Navigating Kelowna's Travel Restrictions: A Guide For Tourists

  • Last updated Sep 21, 2023
  • Difficulty Intemediate

Leki Bora

  • Category United States

kelowna travel restrictions

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions have become a necessary measure to curb the spread of the virus and ensure public safety. Among the many destinations affected by these restrictions, Kelowna, a picturesque city in British Columbia, Canada, has also witnessed a significant impact on its tourism industry. With its stunning landscapes, thriving wine scene, and vibrant cultural events, Kelowna has long been a popular destination for travelers. However, as travel restrictions continue to be enforced, the city faces challenges in balancing the preservation of its local community's health while also reviving its tourism sector. In this article, we will explore the current travel restrictions in Kelowna and delve into the implications they have on both the local economy and potential visitors looking to explore this charming Canadian city.

What You'll Learn

What are the current travel restrictions in place for kelowna, canada, are there any quarantine requirements for travelers arriving in kelowna, are there any specific requirements for travelers coming from certain countries or regions, how long are the travel restrictions expected to be in place for kelowna, are there any exceptions to the travel restrictions for essential travel or special circumstances.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused governments around the world to implement various travel restrictions and measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. Kelowna, located in the beautiful province of British Columbia, Canada, is no exception. If you are planning to travel to Kelowna, it is essential to understand the current travel restrictions in place to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

As of the time of writing, the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory recommending that Canadians avoid all non-essential travel outside of the country. This includes travel to Kelowna and other domestic destinations. However, if you need to travel for essential reasons, it is important to be aware of the specific restrictions and guidelines in place.

Before traveling to Kelowna, it is crucial to check the most up-to-date information from local authorities, such as the British Columbia Government and Interior Health Authority. These sources will provide the most accurate and timely information regarding travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, and any other health and safety protocols.

One of the key requirements for entering Canada is completing the ArriveCAN application. This includes providing travel and contact information, as well as a quarantine plan. The Quarantine Act mandates that all travelers entering Canada must quarantine for a minimum of 14 days, regardless of whether they have COVID-19 symptoms or not. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties and fines.

Additionally, the Government of British Columbia has introduced specific measures for travelers entering the province. If you are traveling to Kelowna from another province or territory within Canada, you must be aware of the provincial guidelines and restrictions in place. Currently, British Columbia advises against non-essential travel between provinces and territories. Travelers are required to adhere to local restrictions, which may include self-isolation or quarantine upon arrival.

It is also important to remain informed about the COVID-19 situation in Kelowna itself. The local authorities may have implemented additional measures and restrictions based on the level of transmission in the community. Stay updated on the latest news and guidelines from the Interior Health Authority and follow their recommendations to protect yourself and others during your visit.

When traveling to Kelowna or any other destination, it is crucial to follow all public health guidelines. These include wearing a mask or face covering, practicing physical distancing, regularly washing hands, and avoiding crowded places. These measures will help keep you and others safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

In conclusion, there are several travel restrictions and guidelines in place for Kelowna, Canada, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to check the latest information from local authorities, adhere to federal and provincial requirements, and follow all public health guidelines to ensure a safe and responsible journey. By doing so, you can enjoy the beauty of Kelowna while protecting your health and the well-being of the community.

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact travel, many travelers are curious about the quarantine requirements for those arriving in Kelowna, British Columbia. The Canadian government has implemented several measures to help control the spread of the virus, including mandatory quarantine for certain travelers. Here is what you need to know about the quarantine requirements for travelers arriving in Kelowna.

According to the current regulations, all travelers entering Canada, including Kelowna, are required to quarantine for 14 days. This applies to both Canadian citizens and foreign nationals, with very few exceptions. The quarantine period begins on the day the individual arrives in Canada and lasts for a full 14 days. During this time, travelers must remain at their quarantine location and avoid contact with others, except for essential purposes.

To ensure compliance with the quarantine requirements, travelers are asked to provide a quarantine plan to Canadian authorities upon arrival. This plan should include details such as the address where they will be quarantining, how they will obtain essential supplies, and how they will avoid contact with others during the quarantine period. Failure to provide a suitable quarantine plan can result in fines and penalties.

It is important to note that there are some exceptions to the quarantine requirements. For example, essential workers, such as healthcare professionals, transportation workers, and certain emergency responders, may be exempt from the 14-day quarantine period if they meet specific criteria. Additionally, fully vaccinated travelers who meet certain conditions may also be exempt from quarantine requirements.

To be considered fully vaccinated, travelers must have received a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the Government of Canada. Currently, the accepted vaccines include Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Individuals must have received their final dose at least 14 days before entering Canada. They must also provide proof of vaccination and meet other entry requirements, such as a negative COVID-19 test result.

It is essential for travelers to stay updated on the latest requirements and regulations before planning their trip to Kelowna. The situation is constantly evolving, and there may be changes to the quarantine requirements based on the current state of the pandemic.

In conclusion, all travelers arriving in Kelowna, British Columbia, are currently required to quarantine for 14 days. This applies to both Canadian citizens and foreign nationals, with few exceptions. Travelers must provide a quarantine plan and follow the guidelines set by Canadian authorities. However, there may be exemptions for essential workers and fully vaccinated individuals who meet specific criteria. It is vital to stay informed about the latest requirements to ensure a smooth and safe journey to Kelowna.

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As the world continues to face the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have implemented travel restrictions and requirements for travelers coming from certain countries or regions. These measures are put in place to help prevent the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of the local population.

The specific requirements for travelers coming from certain countries or regions vary from country to country, and are often based on the current COVID-19 situation in those areas. Some countries may require travelers to provide a negative PCR test result taken within a certain time frame before their arrival. Others may require travelers to quarantine for a specific period upon arrival, regardless of their test results.

In addition to testing and quarantine requirements, some countries may also have specific entry restrictions for travelers coming from certain countries or regions. For example, they may only allow essential travel or may deny entry to travelers coming from countries with high COVID-19 case numbers.

It is important for travelers to stay up to date with the latest travel advisories and entry requirements for their destination country. These requirements can change frequently as the pandemic unfolds and the situation evolves. Travelers can find this information on the websites of their destination country's embassy or consulate, as well as through official travel advisories from their own government.

It is also worth noting that some countries may have additional requirements for vaccinated travelers or travelers who have recently recovered from COVID-19. These requirements may include providing proof of vaccination or recovery in addition to negative test results.

Travelers should also be aware that even if they meet all of the requirements for entry into their destination country, they may still face additional health and safety measures upon arrival. These measures can include health screenings, temperature checks, and contact tracing.

In summary, there are often specific requirements for travelers coming from certain countries or regions, including testing, quarantine, and entry restrictions. Travelers should stay informed about these requirements and follow all guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about various travel restrictions across the globe. One of the areas affected by these restrictions is Kelowna, a popular tourist destination in Canada. As travelers eagerly await the opportunity to visit this beautiful city again, many are left wondering how long these travel restrictions are expected to be in place for Kelowna.

Currently, the travel restrictions in Kelowna are in line with the measures implemented by the Canadian government to control the spread of the coronavirus. These restrictions include limitations on non-essential travel, mandatory quarantine requirements, and border closures. The duration of these restrictions, however, depends on the ever-evolving situation surrounding the pandemic.

The Canadian government closely monitors the number of new COVID-19 cases, vaccination rates, and other key indicators to make informed decisions about travel restrictions. The situation is regularly evaluated, and modifications to the restrictions are made accordingly.

As of now, it is challenging to provide a definitive answer to how long these travel restrictions will remain in place for Kelowna. The duration depends on a multitude of factors, including the efficacy of vaccines, the emergence of new variants, and the overall control of the pandemic.

The Canadian government has been working diligently to increase vaccination rates across the country. As more individuals receive their vaccinations, the hope is that the number of COVID-19 cases will decrease, and travel restrictions can be gradually lifted. However, it is important to remember that the timeline for these changes is uncertain.

Furthermore, it is essential to consider international travel restrictions as well. If the country of origin or transit has its own travel restrictions, it may impact the ability to travel to Kelowna even if the local restrictions are lifted.

To stay informed about the latest updates regarding travel restrictions in Kelowna, it is recommended to regularly check the official websites of the Canadian government, local health authorities, and travel advisories. These platforms provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding travel restrictions and the projected timeline for their removal.

In conclusion, the duration of the travel restrictions in Kelowna depends on several factors. While there is hope for a gradual easing of restrictions as vaccination rates increase, it is challenging to provide a specific timeline. It is crucial for travelers to stay informed about the latest updates through official channels to ensure safe and responsible travel once the restrictions are lifted.

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As travel restrictions tighten around the world due to the global pandemic, many people are wondering if there are any exceptions to these restrictions. Specifically, individuals who need to travel for essential reasons or have special circumstances may be wondering if there are any provisions in place to allow them to do so.

The answer to this question largely depends on the specific country and its travel restrictions. However, in general, most countries do have exceptions in place for essential travel or special circumstances.

Essential travel typically refers to travel that is necessary for critical infrastructure, government functions, or humanitarian purposes. This can include travel for medical purposes, including seeking medical treatment or accompanying someone who needs medical treatment, or travel for work in industries such as healthcare, food production, or transportation.

In many cases, individuals traveling for essential purposes may be required to provide documentation or proof of their reason for travel. This can include letters from employers or medical professionals, as well as any necessary permits or certifications. It's important to check the specific requirements and guidelines set forth by the country you are traveling to or from.

Special circumstances can vary widely and may include situations such as attending a funeral or visiting a critically ill family member. Again, it's important to check the specific guidelines and requirements set forth by the country you are traveling to or from.

It's also worth noting that some countries have established travel corridors or agreements with neighboring countries that allow for easier travel between specific regions. These travel corridors may have their own set of rules and requirements, so it's important to research and understand them before making any travel plans.

Additionally, some countries have implemented travel bans or restrictions on specific regions or countries that may not allow for any exceptions to the travel restrictions. It's crucial to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and regulations from both your home country and the country you plan to travel to.

Overall, while many countries have exceptions in place for essential travel or special circumstances, it's important to thoroughly research and understand the specific guidelines and requirements set forth by the countries involved. As the situation continues to evolve, travel restrictions and exceptions may change, so it's crucial to stay informed and up to date on the latest information provided by authorities.

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Frequently asked questions.

Yes, there are travel restrictions in place for Kelowna. As of the latest update, non-essential travel to the region is strongly discouraged. The British Columbia government has advised residents and visitors to only travel to Kelowna if it is necessary, such as for essential work or medical reasons. Non-essential travel includes activities such as tourism, visiting friends and family, or attending social events.

If you are arriving in Kelowna from outside of Canada, you will be required to follow federal quarantine guidelines. This means that you will need to self-isolate for a period of 14 days upon arrival. It is important to note that these guidelines may change, so it is essential to stay updated with the latest information from the government.

For residents of other provinces within Canada, there are currently no specific travel restrictions in place for Kelowna. However, it is important to be cautious and follow all provincial and federal guidelines. It is recommended to check with the British Columbia government for any updates or advisories, as the situation can change rapidly. It is also essential to practice good hygiene, maintain physical distancing, and wear a mask in public spaces to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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Travel requirements

International travel update.

Recently, the Government of Canada announced new rules for international travel:

  • Effective January 31, 2021 all flights to and from Mexico and Caribbean countries are suspended until April 30, 2021. 
  • Beginning February 21, 2021 at 8:59 p.m. PST, all air travellers arriving in Canada must reserve a room in a government-approved hotel for three nights and take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival at their own cost. Learn more about the mandatory hotel stop over . 
  • If you are an international traveller arriving in B.C., you must arrive at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Visit YVR's website  for more information about what to expect.

There are no international flights operating at YLW.  If you are arriving in B.C. from an international destination, you will land at Vancouver International Airport. For more information on the travel restrictions and requirements, visit  tc.canada.ca .

Travel guidelines for B.C.

B.C.'s Provincial Health Offier (PHO) is advising individuals to significantly reduce social interactions and non-essential travel.   This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province. Learn more about essential travel guidelines at the  Government of B.C. website .

COVID-19 testing for travel

Currently, COVID-19 testing is not available for travellers departing from YLW. Passengers travelling within Canada are not required to test negative for COVID-19. For more information about testing options available in B.C. visit our Healthy Travel page   or call 8-1-1. 

All air passengers five years of age or older arriving in Canada are required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country. Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada. Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website .

Masks are required

Transport Canada has new requirements for face coverings in airports. Acceptable masks must cover the nose and mouth (fitted disposable or cloth masks). Masks with exhalation valves/vents, bandanas, neck gaiters and face shields are not permitted.

Masks must be worn at all times in the public areas of the terminal, except when eating or drinking. Please ensure your mask is on prior to entering the terminal. Masks are not required to be worn by children under two years old and individuals with medical conditions that prevent mask usage. If you are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, you will be required to provide a medical certificate. Visit the  Transport Canada website  for more information.

Health and temperature screening

All airlines are required to conduct a health check of travellers before they board a flight within Canada or departing from Canada. Transport Canada also requires all departing passengers and all employees working post security at YLW to undergo a temperature check at security screening checkpoints.

All international travellers (over the age of five) arriving at Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto Pearson or Montréal-Trudeau airports are required to test negative for COVID-19 prior to boarding a flight to Canada. Visit our COVID-19 travel updates page for more information. 

Healthy travel

We've implemented a series of new health and safety initiatives at YLW to ensure passengers can feel confident when travelling through the airport, and know what to expect before they arrive.

Safety measures now in effect at YLW:

  • Asking everyone who enters the terminal to wear a mask and sanitize their hands
  • Transport Canada requires all passengers who are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons to provide a medical certificate. Visit the  Transport Canada website   for more information.
  • Requesting passengers say goodbye to friends and family outside the terminal
  • Advising arriving passengers to collect their baggage and immediately exit the building

What you can expect

We know air travel looks different these days, but we are here to welcome passengers back and ensure their journey through YLW is as easy, stress-free and safe as possible. Visit our  Healthy Travel page  for more information about what to expect the next time you travel. 

Where can I fly?

Many airlines have made changes to flight schedules and in some cases, suspended service to some destinations temporarily. Visit our Destinations & Airlines page to find out where you can travel to from YLW.

What's open at YLW?

The airport terminal building is open daily from  4 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. White Spot, Subway, Tim Hortons, the Wine Shop and the gift shop have re-opened with COVID-19 safety measures in place. For current hours, visit our Healthy Travel page . 

Public exposures

The safety and well-being of passengers, employees and our community is our priority. YLW is committed to sharing information and updates about COVID-19 impacts at the airport. 

All recent travellers are advised to check and monitor the BCCDC's  Public Exposures website   for possible in-flight exposures to COVID-19. If your flight is listed, you may be required to self-isolate or self monitor for symptoms. We are providing our utmost support to these agencies and are doing our part to help notify the community of potential exposure.

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EmergencyInfoBC

Provincial State of Emergency Expired: Sept. 14, 2023.

The Provincial State of Emergency issued by the Province of BC on August 18, 2023, expired at the end of day Thursday, September 14, 2023 (Pacific time).

Links & Resources

For current wildfire evacuation information, visit EmergencyInfoBC.ca . For wildfire locations and response information, visit BCWildfire.ca .

  • Guidance for wildfire evacuees
  • Travel and highway wildfire impacts from DriveBC
  • Information on how to prepare for wildfires from PreparedBC

Current Road Advisories and Information

This page provides additional information during significant events impacting travel on BC highways.

  • Check DriveBC , your best source of current road information
  • Check EmergencyInfoBC for information about provincial emergencies
  • Check News Releases for Travel Advisories

Although less impactful now, wildfires continue to occur in parts of B.C., potentially impacting driving conditions.  As British Columbia progresses into fall and winter, further hazards may emerge, particularly rain and flood related.

On this page:

South Okanagan – Summerland Rockslide

  • Highway 4 – Cameron Bluffs
  • Okanagan-Shuswap

November 9, 2023

Crews are preparing for several upcoming blasting operations at the site of the Summerland Rockslide. Blasting can be expected 1-2 times per week through the first half of December. The schedule is contingent on ground conditions which are revealed by previous blasts, and each blast requires varying degrees of preparation, so blasts may not occur on the same day each week. The public will be notified as early as possible prior to each blast through DriveBC , which is the best source for information, as well as through traffic advisories and notices on the project website .

As often as possible, blasts will be scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and will include a two-hour full traffic closure to ensure safe conditions for the travelling public and for crews on site. Larger blasts may require longer closures.

Crews have completed temporary work to allow traffic access through the site after the section of highway was closed Aug. 28, 2023 because of a rockslide. Approximately 3,000 cubic metres of material came down. Geotechnical engineers continue to monitor the slide site for changes in ground conditions.

  • Highway 97 is OPEN to two-lane traffic, one in each direction, from Friday, September 22, 2023 at noon
  • This portion of the road may be closed with limited notice if deemed unsafe – closures are more likely with heavy rainfall
  • Oversized loads will be permitted to pass through the slide site starting September 15th
  • They will only be permitted between 9 pm and 5 am and must be prescheduled
  • A private vehicle detour by way of FSR 201 continues to be  available.

Find information and maps on Summerland Rockslide project page .

Check for current highway condition and event information:  DriveBC

  • Highway 97 opens two lanes of traffic after rockslide – September 21, 2023
  • Highway 97 open to single-lane-alternating traffic after rockslide – September 11, 2023
  • Progress made toward partial opening of Highway 97 near Summerland – September 6, 2023
  • Engineers continue to assess unstable slope above Highway 97 – September 1, 2023
  • Additional Highway 97 detours in place following rockslide – August 31, 2023
  • Highway 97 remains closed north of Summerland; assessments underway – August 30, 2023

Vancouver Island: Highway 4, Cameron Lake

  • Work continues to stabilize the slope following a wildfire over the summer.  There remains the potential for highway closures in response to anticipated high rains, winds, or other factors.
  • Please watch Drivebc.ca for breaking closure information.
  • More information is available at Highway 4 – Cameron Bluffs Recovery Project

Okanagan – Shuswap

September 21, 2023

  • Highway 1 between Chase and Sorrento is OPEN . Please watch for wildlife and expect delays in the area due to remediation work.

Your primary sources of current highway and emergency information are:

  • Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre
  • Columbia Shuswap Regional District

Highway condition and event information:  DriveBC

More Resources

Related links.

  • News Releases and Travel Advisories
  • B.C.’s response to floods and mudslides
  • Resource Roads – Information & Closures
  • Emergency Info BC
  • Canadian Weather Radar Map
  • BC Wildfire Service
  • Current Wildfire Situation
  • FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual
  • BC Air Quality
  • Smoke Forecasts
  • Get prepared for wildfire
  • BC on Fire: How We Help Battle the Blaze
  • What You Need to Know About Travelling During BC Wildfires

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'Things collapsed instantly': Thompson-Okanagan businesses still reeling from travel ban

All travel restrictions have been lifted in B.C. just days after they were introduced, but visitors are not coming back in the same numbers that were expected.

Last Saturday, the premier announced the ban on non-essential travel to the Central Interior and Southeast B.C., in an effort to free up accommodation spaces for wildfire evacuees and frontline responders.

“Things collapsed instantly. Phone just rang off the hook with people saying I need to cancel my reservation,” said Wyn Lewis, owner of Vibrant Vine winery in Kelowna.

He said the Saturday before, they welcomed 400 visitors, and that number drastically dropped to 23 after the travel restrictions were announced.

“So it was as bad as the depths of COVID. It was really, really bad. As soon as people were told to stay away from Kelowna, the tourist business basically dried up completely,” Lewis said.

He said the raging wildfires in the area was a “traumatic” experience, as several of his employees had to be evacuated.

But now things are starting to look up, as visitors packed the lawn to enjoy the winery’s concert series.

To give back to the community, Lewis said they’re donating half of all concert ticket proceeds, which will go to the United Way’s wildfire relief fund.

OTHER REGIONS IMPACTED

Even though the Similkameen Valley was not named in the travel ban, people still steered clear.

“We still feel the effects very acutely because the vast majority of people that visit us are coming to or going from the Okanagan,” explained Chris Mathieson, general manager of Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos.

He said the heritage site relies on admission sales and campground reservations to help them get through the winter.

