Message from TOTA Board Chair

Michael J. Ballingall TOTA Board Chair and Richard Porges, Destination BC CEO

September... In many ways this month always feels more like the new year than January. As school at every level begins again and the busy days of summer come to an end, life begins to have a renewed energy and momentum. We turn a new page, reevaluate priorities, set goals, and make plans for the months ahead. In business, regardless of what quarter you're in, September takes on the spirit of "Q1".

This September, TOTA, together with our regional partners, have embarked on a new agreement and relationship with Destination BC. This key relationship is coming together at a critical time for the tourism industry. Never before has it been more important that we work together in collaboration at every level to get through the challenges that lay before us, while building a long term vision and strategy to move tourism successfully through the next decade.

This past week many tourism leaders met in person in Vancouver while many others took part in integrated planning sessions on multiple days of virtual meetings. Everyone is committed to working together to rebuild and rethink how we move forward and bring the Super. Natural. British Columbia experience to our guests in even better ways, for years to come.

On behalf of myself, the TOTA board, and the team, I would like to recognize Richard Porges, recently appointed CEO of Destination BC, and the entire Destination BC team for their efforts in facilitating these recent meetings. These discussions fostered a spirit of cooperation, collaboration, and transparency. They set the stage toward creating a resilient tourism industry for the future for all of British Columbia's tourism companies, residents, and visitors.

- Michael J. Ballingall, TOTA Board Chair

Online Learning Day | BC Tourism Resiliency Network

The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) is hosting an Online Learning Day to deliver high-profile, high-value thought leadership that will inspire and guide tourism operators to improve product and business acumen, while addressing key challenges and solving real problems.

Session #1: Employee Recruitment & Retention During a Pandemic – Practical Tips for Tourism & Hospitality Employers
Speaker: Ginger Bruner, go2HR
Time: 8:45-9:30 am PST

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only impacting how businesses operate, it is also influencing the expectations and needs of job seekers and employees. Understanding these changes is important for tourism employers to be able to adjust their recruitment and retention practices to attract and retain top talent.

Session #2: Reputation Management
Speaker: Deirdre Campbell, Beattie Tartan
Time: 10:00-10:45 am PST

Understand the steps tourism and hospitality businesses should take to build and maintain a trusted brand image during a global crisis. While an initial instinct will be to remain quiet until things blow over or a better understanding of what the future looks like becomes clear – the opposite is true. Now is the time to communicate more than ever, keep your brand top of mind and deal with the tough issues head on. Authenticity and transparency are key factors to retain guests and visitors and attract new ones.

Session #3: Creating a Path Forward 
Speaker: Theresa Ito, Blue Mountain Solutions
Time: 11:00 am-1:00 pm PST

Using the experience and lessons learned over the last year and a half, this enlightening workshop will help you rethink the opportunities within your business. With a group of like-minded professionals, we will look at strategies for taking you and your businesses successfully through this difficult time

Special Presentation: Return to Travel

Speaker: Heather Greenwood Davis, Storyteller

Time: 1:00-1:20 pm PST

Join storyteller and award-winning writer, Heather Greenwood Davis, for this informative and inspiring talk about the return to travel. Heather will share what she’s seen as both a domestic and international traveller and what it – along with the time spent in the pandemic – has taught her to expect from the future of travel.

These offerings are free to BC tourism businesses registered in a tourism resiliency program. Any tourism business can still register in the BC Tourism Resiliency Network in order to participate in this online learning.

Learn More →

Register →

Tourism Kelowna Participates in 10 Million Acts of Kindness Movement

After a difficult year, Tourism Kelowna wanted to spread a little joy among the amazing people that make up the industry and personally thank them for the great service they provide.

That's where 10 Million Acts of Kindness came into play. Launched in Kelowna in the summer of 2021 by local entrepreneur, Crystal Flaman, this social movement project was aimed at inspiring kindness within the community and beyond. Small acts of kindness can go a long way and the movement's aim is to create a ripple effect in the world that can change people's lives.

