B.C. Travel Chaos: Wildfires, Strikes, and Road Closures Hit Long Weekend

Residents in British Columbia are facing a challenging B.C. Day long weekend as a confluence of factors significantly complicates travel plans. Wildfires are directly impacting key transportation routes, with Highway 1 closed through the Fraser Canyon between Hope and Lytton due to the Brunswick Complex wildfires. Further north, Highway 97 is shut down near Clinton because of the Pear Lake wildfire, affecting hundreds of properties in the Cariboo region.

The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) remains a primary alternate route, though substantial delays are anticipated due to ongoing drainage construction work between Hope and Merritt. Travelers are advised to prepare for these disruptions by ensuring they have a full tank of gas, food, and water.

Adding to the travel turmoil, WestJet has canceled approximately 198 flights as of Saturday afternoon, citing the need to prevent passengers and crew from being stranded amid a potential flight attendant strike. Vancouver International Airport reported 16 affected WestJet flights on Saturday alone.

B.C. Ferries is anticipating its busiest August long weekend ever, with most major routes expected to be at or near vehicle capacity. The ferry corporation is advising travelers without reservations to consider walking on or preparing for significant standby waits, especially for sailings from Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland.

Long waits are also reported at Canada-U.S. border crossings. Southbound travelers experienced waits of up to three hours at the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway crossings on Saturday afternoon.