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Explore Outdoors. Stay Local.

As the weather warms up and travel restrictions begin to ease, people across the province are starting to look forward to enjoying access to outdoor recreation. By staying informed and following the latest health recommendations and guidelines, we can all make the most of summer activities. We encourage everyone to follow current developments and know which phase of the BC Restart Plan we're in.

Phase 2 means that British Columbians can start to explore their own communities. This doesn't yet mean visiting neighbouring towns – instead, stay local, and safely support the businesses in the community where you live.

Phase 3 of the Plan, means it's possible to explore further within BC, although we encourage people to limit travel only to communities who are ready to accept visitors and to respect the wishes of those who aren’t yet ready.

Here’s some useful information to help you #ExploreLocalwithBCAA and enjoy beautiful BC safely and responsibly in the coming weeks and months, while sticking to the most up to date health directives.

couple biking on trail
Photo credit: Tourism Richmond

What can I do right now?

With the ever-changing travel landscape in our province, there are a lot of questions around what’s available right now. We’ve been working closely with the team at Destination BC to bring Members the most up-to-date info. Here’s the latest:

  • Start planning your trip for this summer/fall at ExploreBC.com. Be sure to check cancellation and refund policies before you book.
  • Check your local tourism website to get a sense of what’s open in your community now, and check in with individual businesses to find out if they’re open, and what additional protocols are in place.
  • Many provincial parks are open for day-use activities, though some remain closed. For the full list of open parks, you can visit the BC Parks website, or use the BC Parks Map.
  • Camping reservations in BC’s provincial parks are available for BC residents only and can be booked on the Discover Camping website. Reservations can be made within a two-month window from the date of booking. There’s already high demand, but if you’re flexible, try checking back to see if you can snap up a cancellation, or check for private campsite options through Camping & RV in BC.

driving an evo car beside lake

Things to consider when planning a trip

Know before you go! Being prepared makes for a smooth and more enjoyable vacation and helps keep our communities safe. Here are some tips from HelloBC, BC Parks and BCAA to follow while the province continues to respond to COVID-19:

Tip #1: Limit touch points

  • Buy your groceries and ice close to home and bring them with you in your own cooler.
  • Be mindful of high-touch areas and objects within the park (e.g., handrails, garbage lids, wayfinding maps).
  • Sanitize your hands after coming into contact with common areas.

Tip #2: Practice physical distancing

  • Maintain two metres of distance when setting up at a beach or park.
  • Model good trail etiquette by maintaining distance between other hikers and make room for others to pass.
  • Visit day use areas of the park early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds.
  • When lining up to use washrooms, shower facilities or taps, maintain a distance of two metres.

Tip #3: Make a plan before you go

  • While many day-use areas and campgrounds in BC are open, some will remain closed. Play it safe and confirm directly before making plans to visit.
  • Make a list and check it twice. Avoid unnecessary stops by ensuring you have everything you need before you hit the road.
  • Get your car road trip ready with these tips and check your Membership plan to make sure you have the right level of coverage.
  • If your plans include any non-refundable accommodations or bookings, consider BCAA’s Non-medical Travel Package, including Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance to protect you if your plans change for reasons other than COVID-19.
  • Don’t own a vehicle? Book an Evo for short trips in and around the Metro Vancouver area.

Tip #4: Consider travelling in a smaller group of people this summer

  • BC's health officials recommend 'small and consistent' social groups, so where possible, travel only with people in your 'bubble' and keep groups between 2 to 6 people.
Playing golf in BC
Photo credit: Destination BC

Stay Informed

Didn’t find the answer to your question? Here are some more resources to help you prepare for local travel.

The do’s and don’ts of getting outdoors will evolve as COVID-related restrictions gradually lift. Continue to check back as we update the current status of travel in British Columbia.