Fernie Travel & COVID Updates

Thursday • October 21, 2021

Travel is allowed to Fernie for domestic and international travellers.

Safety is important to you and to us. Let's all be respectful and kind.

BC Government has mask and gathering orders in place, orders are enforceable, details below.

At least 1 dose proof of vaccination is now required for certain indoor activities throughout BC - details below. 2nd dose/full vaccination by October 24th for those same specific activities.

As of October 19th, 85% of Fernie area residents 12 years of age and older have had their 1st shot, 77% their 2nd. There are 5 active COVID-19 cases, as of October 16th in the Fernie & Elk Valley area.

USA & International Travellers

International border travel is controlled by the Canadian Government. Fully vaccinated USA & International travellers are welcome to visit Canada. Pre-travel process and proof of vaccination are required. Vaccinations must be those approved by the Canadian government. Ensure you are aware of any travel requirements by your own government on your return back into your country. Allow the time needed for any COVID-19 testing required to fly and return.

NOTE 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.

VIEW: USA & international travel to Canada requirements.

COVID-19 Testing for travel purposes is available in Calgary and at the Calgary International Airport with Numi Health
COVID-19 Testing for travel purposes is available in Vancouver and at the Vancouver International Airport with LifeLabs

Updated Mask & Gathering Restrictions

Masks are mandatory in public indoor spaces for those aged 5 and older (some exceptions apply)
Personal gatherings:
- Outdoors are limited (e.g. private BBQs, block parties) are limited to 50 people.
- Indoors, including vacation rentals, are limited to no more than one additional household or 5 additional guests.
Organized gatherings/events:
- Indoor organized events can have a capacity of 50 people or 50% of a venue’s capacity (whichever is greater) with proof of full vaccination (two doses).
- Indoor organized events less than 50 people do not require proof of vaccination, but contact information (name and phone number) of all attendees must be collected and retained for 30 days.
- Outdoor organized events can have a capacity of 5,000 people or 50% of a venue’s capacity (whichever is greater) with proof of full vaccination (two doses).
- Outdoor organized events less than 100 people do not require proof of vaccination.

Read more

Proof of Vaccination Details - All of BC:

As of September 13th anyone wanting to participate or attend the below activities must have proof of at least their 1st dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Proof of vaccination is not required to travel into BC.
Starting October 24th proof of 2nd dose to participate or attend the below activities is required, unless you've had the 'one shot' Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

For visitors from outside of BC, proof of vaccination will be required only for the below activities. Please have your official provincial or state vaccination details with your travel and photo ID. For other/overseas countries visiting have your proof of vaccination used to enter Canada and your passport.

BC Government Proof of Vaccination website page

The only exemption will be children under 12 that are not able to be vaccinated yet. The BC Government states that there is no exemption at this time for those unable to get the vaccine for health or religious reasons.

Activities that will require proof of vaccination include:

Licensed restaurants and cafes that offer table service (indoor and patio dining), including liquor tasting rooms in wineries, breweries or distilleries
Pubs, bars and lounges (indoor and patio dining)
Indoor organized events with 50 or more people. For example: wedding and funeral receptions (outside of a funeral home), organized parties, conferences, trade fairs and workshops
Indoor ticketed sporting events with more than 50 people
Indoor concerts, theatre, dance and symphony events with more than 50 people
Nightclubs, casinos and movie theatres
Gyms, exercise/dance facilities/studios and these activities happening in recreation facilities
Businesses offering indoor exercise/fitness
Indoor adult group and team sports for people 22 years old or older
Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities with more than 50 people like pottery, art and choir
Spectators at indoor youth sporting events with more than 50 people
Additional Details

PLEASE have your proof of vaccination and valid government ID ready and available when asked.

These new proof of vaccination measures are in place until at least January 31st, 2022, however, the BC Govt will be reassessing monthly.

BC did not move to Step 4 of the BC Restart Plan on September 7th as initially planned. BC's 4 Step Restart Plan

Need a COVID TEST?

If you are unwell, a COVID -19 test can be booked online at www.interiorhealth.ca and by following the link to "Book a Covid-19 Test”. Alternatively, the Test Booking Phone line can be reached by calling 1-877-740-7747.

NOTE 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.

COVID-19 Testing for travel purposes is available in Calgary and at the Calgary International Airport with Numi Health
COVID-19 Testing is available in Vancouver and at the Vancouver International Airport with LifeLabs

To ensure the stop of spreading any cold, flu or viruses, including COVID-19: