USA & International Travellers

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:

• Be fully vaccinated. Vaccinations must be those approved by the Canadian government and you must have received your 2nd dose at least 15 days prior to travel into Canada.  Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children under 12 years of age are not required to test if they are travelling with fully vaccinated adult.
• use the ArriveCAN App prior to travelling. You must submit your information into the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours before your arrival to Canada. The App will require you to submit contact and travel details, proof of vaccination details, and more.

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.

Vaccination Requirements

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.

• Additional Details

Current Mask & Gathering Restrictions

• Masks are no longer mandatory in public indoor spaces in all of BC. However, health centres, airports and other government facilities masks are or may be still required.
• There are no gathering size restrictions or capacity limitations (personal gatherings, organized gatherings, weddings, restaurants, bars, pubs, theatres, vacation rentals etc).
  

• Read more about BC's Orders and Restrictions

Need a COVID TEST while in Canada?

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:

• Facebook Page - Travel Testing in Cranbrook
• The above testing is provided by a local area physician Dr. Tracey Parnell. Current pricing is:
  • Rapid Antigen Test $49 - add a 'rush' for an additional $95
  • NAAT/PCR Test $165 - - add a 'rush' for additional $95
• To book a Cranbrook Covid-19 Test fill in the contact form on this site

Testing is also available at the Calgary and Vancouver International Airports for travellers flying but must be booked in advance.

• Calgary and at the Calgary International Airport with Numi Health
• Vancouver and at the Vancouver International Airport with LifeLabs

Testing in the USA, nearby locations:

• Kalispell, MT is a 2-hour drive south of Fernie - COVID PCR Testing in Kalispell

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.