Travel safety in Canada: What to expect when you visit

Travel to Canada - What to Expect

Travel safety in Canada: What to expect when you visit

(Updated as of May 10, 2022) Dreaming of travelling again, but not sure what to expect? As we move to the other side of this unprecedented time, one shining ray of change is that conscientious travel is a viable option. Flights are taking off, rental fleets are tuned, and hotel beds are crisp and waiting for the arrival of mountain enthusiasts, like you. 

This winter, adventures further afield than your mailbox are not only possible, they can be safe. Here in the Great White North, travel safety in Canada is something we have taken very seriously to ensure that visitors not only feel comfortable but that they can also relax – knowing that travel, health, and safety measures is consistent across Banff and Lake Louise. 

If you’re thinking of visiting the Canadian Rockies this winter, or you’re already counting down the days until a trip you have planned, here are travel safety in Canada measures you can expect when you arrive.

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From ski resorts to restaurants, safety measures like face masks are in place to help keep visitors safe in Banff and Lake Louise. | Photo by Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Consistent rules and regulations

Saying Covid can be a confusing subject would be an understatement. We don’t need to tell you twice that oftentimes rules seem doubled-up and backwards. If you’re visiting a new place, the last thing you want to be doing is second-guessing what and where and how to be acting. 

Travelling to Alberta’s Canadian Rockies takes the guesswork out of travel. With the decline of covid transmission across Alberta, as of February 9, 2022, the  Restrictions Exemptions Program was rescinded. This means that any previous requirement to show proof of vaccination is no longer part of daily business operations. In addition, as of March 1, 2022, the provincial mask-mandate was lifted. This means masks are no longer required to access public spaces with the exception of public transit, heath care facilities, and continuing care settings.  All indoor and outdoor social gathering limits, and large venue and entertainment capacity restrictions have also been removed. 

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As of February 9th, proof of vaccination is no longer an operational requirement at establishments across Alberta. | Photo at Banff Sunshine

Other travellers are vaccinated

With its famous lakes and breathtaking mountainscapes, it’s no surprise that Banff and Lake Louise is a destination frequented by visitors from around the world. These days, travelling by airplane within Canada, as well as from outside of Canada, requires travellers to prove that they are fully vaccinated. This means, that most of the smiling faces you will see walking down Banff Ave. or twirling past you on the ice at Lake Louise will most likely be vaccinated travellers, just like yourself. 

*(Travellers are no longer required to show a negative test result before entering the country). 

Starting February 28, 2022

  • A negative rapid antigen (taken within 24 hours) or PCR molecular (taken within 72 hours) will be accepted to meet entry requirements into Canada. These tests will need to be administered by a laboratory or health care entity, home test kits will not be accepted.

 

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The majority of people in Banff and Lake Louise are visitors meaning most are fully vaccinated. | Photo by Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Safety at the ski resorts

At all three “Big3” resorts, you can be assured that the teams are doing everything they can to ensure fun and safety are top priorities this season. Here are a few of the safety measures you can expect:

  • Like all public transport, masks are required to ride the ski shuttles – ALL resorts 
  • Masks recommended in lift lines and on chairlifts – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay 
  • Masks are recommended on gondola – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise
  • Frequent sanitization of all indoor spaces and high touch areas – ALL resorts 
  • Clear safety protocol signage and plexiglass barriers – ALL resorts

At all three resorts, as of March 1, 2022, face masks are no longer required to enter any indoor lodge spaces, so moving about the resort will be easier. Even though singles lines are back (hooray fast laps!) if you prefer not to ride with someone outside of your group, the lifties will seat you on your own chair – no problem. 

In addition, Alberta Health Services together with the people living and working in Banff National Park are working hard to ensure vaccination and rapid testing opportunities are readily available for all community members. More than 86.5% of all Albertans age 12 years and older, are considered fully vaccinated with two doses and, when needed, local residents and businesses are quickly tackling any community outbreaks to curb further transmission. 

 

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At the “Big3” ski resorts, face masks or face coverings are required in all indoor spaces, gondolas, enclosed chairlifts, and ski shuttles. | Photo at Banff Sunshine

Fewer crowds 

Oh, and did we mention how much wide open space there is up here? Banff and Lake Louise is a big area with lots of room to roam. Here, we’ve got way fewer crowds than most hot-spot ski resorts in North America. You’ll notice it as soon as you hit the highway from Calgary to Banff and then again as you stand at the top of any lift – looking out over nothing by Banff National Park. 

If you’re looking to get away and get away from the masses, Banff and Lake Louise checks all of those boxes. 

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With more than 8000 acres of skiable terrain, there is plenty of space (and fewer crowds) at SkiBig3 resorts. | Photo by Reuben Krabbe at Lake Louise Ski Resort

No-questions-asked cancellation policy

Should you need a bit more flexibility with your travel plans this winter our no-questions-asked cancellation policy for both lift tickets and packages allows for free changes and full-refund cancellations until 3-days prior to arrival. To book your winter ski vacation or secure your multi-day lift tickets, call 1-844-754-2443 to speak with a reservation specialist or go online to access some exceptional Ski & Stay Package deals.

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