During a typical summer day, they’d see about a hundred guests, but since the travel ban, there have just been a handful of people visiting.

“By not having any tourists at the busiest time of the year, it's a really big hit on a place that doesn't make a lot of money,” Mathieson said.

Although the travel restrictions were lifted a few days later, it was already too late, he said.

“People don't magically reappear the second the bans come off. They still got to plan trips, they've still got to make other arrangements,” he said.

He said he’s unclear if they’ll be able to recover from the travel restrictions, but remains hopeful that word is spreading about campground vacancies.

“Our community's been doing a really good job of stepping up and finding other ways to support us…things like booking campground spots into the future or buying our preserves. So that's been really reassuring, but it doesn't completely replace the big hole that the shutdown left behind,” he said.

MILLIONS IN TOURISM DOLLARS GONE

This weekend, Penticton was supposed to welcome the Ironman Triathlon, a world-class event that usually draws international racers and would bring in at least $15 million to the south Okanagan, according to tourism leaders.

But the event was cancelled hours after the premier announced travel restrictions.

“Those people come from international markets, and they stay usually for a long time. They're usually here for five to 10 days, and they're gone. So they can't quickly be replaced,” said Ellen Matthews-Walker, president and CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.

She said they are still trying to calculate exactly how much money has been lost as a result of the travel restrictions to the region.

She said she spoke to two small lodging operators that saw upwards of $300,000 worth of cancellations in three days.

“Then multiply that to all the various businesses large and small around the region. It's going to be a staggering number,” she said.

Matthews-Walker is hoping the province will step up to help the tourism and hospitality industry.

They’re requesting the province create a financial program for the businesses impacted, provide marketing dollars to help promote their fall season, assistance to lobby the federal government to extend the payback on COVID relief that’s due in December and create an incentive program to encourage people in B.C., Alberta and Washington State to visit.

“We're hopeful that we'll be able to find some solutions for our industry,” she said.

She encourages people to support their favourite businesses by buying gift cards to use at a later date. 

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Travel restrictions for Okanagan area due to wildfires: province

Smoke fills the air in Kelowna as a raging wildfire prompts evacuations.

By Pippa Norman

Posted August 19, 2023 1:35 pm.

Last Updated August 19, 2023 6:32 pm.

Travel to the Okanagan area of B.C. is being restricted for anyone planning on staying in temporary accommodations.

Affected areas include Kelowna, Kamloops, Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton and Vernon. Bowinn Ma, minister of emergency management and climate readiness, says temporary accommodations in these areas are no longer available for non-essential visits and is asking anyone attempting to travel to the area for non-essential reasons to change their plans.

“ This will ensure that accommodations like hotels and motels are available for evacuees and f rontline responders in the Okanagan,” Ma says.

Bowinn Ma speaks in Vancouver

Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness speaks in Vancouver, B.C. on Saturday August 19, 2023. (CityNews Image)

Anyone currently in temporary accommodations in these areas are being asked to voluntarily checkout and free up those spaces for evacuees and responders. Premier Eby defined temporary accommodations as hotels, inns, motels, provincial parks, RV parks, bed and breakfasts and public campgrounds.

There are currently about 35,000 people on evacuation order in the province, Premier David Eby said in an announcement Saturday. Another 30,000 people are on advisory and could be asked to leave within a matter of hours.

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Housing support for evacuees, firefighters and first responders is being offered by the BC Hotel Association, as the wildfire situation in B.C. worsens.

Ingrid Jarrett, CEO of the BC Hotel Association, says its efforts began by housing evacuees from Yellowknife, but she’s now working with Emergency Management BC to ensure people coming from the Okanagan area have a place to stay as well.

So far, Jarrett says she’s impressed by the response of travelers and hotel operators across the region during this provincial emergency.

“It’s incredible how much people have stepped up to ensure there is safe shelter at a time of an incredibly dire circumstance,” she told CityNews.

Jarrett says hotels throughout the region are currently connected to placement agents within Emergency Management BC, to help ensure people in need of a place to stay can find one.

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Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has released the following statement about travel restrictions for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation in West Kelowna:

“Over the past week, B.C. has experienced severe wildfires with devastating impacts for people and communities. My heart is with everyone who has been affected by the fires, including those who are at risk of losing their home and those who have already received confirmation that their home has been lost.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who changed their travel plans to the Interior following the accommodation and travel restrictions issued on Aug. 19. We also want to thank the tourism industry for being nimble, supportive and understanding, and stepping up to make space available for evacuees, as well as for the many firefighters and emergency crews who are protecting us.

“Because of the support of people and accommodation providers, we were able to support local governments and First Nations in securing enough hotel rooms to meet the high demand of evacuees who needed a place to stay. We’ve also been able to book additional hotel rooms in case they are needed.

“Given the evolving situation and the accommodation we’ve secured, we are now lifting the travel restriction to West Kelowna. The order will be lifted tonight, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, effective at midnight.

“West Kelowna looks forward to welcoming tourists into safe areas in the community once again.

“If you are planning on travelling in B.C., please do so safely and avoid fire-affected communities. Know before you go and be prepared. Many communities continue to be impacted by wildfires and face challenges. Listen to the direction of local communities and respect emergency orders and alerts.

“From speaking with local leadership, I know that many areas of the Shuswap – including Salmon Arm, Sicamous and most of Shuswap Lake (except for fire-impacted areas) – are looking forward to having tourists back in their communities. Similarly, many communities in the Okanagan are eager to welcome people, while others – like Lake Country – are advising that now is still not a good time to visit. 

“If you’re travelling, please monitor information from the BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC and DriveBC.

“We want to thank everyone for supporting the efforts of wildfire and structural firefighters in communities. As we begin to move into recovery, we will continue to work closely with the federal government and communities to determine how we can best support people and communities to recover and rebuild.”

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BC Government News Release: Lifted Order and Update on West Kelowna Travel, Accommodation Restrictions

travel to kelowna restrictions

Details from the BC Government news release:

Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has released the following statement about travel restrictions for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation in West Kelowna:

“Over the past week, B.C. has experienced severe wildfires with devastating impacts for people and communities. My heart is with everyone who has been affected by the fires, including those who are at risk of losing their home and those who have already received confirmation that their home has been lost.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who changed their travel plans to the Interior following the accommodation and travel restrictions issued on Aug. 19. We also want to thank the tourism industry for being nimble, supportive and understanding, and stepping up to make space available for evacuees, as well as for the many firefighters and emergency crews who are protecting us.

“Because of the support of people and accommodation providers, we were able to support local governments and First Nations in securing enough hotel rooms to meet the high demand of evacuees who needed a place to stay. We’ve also been able to book additional hotel rooms in case they are needed.

“Given the evolving situation and the accommodation we’ve secured, we are now lifting the travel restriction to West Kelowna. The order will be lifted tonight, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, effective at midnight.

“West Kelowna looks forward to welcoming tourists into safe areas in the community once again.

