EMERGENCY RESOURCES: Find the latest emergency resources for BC's Tourism Industry.

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Emergency Preparedness

Yoho National Park | Paul Zizka

Yoho National Park | Paul Zizka

Update! To help industry navigate winter travel questions among the latest entry requirements and road closures, Destination BC has created a new Winter Travel Guide (updated January 18). The document provides key messaging, information and infographics, and resources for BC’s tourism industry as it relates to travel to and within BC 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.

As parts of British Columbia have been impacted by heavy rain and flooding, drivers are being asked to avoid unnecessary travel given the multiple highway closures.
Check @DriveBC on Twitter for the latest information on delays and road closures.
Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page also includes key information resources for travelers and tourism businesses.

Destination BC has prepared a 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 be updated as the situation evolves.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed that given the current situation in BC, travellers who must transit through the United States to get to their residence in Canada are exempt from the COVID-19 pre-arrival test, the test in Canada, and quarantine requirements. Pre-existing exemptions within the Orders in Council (OIC) can be applied to travellers in this situation:

  • Exemption – Pre-Arrival Test – By Land S1.T2.I20: A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States
  • Exemption – Quarantine S2.T1.I14: A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States
  • Exemption – Test in Canada S2.T2.I14: A person who enters Canada to return to their habitual place of residence in Canada after carrying out everyday functions that, due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States

Supports for businesses impacted by disasters are available from the federal and provincial governments, community organizations and the private sector. Learn more

Emergency Resources for BC’s Tourism Industry

Emergencies can impact travel, visitors, and businesses at any time, and potentially influence those who may be planning a trip to our province.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed

During times of stress and uncertainty, it is important to share information from official sources only. There are a variety of resources available to help you prepare for emergencies, gather up-to-date information, and help visitors plan their travel.

destination bc resources

  • Emergency Messaging Guidance: this document outlines official emergency information resources for British Columbia, as well as suggested messaging and actions for BC’s tourism industry during emergencies. It can help tourism businesses navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions during emergencies.
  • Know Before You Go: this page on HelloBC.com is regularly updated and serves as a one-stop shop for visitors looking to access key information resources such as those noted below.

PreparedBC: Tourism Resources

Step-by-step guides to prepare tourism businesses and their staff for emergencies, with templates and tools to help operators easily plan a fast and effective response.

BC Economic development association

insurance bureau of canada

  • The Bureau can provide answers for individuals and businesses with insurance questions and concerns by calling 1 844 2-ASK-IBC (1 844 227-5422) Monday to Friday from 7AM to 4PM PST.

Emergency Info BC

Drive BC

  • Information about road closures, major events, and transportation delays.
  • Twitter: @DriveBC
  • Website: www.drivebc.com/

tranbc

River Forecast Centre

Environment Canada Weather Alerts

avalanche canada

  • Information and tutorials about avalanche terrain, conditions and danger scales, as well as trip planning tools for safety.
  • Twitter: @avalancheca
  • Website: avalanche.ca/cac

Great british columbia shakeout

BC Wildfire Service

Air Quality

  • Smoke conditions across the province can change hourly. Check the Air Quality Health Index for real-time updates from across BC.

Emergency SUPPORT Services

Red Cross

AdventureSmart

  • National prevention program focused on reaching Canadians, and visitors to Canada, who participate in outdoor recreational activities.
  • Twitter: @BC_AS
  • Website: www.adventuresmart.ca/index.php

Parks and Recreation Sites (Warnings and Closures)

  • BC Parks: Information regarding Provincial campgrounds and park closures, including parks affected by BC wildfires and parks affected by freshet/flooding
  • Recreation Sites and Trails: Alerts, closures, and warnings regarding BC’s rustic campsites and recreational trails.

What Tourism Business Owners Can Do:

  • Share these resources with your staff and follow key social media accounts for the latest news.
  • Help your guests:
    • If your business is located in an impacted area, provide your current customers and future reservations with regular updates, by directing them to official information sources.
    • If your business is not impacted directly, help your current guests plan the rest of their trip to areas that are safe and open for business (your local visitor centre has a wealth of information on places to stay and things to do).
    • If your business is not impacted directly, be proactive with future reservations—let your customers know it’s business as usual and you are looking forward to hosting them. British Columbia is a very large province and sometimes our out-of-province guests can get confused by geographically misleading information.
  • Have a plan—use the PreparedBC: Tourism Resources to prepare for emergencies and to identify potential hazards.

Nelson | Kari Medig

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