Know Before You Go
Updated: May 4th, 2022
BC tour operators, accommodation providers and attraction hosts have implemented stringent protocols to keep visitors safe, and visitors are asked to return the favour by travelling responsibly.
Let’s do our part by following provincial health orders and continuing to support local businesses in accordance with the latest health orders.
For more information about the latest Provincial Health Orders, visit
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/travel/current
#visitpenticton #lovelocalPenticton #exploreBC
Travel Updates and Information
Current public health measures:
The provincial health officer lifted all restrictions on personal gatherings, organized gatherings and events, nightclubs, bars and restaurants, exercise and fitness, and adult sports tournaments, and all capacity limits have returned to normal.
Wearing masks in public indoor settings is not required by public health. Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required.
Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises. It’s important that we respect the choices of people, businesses and one another.
For more details on the current public health measures, click here.
Highway closures and travel restrictions:
- Please check Drive BC for an up-to-date list of the latest restrictions and advisories
Air travel to BC:
There have been a series of adjustments to current federal border measures for Canada, representing the beginning of a phased easing of travel restrictions.
- The Government of Canada requires all travellers 12 years and older to be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination to use federally regulated methods of travel:
- Departing from any Canadian airport
- Travelling on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains
- Staying on a non-essential passenger vessel for more than 24 hours (like a cruise ship)
- BC Ferries does not require proof of vaccination
- All travellers are required to complete ArriveCan online or through the free mobile app before entry to Canada.
- Fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to complete a pre-entry test for travel to Canada.
- Fully vaccinated travellers may still continue to undergo random testing upon entry to Canada, but are not required to quarantine while awaiting their results
- Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers will continue to be tested with a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival and on day 8 while they quarantine for 14 days
- Children ages 5-11 do not require a COVID-19 test to enter Canada if they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult
- Pre-entry tests are still required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers ages 12 and up
- Get your federal proof of vaccination document before travelling inside or outside of Canada. Travel agents will ask to see your federal proof of vaccination document and a piece of valid government photo ID.
- The Government of Canada has adjusted its Travel Health Notice from a Level 3 to a Level 2. This means that the Government no longer recommends that Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes
- International flights carrying passengers are permitted to land at all Canadian airports that are designated by the Canada Border Services Agency to receive international passenger flights
For more information on requirements around travelling in and out of BC, click here.
For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada website here.
Further details on the COVID-19 situation in BC can be found here.
Read important updates on highway restrictions and advisories
Read important updates on BC travel.
Read updates on the Canadian border and international travel advisories.
Read important updates from BC Parks.
Read updates on BC Ferries schedules and procedures. It is advisable to make a reservation for BC Ferries.
How To Explore Safely and Responsibly
Situated between two large fresh water lakes, ample green space, local wildlife, an abundance of wineries, vineyards and orchards, and never ending trails to explore, it is no wonder travellers choose to visit Penticton. But in order to ensure Penticton remains beautiful we ask you respect and care for the land, the people and our way of life during your stay.
If you are planning to visit Penticton, here are some guidelines for exploring our community.
- Do not travel if you are sick
- Practice 2 meters physical distancing when possible
- Wash your hands regularly
- Support local, dine at the local restaurants, book an activity or a tour, and find a unique accommodation
- Plan ahead and book activities, accommodation, dining reservations, wine tastings and experiences in advance. Review the booking and cancellation policies
- Respect the people, businesses, and communities you visit, and respect the safety procedures enacted by the businesses you visit
- Respect local wildlife. Pack out what you pack in and dispose of waste properly
- If you encounter wildlife during your adventures, please remember to keep your distance and recognize that you are a visitor to their home
- Remember that delays and disruptions can happen at any time of year. Take your time, take care of each other, and practice patience
- Adhere to any local closures or restricted access to communities
Follow the direction of the Provincial Health Officer and keep up to date on changing guidelines and regulations. If you would like to know how local businesses are keeping customers safe, check their website, social media, or give them a call to inquire.
Penticton Visitor Centre
Main Location

Located at:
888 Westminster Ave West
Penticton, BC
V2A 8S2
Hours:
Monday to Saturday
9:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday
Closed
Penticton Visitor Centre
Peach Location

Located at:
185 Lakeshore Dr
Penticton, BC
V2A 1B7
Hours:
Monday to Friday
8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday
Closed
Tips for Being Safe While Participating in Outdoor Activities
- Always check the current weather conditions and weather alerts along your planned journey before heading out
- Dress warmly or pack an extra layer
- Plan your travel route, let someone know where you’re going and when
- Know the terrain and conditions
- Practice low-risk activities and recreation
- Pack in and pack out. Do not leave anything behind
- Stay informed and respect any trail, beach, park, or local area closures as posted
- Be AdventureSmart at all times and follow the 3 T’s: Trip Plan, Train, and Take Essentials
Additional Resources
- Always check DriveBC before heading out on the road
- Visitor Guide to Camping During COVID-19
- Discover Camping FAQs
- BC Parks Re-opening FAQs
- For updated and useful information pertaining to wildfires, please visit BC Wildfire Service
Stay Informed
- Visit Health Link BC’s website
- Call the Health Canada 2019 COVID-19 information line: 1-833-784-4397. Interpretation services are available in multiple languages. Or email: phac.info.aspc@canada.ca
- Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)’s website for the latest outbreak update on COVID-19
- Visit the Health Link BC website for detailed information on COVID-19, including FAQs
- Visit the BC Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC) website for the latest on how to prevent the transmission of diseases. Follow BC CDC on Twitter for regular updates: @CDCofBC
- Follow Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, on Twitter: @CPHO_Canada
- Learn more about the British Columbia Pandemic Provincial Coordination Plan