Discussions

We had a summer vacation for British Columbia planned for the beginning of August. This would be a camping trip and outdoor sightseeing. Things have opened up between the provinces. I’m just wondering though your thoughts on it’s safe to take my family. We are on the fence.

Obviously its at your own risk. I wouldn't, but I have people in my family that are at serious risk if they got covid-19. You could always keep checking this vs the places you are going to visit and see if the risk is worth it to you.  
 
http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/BC_Surveillance_Summary_July_06_2020.pdf

First I’d make sure the campground you were supposed to be staying at, is still accepting people from out of province. I believe all BC provincial campgrounds are closed to non-residents for the remainder of the year. Some private ones are still accepting though. But some of those aren’t accepting tents, etc. And bathrooms will remain closed in some.  
 
Personally I wouldn’t do it. It’s not worth the risk for us personally. We’ll be staying close to home this summer.

Thanks so much. I had not thought of that. I assumed since the provincial boarders were open everything would be open to tourists. That’s a great point!

All provincial campsites in BC are closed to anyone not from BC as someone else mentioned.  
 
We are still locked down pretty well, even though we never really closed down to the extent of other provinces either. That said, I have heard that privately owned campsite MAY still allow you to come, however you are encouraged to NOT use the services like grocery stores and such (they encourage taking everything you need with you). Good luck with that, I figure, you will need gas and that is not something you can pack along.  
 
Right now our Premier and health minister are contradicting each other a bit so it is confusing. We are having real issues with Americans sightseeing in BC using what is called "the Alaska loophole" - so they claim they are driving through to Alaska but they stop and vacation instead. Officials are handing out $1000 fines per person to those who are caught, and apparently locals are reporting them when they see them.  
 
Long story short - stay home. You probably will not have the best experience possible right now, might as well save it for non pandemic times.

We drove to BC 10 days ago for a family matter. We stayed in a motel in Golden and ate dinner in a local restaurant. Otherwise we paid at the pump and had picnic fixings for our other meals. We had no trouble at all. Here in Comox it's not unlike Brandon... some wear masks, stores have arrows etc.  
BC does take it more seriously because they've had it worse but I feel safer here than I did in Brandon for that reason... people here seem to realize what the sacrifices have been for rather than just seeing inconvenience.  
So I think the issue is the logistics of where you're camping and less about the risk of getting COVID-19. Have a good summer and stay safe.

No travel is safe right now, unless it’s essential. I don’t understand why people are so quick to risk it for a family vacation.

I thought travelling outside of MB is essential only?

How long does one sit and wait? When are we allowed to live life again without fear or will we ever be told we can go out again? Is it when the US has no new cases?

No it's not. You can go wherever you want in Canada, actually always could it was just recommended that you self isolate for 14 days. They can't force you legally. Not like they're going to throw you in jail if you crossed into Sask. No one is tracking you so self isolation is almost impossible to enforce except for that American couple that got caught out East going around to stores after just crossing and not isolating. Think they got $1000+ fines. We all need to follow the health recommendations and be vigilante against it but some (actually a lot) take it too far and borderline unstable.  
 
But to answer the question BC travel is safe. Just use common sense and follow the suggestions and guidelines in place and be respectful and kind...  
 
Edited by BiG Mack, 2020-07-10 07:01:57

The Kelowna/Vernon region has numbers comparable to Manitoba... in other words, basically zero community transmission. Apart from being super careful if flying, once there stay in a hotel and you’ll be just as safe as at home.  
 
Unlike a previous poster said, it is only western Canada that is open for travel to us. Basically the western provinces have such low numbers that we are not a risk to each other. Follow directions and wear a mask.