Travelling to and from the BC Games.
The unique transportation model of the BC Games is essential to our mandate to make the Games accessible for participants from every corner of the province.
Transportation to and from the BC Games is available to athletes, coaches, and officials. Participants who already have transportation to or from the Games have the option to opt out of Games transportation if necessary.
On arrival and departure days, buses and planes chartered by the BC Games Society and funded by the BC Government travel to or from locations all over the province. Due to the complexity of this operation and the requirement to provide adult supervision for each athlete, parents or guardians may be asked to drive to a pick-up or drop-off spot outside of their own city.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Your travel itinerary outlines how you will get to the Games and back home again. It’s a good idea to read it thoroughly and print a copy for quick reference before your trip!
View your personal travel itinerary through the BC GAMES PARTICIPANT WEBSITE, accessed using the login information sent by mail. If you have lost your password, contact participantreg@bcgames.org.
When will I receive details of my travel to the Games?
The registration deadline is one month prior to the Games. Within 10 days of this deadline, each registered Games participant will be mailed a letter with a user name and password to log in and access the BC GAMES PARTICIPANT WEBSITE where they will complete forms, download their travel information (if applicable), etc. See Games specific dates on the General Schedule and Games Overview page.
How will I get to the Games?
Most participants will travel to the Games on Games transportation, which are charter buses for most and charter air craft for those further away. Participants have the option of making their own way to the Games, at their own expense, if this is permitted by their Provincial Sport Organization. Refer to the technical package or contact your Zone Representative or Provincial Advisor for more information.
PREPARE FOR A LONG TRIP
It can be a long trip to the Games and pit stops are not guaranteed due to the tight schedule. Make sure to pack a mealand snacks for your travel and get plenty of rest in the days leading up to your trip so you’re ready to go!
How long will it take to get to the Games?
Your arrival at the Games will depend on the Games planning and bus and flight schedules. Your travel itinerary will be available for download/printing on the BC GAMES PARTICIPANT WEBSITE. Be sure to review this for your specific details.
In order to arrive on time, you may begin and/or end your journey late at night or early in the morning. While we realize this is not ideal, transporting as many as 1,600 participants to the Games has many logistical factors that need to be considered. This travel schedule can be very tiring, so plan to get plenty of rest prior to departure and use the travel time to mentally and physically prepare for the competition that begins early Friday.
Will food be provided on the way to the Games?
No, food will not be provided on Games transportation. Be sure to bring some snacks to keep you nourished on the way to the Games. You may also wish to bring money to purchase food on the way and for when you arrive. Your first meal provided at the Games will depend upon your arrival time.
TRAVEL TOGETHER, TRAVEL SAFE
Every athlete on Games transportation is supervised by an accredited coach or adult supervisor from the time they board a bus or flight until the time they arrive at their destination. Make sure you know who your adult is!
Why do I have to travel with my team?
To ensure the safety and supervision of BC Games athletes during travel to and from the BC Games, zone teams travel together departing from, and returning to, central pick-up locations. This ensures that every athlete is supervised by an accredited adult (head coach, assistant coach, or adult supervisor) from the time they board a bus/flight until the time they arrive at the destination. It also ensures that the zone team travels on the same bus(es) or flight(s) and arrives at the destination at the same time. Participants must provide their own transportation to/from the selected pick-up/drop-off locations. The pick-up/drop off location(s) may not be the closest one to the participants’ homes; however, this system is necessary to ensure proper safety and supervision of athletes.
BRINGING LUGGAGE
All participants are sent luggage tags ahead of the Games. It’s important to use these tags as they help us get your luggage to your accommodation. The number and colour of tags will vary depending on your sport.
How much luggage can I bring?
You are allowed to bring 1 checked bag (30lbs) plus your sleeping bag and pillow and a carry on (backpack). There is limited space on the BC Games charter transportation and excess luggage will not be accommodated. Keep in mind that it is not just your luggage that has to be transported to the Games, but the luggage of all the other Games participants. No one wants his or her luggage to be left behind. Please bring only what is absolutely necessary and only what is permitted. Be sure each piece of luggage (including your sleeping bag) is labelled with visible tag including your NAME, SPORT, ZONE and home address.
Be sure to pack your items so that they are easily identifiable – 1000’s of sleeping bags packed in green garbage bags all look the same!
Excess luggage (i.e. over and above the amount designated) will not be permitted on our charter aircraft or buses.
What if I have extra sport specific baggage?
For sports that have been identified by the BC Games Society as requiring additional personal sports equipment (i.e. lacrosse, golf, ringette) or team equipment. Specific luggage information for each sport will be available on the BC GAMES PARTICIPANT WEBSITE.
In addition to the BC Games luggage tag, be sure to attach a luggage tag with your name and address on it to each piece of luggage you are bringing to the Games.
While we do everything we can to ensure the safe handling of your property, items like prescription medications, glasses, keys, fragile or valuable items should be carried with you.
What should I bring with me?
Be sure to bring your travel itinerary (the information that you accessed online outlining your travel details). If you are on a chartered aircraft, bring your airline information and photo identification (if you are over 19).
You should also pack:
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Personal items: soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.
- Appropriate clothing for the climate and a hat to protect you from the elements
- Sunscreen if attending the BC Summer Games or competing outside at the BC Winter Games
- Water bottle – No bottled water will be provided, but there will be places to fill up your water bottle
- Medical and dental numbers
- Money for – snacks/food while travelling to/from the Games, snacks at the Games, and Games merchandise
Be sure to clearly identify all your personal belongings!
While we do everything we can to ensure the safe handling of your property, items like prescription medications, glasses, keys, fragile or valuable items should be carried with you. Bring only what you need and plan to keep valuables with you.
GETTING AROUND TOWN
Buses will take you to your sport venues and meals while at the Games. The Bus & Meal Schedule distributed at Games-time will tell you everything you need to know about where to be and when. It’s important that you are at your pick-up locations at the designated times so that you don’t miss the bus!
GAMES RELEASE FORM
Want to go home with your parents but are booked on Games transportation? You will need to fill out a Games Release Form via your coach so that we can let the bus drivers and travel captains know who to expect on travel day.