Friday • May 6, 2022
Travel is welcome to Fernie. Please plan ahead and read below updates.
COVID-19 Travel Updates:
International border travel is controlled by the Canadian Government - click here for all travel rules.
To enter Canada all non-essential (ie tourists) travellers 12 years of age and older must:
Upon your entry to Canada by air or at a land border crossing, the border services officer may notify you that you've been randomly selected for a mandatory arrival test. As a fully vaccinated traveller, you can travel to your destination, including connecting flights, without waiting for your arrival test results (if selected for testing). The cost of this test if selected is covered by the Canadian Government. Learn more about this testing and if you test positive.
Ensure you are aware of any travel requirements by your own government on your return back into your country or that of any other countries you are travelling to. Allow the time needed for any COVID-19 testing.
Update April 8, 2022 - Proof of vaccination NO LONGER required in BC. The Provincial Health Officer order requiring events, services or businesses to check for proof of vaccination in British Columbia is no longer in place.
Individual businesses and event organizers may continue to require proof of vaccination for entry to their premises if desired. It’s important that we respect the choices of people, businesses and one another.
If you are unwell please call 811 for advice. If you need to see a doctor visit the local emergency department at the Fernie Hospital, if you are not a resident ask about the costs first. Rapid tests are now available at local pharmacies.
Testing for Travel Purposes:
The nearest location to Fernie for COVID-19 testing for travel purposes is in Cranbrook, an hour drive west of Fernie. For details visit:
Testing is also available at the Calgary and Vancouver International Airports for travellers flying but must be booked in advance.
Testing in the USA, nearby locations:
Testing for COVID If You Have Symptoms:
Local COVID-19 testing is in Sparwood (20 min drive from Fernie) but is only for those experiencing symptoms or those who have been sent for testing by local health care providers. A COVID-19 test can be booked online at "Book a Covid-19 Test”. Alternatively, the Test Booking Phone line can be reached by calling 1-877-740-7747.
Questions? Our website has lots of information to get you started. For more details contact individual businesses directly or call the Fernie Visitor Centre staff at 1-778-519-0748 or by email at info@tourismfernie.com.
When you arrive in town, the staff at the Fernie Visitor Centre, located on Hwy 3 north of town, open Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm (Spring season hours), will be available to help answer any of your questions.
When visiting please be kind and patient. All tourism destinations big and small are facing some labour shortages. We appreciate everyone being able to understand and support the many front-line workers in our industry.