Each province has its own rules, so check before you go

If you’re looking to explore Canada this summer, you’ll have to navigate a fluctuating patchwork of restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Here’s a look at some of the rules for domestic travel in each province and territory:

British Columbia

British Columbia is advising people to avoid non-essential travel within and outside of the province, although Premier John Horgan has said the province is “going to do everything we can with an aggressive promotion plan in the days ahead to encourage people to visit every part of B.C. if they’ve got time to do so.” Right now, residents are encouraged to explore their own communities. The province’s borders remain open, but, some roads crossing into Yukon and the Northwest Territories are restricted to essential travel. This month, B.C. Parks reopened most provincial campgrounds and back-country camping. Hotels and resorts are expected to follow.

Alberta

Albertans are allowed to travel within the province, including to vacation homes, cabins, hotels, campgrounds and national and provincial parks. Travellers are asked to abide by physical-distancing guidelines and use the province’s mobile contact-tracing app while out in public. There are no border closures or checkpoints. However, officials are advising against non-essential travel in or out of the province until the next phase of Alberta’s reopening strategy.

Manitoba

Residents can travel directly to cottages, campgrounds and parks north of the 53rd parallel. They are asked to avoid going into local or First Nations communities, but if they can’t, they’re asked to follow physical-distancing protocols. Currently, travellers coming to Manitoba from outside the province are required to self-isolate for two weeks. On June 21, the province is expected to lift restrictions on travellers from Western Canada and northwestern Ontario.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick has banned all “unnecessary” travel into the province. Peace officers screen travellers at the border, and can turn people away. Those who have travelled outside New Brunswick are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon entry. A cluster of new COVID-19 cases prompted the province to restore restrictions in the Campbellton area, including limiting non-essential trips to and from the region.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Non-residents are barred from entering Newfoundland and Labrador, except in extenuating circumstances. Travel within the province is permitted, including to second homes, parks and campgrounds.

Nova Scotia

Visitors don’t need permission to enter Nova Scotia, but are required to selfisolate for 14 days upon arrival. There are no restrictions on movement within the province, but travellers are asked to abide by guidelines on physical-distancing and gatherings. Private campgrounds have reopened at 50 per cent capacity. Cottagers can visit their vacation homes.

Ontario

Ontario strongly discourages nonessential trips, but has yet to lay out formal rules about travel. Those who do venture away from home are asked to follow public-health guidelines including physical-distancing. There are no border restrictions or self-isolation requirements for those visiting from another province or territory.

Prince Edward Island

All non-essential visits to the Island are prohibited. Premier Dennis King says people who want to travel to seasonal residences must apply for approval and undergo a risk assessment. Seasonal residents will also be tested for COVID-19 and they must spend two weeks in selfisolation after arriving in the province.

Quebec

Quebec has removed police checkpoints aimed at limiting non-essential traffic in the province, with the exceptions of Nunavik and the Cree Territory of James Bay.

Saskatchewan

The province is lifting a ban on nonessential travel in the north. Recreational travel within the province is permitted, but there are restrictions that could affect your trip. Some private campgrounds and regional parks have reopened. Only Saskatchewan residents are allowed to camp in provincial parks. Officials are asking residents to limit non-essential travel outside the province.

Nunavut

Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut’s chief public health officer, says the territory won’t be open to visitors any time soon. He’s indicated the travel ban will be one of the last public-health measures to be lifted. The department of health services calls travel into Nunavut the single biggest risk for introducing COVID-19.

Yukon

Travel restrictions will be lifted between Yukon and B.C. after July 1 under the second phase of the territory’s pandemic restart plan, and travellers between the two will no longer be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories’s travel rules have been mired in confusion, but the premier has hinted changes could be coming soon. Health Minister Diane Thom said this week the territory’s initial travel ban was too broad, citing charter rights ensuring that Canadians can move freely throughout the country. However, Thom noted the territory can restrict travel within its borders. Under current orders, anyone entering N.W.T. must pass through a checkpoint and inform a border officer of their travel plans.