.

The key impacts to travellers and transportation workers are:

  1. As of June 20, the vaccination requirement to board a plane or a train in Canada will be suspended.

  2. Federally regulated transport sector employers will no longer be required to have mandatory vaccination policies in place for employees.

  3. Due to the unique nature of cruise ship travel, vaccination requirements for passengers and crew of cruise ships will continue to remain in effect.

  4. Masking and other public health protection measures will continue to be in place and enforced on planes, trains, and ships.

  5. Current border measures, including the existing vaccination requirement for most foreign nationals to enter Canada, and quarantine and testing requirements for Canadians who have not received their primary vaccine series, remain in effect.

View Announcement →

View Current Canadian Travel Information →

 

The government announced that as of June 20, 2022, the vaccination requirements are suspended for domestic and outbound travel, federally regulated transportation sectors and federal government employees.

The key impacts to travellers and transportation workers are:

  1. As of June 20, the vaccination requirement to board a plane or a train in Canada will be suspended.

  2. Federally regulated transport sector employers will no longer be required to have mandatory vaccination policies in place for employees.

  3. Due to the unique nature of cruise ship travel, vaccination requirements for passengers and crew of cruise ships will continue to remain in effect.

  4. Masking and other public health protection measures will continue to be in place and enforced on planes, trains, and ships.

  5. Current border measures, including the existing vaccination requirement for most foreign nationals to enter Canada, and quarantine and testing requirements for Canadians who have not received their primary vaccine series, remain in effect.

View Announcement →

View Current Canadian Travel Information →

 
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Random COVID-19 Testing at Canadian Airports for Vaccinated Travellers Dropped

Random testing at airports will be temporarily suspended at all airports starting on June 11 to 30. Only unvaccinated travellers will be required to take a test upon entry into Canada. The change is being called a “pause,” with the possibility that it could return.

Travellers who don’t meet the vaccine requirements may be turned away at the border, or be required to quarantine for 14 days or until their departure.

Click here for up to date information on COVID 19 travel testing and borders.

View Travel Guidelines →

 

Random testing at airports will be temporarily suspended at all airports starting on June 11 to 30. Only unvaccinated travellers will be required to take a test upon entry into Canada. The change is being called a “pause,” with the possibility that it could return.

Travellers who don’t meet the vaccine requirements may be turned away at the border, or be required to quarantine for 14 days or until their departure.

Click here for up to date information on COVID 19 travel testing and borders.

View Travel Guidelines →

 
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Government of Canada announces additional easing of border measures effective April 25

The Government of Canada announced further changes to Canada's border measures for certain eligible travellers. Effective April 25, 2022, the following easing of border measures will come into effect:

  • Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor will no longer be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test for entry to Canada.

  • Pre-entry tests will still be required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers 12 and older who are currently eligible to travel to Canada. Children under 5 years of age are not required to provide a COVID-19 test result.

  • All fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. This requirement will also be removed for children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian, or tutor and travellers with a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine.

Furthermore, fully vaccinated travellers arriving to Canada after April 25, 2022, will no longer be federally required to do the following for 14 days after arriving:

  • mask while in public spaces;

  • monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms;

  • quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group exhibits signs or symptoms or tests positive; and

  • maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.

All travellers are still required to use ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding a plane or cruise ship destined for Canada.

View Announcement →

 

The Government of Canada announced further changes to Canada's border measures for certain eligible travellers. Effective April 25, 2022, the following easing of border measures will come into effect:

  • Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor will no longer be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test for entry to Canada.

  • Pre-entry tests will still be required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers 12 and older who are currently eligible to travel to Canada. Children under 5 years of age are not required to provide a COVID-19 test result.

  • All fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. This requirement will also be removed for children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian, or tutor and travellers with a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine.

Furthermore, fully vaccinated travellers arriving to Canada after April 25, 2022, will no longer be federally required to do the following for 14 days after arriving:

  • mask while in public spaces;

  • monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms;

  • quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group exhibits signs or symptoms or tests positive; and

  • maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.

All travellers are still required to use ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding a plane or cruise ship destined for Canada.

View Announcement →

 
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Canada Masking Guidelines for Travel Still in Effect

Canada’s Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said masking guidelines while travelling still apply, as the US moves to drop its national mandate.

Currently in Canada, travellers must wear a mask or face covering while travelling through Canadian airports and for the duration of flights. Air operators are required to notify passengers of the rule and receive confirmation that everyone has a face covering.

