General Emergency Messaging

The Tourism Emergency Management Committee in partnership with the provincial government and key industry partners have created key messaging to ensure accurate and aligned information is being shared with our visitors in the province.

    • BC's tourism industry is committed to helping visitors make informed travel decisions and exploring safely and responsibly. The safety of residents, emergency services crews and travellers is paramount.

    • BC’s tourism industry plays an important role, providing people with official information sources and geographical context, helping travellers understand where incidents are occurring, how large the province is, correcting misinformation when needed, and ensuring visitors and residents know where to find the latest official information before and during their travels.

    • BC is a very large and geographically diverse province. Wildfire activity in one area does not necessarily affect travel to or around other areas of the province. 

    • While people are being asked to avoid non-essential travel to areas under evacuation order and alert, right now, there are many tourism destinations and businesses around BC that are open and eager to welcome visitors. Check official resources for the latest information (Drive BC, BC Wildfire and Emergency Info BC.)

    • Accommodations are also available for those who need to evacuate, and for crews working on the fires. Please contact Emergency Social Services or check with your local visitor centre. 

    • BC’s Tourism Emergency Management Committee is working closely with government and emergency leads around the province to facilitate the sharing of information with BC’s tourism industry partners. 

    • Monitor official information sources regularly before and during travel, including DriveBC, Emergency Info BC, and the BC Wildfire Service on social media. 

    • Important: Resident and visitors alike can check-in with one of over 130 community visitor centres around the province. Visitor services teams can provide travel and accommodation suggestions for visitors and residents alike. We urge all travellers to follow all local guidance, road closures, and area restrictions, and stay informed throughout their trip. https://www.supernaturalbc.com/practical-tips/visitor-information-services/

    • Build flexibility into travel plans and have alternate routes or destinations in mind. Check out Know Before You Go information, alternate itineraries, and emergency alerts on https://www.supernaturalbc.com/practical-tips/know-before-you-go/

    • Contact the businesses you have reservations with and ask them to help you confirm that your plans can still go ahead as scheduled or adjust your plans to another area of the province or another time.  If you are already in the province and need support with changing plans, contact a local visitor centre. The staff can help you make alternate arrangements. 

    • Download the Alertable app and enable notifications for geographically relevant emergency updates (Android and Apple IOS)

    • Sharing responsible travel messaging and real-time updates through social media and visitor communications.

    • Working closely with community and regional partners, tourism businesses and sector groups, BC’s Tourism Emergency Management Committee to share accurate and timely travel information. Maintaining regular communication with BC’s Visitor Centre Network to understand what travellers need on the ground and respond accordingly. Visitor Centres are an especially important part of BC’s tourism support network during disruptions or emergencies. 

    • Across the province, Visitor Centre teams provide both in-person and digital support to travellers, helping visitors navigate changing conditions, identify alternative destinations and experiences, assist with rebooking accommodations or activities, and provide local, real-time travel advice. That kind of support can make a significant difference in helping travellers continue their trip safely and confidently, even when plans need to shift unexpectedly. 

    • Ensure your local visitor centre has your operating and key contact information.

    • As of Saturday, August 8, a State of Provincial Emergency has been declared in BC. 

    • A State of Provincial Emergency (SOPE) declaration enables emergency services and first responders to access the tools and resources required to protect communities and support the emergency response. 

    • The immediate priority is protecting lives and supporting rescue efforts. BC’s Tourism Emergency Management Committee is receiving regular updates from Government and will continue to use their collective platforms to share updates with BC’s tourism industry partners. 

    • The Province is currently working to source available accommodations for evacuees and emergency responders. The BC Hotel and BC Lodging and Campground Associations are supporting efforts to help us source available accommodations.

    • Right now, there are no province-wide travel restrictions in place, but government is asking everyone to avoid non-essential travel to Summerland, Penticton, and other communities under evacuation orders and alerts. This will help people and emergency crews on the move. 

    • Those with flexible travel plans are encouraged to explore alternative destinations throughout British Columbia, as most regions remain open and ready to welcome visitors where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

    • Anyone planning travel in BC: there are many parts of the province that are still ready and open to welcome visitors. British Columbia is a very large province. Please check Emergency Info BC, Drive BC, BC Wildfire Service and local visitor centres for the latest updates.