How Canadian Families Can Travel More Safely During a Pandemic

Effective January 7, all passengers aged five years or older (unless exempted) must demonstrate a negative laboratory test result for Covid‑19, performed using molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, accredited by an external organization such as a government, a professional association or one with ISO accreditation, within 72 hours before flying from to Canada from another country. Proof of having received Covid‑19 vaccination does not exempt travellers from requiring a negative test result. You must also use the ArriveCAN app to provide accurate contact information and details of your 14‑day quarantine plan on or prior to entry. Your plan will then be reviewed by a government official, and if deemed non‑suitable you could be asked to quarantine in a federal quarantine facility. Violating conditions provided upon entry could lead to six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines. Check Transport Canada’s backgrounder for detailed information about the new requirements.

As we pull up to our carriage house at The Lodge on Harrison Lake, I receive a welcoming text message from our host with a door code for entry upon arrival. When we open the door, fresh air breezes through open windows and the faint scent of cleaning products lingers in the air. The contactless entry and the cleanliness of our cabin immediately ease my concerns about venturing away from Vancouver, and I affirm that this waterfront oasis perched in the trees will provide the perfect backdrop for our first family travel since the Covid‑19 pandemic started.

When our province relaxed travel restrictions, we opted for a much‑needed escape closer to home, and this was the ideal spot to get back into holiday mode. Now that we’ve dipped our toes in, we’re eager to plunge back into family vacations once more – but we know that careful planning and prudent precautions are essential to doing so safely.

Is it safe to travel during Covid‑19?

Beyond ensuring that your family is healthy, and that no one in your group is at a higher risk of illness, there are a few factors to consider before booking a trip, including where you are coming from, where you are going and why you are travelling.

For travel within Canada, be sure to review the restrictions put in place for each province before packing your bags. This can be done through the Government of Canada Covid‑19 and travel page.

It is not advised to travel for pleasure to an international destination at this time. If you are planning to visit family or must travel abroad for work, you can review the list of countries that are currently welcoming Canadian visitors on Skyscanner. It is important to note that a mandatory 14‑day quarantine will be required upon arrival in many countries, and another 14‑day quarantine will be required when you return home to Canada.

With all of these factors in mind, this year is the perfect time to explore your own country, or to pre‑plan an adventure abroad for when travel restrictions relax.

Read: Where Can Canadians Travel Right Now in 2020?

How can I prepare for Canadian travel during Covid‑19?

“Preparing for a flight is not as simple as it was before the pandemic,” says Claire Newell, CEO of travel agency Travel Best Bets, based in Burnaby, B.C. She suggests doing your research first. This includes making sure you’re permitted to travel to your destination of choice, ensuring that the airline and accommodation you choose follow the proper health protocols and understanding safety rules and restrictions once you land, as well as when you return home. “A great resource is the IATA Travel Centre,” Newell says, with its updates on all you need to know before you go.

Gloria Loree of Destination Canada also has some tips for travellers, which include visiting CanadaNice.ca for resources including a user‑friendly interactive map that shows current travel restrictions by province and territory for leisure travel. The site also includes links to other need‑to‑know government and health resources. “For Canadians who are looking for more hands‑on assistance, seeking the guidance of a certified agent can also help,” says Loree.

How can families stay safer at a hotel during Covid‑19?

Start by reviewing the hotel’s health and safety procedures, often noted on their website. Opt for hotels that offer a variety of accommodation types, such as stand‑alone units or ground‑level suites, to ensure fewer interactions with guests, like those that may occur in elevators or shared common spaces. Consider room service instead of dining in at a restaurant and be sure to wear face masks when leaving your room and roaming around the indoor areas of the property.

Is it safe to fly with kids during Covid‑19?

According to a recent report by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “Transmission on an aircraft is reduced to very low levels through the combination of layered infection control measures.” These measures include proper ventilation, required mask wearing and frequent hand washing. This means that the risk of transmission could be less than shopping in a grocery store or eating at a restaurant – as long as the passengers and airlines comply with the safety measures in place.

Packing the right necessities will also ensure a safer flight for kids. Newell suggests bringing multiple masks with storage bags for storing clean and dirty masks separately, and a bounty of sanitizing wipes for wiping down the handles and zippers on your bags after clearing the airport screening area, as well as cleaning your seat handles and tray tables before settling in on your flight. She also suggests picking up a few extra bottles of water before you board to stay hydrated.

Does my family need to self‑isolate after returning to Canada during COVID 19?

Canadians are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving home from a destination outside of Canada, and depending on provincial restrictions, domestic travellers may also be required to isolate upon returning home. In order to ensure compliance, the Government of Canada now requires travellers to utilize the new ArriveCAN app – which collects travel and contact information, a quarantine plan (unless exempt), and a Covid‑19 symptom self‑assessment. Travellers will need to show their ArriveCan receipt when seeking entry into Canada, and border service officers will verify that travellers have submitted their information digitally before allowing them to leave the airport.

These family‑friendly destinations in Canada are sure to satisfy your wanderlust: