Royal visit means weekend road closures as Will and Kate tour BC

To make way for the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they kick off their 2016 royal tour, several roads and plazas will be closed in both Victoria and Vancouver this weekend.

Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children are expected to arrive in Victoria on Saturday for an eight-day tour that will take them all around B.C.

Due to tight security and a special motorcade, traffic in certain areas will be interrupted or blocked as the official schedule of events unfolds. Here’s everything you need to know if you will be travelling around Victoria and Vancouver this weekend:

Victoria – Saturday, Sept. 24:

• Expect road closures and delays throughout downtown Victoria and James Bay on Saturday;
• No parking zones on Government Street from Wharf to Superior Street, Belleville Street from Oswego to Douglas Street, Menzies Street from Belleville to Superior Street, and Superior Street from Oswego to Government Street;
• Road closures beginning at noon:
  • Wharf and Humboldt Streets between Courtney Street and Gordon Street;
  • Government Street from Wharf to Superior Street;
  • Belleville Street from Oswego Street to Douglas Street;
  • Menzies Street from Belleville to Superior Street;
• Traffic access will be limited to local traffic only on Wharf Street between Fort and Douglas Streets, Oswego Street between Belleville and Superior Streets and sections of Quebec, Kingston, and Superior Streets close to the Legislature Buildings

Vancouver – Sunday, Sept. 25:

• Expect unplanned road closures and delays throughout the day for movements of the motorcade, which cannot be shared for security reasons;
• Full closure of 1000 Canada Place from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.;
• Full closure of Whyte Avenue from 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.;
  • Local traffic only at Whyte Avenue from noon to 4:15 p.m.;
• Seawall will be closed or delayed at Vancouver Convention Centre between 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.;
• Seawall will be closed or delayed at Vanier Park from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tips for safe travels:

• Plan ahead and give extra time if you’re travelling around Victoria or Vancouver;
• Consider taking transit, walking, or cycling instead of driving;
• Check transit routes and schedules for any detours or route changes;
• Leave any unnecessary items, like backpacks, bags, and lawn chairs, at home;
• Leave drones at home, especially around Victoria’s harbour and Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, as they are considered active flight zones by Transport Canada.