“If you are planning on travelling in B.C., please do so safely and avoid fire-affected communities. Know before you go and be prepared. Many communities continue to be impacted by wildfires and face challenges. Listen to the direction of local communities and respect emergency orders and alerts.

“From speaking with local leadership, I know that many areas of the Shuswap – including Salmon Arm, Sicamous and most of Shuswap Lake (except for fire-impacted areas) – are looking forward to having tourists back in their communities. Similarly, many communities in the Okanagan are eager to welcome people, while others – like Lake Country – are advising that now is still not a good time to visit.

“If you’re travelling, please monitor information from the BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC and DriveBC.

“We want to thank everyone for supporting the efforts of wildfire and structural firefighters in communities. As we begin to move into recovery, we will continue to work closely with the federal government and communities to determine how we can best support people and communities to recover and rebuild.”

Read the full BC Gov news release, here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023EMCR0058-001345

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Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.

February 29, 2024, 8:30 a.m. – Ottawa – Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.

As of February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time, Mexican citizens who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years and are travelling by air on a Mexican passport will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). With the high number of Mexican citizens currently holding US visas, the majority will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada. Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa. This responds to an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned. It is an important step to preserve mobility for hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens, while also ensuring the sound management of our immigration and asylum systems.

The application process for Mexican citizens seeking a work or study permit will not change. Mexican citizens who want to work in Canada will continue to have access to a wide number of existing labour pathways, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program.

Canada supports ongoing travel, tourism and business with Mexico. We will continue to work with the Government of Mexico to strengthen our regular pathways to immigration, and with our provincial and territorial counterparts to support a system of managed migration as well as to support those in need of protection. Canada is expanding its network of visa application centres in Mexico to better serve these clients. Today’s action will relieve pressure on Canada’s borders, immigration system, housing and social services, while preserving mobility for Mexican citizens who want to come to Canada.

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a vital example of the mutually beneficial migration that we seek to promote regionally and globally. Canada is ready to work with Mexico to build on this program, through the modernization of a new SAWP bilateral agreement, to offer Mexican workers new opportunities, through the incorporation of year-round primary agriculture and seasonal fish, seafood and primary food processing into the program. This will benefit workers and businesses on both sides of the Canada–Mexico relationship.

Canada is continuously monitoring the impacts of its visa policies for both visa-exempt and visa-required countries, as well as asylum claim trends. These challenges are not limited to one country. Any adjustment to Canada’s travel requirements are made to preserve the integrity and sustainability of our asylum and immigration systems.

More information about these changes, including for people in transit or with upcoming flights, is available on IRCC’s website .

“Mexico is an important partner to Canada. We will continue to welcome Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors and immigrants who bring diverse skills and important contributions to our economy and communities. We strive for balance between the movement of people between our two great countries, and the need to relieve pressure on our immigration system so we can provide protection to those who need it the most.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Asylum claims made by Mexican citizens reached a record high in 2023 at a time when Canada’s asylum system, housing and social services were already under significant pressure. The majority of these claims (approximately 60%) were either rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, or withdrawn or abandoned by the applicant.

In 2023 alone, asylum claims from Mexican citizens accounted for 17% of all claims made that year from all nationalities around the world. The country’s asylum claim rate has risen significantly since the visa was first lifted in 2016 (from 260 claims in 2016 to 23,995 claims in 2023). 

All eTAs issued to Mexican passports before 11:30 p.m. Eastern time on February 29, 2024, will no longer be valid—except for eTAs linked to Mexican passports with a valid Canadian work or study permit. Mexican citizens travelling to Canada without a valid work or study permit will need to apply for a visitor visa or reapply for a new eTA —if they are eligible.

Mexican citizens holding a valid work or study permit can still travel by air to Canada with their existing eTA as long as it remains valid, and they can continue to study or work in Canada based on the validity and conditions of their permit. Mexican visitors who are already in Canada on an eTA can stay for as long as they are authorized (up to six months from the date they arrive in Canada). However, if they plan to leave Canada and wish to return, they must have the proper travel documents (visa or new eTA). 

Most approved visa applicants receive multiple-entry visas, which allow them to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years, or until their passport expires.

The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need in order to travel to or transit through Canada by air. IRCC first began expanding its eTA program to eligible citizens from visa-required countries in 2017. Mexico will now be among 15 countries whose citizens can to fly to Canada on an eTA, instead of a visa, if they meet certain requirements .

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Column: Newsom’s ads against red states’ abortion travel bans aren’t just a stunt

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When the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade in 2022, the issue of abortion travel bans was addressed, and conservative Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh was clear: They are unconstitutional.

That didn’t stop local travel bans from popping up in Texas less than a year later. Since then Idaho has passed a law, and Oklahoma and Mississippi are debating following suit. Tennessee officials not only want to make taking a minor to get an abortion a felony if a parent did not consent, they also want to make sharing information about abortion laws of other states illegal.

Stipple-style portrait illustration of LZ Granderson

Opinion Columnist

LZ Granderson

LZ Granderson writes about culture, politics, sports and navigating life in America.

It’s clear Republicans are comfortable ignoring Kavanaugh’s opinion on the constitutionality of the matter, and so California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom is taking up the issue with voters in those conservative states.

This week he announced an ad campaign targeting red states where lawmakers are debating whether to make traveling for out-of-state reproductive care a crime. Normally I don’t like when Newsom sticks his nose in other states’ business — you know, given all of California’s own problems — but he is spot on using his platform to raise the alarm on this issue. (He’s not using California taxpayers’ money; the ads are financed by a political action committee.)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference in Sacramento on Feb. 27.

Newsom unveils multistate ad campaign to fight abortion travel restrictions in red states

Gov. Gavin Newsom has unveiled a multistate campaign to combat efforts in Republican-controlled states that ban abortion to block women from traveling for the procedure.

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As Kavanaugh pointed out, interstate travel is a constitutional right. I happen to believe, as many Supreme Court justices have in the past, that privacy is too. Newsom may occasionally jab his conservative counterparts for political points, but this ad campaign is not simply partisan. Someone has to stand up for the rights of Americans. Ask yourself: How much more government surveillance do we want as a society? To enforce travel bans like the one Tennessee is proposing would require authorities to keep track of things like “where are you going?” and “for how long?”

Our privacy has been losing ground ever since passage of the Patriot Act. Back then a fearful nation was driven by the horror of 9/11. Now it feels as if we’re in a devastating horror of our own making. It was bad enough when blind partisanship took over decisions about reproductive care; now states are looking to criminalize interstate travel.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: Coleman Domingo arrives at the "Rustin" screening and Q&A presented by SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations at NETFLIX on January 06, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images)

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We’re so far past the theatrics of Newsom’s debate with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. This time, the spotlight is not on one governor’s ego but on all our right to privacy and interstate travel.

We have enough Americans ensnared in our flawed justice system.