Over 10 days in September, the Tourism Kelowna team hand-delivered over 100 hundred gift bags to front-line staff of Tourism Kelowna stakeholders, including coffee shops, art galleries, hotels, wineries, restaurants, and many more. The gift bags included a thank you note, local products, Love for Kelowna stickers, and a card that not only explained the initiative but also encouraged them to pay it forward with their own act of kindness.

Tourism Kelowna hopes this will create a ripple effect in the tourism and hospitality community - feel free to join the movement by doing something to bring smiles and warm hearts in your community.

Small acts such as helping someone in need, leaving a positive review for a local business, sending a note of gratitude, or paying it forward can go a long way. #10millionactsofkindness.

Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency | BC Chamber of Commerce

The BC Chamber of Commerce has launched the pan-provincial Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency, a live resource to support businesses across the province as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic on their road to recovery as set out in BC’s Restart Plan..

The Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency will help businesses address workforce and workplace planning and related operational challenges caused by COVID-19.

Resources outlined in the guide tackle all aspects of pandemic recovery including:

• Health & Safety

• Government programming

• Sector-specific initiatives

• Legal and regulatory requirements

• How to reopen, maintain, pivot, or expand your business; and

• Additional small business tools

Download the guide today to help your business navigate the broad mix of available resources in a clear and efficient way. Follow these steps on the road to recovery.

Tourism Insurance Survey - Close September 24

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Provincial and Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA) that includes TIABC, have formed a task force on the issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry.

We are continuing to hear from operators concerned with commercial insurance access, premium increase, and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.

To help with TIABC's advocacy work on this issue, please complete this survey by September 24.

We also request that you share the survey link with others who have concerns to ensure as robust a response as possible. Thank you for your time and input.

Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Launches Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program

Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) has announced the new national Rainbow Registered accreditation program. The accreditation will help consumers and prospective employees to more easily identify LGBT+ friendly businesses across Canada. It will also help businesses of all industries and sizes, demonstrate their commitment and consistent efforts to provide a welcome and accepting experience through progressive policies and practices. 

The Rainbow Registered program is a way for companies to affirm their position on LGBT+ rights and make it clear what their stance is.” said Darrell Schuurman, Chief Executive Officer of the LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. “It’s no longer enough to talk about inclusivity. Canadian consumers and employees are now demanding clear actionable steps that show a business’s values align with their own.”

Rainbow Registered Sets The Bar for Corporate LGBT+ Inclusivity

The program sets a rigorous set of standards that companies must meet before earning the Rainbow Registered mark and the benefits that go along with it. The standards focus on four key areas including policies and practices, training, commitment to inclusive leadership and a culture of inclusivity. The program starts by encouraging businesses to look inwards, examining how they are operating and doing business, finding areas that may be perpetuating unconscious bias, then working closely with CGLCC to forge a path forward to becoming more inclusive.

For a limited time, the first-year sign-up fee is waived for all applicants. Pricing starts at $299 + tax for small businesses and scales to match company size.

It takes less than a week to complete the program, at which point businesses will be able to promote themselves as a Rainbow Registered organization, access CGLCC member benefits, and be included in the Rainbow Registered business directory for consumers.

Companies interested in applying to the rainbow registered program can get started today by completing the first step, a self-assessment found at www.rainbowregistered.ca.

Consumers interested in learning which organizations are accredited can find the business directory at www.rainbowregistered.ca.

Connecting Employers to Immigrant Talent | Immigrant Employment Council of BC

As countries vie for the brightest and the best, BC businesses and industries must work together to take bold, decisive steps to close the skills and labour gap – and immigrants are part of the solution. The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IECBC) offers BC employers cost-effective and workable solutions to gain a competitive advantage in today’s global talent marketplace, including:

MentorConnect

Learn about our program that brings together skilled immigrants and established professionals in occupation-specific mentoring relationships.

FAST

Find out how this free, comprehensive set of online tools and resources helps skilled immigrants become better prepared for work in Canada, and connects employers with internationally trained workers.

