Travel Updates
Current Conditions in the Columbia Valley
Updated August 9th, 2026
British Columbia is currently experiencing an active wildfire season, and a provincial state of emergency is in place. Wildfire conditions vary across the province and can change quickly.
The Columbia Valley remains open to visitors. Accommodations, restaurants, attractions and many tourism and outdoor recreation businesses throughout the valley are open and ready to welcome you!
While we continue to welcome you to visit, we encourage you to check current conditions while travelling and throughout your stay. This includes wildfire activity, road conditions, evacuation alerts, air quality and any local closures or restrictions.
Our goal is to provide visitors with timely, local information so you can make informed decisions and plan your trip with confidence.
Know Before You Go
We recommend checking these official sources while travelling and throughout your stay.
BC Wildfire Service
For current wildfire activity, fire danger ratings, evacuation information and fire restrictions across the province.
BC Wildfire Service
DriveBC
For current highway conditions, road closures, construction, delays and travel advisories.
DriveBC
BC Parks
For current park closures, advisories and recreation information.
BC Parks
BC Air Quality
Wildfire smoke conditions can vary by community. Check current air quality before planning outdoor activities.
BC Air Quality
Alertable
For emergency alerts and notifications in your area.
Alertable
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Kootenay National Park: Highway 93S Construction
Updated May 29, 2026
As early as June 1, 2026, three separate highway projects will begin on Highway 93S in Kootenay National Park. For current conditions, check DriveBC.
Sinclair Canyon Bridge Rehabilitation: This project will address critical infrastructure upgrades. This also include repairs to the Sinclair Creek Rock Tunnel near the Radium Hot Springs pools and retaining wall rehabilitation at the southwest end of Sinclair Canyon.
Motorists should expect single lane alternating traffic and delays up to 45 minutes during peak traffic periods. This work will be underway from June – October 2026.
The Village of Radium Hot Springs and the Radium Hot Springs pools will remain open throughout construction and welcomes visitors.
Trails and access that are closed during construction:
- Pedestrian Sidewalk Access from the Lower Juniper Trail Parking area to Sinclair Canyon
- Pedestrian sidewalks on both sides of Highway 93S through Sinclair Canyon
- Southbound parking area immediately north of Sinclair Canyon
- Northbound parking area approximately 150m north of Sinclair Canyon
- The pullout near the old West Gate entrance
Kootenay Crossing bridge rehabilitation (km 60): This work will address critical infrastructure repairs.
Motorists should expect speed reductions. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained. This work will take place between June – October 2026.
Culvert repairs (km 27.5): This work will address infrastructure repairs.
Motorists should expect speed reductions and single lane alternating traffic. This work will start as early as June 1 and take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete.
Kootenay National Park: Wildfire Risk Reduction and Restoration Projects
Ongoing Spring/Fall 2026
Parks Canada’s fire management program is working to make the landscape in Kootenay National Park healthier and more resilient. This program includes projects that lower the risk of wildfires to people and infrastructure and help bring back healthy ecosystems. Work is generally scheduled April to June, and mid-August to October. In 2026, areas worked on will include Kootenay Crossing Meadow, McLeod Meadows, Redstreak Ecosystem Restoration Project, and Vermillion Guard.
In Kootenay National Park, a resilient landscape has a good mix of different ages forests. These areas have better ability to stay healthy as the climate changes and wildfire activity increases.
To reduce wildfire risk and restore these areas, we use methods such as prescribed fire, FireSmart™, hand thinning, and mechanical tree removal.
The Columbia Valley communities remain open for business. Make sure to Know Before You Go by visiting important resources (below) before travelling.
The incredible mountains and forests that are such a draw for people to visit and explore here, mean the potential for wildfires is a reality every year in BC. Residents and travellers alike are encouraged to bookmark and follow factual information sources as they make their travel plans, including Drive BC and the BC Wildfire Service.
Know before you go! Before travelling, check local area restrictions and updates on BC Wildfire Service, or reach out with any questions.
Important Resources
BC Wildfire Service for the latest information about wildfire ratings, fires of note and a map of active wildfires across BC.
To report a wildfire or smoke, call 1.800.663.5555 or *5555 (from a cell phone).
Regional District of East Kootenay
Government of Canada – Travel Information
Government of Canada Public Health
Radium Visitor Centre:
The Radium Visitor Centre is open to in-person visitor services from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, or by phone (250-347-9331).
Visitor Centres
The Visitor Centres of the Columbia Valley are excellent resources to stay up to date with travel information for the region.
- The Radium Visitor Centre (7556 Main Street East, Radium Hot Springs) is open to in-person visitor services from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, or by phone (250) 347-9331
- The Invermere Visitor Centre (651 BC-93 #95, Invermere) is open Monday – Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM daily, or by phone (250) 342-2844
