With international travel a looking like a no-go this summer, most Canadians will be looking to travel domestically. With non-essential inter-provincial travel discouraged, this is the time to take advantage of the experiences available in your province. Here is where we stand as of today and a few ideas to make the most of our Canadian summer.
British Columbia
- No official travel ban but still discouraging all non-essential travel until mid June (end of a 28 day incubation period)
- Camping in provincial parks is open as of June 1st (by reservation only).
- RV sites will also be open but please contact your preferred park directly
- Feel free to start booking hotels, summer vacation rentals although be prepared to cancel and of course, practice social distancing
- By mid-June, Premier Horgan is inviting BC residents to head to their favourite provincial destinations including: Okanagan Valley, Tofino, Vancouver Island.
Alberta
- Responsible travel within Alberta is permitted, including to second homes, vacation homes, cabins, cottages, hotel/commercial accommodations, campgrounds and national and provincial parks, summer homes, cabins and cottages within Alberta is permitted.
- Camping (one household per site) available by reservation only as of May 14th to start June 1st and at 50% capacity
- Rocky Mountains will be a popular and encouraged destinations: Fairmont Banff Springs opening June 1st for 132nd birthday.
- Banff is opening under new capacities but encouraging hiking, scenic drives, biking, paddling, fishing and golf.
Prairies (Saskatchewan, Manitoba)
- Provincial parks are open as of June 1st
- Can now travel to smaller, northern communities although if you feel ill, do not visit local medical care
- Patios and restaurants, museums and park now open at 50% capacity
- Get outdoors with hiking or biking, outdoor spaces at the zoo, roadside attraction road trip (In Manitoba: Happy Rock, antique tractors, world largest Coca Cola can, largest Great Grey owl and more)
Ontario
- Short term rentals will be allowed this week which means cottages, vacation rentals
- RV camping is allowed as long as you are hooked up to your own water and electricity
- Backcountry camping is allowed but no more than 5 people can occupy one site (unless from same household)
- Cottage resorts can open although smaller communities are asking guests to arrive with own bedding, supplies, food
Maritimes (PEI, NFLD, NS, NB)
- Be prepared to show proof of residency
- Provincial campgrounds and tourist attractions are closed but open for day use
- Private RV camping if they are fixed sites
- Hotels, Inns, B&B are open but must practice physical distancing
***Regardless of where you are headed, it is recommended to check with your destination to identify what is open and to clarify their specific protocol.