BC JobConnect

BC JobConnect is a customized online tool connecting BC employers to job-ready newcomers.  This easy-to-use website provides a platform for job-seekers to showcase their skills, education and work experience, and present their profiles and resumes to BC employers looking for workers. Services offered to both the employers and the job-seekers are free.

ASCEND

ASCEND’s self-paced online modules develop newcomers’ employment skills. This minimizes the burden of onboarding while ensuring new hires stay engaged and supported. An innovative and interactive blended learning program focusing on cultivating skilled newcomers’ essential workplace competencies (interpersonal, communication and soft skills). ASCEND uses a strengths-based approach that integrates online and face to face learning to support the employment readiness of newcomers and help BC employers recruit, hire, and integrate immigrant talent.

Register as a Certificate of Recognition (COR) Internal Auditor to Save Up to 10% on WorkSafeBC Premiums

go2HR offers the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program, a certification and incentive program that rewards tourism employers who go above and beyond the legal requirements of the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Registering your business with the Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program makes a strong statement as an employer about how much you value you workers while providing you with up to 10% off of your base WorkSafeBC premiums.

The COR program is available to large employers with 20 or more full-time equivalent employees. Fewer than 20 employees? Check out the Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR) program here.

Join go2HR’s next COR virtual training session to learn all about the COR program. You’ll learn what it takes to become an auditor, details of the COR program, speak with other registered employers, and gain important occupational health and safety knowledge.

The go2HR website has a wealth of information about the COR program, including an overview of the program, a detailed overview of the audit process, a self-assessment guide, and a health and safety toolkit to help your business achieve COR certification.

TasteFull Excursions Wins 2021 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award

TasteFull Excursions Wins 2021 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award TasteFull Excursions’ Great Reviews Earn it a Coveted Place Amongst Travellers’ Favourites in Thompson Okanagan region of B.C.

TasteFull Excursions is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as a 2021 Travellers’ Choice Award winner by Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor awards celebrate businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to both locals and visitors from around the globe, having earned great traveller reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, TasteFull Excursions stood out by continuously providing service excellence for their guests.

About TasteFull Excursions Inc:

TasteFull Excursions is a multi-award winning tour and transportation company that was established in 2014 as the 1st tour company in Kamloops to serve the emerging Thompson Valley wine region and has since grown to provide a wide range of services in the Thompson region and beyond as the demand for their services grew.

Services include: year round tour & shuttle services – ski resort, airport, golf, wedding plus food & beverage tour/event experiences including in Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Shuswap and the Okanagan regions. Visit their website: www.tastefullexcursions.ca

Destination BC Call for Content: BC's Bounty, a Celebration of Food and Drink Inspired by the Fall Season

A new fall season has begun, and Destination BC’s consumer channels are preparing to encourage residents to continue supporting local by showing them unique ways in which communities all across the province mark this special—and delicious—time of year, in an effort to encourage shoulder season travel and bookings for locals and visitors alike.

Content will feature providers and businesses that are currently open and follow current public health orders.

Here's how to help build a scrumptious image of BC this fall:

Compile content that features:

• Breweries, Cideries & Distilleries

• Dining & Culinary Tours

• Farms & Markets

• Food & Drink Events 

• Food, Drink & Wellness

• Wineries & Wine Tours

To create:

• a local food itinerary 

• a feature on a local proprietor in the food and drink space

• a fall food guide for your community

• a roundup of fall harvest events for your community

Share content with Destination BC by:

• Instagram: Tag @HelloBC and @Thompson_Okanagan on Instagram and use the hashtags #ExploreBC and #ThompsonOkanagan

• Email: Send content to GlobalContent@DestinationBC.ca with “BC Bounty” in the subject line

BC Vaccine Passport: New Scripts and Scenarios on How to Deal with Challenging Situations - go2HR

go2HR has developed a script page for frontline staff to refer to in situations dealing with the new vaccine passport. Their team of HR, health and safety and training experts have developed scenarios which workers could encounter in their workplace, and suggested scripts on how to respond to challenging interactions, including:

• Scenario A: Guest Requests Vaccination Status of Employees/workforce

• Scenario B: Group of Guests with Varying Vaccine Status

• Scenario C: Presentation of Fraudulent Documentation

Tourism Sector Step 3 Toolkit: Proof of Vaccination Update

The Tourism Industry Association of BC, BC Hotel Association, Destination BC, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (including TOTA), and Indigenous Tourism BC are pleased to share an updated version of the Step 3 Tourism Industry Toolkit reflecting Proof of Vaccination.

