It was a frustrating day for many drivers trying to get to the US as people tried to take advantage of one of the first vacations with relaxed travel restrictions. At several U.S.-Canada border crossings, motorists told CBC News that they waited more than 2.5 hours to travel less than a block. others said they planned to go back and try to leave again. “This is my first time driving in many years,” Jake Hanvelt told CBC News as he waited in his car on Friday, where he had driven less than an hour on his way to Seattle. “I do not know if I am encouraged to drive soon.” However, although he will reconsider pursuing a land route in the future after his long wait this weekend, he said easing travel restrictions is a sign of hope. “It’s like going back to normal,” he said. “I’m excited about it.” The Surrey RCMP warned the public of “much more than usual” entering the United States at both the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway border crossings. The power asked motorists not to block roads, roads and intersections as they wait to reach the border because the inhabitants “must have access to their homes,” said Andrea McKinney’s sergeant on Friday statement. Motorists lined up for hours at the BC Pacific border crossing between Canada and the US ahead of the big weekend on Friday, April 15, 2022. (CBC News)
Long lines have been waiting for the first big weekend since Canada eased pandemic re-entry restrictions. From 1 April, fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to take a negative PCR test for COVID-19 before entering the country by land, air or sea. “This is unusual, it’s usually so fast to cross the border during COVID,” driver Nancy Livingston told CBC News after waiting in line for 2.5 hours at the border just halfway to cross the road. to visit US family members. “This is the worst I have ever seen, even before COVID.” Travelers carrying these vehicles at the Aldergrove border crossing waited longer than usual on Friday, April 15th. The extended seats were expected for the first long weekend since Canada eased pandemic re-entry restrictions. (Rhianna Schmunk / CBC)
The rush to take advantage of a weekend away has also hit the skies, with Vancouver International Airport reporting most of its passengers in two years. “We are going to carry an average of about 46,000 passengers a day through the airport, which is a very encouraging sign of recovery,” YVR spokesman Mike McNaney said in an interview. The airport authorities also advised travelers in a tweet to “arrive at the airport very early”. The Canadian Border Patrol acknowledged that the COVID-19 protocols could lead to longer waits, but said in a statement that it would not endanger the health and safety of Canadians just to avoid backups. At YVR we see the highest passenger volumes in two years this weekend and so, there can be long lines. Travelers should arrive at the airport very early and be prepared as they proceed with the travel process. More travel tips here: https://t.co/m42iFZc6NL – @ yvrairport
BC Ferries also warned travelers to prepare for delays in the coming days, saying on Twitter that it was “expecting a busy coastal travel weekend”, especially on Fridays and Mondays. He advised travelers to arrive early at the terminals and make reservations, otherwise they might expect to sail or if “the plans are flexible … they travel in less busy hours”. pic.twitter.com/bAU0UgZwEY – @ BCFerries