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 10, 2026
The Province of British Columbia has declared a Provincial State of Emergency in response to significant wildfire activity affecting several regions of the province. Our thoughts are with the individuals, families, communities, businesses and emergency responders impacted by these wildfires.
The Creston Valley remains open and continues to welcome visitors. At this time:
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There are no evacuation orders affecting the Creston Valley.
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Highway 3 and Highway 3A remain open to local communities.
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Local businesses, attractions, accommodations and visitor services continue to operate.
Wildfire activity and smoke conditions remain active in parts of British Columbia, including portions of the Kootenay region, and conditions can change quickly. Visitors are encouraged to check current road conditions, wildfire information and any local restrictions before and during their trip.
If your travel plans are flexible, please avoid travelling to communities that are currently under evacuation orders or alerts and follow all directions from emergency officials.
Temporary Off-Road Vehicle Prohibition - August 10, 2026
Effective August 10, 2026, the BC Wildfire Service has temporarily prohibited the recreational use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) on provincial Crown land throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, including the Creston Valley and surrounding areas.
The prohibition is intended to support public safety given current wildfire activity and elevated fire danger. While the prohibition applies across a large geographic area, it does not prohibit all off-road vehicle use, close Crown land to public access, or require commercial tourism operators using ORVs for business purposes to cease operating.
This temporary prohibition applies to recreational use of:
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All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
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Dirt bikes and off-road motorcycles
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Side-by-side and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs)
The prohibition does not apply to:
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Private land
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National parks
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Emergency response activities
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Agricultural, commercial and industrial users operating for work purposes
Visitors planning to explore the Creston Valley are encouraged to consider other recreational opportunities while these temporary restrictions remain in place, including hiking, cycling, paddling, wildlife viewing, fishing and exploring our communities. For complete details, maps of the affected area and the latest updates, please visit:
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BC Wildfire Service – Southeast Fire Centre ORV Prohibition - https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/off-road-vehicles-to-be-prohibited-in-the-southeast-fire-centre
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BC Wildfire Service – Fire Restrictions & Area Restrictions - https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/
Upper Smith Wildfire Visible from Creston - August 3, 2026
The Upper Smith Fire, burning approximately 10 km south of the Canada-US border in northern Idaho, continues to influence conditions in the Creston Valley. Although the wildfire remains outside BC, it is clearly visible from parts of Creston and continues to contribute to periods of smoke and reduced air quality when weather conditions align.
At this time, the wildfire is 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 travelling in the Creston area may experience reduced visibility, smoky conditions, or see firefighting activity and smoke on the horizon.
Visitors planning cross-border travel or outdoor recreation are encouraged to check current wildfire conditions, local air quality information, and any recreation closures before travelling. The following official resources provide the most current information on wildfire activity, emergency information, travel conditions, and air quality.
For further Information about the Smith Creek Wildfire visit the US Forest Service Incident Information site here.
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:
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Campfires are no longer permitted in provincial parks, recreation sites, backcountry camping areas, and other lands covered by the prohibition.
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Visitors should confirm any additional municipal or local restrictions before travelling.
Other Travel Resources
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HelloBC – Know Before You Go - https://www.hellobc.com/know-before-you-go/
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Kootenay Rockies Tourism – Know Before You Go - https://www.kootenayrockies.com/know-before-you-go/
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BC Wildfire Service – Wildfire activity, fire bans and area restrictions - https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/
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EmergencyInfoBC – Evacuation orders, alerts and emergency updates - https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
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DriveBC – Highway conditions, road closures and webcams - https://www.drivebc.ca/
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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:
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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:
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Rykerts (Canadian) Port of Entry
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7:00am – 11:00pm (2nd Sunday in March to first Sunday in November)
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8:00am – 12:00am, midnight (first Saturday in November to 2nd Saturday in March)
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Porthill (U.S.A) Port of Entry
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7:00am – 7:00pm, seven days a week
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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:
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Carry bear spray and know how to use it
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Make noise to avoid surprising wildlife
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Stay aware of your surroundings
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Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them
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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!