It serves to be a quick guide for tourism operators on communications, health and safety, workforce and marketing. We hope this toolkit is helpful to you, and would be happy to hear any feedback or questions you might still have.

Joint Statement from the Tourism Sector

Continued Travel with Proof of Vaccination

Travel is part of our DNA. It gives us something to look forward to. It brings us joy to experience new places, new tastes, and new ideas. It’s the perfect antidote to recharge, connect with friends and families and create new memories. Tourism is fueled by people who are passionate about their work, their jobs are vital to local economies across British Columbia.

While vaccination records are required for specified events and licensed restaurants, and indoor mask requirements have returned, we are continuing to encourage British Columbians to safely travel across our province and to welcome our neighbours from coast to coast to coast, from the United States, and the rest of the world.

As always, we are encouraging the travelling public to know the requirements that are in place before they go, and for tourism operators to let people know ahead of time what is expected in terms of current regulations.

As the tourism sector continues to opens its doors, there’s a growing demand for workers and opportunities for British Columbians looking for jobs to be a part one of the province’s most important sectors. There is an incredible variety of work with options to suit a wide range of skills.

- Joint statement of: Brenda Baptiste, Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC; Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC; Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO of the BC Hotel Association; Anthony Everett, Chair of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat; and Richard Porges, President and CEO of Destination BC.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) Seeking Board Nominations by October 2

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors.

For the 2021-2023 term, TIABC is seeking a total of five (5) candidates:

• From the DMO category one (1) is required for a two-year term. One board member is seeking re-election.

• From the Sector Association category sector two (2) are required for a two-year term. Two board members are seeking re-election.

• From the Business Membership category two (2) are required for a two-year term. Two board members are seeking re-election.

As per the bylaws, the Tourism Industry Association of BC requests that all nominations from members be received 45 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. All nominations for director positions therefore, must be received on or before October 2, 2021 at 5:00 pm.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) advocates on behalf of the 19,300+ tourism businesses and 161,000 employees that work in every community and region of our province for the interests of British Columbia’s $22 billion+ visitor economy (2019). As a not-for-profit tourism industry association, TIABC works collaboratively with its members – private sector tourism businesses, industry associations and destination marketing organizations – to ensure the best working environment for a competitive tourism industry.

To receive the TIABC Board Nomination Form, or If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Deborah Kulchiski (Manager, Special Projects, TIABC) at deborah@tiabc.ca

Interior Health Updated COVID-19 Orders Related to Events

Interior Health is updating COVID-19 regional medical health officer orders to make it possible for larger events to go ahead in the Interior, as long as participants show proof of full vaccination.

With the introduction of the BC Vaccine Card, an update has been made to the Interior region Gatherings and Events Order:

• For smaller organized events, participants will be required to show proof of vaccination (minimum one dose) until Oct. 24, 2021. By Oct. 24, full vaccination (two doses) will be required. Indoor events may be held with up to 50 people, and outdoor events may be up to 100 people.

• Proof of full vaccination will be required for participants at all large events, consistent with Step 3 of B.C.’s Restart Plan. This means indoor events may be held that include 50 people or 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity (whichever is greater); outdoor events may include 5,000 people or 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity (whichever is greater).

High-intensity group exercise classes in the Interior are now permitted, provided all participants and instructors are fully vaccinated with two doses. All other fitness and exercise classes require proof of a minimum of one dose of the vaccine until Oct. 24, after which time two doses will be required.

The following regional medical health officer orders remain in place across the Interior region:

• Gatherings in vacation rentals are limited to five guests or one other household.

• Outdoor personal gatherings (e.g., birthday parties, backyard BBQs, block parties) are limited to no more than 50 people, and indoor personal gatherings are limited to five guests or one other household.

