News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
DBC Messaging Guidance for B.C. Tourism Industry | Updated January 18, 2022
Destination BC has updated its Special Edition: Emergency Response to the BC Storm Messaging Guidance document which outlines key messaging, information, and resources for BC’s tourism industry. It includes guidance for Regional and Community/City Destination Marketing Organisations, Sector Associations, and Tourism Businesses. Please refer to the messaging guide for information on how you can support your community, residents, visitors, and each other during this difficult time. Messaging will continue to be updated as the situation evolves.
Destination BC has updated the Messaging Guidance for B.C. Tourism Industry: How to Travel in B.C. this Winter.
The document provides key messaging, information and infographics, and resources for B.C.’s tourism industry as it relates to travel to and within B.C. this Winter. Topics include travel routes, trip planning, transportation, visitor servicing, health protocols, entry requirements, and proof of vaccination requirements for various activities and businesses. The document will be updated as needed, as the situation evolves.
Coquihalla Highway Set to Reopen to Regular Traffic, Highway 1 Partially reopened from Kanaka Bar to Spences Bridge
Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon reopened to all vehicle traffic at noon on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, marking another milestone in British Columbia’s recovery from November’s flooding. This restores a major route connecting the Lower Mainland to B.C.’s Interior and North, helping the movement of people and goods.
Check DriveBC for current road conditions.
On Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) will reopen to regular vehicle traffic between Hope and Merritt.
This will be a much more convenient route for people who need to travel between the Lower Mainland and the Interior, and is another significant milestone in the province’s recovery from the devastating storms.
Temporary repairs to the Coquihalla are in place while the ministry plans permanent repairs to the damaged sections. This means travel-pattern changes and reduced speed limits, with the trip between Hope and Merritt taking about 45 minutes longer than normal. This is a high-mountain route that can experience adverse weather and rapidly changing conditions that could require closure with minimal notice.
Electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations at Britton Creek are still out of operation. The nearest EV charging stations are in Hope and Merritt. There will continue to be increased enforcement on this route to ensure drivers are obeying the traffic laws and driving according to conditions.
Before travelling, drivers should be prepared and check for updates on DriveBC.ca.
Highway 1 Update
Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon reopened to all vehicle traffic at noon on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, marking another milestone in British Columbia’s recovery from November’s flooding.
This restores a major route connecting the Lower Mainland to B.C.’s Interior and North, helping the movement of people and goods. Repairs to the highway were completed, despite the record snowfalls, avalanche risks and cold temperatures over the past few weeks.
Winter Driving
Drivers are reminded that B.C.’s winter-tire and chain-up regulations are in effect. Other safety tips for winter driving include travelling with a full tank of gas, food and water, and warm clothes.
Check DriveBC for updated road conditions
Winter Travel Toolkit for B.C. Tourism Industry | Updated December 16, 2021
B.C.’s tourism associations have developed a toolkit to guide operators in advising the public to plan travel in British Columbia this winter, with the unique challenges caused by the 2021 floods and road closures. Operators can share this document, include the information in their communications, and provide links on their website.
British Columbians have faced unprecedented challenges from severe weather and flooding that have impacted the normal ability to travel between the Lower Mainland and the rest of the province.
While the work is ongoing to repair the damage done, we can still travel to connect with family and enjoy winter recreation if we plan ahead and prepare for situations that can shift rapidly. Many of us are eager to travel and see family and friends this winter.
This toolkit is designed as a guide for operators with the information needed by the public to plan travel in British Columbia this winter. Operators can share this document, include the information in their communications, and provide links on their website.
People can get from the Lower Mainland to the Interior by driving via Highway 99 as of Dec 20, via Highway 3 as of Dec 21, and via the United States. They can also take advantage of the lower rates and extra capacity a number of airlines have added, or travel via existing commercial bus operators.
Situations can evolve rapidly, and we’ll do our best to keep everyone informed by updating this toolkit and the links to critical information that should reflect changes to travel information.
Updates & Resources: Floods and Road Closures
TOTA will continue to share the official announcements on the TOTA News Centre and the Thompson Okanagan Know Before You Go page. Read on for information about resources to support residents and businesses.
On November 17, 2021, the B.C. government declared a provincial state of emergency to mitigate impacts on transportation networks and movement of essential goods and supplies, and to support the provincewide response and recovery from the widespread damage caused by severe flooding and landslides in British Columbia.
TOTA Crisis Response
Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the floods and landslides. Thank you to the first responders and the many people assisting others through this situation.
TOTA will continue to share the official announcements on the TOTA News Centre, resources in the section below, and the Thompson Okanagan Know Before You Go page.
TOTA employs a Crisis Management Coordinator, who regularly engages with Emergency Management BC, to closely monitor the region and work with impacted communities, tourism businesses, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders.
As well, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support tourism business operators in the region and are available to provide 1:1 support.
We invite you to share your current experiences so we can inform government of the evolving situation. Feel free to email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any questions or concerns.
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