Consider this: Nearly 250 people have been cleared of wrongful convictions thanks to the work of the Innocence Project , a nonprofit that uses DNA to overturn verdicts. That represents more than 3,600 collective years behind bars because our justice system got it terribly wrong. Now think about the people the organization hasn’t been able to help. Think about the overworked public defenders doing the best they can. Think about human error.

MT. SHASTA VISTA, CA - October 13 2021: Siskiyou County marijuana task force clears greenhouses as the serves a search warrant at an illicit grow on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 in Mt. Shasta Vista, CA. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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This is the legal system into which we want to send victims of rape and incest who might be or have been pregnant, who might have crossed state lines, who are suspected of receiving medical care while out of state or even of hoping to receive care?

Even for a nation that has acclimated to 20 years of unconstitutional invasions of privacy since 9/11, these latest laws feel like a big leap into a dystopian hellscape.

Are we going to pretend now that the Patriot Act established a new normal, and that these state laws banning travel for healthcare are an incremental step beyond that? Did many Americans tolerate the Patriot Act because it took away our freedoms in the name of a religious war? Will many allow more of our privacy to be stripped away in this new religious war?

That’s what the legal battle over reproductive rights has always been. A battle of faiths. There is a version of faith that doesn’t believe a woman should have complete agency over her body. That perverse belief system has inspired innumerable pieces of legislation across the country for years, more and more of them taking effect since Roe vs. Wade fell. And now the men who dominate many state legislatures are not satisfied with controlling what women can do within state lines; they’re trying to control whether women can cross state lines for care.

So sure, you can roll your eyes or ignore Newsom the politician.

But don’t ignore his message on this issue.

Bills disguised as “parental rights” are Trojan horses. Conservatives initially wanted to ban critical race theory out of elementary school. Party leaders never identified an elementary school actually teaching CRT, but that did lead to fear and that fear has led to banning books. Similarly, the rash of bills banning transgender athletes did not come from a tidal wave of examples — just fear. And that fear led to a proposal in Florida in which young girls would be required to answer questions such as “how old were you when you had your first period?” before playing sports.

That’s what fear-based legislation does to a society. It causes a frenzy. It’s how we ended up over-criminalized in the first place. And now an over-policed, over-jailed society has officials in red states thinking about criminalizing interstate travel.

So Newsom may not be the voice Republicans want to hear on this issue, but that doesn’t mean what he is saying is wrong.

@LZGranderson

More to Read

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travel to kelowna restrictions

LZ Granderson is an Opinion columnist for the Los Angeles Times. He arrived in 2019 as The Times’ sports and culture columnist. Granderson is also a political contributor for ABC News. A fellow at the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago as well as the Hechinger Institute at Columbia University, the Emmy award winner appears regularly on The Times’ Spectrum News 1’s daily news magazine program, “L.A. Times Today.” Granderson joined CNN as a political contributor and columnist in 2009 before joining ABC in 2015. He spent 17 years at ESPN in a variety of roles, including NBA editor for ESPN The Magazine, senior writer for Page 2 and co-host of TV’s “SportsNation.” In 2011, Granderson was named Journalist of the Year by the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Assn., and his columns have been recognized by the National Assn. of Black Journalists as well as the Online News Assn. His podcast for ABC News, “Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson,” has won numerous honors, including a GLAAD award. His TED Talk on LGBTQ equality has more than 1.7 million views.

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Tourists struggle to change travel bookings in response to B.C.'s wildfire restrictions

Travellers say airlines, accommodations should support them in cancelling trips to fire-affected areas.

travel to kelowna restrictions

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Josh Rutherford booked a flight to visit his girlfriend in Kelowna, B.C., back in May, long before wildfires began ravaging the province's southern Interior.

Now, the Big Flats, N.Y., resident is instead hoping to fly to Calgary, where his girlfriend is taking refuge from fires that have led to thousands of evacuations.

But when Rutherford contacted Delta Airlines to cancel and rebook, he was told it would cost more than $2,000.

Although the company operating the Canadian leg of his trip is WestJet, he purchased the tickets through Delta, which means the latter is responsible for making changes to his itinerary.

  • Photos This is the damage in Scotch Creek, B.C., after wildfire

"A company that could make things easier for us, potentially, is saying, 'We can do that, but you have to pay this exorbitant fee,'" Rutherford said.

He's one of several people saddled with travel planning woes due to the wildfires burning across British Columbia, where Premier David Eby has announced a travel ban to the southern Interior and the province remains in a state of emergency.

More than 30,000 people across the province have been forced to flee their homes and a further 36,000 have been told to get ready to leave at a moment's notice.

Looking down at low-rise buildings with parking lots, and two high-rises, all against a brown murky sky with smoke obstructing the field of view.

Rutherford was frustrated at the fee requested by Delta and longs to see his girlfriend, who still doesn't know if she'll have a home to return to in Kelowna. He says he wants to do the right thing by the travel ban.

"She's going through one of the worst seasons of her life right now because of this disaster. And I would love to be there for her and help her out. But I want to do that in a way that is responsible and is respectful of what's been asked," he said.

"The province has made it very clear that I, as a tourist, should not be going in there," he added.

  • Barking orders and 'ridiculous' packing: Wildfire evacuees recall leaving their homes

After CBC News contacted Delta Airlines to inquire about Rutherford's situation, the company said it had got in touch with him to apologize and "make this right."

Rutherford "was given initial information inconsistent with our approach to handle travel changes for customers with extenuating circumstances," the company said in an email.

Airbnb cancellation issues

Ashley Coumont, who is from Camrose, Alta., paid $6,500 for a four-night stay at the end of the month at a large Airbnb rental home in West Kelowna, B.C., large areas of which are currently under evacuation orders due to the nearby McDougall Creek fire.

She attempted to cancel the trip under Airbnb's extenuating circumstances policies, but the company said she had missed the cutoff date to make the claim.

So far, both the host and company are refusing to provide a full refund. 

A helicopter flies through brown smoky skies, above a row of large, modern homes.

CBC News reviewed screenshots of Coumont's online chats with both the host and Airbnb. In the conversation, the host tells her the home and area are safe and that everything will be "under control" when the time of her vacation comes around.

Her trip is scheduled to start and end before Sept. 4, the date B.C.'s travel restrictions are currently scheduled to lift. 

In Coumont's chats with Airbnb support, the representative tells her that if the situation in Kelowna persists, she will be fully refunded closer to her reservation date. 

For now, the host has given her a 50 per cent refund. 

"They are being very greedy," said Coumont.

A young man and woman sit on the edge of a lake staring at wildfires on a hill across the water.

CBC News contacted Airbnb about Coumont's booking. In an email reply, the company said it was monitoring the situation in Kelowna and that some reservations may "become eligible [for a refund] … depending on the situation on the ground at the time."

