With the initial stages of the pandemic slowing down in many parts of Canada, provinces and territories started implementing their reopening plans.
For now, all international flights are restricted to airports in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal. Everyone returning from a foreign travel is required to go into a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
In regards to Canada reopening to massive international flights, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on a daily briefing that “I understand there are a lot of tourism firms and airlines who would like us to be able to once again to welcome tourists, but these people all need to understand that if we take steps too quickly, if we are not sure of what we’re doing at each stage, we risk hitting a second wave… and having to close our economy again.
“I understand how difficult this is and how frustrating this is for some people but … we are going to be very, very careful about when and how we start reopening international borders.”
The Canada-U.S. border still remains closed but it’s important to know that Air Canada—the country’s largest airline—is currently flying to the following destinations: Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Paris, London, Munich, Tel Aviv, Cancun, Mexico City, and more.
British Columbia
British Columbia’s Restart Plan is currently at Phase 3 from June until September. Gatherings are limited to 50 people or fewer. Interprovincial travel is allowed with no need of self-isolation, though international travelers returning to B.C. are required by law to self-isolate for 14 days and complete a self-isolation plan.
Businesses and services that have reopened so far:
- Health and medical related services;
- Dentistry, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, and chiropractors;
- In-person counselling and similar therapy-based services;
- Retail sector;
- Hair salons, barbers, and other personal service establishments;
- Restaurants, cafes, and pubs;
- Museums, art galleries, and libraries;
- Office-based worksites;
- Childcare services;
- Recreation and sports;
- Parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces;
- Schools (on a gradual and part-time basis).
On the reopening schedule are hotels and resorts, the film and TV industry (within local productions), selected entertainment such as movies and symphony—but not large concerts or gatherings. Based on how things evolve, a return to full-time in-class learning is expected in September as part of Phase 3.
If you plan to visit British Columbia, please have in mind that some Indigenous communities in B.C. are not welcoming visitors at this time. For a list of Indigenous communities currently open and welcoming visitors, visit Indigenous Tourism.
To keep up to date with B.C.’s response to Covid-19, visit the official website of the Government of British Columbia.
Ontario
As of June 12, Ontario is at Phase 2 of A Framework For Reopening Our Province, except for Leamington and Kingsville in Windsor-Essex, which remain in Phase 1 because of their higher transmission rates in the local and agri-food sector.
Gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer people and places of worship (for all religions) can have attendance of no more than 30% of the building’s capacity.
What have reopened?
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars;
- Hair salons, barbers, and other personal service establishments;
- Shopping malls and street-front retail stores;
- Veterinarians and pet grooming services;
- Libraries;
- Tour and guide services;
- Beach access at Ontario Parks;
- Sports and outdoor recreational facilities
- Film and TV production
Quebec
On May 4, reopening in Quebec unrolled on a sector-by-sector basis. Contrary to other provincial plans, the province’s gradual reopening doesn’t have defined phases.
Private gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer people, whereas indoor and outdoor public gatherings in places such as movie theatres (but not bars) can be up to 50 or fewer people.
What have reopened?
- Street-front retail businesses;
- The construction sector;
- Pre-schools and elementary schools;
- Childcare services;
- The real estate sector;
- Outdoor sports and leisure activities;
- Dental services;
- Physiotherapy, massage therapy, and therapeutic care businesses;
- Libraries and museums;
- Movie theaters;
- Marinas;
- Restaurants, cafes, and food courts in shopping centers;
- Learning camps and day camps;
- Zoos and gardens.
For more information visit the official website of the Government of Quebec
For more information on other provinces and their reopening plans visit the official links below:
