While the Government of Canada continues to recommend Canadians avoid non-essential international travel, many Canadians are contemplating getaways to nearby provinces and exploring our own backyard. I was really excited to experience my first flight since February 2020. We headed to Victoria over the Thanksgiving long weekend and found it pleasant and safe.
You too can feel comfortable in your travels with a little pre-planning.
1. Know that different provinces have different rules.
Canadians can currently travel to, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. without having to self-isolate for 14 days.
2. The flight experience
Check your flight, prior to your departure, to ensure if there have been any changes since you booked it. If you booked a non stop flight; is it still non stop? Have the flight times changes? Take advantage of online check ins offered for your air travel and accommodation.
We departed from Calgary International Airport. Only passengers are allowed in the airport terminal. Not all of the airport is accessible so you may not be able to use the doors and bridges from the parkade to enter the airport. Face masks are a must when you enter the terminal. You will see multiple hand sanitizing units throughout and do take advantage of using them. A temperature check is taken when you go through security. When you board, you do need to pull down your mask so the airline agent can see it’s you and matches your government id.
Your flight crew will be deck out in PPE gear. They hand out Clean Care kits as you enter the aircraft. This included a mask, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer, bottled water, pretzels, and ear buds. As our flight was just over one hour and twenty minutes; there was no beverage/snack/meal service. You are able to eat and drink onboard with removing your mask to do but wear fully when you are done.
3. The hotel experience
We stayed at the Fairmont Empress. A beautiful, well situated hotel in Victoria. Great for exploring on foot. We took advantage of their online check in and we notified when the room was ready. Masks are to be worn in all public spaces by guests and employees. No more than two persons in the elevator or one household. To reduce contact points; there is no paper promotional material or hotel information in the room as well as the mini bar is not stocked.
4. Be Flexible.
Realize that some places are simply not open or the information isn’t necessarily updated on attractions’ websites. In restaurants, very few menus are being handed out. There are QR codes you take a picture of with your phones to view the menus. Expect lines as they are running at half capacity
5. Take it slow.
You may find traffic is less due these challenging times so perhaps think of taking a day trip to Sooke.
Just 39 kms northwest of Victoria is the quaint community of Sooke. Great for an outdoor lover where you can hike around the Sooke Potholes, explore East Sooke Park (home to crystal blue waters, gorgeous rock formations, or go ziplining).
6. Stay safe. Wear your mask.
This help reduces the spread when worn correctly. Hotels, stores, and businesses require you wear one when entering their premises. Good to have a small hand sanitizer in your car or on your person to use every time you come back from any type of outing regardless of whether you recalled touching anything.
*The COVID-19 situation is fluid and can change quickly. Click here for the Government of Canada updates.’