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Two people canoeing on Emerald Lake with views of the mountains in Yoho National Park near Field.
Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park | Dave Heath

Know Before You Go

Page updated: September 9, 2025

    Prolonged periods of hot, dry conditions can lead to wildfire activity, which certain areas in BC are currently experiencing. Always monitor official information sources (detailed below) regularly, before and during your trip, to make informed travel decisions.
    • Notable Impacts / Updates:
      • Hwy 20: Evacuation alerts and orders are currently in place for portions of the West Chilcotin in the Cariboo Regional District due to wildfire activity, including along sections of Highway 20 between Williams Lake and Bella Coola. Drivers may experience intermittent delays or single-lane alternating traffic to support emergency crews. Livestock and wildlife may also be present on or near the roadway. Please travel with care, reduce your speed as needed, and ensure you carry extra water and snacks. For the latest updates, visit EmergencyInfoBC.gov.bc.ca and DriveBC.ca.
      • DO NOT stop while travelling—especially behind a pilot car.
        Stopping during limited road access windows puts lives and essential community resources at risk. Stay alert, keep moving, and follow highway and emergency signage as well as pilot car instructions at all times.
      • Hwy 5 (Coquihalla): The highway is currently open. Due to the proximity of the Mine Creek fire, drivers should be prepared for it be closed with minimal notice. Drivers are advised to not stop in the fire zone, and to be prepared for lane closures, reduced visibility, and increased risk of wildlife presence. Please visit DriveBC.ca for the latest information.
      • Bamfield Road: Currently closed with no access to Bamfield from Port Alberni. Please continue to monitor the official information sources noted below for real-time updates.
    • The presence of UAVs or drones near an active wildfire can slow, or completely shut down aerial firefighting efforts. Transport Canada and the BC Wildfire Service explicitly prohibit the use of drones of any size near a wildfire. Under Transport Canada regulations, fines of up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail are possible. For more information, please visit Transport Canada’s website: www.tc.gc.ca/SafetyFirst.
    • Find current and official information on alerts and/or evacuation orders, during emergencies in BC.
      Follow @EmergencyInfoBC on X (Twitter) or visit https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca for updates.
    • Please check @DriveBC regularly for road conditions, before and during your trip, to make informed travel decisions.
    • Visitors are encouraged to download and allow notifications from Alertable, an emergency notification app with customizable settings, to receive the latest local alerts, such as road closures and evacuation information, straight to your mobile device.
    • For more information on trip planning, such as maps, links to visitor centres around the province, and accessible travel, please visit our Need To Know page.

    Key Resources

    • FLOODING

      Flooding can occur during season shifts in various areas of BC due to high temperatures and melting snow. Conditions can change rapidly across the province, so we encourage you to check the latest information before and during your trip. If you are currently visiting BC or planning a trip, you can find on-the-ground information and support by visiting or calling a Visitor Centre in the area you are travelling. For the latest flooding information, check Emergency Info BC for alerts and the River Forecast Centre for an interactive map with warnings and advisories.

      WILDFIRES

      Wildfires can occur during sustained periods of hot, dry weather. Conditions can change rapidly across the province, so we encourage you to check the latest information before and during your trip. If you are currently visiting BC or planning a trip, you can find on-the-ground information and support by visiting or calling a Visitor Centre in the area you are travelling. Check Drive BC for information on road closures, the BC Wildfire Service for an interactive map, and Emergency Info BC for alerts. During your travels, make sure you follow the necessary protocols to prevent and report wildfires.

    • Driving Conditions

      Always check DriveBC before heading out on the road to learn about the current conditions along your planned route, including webcams, closures, construction delays, or detours. Please visit Emergency Info BC for updated details on emergencies including evacuation orders and alerts. Between October 1 and April 30, many BC highways require winter tires.
    • Find all you need to know about travelling with BC Ferries at bcferries.com. Reservations are highly recommended. If you have questions about travel with BC Ferries, you can contact 1-888-BC Ferry, or www.bcferries.com/contact-us.
    • Find everything you need to know regarding travelling on cruise ships including health protocols, boarding, and disembarkation here.
    • There are no current travel advisories.

    If you are a tourism industry partner seeking updates about emergency preparedness, please visit Destination BC’s corporate website.