Transport Canada says travellers should also wear a mask or face covering while travelling in groups by rail, road, and water.

To support the new border measures in place as of April 1, the Canada Border Services Agency has produced videos to ensure travellers are aware of the current requirements in place and arrive prepared at the border or airport.

The tourism industry is encouraged to share these videos with your network to help facilitate a smooth travel experience for visitors.

Watch Videos →

 

Canada’s Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said masking guidelines while travelling still apply, as the US moves to drop its national mandate.

Currently in Canada, travellers must wear a mask or face covering while travelling through Canadian airports and for the duration of flights. Air operators are required to notify passengers of the rule and receive confirmation that everyone has a face covering.

Transport Canada says travellers should also wear a mask or face covering while travelling in groups by rail, road, and water.

To support the new border measures in place as of April 1, the Canada Border Services Agency has produced videos to ensure travellers are aware of the current requirements in place and arrive prepared at the border or airport.

The tourism industry is encouraged to share these videos with your network to help facilitate a smooth travel experience for visitors.

Watch Videos →

 
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US Lowers Risk Level For Travel To Canada

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has moved Canada down from Level 4 to Level 3 category of travel risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is no longer warning Americans to avoid travel to Canada because of the coronavirus. In an update to its travel health notices on April 4, the US public health agency said the level of COVI-19 in Canada is “high” rather than “very high”; it had been at Level 4 since Jan. 10, 2022.

View Key Information for US Travelers to Canada →

 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has moved Canada down from Level 4 to Level 3 category of travel risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is no longer warning Americans to avoid travel to Canada because of the coronavirus.

In an update to its travel health notices on April 4, the US public health agency said the level of COVI-19 in Canada is “high” rather than “very high”; it had been at Level 4 since Jan. 10, 2022.

Level 3: High level of COVID-19 means:

  • Make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel.

  • Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to this destination.

View Key Information for US Travelers to Canada →

 
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BC Proof of Vaccination & COVID Safety Plans Requirements Lifted as of April 8, 2022

As of April 8, 2022 further restrictions were lifted in the Province of BC, including:

  • Proof of vaccination will no longer be required under public health order to access businesses, events, and services

  • Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination for entry

  • Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan. They must follow communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC

  • Federal proof of vaccination is still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel

  • Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for post-secondary student housing

View Current Restrictions →

 

As of April 8, 2022 further restrictions were lifted in the Province of BC, including:

  • Proof of vaccination will no longer be required under public health order to access businesses, events, and services

  • Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination for entry

  • Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan. They must follow communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC

  • Federal proof of vaccination is still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel

  • Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for post-secondary student housing

View Current Restrictions →

 
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Canada Drops Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Testing For Vaccinated Travelers

Effective April 1, 2022, the federal government officially removed all pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirements at the border for vaccinated travellers.

Key changes include:

  1. Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to complete a pre-entry test (they may still be selected for random tests on arrival but are not required to quarantine).

  2. Non vaccinated travellers will still need an on-arrival test and a day 8 test and must quarantine for 14 days.

  3. ArriveCAN is still needed for entry to Canada by all travellers.

Learn More →

 

Effective April 1, 2022, the federal government officially removed all pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirements at the border for vaccinated travellers. 

Key changes include: 

  1. Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to complete a pre-entry test (they may still be selected for random tests on arrival but are not required to quarantine). 

  2. Non vaccinated travellers will still need an on-arrival test and a day 8 test and must quarantine for 14 days. 

  3. ArriveCAN is still needed for entry to Canada by all travellers.

Learn More →

 
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Crisis Communications Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Crisis Communications Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

Rapid tests for people 18+ available at pharmacies

Starting Wednesday, March 23, 2022, rapid antigen test kits will be available to people aged 18 years and older through community pharmacies.

Eligible individuals can pick up one kit of five tests every 28 days from participating pharmacies at no cost.

Individuals should pick up a test kit when not having symptoms of illness to use at a future time when having symptoms of illness. Guidelines for testing continue to indicate tests should be used for symptomatic individuals.

Learn More →

 

Starting Wednesday, March 23, 2022, rapid antigen test kits will be available to people aged 18 years and older through community pharmacies.

Eligible individuals can pick up one kit of five tests every 28 days from participating pharmacies at no cost.

Individuals should pick up a test kit when not having symptoms of illness to use at a future time when having symptoms of illness. Guidelines for testing continue to indicate tests should be used for symptomatic individuals.

Learn More →

 
Read More