Travel Disruptions Expected Across B.C. During Long Weekend

British Columbia is experiencing a challenging B.C. Day long weekend for travellers, marked by multiple disruptions. Significant wildfire activity has led to highway closures, including Highway 97 near Clinton and Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon. The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) is also expected to see major delays due to ongoing construction.

Adding to the travel woes, WestJet has cancelled numerous flights due to a potential labour dispute with its flight attendants, impacting passengers at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). YVR anticipates a busy weekend with hundreds of thousands of travellers, and other airlines are reportedly operating normally.

B.C. Ferries is bracing for its busiest weekend of the year, with major routes operating at or near capacity. Advance bookings for popular routes are already sold out, and passengers without reservations are advised to consider walking on or expect significant wait times.

Travellers heading to the United States have also encountered lengthy delays at border crossings in the Lower Mainland, with waits of up to three hours reported at some locations. The Canada Border Services Agency advises planning ahead and checking wait times.

Authorities are urging all travellers to stay informed about current conditions, check road statuses, flight information, and ferry schedules before departing to minimize disruptions.