COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates
Destination Greater Victoria promotes travel to Greater Victoria on behalf of the local community. We know this is a very difficult time for our tourism industry, and that COVID-19 is top of mind for travellers and businesses globally. During the period related to COVID 19 we are taking direction from the Ministry of Health and Health Authorities.
While many businesses have suspended operations, some remain open. Lodging is required for government officials, those staying in Victoria for medical treatments, or visiting relatives. Essential services are also using lodging for sheltering purposes. Victoria is the provincial capital and we expect some business and government-related travel will continue during this period. Several restaurants remain open for take-out services.
We encourage you only to travel to Greater Victoria when health authorities suggest is it safe. Until then, please stay home and follow the advice of health authorities to keep yourself and others safe. In the meantime our website and social media platforms will remain active to inspire future visits.
For additional information, visit the Government of Canada travel advisory page, our Know Before You Go page or Destination BC.
Stay Informed
- Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)’s website for the latest outbreak update on COVID-19.
- Visit the Health Link BC website for detailed information on COVID-19, including FAQs.
- Visit the BC Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC) website for the latest on how to prevent the transmission of diseases. Follow BC CDC on Twitter for regular updates: @CDCofBC
- Call the Health Canada COVID-19 information line: 1-833-784-4397. Interpretation services are available in multiple languages. Or email: [email protected]
- Follow Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, on Twitter: @CPHO_Canada
- Learn more about the British Columbia Pandemic Provincial Coordination Plan and Pandemic Preparedness in British Columbia.
- For the latest audio clips of COVID-19 media availabilities, visit the BC government on Soundcloud.
- For non-medical information about COVID-19, including the latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing, call 1-888-COVID19 or text 1-888-268-4319. Information is available in more than 110 languages, seven days a week, from 7:30 am-8 pm.
- Destination Greater Victoria COVID-19 advisories to members can be found below. These advisories are sent to Destination Greater Victoria via email as well.
Open for Business
Despite hardships faced by local businesses having to shut down their physical storefronts in compliance with provincial health orders, many Greater Victoria businesses are still providing services in new and unique ways. We support these members helping people by offering special services during the COVID-19 pandemic. And by supporting local now, we help to ensure businesses will be open for visitors to enjoy again too.
Reopening Guidelines for Tourism Businesses
Find guidelines around best practices for different types of tourism-related sectors for handling COVID-19 requirements as they restart or ramp up operations in the COVID-19 pandemic on our COVID-19 and returning to safe operation page.
Know Before You Go
As British Columbia moves into Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, leisure and recreational travel within British Columbia will be permitted in the coming weeks. Find what you need to know before planning your getaway to Greater Victoria here.
COVID-19 Impacts, Scenarios and Travel Recovery
For articles, website links and downloadable resources related to COVID-19 Impacts, Scenarios and Travel Recovery, visit our Research and Insights page here.