Current Travel Information & Advisories for Creston BC
Know Before you go
Planning a visit to Creston BC? Ensure a smooth trip by planning ahead with important and up-to-date travel information for the area available on this resource page. Find the latest updates for nearby Canada-US border crossings, highway & road conditions, forest fire alerts, flood advisories, local emergency information, and much more. Stay informed and equipped with the necessary information and resources you need to enjoy your trip to Creston!
Provincial Wildfire Situation & Travel Update - August 27, 2026
The Province of BC ended the State of Provincial Emergency on August 27. The State of Provincial Emergency had been in place since August 8 to ensure emergency powers and resources were available if required.
Most of the Kootenay Rockies remains open and accessible, with somelocalized wildfire impacts and backcountry restrictions still in effect.
The Creston Valley remains open and continues to welcome visitors. However, visitors are encouraged to continue checking current road conditions, wildfire information and any local restrictions before and during their trip to the area.
Idaho Wildfires Visible from Creston - August 31, 2026
A series of wildfires (Upper Smith Creek, Parker Lake and Border fires) continue burning just south of the Canada-US border in northern Idaho, which local fire departments and the US Forest Service have been working on throughout August. While the fires pose no immediate risk to the Creston area, they are clearly visible to the south and do contribute to occasional periods of smoke and reduced air quality when weather conditions align.
At this time, the wildfires are not affecting access to the Creston Valley from Idaho via the Rykerts-Porthill Crossing (Idaho Highway 1) or the Kingsgate-Eastport Crossing (US-95). However, visitors planning cross-border travel are encouraged to check current wildfire conditions, local air quality information, and any travel restrictions or road closures along Idaho Highway 1 or US-95 before travelling to Creston.
For further Information about the Upper Smith Creek, Parker Lake and Border Wildfires visit the US Forest Service Incident Information site here.
Off-Road Vehicle Prohibition Rescinded - August 28, 2026
Effective August 28, the recreational off-road vehicle prohibition on Crown land throughout the Southeast Fire Centre will be rescinded. BC Wildfire Service indicates that recent precipitation across much of the Southern Interior has reduced wildfire risk enough to lift the prohibition.
This is a positive development for backcountry recreation. Off-road vehicle use can resume, subject to any local closures or Area Restrictions that remain in effect. Visitors and operators should continue to check current restrictions before travelling into the backcountry and stay clear of active wildfire operations.
However, please note the Campfire and Category 2 and 3 open-fire prohibitions remain in effect throughout the Southeast Fire Centre.
Category 1 Campfire Prohibition In Effect – July 23, 2026
Effective 12:00 PT on July 23, a Category 1 campfire prohibition is now in effect throughout theSoutheast Fire Centre, including the Kootenay Rockies. The prohibition has been implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires as hot, dry conditions continue across the region.
With this latest restriction, all Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3 open fires are now prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre. Category 2 open fires have been prohibited since July 10, while Category 3 open fires have been prohibited since May 21.
The prohibition applies to Crown land, BC Parks, recreation sites and trails, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas, and private managed forest lands. Municipalities may also implement their own restrictions, and visitors should check local regulations before lighting any fire. CSA- or ULC-approved gas or propane outdoor cooking appliances remain permitted where allowed, provided they meet BC Wildfire Service requirements.
Visitor Considerations:
-
Campfires are no longer permitted in provincial parks, recreation sites, backcountry camping areas, and other lands covered by the prohibition.
-
Visitors should confirm any additional municipal or local restrictions before travelling.
Other Travel Resources
-
HelloBC – Know Before You Go - https://www.hellobc.com/know-before-you-go/
-
Kootenay Rockies Tourism – Know Before You Go - https://www.kootenayrockies.com/know-before-you-go/
-
BC Wildfire Service – B.C. Wildfire activity, fire bans and area restrictions - https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/
-
InciWeb (US) - U.S. Wildfire activity, fire bans and area restrictions - https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/
-
EmergencyInfoBC – Evacuation orders, alerts and emergency updates - https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
-
DriveBC – Highway conditions, road closures and webcams - https://www.drivebc.ca/
-
Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Information - https://www.rdck.ca/eoc
Need More Information About Your Visit?
If you have questions about travelling to the Creston Valley, current local conditions or things to see and do during your stay, please contact the Creston Valley Visitor Centre. Our knowledgeable staff are happy to help:
-
250-428-4342
Border Crossing HOURS
The Rykerts-Porthill Border Crossing connects the town of Bonners Ferry, Idaho with Creston, British Columbia on the Canada–US border. Please note that the Rykerts (Canadian) and Porthill (US) Ports of Entry currently have different hours of operation, with the Canadian side open a few hours later throughout the year. This should be taken into consideration when planning to return to the US.
However, the nearby Kingsgate (Canadian) & Eastport (US) Ports of Entry, located south of Yahk, BC still both operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which may make for a more convenient border crossing option for US visitors to the area.
Please find current hours of operation, phone number and links to more information below:
-
Rykerts (Canadian) Port of Entry
-
7:00am – 11:00pm (2nd Sunday in March to first Sunday in November)
-
8:00am – 12:00am, midnight (first Saturday in November to 2nd Saturday in March)
-
-
Porthill (U.S.A) Port of Entry
-
7:00am – 7:00pm, seven days a week
-
Corn Creek Marsh Trails
Following a temporary closure due to a recent grizzly bear encounter in Summer 2025, all trails in the Corn Creek Marsh area of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area are open to the public fon non-motorized activity, including the previously closed sections of the Wildlife Tree Wander Trail (see map below for details).
As always, we remind all visitors to be prepared when exploring trails in the CVWMA, where a wide range of wildlife call the area home. Please:
-
Carry bear spray and know how to use it
-
Make noise to avoid surprising wildlife
-
Stay aware of your surroundings
-
Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them
-
Pack out everything you pack in
For the latest updates and trail information, please visit: www.crestonwildlife.ca
Regional & Provincial Travel Information
Further current news and information on travel to the Creston Area as well as the Kootenay Region and British Columbia can be found at Destination BC's Visitor Website, linked here.
Can we help?
Have any questions about travelling to the area ? Contact the Creston Valley Visitor Centre and staff will be happy assist you!