Travel is finally coming back and we are so excited! We want to ease ourselves back into bigger trips so we plan on travelling within our beautiful country first. We had a lot of questions about flying domestic in Canada during Covid but the answers can be confusing.
After a successful trip to Vancouver, we have found a lot of these answers for you. Learn from our experience flying domestic in Canada to make your travels as easy as possible!
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Can You Fly Domestic in Canada During Covid?
This is the most important question and the short answer is: yes, you can! There are many flights within Canada that allow you to explore almost every nook and cranny. There are still fewer overall routes than there were before but still more than enough to get you most places.
However, flying domestic in Canada during Covid isn’t always as simple as that. Even though Canada is a single country, each province and territory has their own rules when it comes to visitors. They can also have different laws for what’s open and what visitors can do.
Overall, you should have no problem travelling within Canada during Covid. We will go through some specific rules in each province to give you a better idea. These rules are up-to-date as of September 2021 but can change. We’ll try and keep this post as recent as possible so check back here before your trip!
Domestic Travel Restrictions in Canada by Province
Nova Scotia
Travel to all of Atlantic Canada is tight right now but each province has slightly different restrictions. For example, if you’re travelling to Nova Scotia from another province you’ll need to complete their Safe Check-In Form. This needs to be submitted by everyone 16 and older before you arrive.
You will also need to self-isolate for 7 days after arriving in Nova Scotia. You won’t have to do this if you are arriving from other Atlantic provinces like PEI, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. There are also a few other exemptions but it’s best to assume you’ll need to self-isolate.
Prince Edward Island
Similar to Nova Scotia, you need to complete a declaration form before arriving: the PEI Pass. This needs to be completed by all travellers 12 and up no matter what province you arrive from. If you are fully vaccinated, you won’t have to self-isolate after landing in PEI.
All travellers from outside of the “Atlantic Bubble” will need to be tested as soon as they arrive. If you are partially or non vaccinated, you will need to self-isolate for 8 days and get tested on Day 8.
New Brunswick
All domestic travellers must fill out the New Brunswick Travel Registration Form before arriving. Vaccinated travellers do not need to self-isolate but they recommend you bring some sort of Proof of Vaccination. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated will need to self-isolate for 14-days with a negative Covid test after Day 10.
Like other provinces, there are some exemptions to these rules. However, we recommend you assume you’ll at least need to fill out the form.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador also has a travel form to fill out if you are flying domestic in Canada during Covid. This needs to be submitted within 30 days of arriving for all travellers 16+ no matter their vaccination status.
Fully and partially vaccinated visitors will not need to isolate as long as their last dose was more than 14 days before. Unvaccinated, on the other hand, will need to self-isolate for 14 days with a negative test after Day 10. If you’re unsure of what your specific requirements are, they have designed a handy flowchart to make things easier.
Ontario
Ontario is one of the country’s most popular destinations. It has almost no restrictions for flying domestic in Canada during Covid. Basically, if you do not have any Covid symptoms you are free to arrive and avoid self-isolation.
You will need to be sure and follow all local health guidelines. These include wearing a mask indoors and providing proof of vaccination to eat inside a restaurant or other activities.
Quebec
Similar to Ontario, Quebec does not have many restrictions for people visiting from inside Canada. They do not recommend non-essential travel but it’s not a hard rule. You will need to self-isolate on arrival if you’ve come in contact with Covid.
Quebec also has a similar Proof of Vaccination requirement for many indoor activities. You can get by with a vaccination receipt and your ID if you’re visiting from out-of-province.
Manitoba
Manitoba is another option for flying domestic in Canada during Covid. However, they do make a distinction between fully and non vaccinated visitors. Bring your proof of vaccination if you want to avoid self-isolating when you get there.
If you are partially or non-vaccinated you will need to self-isolate for 14 days. There is no option to shorten isolation even with a negative Covid test.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is another Canadian province that doesn’t have restrictions on travel. There is no form to fill out or self-isolation time. They do recommend following standard Covid-19 guidelines but there is no Vaccine Passport in place yet.
Alberta
Alberta actually has some of fewest travel restrictions in Canada. There is no restriction to enter Alberta from any province. They actually even have low restrictions on international visitors to Canada.