Coumont said rather than putting up roadblocks to cancelling her stay, she wishes both the host and Airbnb were asking her not to come. She added that she'd like them to make the home available to evacuees and first responders, some of whom have been sleeping in cars due to a lack of available accommodation.

  • Full extent of B.C. wildfire damage still not known as province consumed by worsening air quality

Tourists like her have "no business" travelling to the city, she says.

"I don't even understand why this has to be a conversation," she added.

In a statement, the B.C. Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, said it encourages businesses, including airlines, to work with customers to support them in following the travel order.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

travel to kelowna restrictions

Yasmine Ghania is an Egyptian-Canadian reporter with CBC News, currently based in Vancouver. She was part of a team nominated for a Canadian Association of Journalists award for their investigation into allegations of sexual and physical abuse at a private Christian school. Reach her at [email protected]

With files from Tessa Vikander

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Frugal Traveler

To Protect Your Miles, Be Careful How You Book

American Airlines recently announced new restrictions on point allocation based on how you book a flight. What does that mean for loyalty members?

A commercial airplane with red and blue stripes on its tail and the word "American" in large blue letters on the side of the aircraft, takes off from an airport runway.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

Earlier this month, American Airlines announced that beginning May 1, it will require travelers to book directly with the airline, partner airlines or “preferred travel agencies” in order to receive points in its loyalty program.

The unprecedented move confused many travelers eager to protect their mileage currency, prompting posts like this one on X: “@AmericanAir your news about earning miles/loyalty points is a bit concerning — we’re loyal to you no matter who we book through!”

In an email, a representative of the airline said that the approved list of travel agencies would not be published until April.

While there is much to be determined about the new policy, a battle for customers between the airline and third-party ticket sellers, which includes online travel agencies like Orbitz, has emerged. Here’s what travelers should know before booking their next flight.

What are the new points rules at American?

Currently, the biggest domestic carriers — including Delta Air Lines , United Airlines , Southwest Airlines and American — award points and miles to members of their loyalty programs on most tickets regardless of where they are sold.

American’s new rules state that in order to receive miles and points, travelers must book through its website, a Oneworld partner airline or approved travel agencies (with exceptions for those enrolled in its business program, which targets small companies, or with a corporate contract).

Also beginning May 1, fliers booking basic economy fares, the airline’s cheapest fares, may only earn points by booking through American’s website or its airline partners.

What’s behind the switch?

According to analysts, this is largely a behind-the-scenes fight over technology.

Travel agencies have long used distribution systems like Sabre and Amadeus to sell airline tickets. But many airlines are interested in using an emerging channel developed by the International Air Transport Association called New Distribution Capability . It offers airlines a more direct means of communicating with passengers, whom they can target with personalized fares or bundled offers not available in the traditional systems, providing opportunities to sell more services.

The “preferred” agencies that American said it will announce in April will be those making a substantial number of bookings on the new platform.

“American is dead set on being a more efficient airline and reducing its cost of sales, so they have issued this new edict and travel agents who choose not to follow along will find themselves on the losing end of the battle,” said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and the founder of the Atmosphere Research Group.

Many travel agents object to the speed of adopting a technology they say still has bugs. In a recent letter to the 18,000 member agencies of the American Society of Travel Advisors , the president and chief executive of the trade organization Zane Kerby called it “an underdeveloped technology,” with “basic servicing” issues that include problems with cancellations, booking multiple people on the same itinerary and rebooking.

Mr. Kerby cited a heightened risk to most business travelers using external agencies to make their bookings. “It feels like American Airlines is disenfranchising or willing to disenfranchise its most profitable and lucrative segment, which is the frequent business traveler,” he said.

In American’s new requirement that basic economy fliers book directly with the airline to earn miles, Brian Sumers, who writes the Airline Observer newsletter, sees a play for greater loyalty from thrifty travelers at a time when many airlines have abandoned them. Delta , for instance, no longer awards points to its basic economy passengers. United restricts basic economy fliers to one personal item carried aboard when flying domestically.

American wants those basic economy passengers, Mr. Sumers said. “The end goal is to get people so excited about having AAdvantage points and using them all the time, because that’s where they’re making money.”

How should I book to ensure I’m awarded miles for American flights?

If you are accustomed to booking online with the airline directly, earning miles is not endangered.

If you use a travel agency, including online sites like Expedia or Orbitz, check the list of approved agencies when it is published in April.

But even for travelers who are accustomed to D.I.Y. bookings, the new American policy poses some threat to earning miles. If you use a travel agent to plan a more complicated trip — say, an African safari or a trek to Machu Picchu in Peru — make sure the agent is approved by American or be prepared to make the booking yourself to earn miles.

“American is counting on the fact that travelers engaged with AAdvantage will want to remain engaged, so that if their travel agent is not onboard, the customer will find a different travel agent or opt to book directly,” Mr. Harteveldt said.

Will other airlines follow suit?

Experts say commercial aviation is a copycat industry; if a policy is successful, others are likely to follow. But it may not happen quickly in this case.

“There are some very expensive tickets that go through using the older system,” Mr. Sumers said, describing other airlines as “taking a watch-and-wait approach” to see if any defections from former American customers boost their business.

“By no means has this play reached its conclusions,” Mr. Harteveldt said. “We are in the first part of the first act.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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Accessible flights

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is one of the busiest airports in Canada with more than 70 commercial flights daily.YLW is located adjacent to Highway 97, 14km north of  downtown Kelowna . Several air carriers offer regularly scheduled service into Kelowna, BC. For more information on flights to and from Kelowna click here .

Enjoy the drive.

Driving to Kelowna is a refreshingly accessible and scenic outing. Add to that, well-maintained highways with 4 lanes most of the way and it's often a preferred choice. To learn more about driving options to Kelowna, click here . 

Kelowna by Bus

E Bus offers regularly scheduled services throughout BC and Alberta. For passenger fares and schedule information please click here .

Spotlight on Kelowna

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Tourism Kelowna would like to thank Westbank First Nation and Okanagan Indian Band for the privilege to live, work, and play on the tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land), that is the unceded and traditional territory of syilx Okanagan peoples, the original stewards of these lands and to whom we give thanks to as our hosts

Kelowna Visitor Centre: 

238 Queensway

Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 6S4 Canada

1-800-663-4345

© 2024 Tourism Kelowna

IMAGES

  1. Kelowna, British Columbia 2023

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  2. One Day in Kelowna, BC: Our Best Travel Tips

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  3. Visit Kelowna: Best of Kelowna, British Columbia Travel 2022

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  4. Visit Kelowna: 2023 Travel Guide for Kelowna, British Columbia

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  5. Visit Kelowna and see the marina, Hot Sands beach, go hiking up Mount

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  6. Most Important Kelowna Tips for Tourists to Maximize Your Experience

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COMMENTS

  1. COVID-19 Information in Okanagan Valley

    As of October 1, 2022. Province-wide restrictions have been lifted. For additional details on public health orders, please visit the Government of BC website. Federal Health Mandates: As of October 1, 2022, the following public health orders are in place for travelling within and travelling to Canada. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required

  2. Navigating Kelowna's Travel Restrictions: A Guide For Tourists

    What are the current travel restrictions in place for Kelowna, Canada? Source: Vancouver Sun. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused governments around the world to implement various travel restrictions and measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. Kelowna, located in the beautiful province of British Columbia, Canada, is no exception.