For individuals not fully vaccinated, non-essential travel to or from the Interior remains discouraged.

In addition, the central Okanagan Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order is now lifted, and alcohol service may resume after 10 p.m. effective today. These measures will remain in place until Interior Health experiences lower cases and higher vaccination rates.

The Provincial Health Officer has issued an order mandating masks in public indoor settings. Details are located here.

The interval between first and second COVID-19 vaccine doses has decreased to 28 days for everyone. People can get vaccinated by dropping into any IH immunization clinic and are available here.

Testing continues to be available to anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. People can book an appointment online here or call 1-877-740-7747 between 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.

People can get their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by dropping in to any IH immunization clinic or by making an appointment.

To make an appointment, register online by visiting the provincial website at: www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/, call 1-833-838-2323, or visit a Service BC office listed here, and then book an appointment.

For a list of all Interior Health COVID-19 immunization clinics and other resources visit: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-vaccines

TRAXX Zero Emission Electric Bus - Free Kelowna Tours on Thursday, September 16

TRAXX Coachlines recently purchased a 100% electric, zero emissions bus for their fleet, then broke a world record for the longest run with the highest climb of an electric bus when they drove the bus from Kamloops to Vancouver.

TRAXX is planning to break their own record on Thursday, when they drive the bus from Vancouver to Kelowna via the Summit and Connector.

They have reached out to TOTA to try and get as many people as possible to experience this zero emissions bus and help them test it on different tour lengths through Kelowna.

TRAXX invites tourism industry professionals to experience a 1.5 hour trip on the MCI J4500 Zero Emission Electric Bus throughout Kelowna on Thursday, September 16. The route around Kelowna has been designed to choose some of the most scenic roads and views.

Tours begin at 9:30 a.m, 11:30 a.m, and 1:30 p.m, starting and ending at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP by clicking on this link: Kelowna, TRAXX Electric Ride Invitation.

About TRAXX Coachlines

TRAXX has offices in Kelowna, Kamloops, Delta, Edmonton, Airdrie and Calgary, with a fleet of 240 Coaches in the fleet. TRAXX provides transportation for many tour groups, sports teams and special events in the Thompson Okanagan region and beyond.

TRAXX Electric Bus in the Media

• TRAXX electric bus sets world record by driving from Kamloops to Vancouver on a single charge - Drive Tesla Canada

• Zero-emission electric motor coach could set Guinness record with trip from Kamloops to Vancouver | iNFOnews

• Electric motor coach test run to set record in Vancouver - Vancouver Is Awesome

• Electric bus to smash its own world record on Vancouver-to-Kelowna trip | KamloopsNow

• It’s electric — bus company successfully travels from Kamloops to Delta on a single charge | Kamloops This Week

Workplace Vaccination Policy: What Employers Need to Know | go2HR

go2HR has compiled a comprehensive suite of resources to help employers better understand the issues of workplace vaccination policies and to help them decide on an option that would work best for them.

One of the most critical issue facing employers today is the vaccination status of staff. Currently there is no provincial mandate for mandatory vaccination of staff outside of the health care setting. It is up to the individual business to decide on their own policy.

How can an employer navigate this situation while balancing health & safety, human rights, privacy and other related legal requirements? While certainly challenging, it is not impossible.

Phase Two of KVR Repairs Begin

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), will be commencing Phase Two of trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Glenfir Station (above Naramata) on Monday September 13, 2021. The improvements will include capping the repaired subbase with a 3/4” minus aggregate to create a rideable trail tread and repair any drainage issues. This process is expected to be completed within a month. The public is asked to respect all crews, barriers, equipment and all posted signage for your personal and workers safety.

Trail after Phase One Completion

The first phase of the trail repair was completed in early summer of 2021. The improvements included brushing, grading, and raising the tread (trail surface) in certain areas that saw annual flooding along the approximately 16km section of the trail. Locations were identified by a professional Geotechnical Engineer and the project was done using heavy machinery.

