Quebec spring breakers arrive in B.C.,despite warnings against non-essential travel

As spring break starts in Quebec on Monday, some residents are flyingto ski resorts in B.C., despite health recommendationsagainst interprovincial travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both governments inQuebec and B.C. have urged people to avoid all non-essential travel at this point in the pandemic.

In B.C., health officials have said those wishing to ski or snowboard should stick to day trips within theirlocal mountain ranges.

The message, however, appeared toescapesome Quebec tourists who arrived at YVR Sunday en route toWhistler, B.C.

"They said stay within Canada as much as you can. But there's nothingelseto do in Quebec, so we are here to enjoy the snow," said one traveller.

"Here the restaurants are open ... compared to Montreal, the restaurants are still closed," said another.

A spokesperson for Vail Resorts, which owns Whistler-Blackcomb, says their safety protocols andguidelines are straightforward: guests are encouraged to follow the recommendations of health authorities.

"You will not be allowed up the mountain if the protocols aren't followed and we enforce all these protocols while the guest is on mountain," said Marc Riddell, Vail's director of communications.

'Please stay local'

Whistler's mayor says despite the recommendations against non-essential travel,there is nothing he can do to stop people from travelling to the resort community exceptask them to stay home.

"Our request remains: Please stay local. And enjoy your holiday with your household," said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. "It's the same message we are sharing here [in B.C.]frankly."

Last month, following a legal review, B.C. Premier John Horgan said interprovincial travel would not be restricted.

However, he said theprovince could impose stronger restrictions on non-essential travellers if they are causing harm to the health and safety of British Columbians.

2% of Whistler visitors from Quebec

Tourism Whistler saysthis season, 86 per cent of overnight visitors to the resort community are from B.C.

"Room nights from Quebec have represented two per centof Whistler's total market share for overnight visitors," said communications manager Lauren Everest.

InWhistler, an uptick in cases this winter has caused concern among locals.

Vancouver Coastal Health says there have been702 casesof COVID-19 from Jan.1up until last week in the resort community.

It's advisingresidents and visitors to avoid social gatherings, maintain physical distance when in publicand follow all public health guidelines.