Destination BC Response

UPDATE! Proof of vaccination and the BC Vaccine Card: Effective September 13, people aged 12 and over will be required to show proof of vaccination to get into many events and businesses in BC. Tourism businesses can refer to the Proof of Vaccination Messaging Guidance for the latest information, including industry FAQs.

UPDATE! Canada welcomes back international travellers: As of September 7, the Federal Government will allow fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter Canada for non-essential purposes, including tourism, as long as they meet entry conditions. Tourism Businesses can refer to the Messaging Guidance for Welcoming International Visitors for the latest information, including industry FAQs. 

Canada welcomes back US travellers: Beginning August 9, fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents (currently residing in the USA) have been able to enter Canada for leisure travel. If they meet the entry criteria, fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine upon arrival to Canada. BC tourism businesses and organizations can refer to the Industry Messaging Guidance for US Visitors, which includes key messaging, information on entry requirements, and a comprehensive FAQ.

On July 1, British Columbia moved to Step 3 of its Restart Plan, allowing Canada-wide recreational travel, a return to normal hours for liquor service at restaurants, bars and pubs with table limits to be determined by the venue, increased capacity for organized indoor and outdoor gatherings, and more.

During Step 3, businesses are gradually transitioning to new communicable disease plans, and can refer to WorkSafeBC’s Communicable disease prevention: A guide for employers. These guidelines were developed in consultation with public health and businesses will continue to be supported by WorkSafeBC and the PHO as they transition.

BC tourism businesses can refer to the Messaging Guidance for July 1 until further notice related to Step 3 of BC’s four-step Restart Plan. The document includes marketing messaging, responsible travel infographics, and a comprehensive FAQ. We want to assure you that we are all in this together, and Destination BC is here to support you.

In alignment with the return of provincial, and now Canada-wide, recreational travel, Destination BC launched Open to More; a domestic summer marketing campaign encouraging BC residents to experience new adventures and connect with their province in a different way this summer through 10 signature BC experiences

More information

The Province’s Restart Plan to bring British Columbians back together is following a careful, four-step framework focused on protecting people and safely getting life back to normal. Please visit the Government of BC’s Restart page for more information, including guidelines and advice, at: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart

View BC’s Restart Plan Step 3 changes at a glance here: news.gov.bc.ca/files/RestartBC_Step3.pdf