  3. Travel requirements

    Transport Canada has new requirements for face coverings in airports. Acceptable masks must cover the nose and mouth (fitted disposable or cloth masks). Masks with exhalation valves/vents, bandanas, neck gaiters and face shields are not permitted. Masks must be worn at all times in the public areas of the terminal, except when eating or drinking.

  4. Travel to B.C.'s southeast, Central Interior restricted, provincial

    2:12 Travel to B.C.'s southeast, Central Interior restricted due to wildfires. The B.C. government will be temporarily restricting travel to fire-affected areas as wildfires threaten thousands ...

  5. Know Before You Go

    Driving Conditions. Always check DriveBC before heading out on the road to learn about the current conditions along your planned route, including webcams, closures, construction delays, or detours.. Please visit Emergency Info BC for updated details on emergencies including evacuation orders and alerts.. Between October 1 and April 30, many BC highways require winter tires.

  6. B.C. government introducing travel restrictions to free up

    The B.C. government is using the extraordinary powers granted to it under its state of emergency declaration to implement a restriction on tourism-related travel to areas affected by wildfires.

  7. B.C. to lift most wildfire-related travel restrictions in southern

    B.C. restricts travel in southern Interior as wildfires force 30,000 out of homes. Kelowna tourism operator fled 2 wildfires in 8 years. He now fears for future of business. Ma said the province ...

  8. Kelowna International Airport issues updated travel guide for flights

    The airport has issued a list of tips and guidance to navigating the pandemic restrictions as international travel resumes on Dec. 16. "We want to help passengers know what to expect when they come to YLW with COVID-19 safety measures and regulations now in place," said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. "We recognize travel can be stressful ...

  9. Provincial State of Emergency Expired: Sept. 14, 2023

    The Provincial State of Emergency issued by the Province of BC on August 18, 2023, expired at the end of day Thursday, September 14, 2023 (Pacific time). Links & Resources For current wildfire evacuation information, visit EmergencyInfoBC.ca. For wildfire locations and response information, visit BCWildfire.ca. Guidance for wildfire evacuees Travel and highway wildfire impacts from

  10. More domestic flights returning to Okanagan with B.C. again welcoming

    Due to international travel restrictions, the Kelowna airport hasn't yet resumed operation of routes to Seattle, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Varadero, which accounted for up to 30 per cent of the ...

  11. B.C. lifts travel restrictions to West Kelowna with fires in Central

    Travel restrictions for West Kelowna will end Thursday at midnight, B.C.'s emergency management minister Bowinn Ma announced just after 6 p.m. PT, following the end of restrictions to regions ...

  12. Kelowna Entry Regulations

    U.S. Citizens. All U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport to re-enter the United States via air. For re-entry into the U.S. via land and sea borders, U.S. citizens must present either a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Driver's License or other Western Hemisphere Travel initiative-compliant document.

  13. Current Conditions in Kelowna, BC

    Current Conditions in Kelowna. Kelowna and the Central Okanagan are open and local tourism businesses are ready to welcome you. Please view the information resources below to find up-to-date conditions about the Kelowna area and information about travelling to Kelowna. Live video located Downtown at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.

  14. B.C. Wildfires: Travel and hotel restrictions lifting for West Kelowna

    The B.C. government is lifting the last of the restrictions it imposed on travel to B.C.'s Southern Interior at midnight, saying the wildfire crisis has eased sufficiently.

  15. Current Road Advisories and Information

    This page provides additional information during significant events impacting travel on BC highways. Check DriveBC , your best source of current road information. Check EmergencyInfoBC for information about provincial emergencies. Although less impactful now, wildfires continue to occur in parts of B.C., potentially impacting driving conditions.

  16. B.C. wildfires: Thompson-Okanagan businesses still reeling from travel

    Wildfire service responding to 2 'highly visible' fires near Pemberton, B.C. More evacuation orders coming down around West Kelowna, B.C., wildfire. B.C. officials warn of abnormal fall as warm ...

  17. Okanagan wildfire travel restrictions

    Travel restrictions for Okanagan area due to wildfires: province. Thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate from West Kelowna and the Westbank First Nation due to the nearby MacDougall Creek wildfire that has destroyed a significant number of properties. Smoke from the McDougall Creek wildfire fills the air and nearly blocks out the sun ...

  18. Minister's statement on West Kelowna travel, accommodation restrictions

    Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has released the following statement about travel restrictions for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation in West Kelowna: "Over the past week, B.C. has experienced severe wildfires with devastating impacts for people and communities.

  19. Information and Guidance on Additional Restrictions ...

    On August 6, to further its efforts in combatting COVID-19, Interior Health announced additional regional restrictions for Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. These new restrictions, which are now in effect until further notice, include: Changes to capacity limits for gatherings: Personal gatherings: Up to 50 people outside.

  20. BC Government News Release: Lifted Order and Update on West Kelowna

    Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has released the following statement about travel restrictions for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation in West Kelowna: "Over the past week, B.C. has experienced severe wildfires with devastating impacts for people and communities.

  21. BC lifting recreational travel ban to wildfire-affected areas, except

    The travel restrictions for the BC Interior will be lifted as of midnight, with the exception of West Kelowna. On Saturday, less than 24 hours after BC declared a state of emergency, a ban on ...

  22. Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada

    Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world's most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our ...

  23. Granderson: Newsom ads against abortion travel bans are no stunt

    When the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade in 2022, the issue of abortion travel bans was addressed, and conservative Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh was clear: They are unconstitutional.

  24. Tourists struggle to change travel bookings in response to B.C.'s

    Her trip is scheduled to start and end before Sept. 4, the date B.C.'s travel restrictions are currently scheduled to lift. In Coumont's chats with Airbnb support, the representative tells her ...

  25. American Airlines Changes How Miles Are Accrued. What You Need to Know

    Beginning May 1, American Airlines will require travelers to book directly with the airline, partner airlines or "preferred travel agencies" in order to receive loyalty points.

  26. Travel on I-80 in Tahoe, CA resumes with some restrictions

    As blizzard conditions begin to clear in the Tahoe region, travel on Interstate 80 has resumed — with limitations, the California Department of Transportation said. "Eastbound and westbound I ...

  27. Getting to Kelowna

    Accessible flights. Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is one of the busiest airports in Canada with more than 70 commercial flights daily.YLW is located adjacent to Highway 97, 14km north of downtown Kelowna. Several air carriers offer regularly scheduled service into Kelowna, BC. For more information on flights to and from Kelowna click here.