Winter tires or chains are required on the Sea to Sky Highway from October 1 to March 31.
Due to a more temperate winter climate in the Lower Mainland and southeastern Vancouver Island, drivers are not required to use winter tires in many areas along the coast.
This includes the area from Horseshoe Bay to Hope, and areas along the coast on Vancouver Island, although winter tires are required on the Malahat.
For select highways, mountain passes and rural routes in high snowfall areas, the date is extended until April 30 to account for early-spring snowfall. All routes are marked with regulatory signs posted on highways throughout the province, and are enforced by the police, ministry or other enforcement officials. Motorists who are not compliant may be turned away and fined.
“We reserve the right to restrict travel at any time of the year depending on road conditions,” says the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