Even though Alberta is accessible, don’t expect to do a lot while you’re there. As of September 2021, there have been a lot of new cases in the province. This means a number of restrictions put in place for things like restaurants and activities.
British Columbia
A trip to Vancouver and the Island was our reason for looking up information about flying domestic in Canada during Covid. We want to get comfortable with travelling again without too many restrictions. British Columbia hits that balance nicely.
There is no isolation or testing requirements for entering BC as a Canadian. You will have to wear a mask indoors and have proof of vaccination to eat at a restaurant. Make sure to have a copy of your vaccine receipt and ID as we found all eateries will ask.
Territories
Yukon is the only territory in Canada even considering outside visitors. There is no need to isolate or show proof of vaccination if you’re coming from inside Canada.
Both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are closed to all outside visitors for now. There are some exemptions but all of them require a REALLY good reason to visit. Chances are they won’t let you in if you’re just going to see the sights.
Flying Domestic in Canada: When Should I arrive at the Airport
One of the things you must prepare for when flying domestic in Canada during Covid is the extra time it takes. Before 2020, catching a domestic flight meant getting to the airport about an hour before your flight. This would give you enough time to check-in and get to your gate before takeoff.
Unfortunately, Covid means that you will have to get there earlier. Airports are enforcing social distancing which means people are getting through security slower. Luckily, there is no Customs to worry about which adds more time!
You should get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight these days. We did this and still had time before our flight even though the process takes longer.
What Are Airports in Canada Like During Covid?
In a word: crowded. You’d have no idea there was a pandemic going on based on the amount of people. This is made more evident with social distancing spreading everyone out. A number of seats at the gate are also blocked leaving fewer places to sit.
Lines are long at the airport but they do keep moving. It will take you longer to get to your gate but you’ll be fine as long as you plan ahead. All of the shops and eateries seem to be open but working at a reduced capacity. You also need to wear a mask while inside any airport other than to eat and drink.
Flying Domestic in Canada During Covid: Do I Need to Wear a Mask?
Yes, and for a long time! You must put on your mask before entering the airport. It must stay on from there, on the plane and until you’ve left the other airport. Ours were on for over 7 hours during our trip to British Columbia.
The only time you can remove your mask is while eating or drinking. The airline staff do a good job at enforcing this but we found most people following the rules anyway. You can wear just about any kind of mask as long as it covers your mouth and nose.
Double-check that your mask is approved. Mark bought N95 masks from Amazon thinking all would be well. Unfortunately, we were told they weren’t the “approved” kind of N95 so he had to switch.
Flying Domestic in Canada During Covid: What is it like on the plane?
The airport will be your first introduction to Covid travel in Canada but then you’re on to Phase 2: the plane. Most airlines have similar rules but we recommend checking with the website directly to be sure. Our experience is with WestJet but their rules are pretty universal.
One thing to know right off the bat is that there is no more social distancing on planes. You could luck out with an empty flight but chances are it’ll be full. Our flight to Vancouver was fully booked and we had a stranger next to us.
Your mask will need to be on for the entire flight except while eating or drinking. Most airlines have also scaled back or stopped meal service on some flights. We had no set meal on our domestic flight but could buy snacks. You should come prepared with your own snacks to help save money!
Other than masks and food, the flight experience during Covid feels normal. You’re going to be sitting shoulder to shoulder trying to watch a movie or get some sleep. It’s all worth it for the excitement of landing in a new place!
Flying Domestic in Canada During Covid: Top Tips
Here’s a roundup of our top tips for flying domestic in Canada during Covid:
- Research travel restrictions for your destination
- Arrive an extra hour earlier
- Bring lots of hand sanitizer! You’re allowed an extra 355ml of sanitizer on top of regular liquids
- Wear a comfortable mask
- Get a VPN to protect your privacy
- Carry sanitizing wipes for armrests or for the plane
- Be patient! You’ll get there
- Download your airline’s entertainment app or have content ready to watch
- Practice social distancing
- Get ready to enjoy your trip!
As you can see, flying domestic in Canada during Covid is possible but needs planning. The biggest thing is to check the most updated travel requirements for each province. This will make sure there are no surprises when you land. We have a lot to see in this beautiful country just make sure to be safe while doing it!
If you want to learn more about Canada, check out our other blog posts to help plan the perfect trip. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about new posts and upcoming giveaways!