Pre Work Condition of the Trail

Pre Work Condition of the Trail

TOTA is pleased to continue undertaking this work to create a better KVR experience. We would like to acknowledge the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through the Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to enable TOTA to contribute to this project and implement these changes along the trail. We also appreciate the work that many have undertaken to improve the trail over the past many months, including the RDOS, RSTBC, Chute Lake Lodge and others.

B.C. Proof of Vaccination Requirements Now in Effect & Industry Resources

The new BC COVID-19 vaccine requirement rules take effect today, Monday, September 13, meaning some events, services and businesses are required to check a person's proof of vaccination for service and access to their venue or space. This applies to all people born in 2009 or earlier (12+).

As of September 13, one dose of vaccine will be required for entry to noted settings. From September 13-26th people will also be able to use the vaccination records they received at B.C. vaccine clinics or pharmacies as valid proof of vaccination.

The BC Vaccine Card includes a secure, individualized QR code and image showing either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” Businesses can scan the QR code using the BC Vaccine Card Verifier App, available on the Google and Apple app stores or do a visual verification. After verifying proof of vaccination, you must also review government photo ID by matching the name listed on the proof of vaccination with the person.

Proof of vaccination will also be required for people visiting from outside of B.C. using a provincially/territorially recognized official record alongside valid government photo ID. Visitors from outside of Canada are required to show the record of vaccination they used to enter Canada and their passport. 

Proof of Vaccination Resources for Businesses

Get Your BC Vaccine Card and save a copy. It's recommended to save a digital copy to your phone or tablet by taking a screenshot, saving it to a photo album or downloads folder, and arranging the app on the home screen so it can easily be accessed.

B.C. has provided information for businesses at gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard-businesses. The page includes requirement details, step by step guides, print-ready posters, and a BC Vaccine Card Guide for Businesses. 

Destination BC has put together a comprehensive communication toolkit with key messaging, information, resources and FAQ's for BC's tourism industry as it relates to proof of vaccination requirements, found on the on the Messaging & Toolkit page.

go2HR has compiled a comprehensive suite of resources and Vaccinations in the Workplace Toolkit to help employers understand vaccination policies and options available, including examples of BC employer policies and templates.

Tourism Votes: Canadian Election Resources for Tourism Businesses

TIAC has developed a number of tools to assist you in getting involved on behalf of the visitor economy at TourismVotes.ca. While TIAC continues to meet with key decision makers and candidates in Ottawa and across the country, which is an extremely important part of advocacy, it is equally important for industry to make an effort to meet with their local candidates from all parties. Local constituents are able to provide their candidates with a more specific community perspective on issues related to tourism industry local impact.

Ensure you are registered by visiting Elections.ca. Remember you can register to vote by mail, you can vote at advanced polls, or you can choose to vote on election day, September 20, 2021.

Canada Welcomes Back International Travellers

As of September 7, 2021, the federal government says foreign travellers who are fully vaccinated will be free to come to Canada as long as they are asymptomatic, have received either two doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines at least 14 days before entering the country and meet other pre-entry requirements.

Before boarding, anyone at least five years of age and up — even if they are fully vaccinated — will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 72 hours before boarding a plane. Antigen tests don’t count.

They will also have to upload their proof of vaccination into the ArriveCAN app either in English or in French before takeoff or they will not be allowed to board.

The new rules exempt travellers from the mandatory 14-day quarantine once they have touched down in Canada, but selected foreign nationals may be subject to testing upon arrival.

Nobody partially vaccinated will be exempt from the new travel restrictions, and neither will travellers who have received one dose and recovered from COVID-19.

New Measures for Fully Vaccinated International Travellers to Canada

Fully vaccinated foreign nationals are now eligible to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) reasons such as tourism; however, these individuals must:

• Be fully vaccinated: a traveller must have received, and show proof of, the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

• Have a valid pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test result taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight or their arrival at the land border crossing, or a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days before departure to Canada. Antigen tests, often called “rapid tests” are not accepted;

• Be asymptomatic; submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN (App or website), including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan; be admissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and, take a test on arrival, if selected.

Click View Government of Canada Website to review the new rules.