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The Squamish from Environment Canada says we will see showers through most of the long weekend, with a promise of some sun on Sunday.

The sun will set just before 9 p.m. each night.

ICBC offers the following advice for drivers: Maintain a safe following distance. In good weather, stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you or three seconds on a highway. In bad weather [like rain], increase your following distance to four seconds.

It is important to note as we head into the Victoria Day long weekend, that, on average, 403 people are injured in 1,398 crashes in the Lower Mainland over the three days every year.

The Sea to Sky RCMP warn travellers that they will be out in force throughout the weekend. 

"The Sea to Sky RCMP will be increasing its presence and patrols in the backcountry areas to ensure that all individuals using these areas are able to enjoy a safe and fun environment. BC Highway Patrol officers will also be conducting special operations in the Sea to Sky Corridor with the goal of stopping aggressive and impaired drivers on Highway 99," reads an

The RCMP also reminds locals and visitors alike to not drive impaired. 

"Whether you’re driving a vehicle, motorbike or ATV, or operating a boat, always ensure the operator is sober. Motor Vehicle Act legislation applies on Forest Service Roads and impaired driving on these remote roads puts everyone using these areas at risk, including yourself and your loved ones." 

More tips on road safety can be found at .

Motorcycle Awareness

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. 

According to , half of all motorcycle crashes in B.C. (2019–2023) happened at intersections.

Here are some for drivers who are sure to encounter multiple motorcycles on the Sea to Sky:

• Scan intersections carefully and take an extra moment to look for motorcycles when you're turning left.

• Stay alert and avoid distractions that take your mind off driving or your eyes off the road.

• Allow at least three seconds of following distance when behind a motorcycle.

• Give as much space as possible when passing a motorcycle. Maintain a distance of at least 1 metre in areas with a maximum speed limit of 50 km and at least 1.5 metres in areas with speed limits above 50 km.

• Be ready to yield as a motorcycle is often closer than it seems. Remember it can be hard to tell how fast they're travelling.

Duffey news

If you drive The Duffey (Duffey Lake Road—Highway 99 to non-locals), you have likely wondered if the dang road is set to be repaved anytime soon. 

Well, we have the answer. 

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit tells The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵapp that there are plans to complete 15 km of hard surfacing on Highway 99 between Cayoosh Bridge and Boulder Creek Bridges, 10 to 25 km west of Lillooet.

This work will occur this year at a time yet to be determined.

So, that is something!

Now onto other things to know if you are driving in the Sea to Sky today.

Watch for wildlife

Watch for wildlife as deer, coyotes and bears have recently been seen along or on the highway in our region.

Report any wildlife sightings or encounters to the Conservation Officer Service Hotline at 1.877.952.7277.

Forest service roads

The Sea to Sky RCMP note that the May long weekend is often the first weekend of the year where people venture into the outdoors.

It is often the unofficial start of summer.

"With the increase in activity in backcountry areas there comes increased risk, especially in remote and high-altitude mountain areas," said Cpl. Katrina Boehmer, media relations officer for Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP, in a news release. "The Sea to Sky RCMP wants to encourage individuals using the backcountry areas to know the risks associated to their activity, and ensure they are prepared.

Here are some other long weekend backcountry warnings from the Mounties:

• Follow fire regulations: Always check the local fire restrictions before lighting a fire in the back country. If you are in an area where fires are permitted, never leave a fire unattended, and always have the means to fully extinguish your fire before leaving your site. More information on fire safety regulations can be found at .
• Follow water safety: Always wear a life jacket, remain sober, and be mindful of changing water conditions, especially in mountain and remote areas, where weather can change rapidly and unexpectedly. More tips on water safety can be found at  and .

For full forest service road access reports, go to.

If you are new to driving FSRs,

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵappand south of us

According to

* Starting on Sunday: , in both directions, there will be road sweeping between Centennial Way and Alpha Lake Rd for 46.9 km (Whistler to Squamish), starting May 18 until May 23., from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Watch for slow moving vehicles.

• Starting on Monday: , in both directions, watch for bridge maintenance planned between Garibaldi Hwy and Ocean Point Dr for 1.7 km (2 km north of West Vancouver to West Vancouver), starting May 19, until Wed May 21. From 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be alternating lane closures. Watch for traffic control.

• Starting on Tuesday: , southbound, be aware of bridge maintenance planned between Daisy Lake Rd and Alice Lake Rd (1 km north of Squamish), starting May 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The right lane will be closed. Watch for traffic control personnel.

North of Squamish

•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Happening now: , construction work is scheduled between Park St and Portage Rd for 0.5 km (Pemberton), until Saturday, Aug 30. Work is underway from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The right turn lane off Hwy 99 and the left turn lane onto Hwy 99 from existing access road are affected. There's construction access and heavy truck access.

• Happening now:, there is rock slope stabilization work underway between Lil'wat Pl and Seton Lake Rd for 0.6 km (15 km south of Lillooet). The work begins at 7 a.m. and runs to 5 p.m. The last day will be Saturday, June 21. Single lane alternating traffic will be in effect. The work is 1km north of the Cottonwood Rec Site. The work involves rock scaling and slope mesh installation.

• Happening soon: , northbound, utility work is planned between Spring Creek Dr and Alta Lake Rd for 1.6 km (Whistler). Starting Monday May 26 at 9:00 a.m. until Friday, May 30 at 3 p.m. From 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. BC Hydro equipment inspection and pole replacement. Watch for crews working.

• Happening soon: On , in both directions, utility work planned between Lorimer Rd and Nancy Greene Dr for 0.6 km (Whistler), starting on Monday, May 26 at 9 a.m. until Friday, May 30 at 3 p.m., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Work includes a BC Hydro equipment inspection and pole replacement. Watch for crews working.

Stay safe out there. 

Spit Road closure

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵappTraining Berm will be temporarily closed now until May 31, the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵappRiver Watershed Society says. 

"The continues as we install a fourth large fish-friendly box culvert," a social media post from the society notes.

"This feature will replace the current undersized culvert, which will improve fish access and allow freshwater to transfer into the central estuary channel from the Squamish River."

According to a access is closed to car traffic at the Fisherman's entrance—yellow gate—with bike and pedestrian access to remain open.

Gas prices

The removal of the carbon tax has had an impact on local gas prices.

In ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵapptoday, regular gas in town is going for 159.9 cents per litre at most area stations.

Before the carbon tax was removed, gas in town was at about 178.9/L.

(The B.C. government cancelled the carbon tax by introducing legislation to drop the rate to $0, effective Tuesday, April 1.)

In Whistler, regular gas is on offer for 161.9/L, at the Co-op, 2101 Lake Placid Rd. That is the cheapest in the resort.

In Pemby, the cheapest gas is on offer for 161.9L, at the Co-op (at the McDonald's), located at 1441 Vine Rd.

According to , the cheapest gas in B.C. can be found in Sparwood, at Sparwood Heights Foods  located at 105 - 1290 Ponderosa Dr., where regular fuel is going for 127.9/L.