USA & International Travellers

International border travel is controlled by the Canadian Government - click here for the latest travel rules.

All travellers to Canada must be fully vaccinated and use the ArriveCAN App, within 72 hours of entry, to provide mandatory travel information before and after entry into Canada. Vaccinations must be those approved by the Canadian government.  For unvaccinated children under 12 without symptoms and travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians, please read.

NEW - Arrival testing for all international travellers into Canada, except USA. This new arrival testing is done either at the airport in Canada or you will be provided with a test kit to take to your final destination where you'll quarantine until the results are ready. This testing is free of charge. READ More.

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 return. Have a plan if you test positive while in Canada.

Anyone travelling by vehicle via land border crossing from Canada into the USA do not need a COVID-19 test, but must show proof of full vaccination. COVID-19 test is required however for those travelling by air to the USA. Read more.

Vaccination Requirements

For British Columbia, proof of full vaccination will be required for the below activities for those aged 12 & up. Please have your official provincial vaccination details with your photo identification (passport, drivers licence, official photo ID card). For international visitors have your proof of vaccination used to enter Canada and your passport.

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

Fernie Alpine Resort, Island Lake Catskiing and FWA Catskiing, require all guests and staff to be fully vaccinated this season. This includes riding the chairlifts. READ MORE

Indoor activities that require proof of vaccination by the BC Government 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)
• All indoor organized events (if and when these events are allowed)
• Indoor ticketed sporting events (if and when these events are allowed)
• Indoor concerts, theatre, dance and symphony events with more than 50 people (if and when these events are allowed)
• Nightclubs, casinos and movie theatres (if and when these are allowed)
• Gyms, exercise/dance facilities/studios and these activities happening in recreation facilities (if and when these are allowed to be open)
• Businesses offering indoor exercise/fitness (if and when these are allowed to be open)
• Indoor adult group and team sports for people 22 years old or older (if and when these are allowed)
• Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities with more than 50 people like pottery, art and choir (if and when these are allowed to be open)
• Spectators at indoor youth sporting events with more than 50 people (if and when these are allowed to be open)
• Additional Details

These proof of vaccination measures are in place until June 30, 2022.

Current Mask, Business & Gathering Restrictions (Orders)

• Masks are mandatory in public indoor spaces in all of BC for those aged 5 and older, including those vaccinated. Some exceptions apply.
• UPDATED Restrictions (Orders) as of December 22nd, until further notice
  
  • Indoor personal gatherings (friends and family gatherings) for vaccinated people (Age 12+) are limited to one household plus either one other household or 10 individuals. No indoor personal gatherings are permitted for unvaccinated people (beyond their own household). There are no restrictions on personal outdoor gatherings.
  • NO indoor 'organized' gatherings of any size. This includes weddings, receptions, parties, New Years Eve parties etc
  • Bars & Nightclubs that do not service meals are Ordered to be closed
  • Seated, table service dining/cafes/restaurants/pubs - tables are limited to 6 people (all vaccinated), no mingling between tables, no dancing
  • Seated events, movie theatres, concerts, performances etc - limited to 50% capacity
  • Outdoor organized seated gatherings can have 50% capacity.
  • All fitness classes, gyms, dance studios are allowed to be open again with restrictions in place

• Starting February 1, all child and youth sport tournaments are allowed for people 21 years or younger. Tournament requirements include: Masks required indoors when not actively participating in a sport.Proof of vaccination required for all spectators (12+) and all non-employee tournament support people like parents, coaches and volunteers. 50% spectator capacity.

• Read more about BC's Orders and Restrictions

Need a COVID TEST?

Testing for Travel Purposes:

NEW: Starting December 21st fully vaccinated Canadian's WILL again be required to take a PCR COVID test to re-enter Canada from the USA for short trips under 72 hours. Read details.

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 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 USA, nearby locations:

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

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.

If you are unwell call 811 to discuss your symptoms or visit local emergency at the Fernie Hospital. 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.