Summer travel in British Columbia looks different this year due to COVID-19. The silver lining in this dark period was that this was a great opportunity to take a summer roadtrip and explore our own local backyard. This was my 2nd time visiting in 9 years and the scenery was still pristine.
These are a few of my observations and tips when traveling to the Canadian Rockies during COVID-19 to ensure an enjoyable, healthy and safe vacation for you and your fellow travelers.
Accommodations
Many of the hotels we visited were very clean and stuck to stringent methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For instance, many of them mandated wearing masks and using sanitizer. One of the hotels even took our temperature to ensure we did not exhibit any symptoms. I would suggest bringing Lysol and sanitizer wipes to disinfect your accommodation area just to take extra precautions as there were previous guests in the same area. While some of the hotels provided us with certificates of cleanliness, it is always good to be extra careful. Also, it is good to be well-prepared with water bottles, phone chargers and an emergency kit.
I was impressed by how many of the visitors wore facial masks and observed social distancing procedures. I would suggest bringing several masks, gloves and always having cleaning supplies like sanitizer and tissues ready, especially in the presence of other hotel guests in these enclosed spaces.
National Parks
In the initial stages of the pandemic, the unemployment rate was as high as 80 to 85% in Banff, which has a hugely tourism-based economy. Over 50% of Banff’s visitors come from outside Canada. Thankfully, when we visited, local businesses seemed to be doing well, though it is not clear how sustainable current strategies are in targeting the “staycation” demographic.
Banff installed hand-sanitizing stations around town and there are additional cleaning and disinfecting protocols for public washrooms. Notably, non-medical masks are mandatory within enclosed public spaces as well as within the Town's pedestrian zone. I observed that Banff was doing a great job of observing strict healthy and safety protocols. It is important to be mindful of high-touch areas and objects and sanitize your hands after coming into contact with them. Respecting local travel advisories and etiquette is key.
Many of the National Parks we visited (Banff, Jasper) were quite clean and well-managed. The outhouses (usually terrified of how dirty these are) were cleaned rather regularly and therefore pretty clean to use, some were even stocked with sanitizer. Bear in mind that these National Parks are often full of families and young children, so observe one-way traffic carefully and be polite when navigating these public spaces. Remember, keep to small groups and open spaces, and give others the right of way.
Some of the attractions we had intended to visit were closed. Peyto Lake, a Banff staple, is in need of rehabilitation and the viewpoint is closed until November 2020. The Peyto Lake viewing platform deck has been removed and the entire area, including the access road, is closed for construction. Johnston Canyon, another Banff staple, is closed to ensure safety for endangered nesting black swift pairs.
For more information on national parks, please visit this link.
Restaurants
In terms of restaurants, some of the ones we visited only allowed takeout. You can eat your takeout with peace of mind in the comfort of your accommodation, and save money on tips and service charges.
If you choose to dine in, tables are spaced pretty far apart and staff wear masks and sanitize regularly, but this also means wait times are longer for more popular spots.
You could also consider shopping for essential supplies beforehand or doing a grocery haul at one of the smaller towns, and renting an accommodation with a kitchen so you can prepare your own meals safely.
Healthy and safe travels, everyone! Send me a note if you want a comprehensively planned itinerary to the Canadian Rockies, including food and accommodation options.