SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Our #1 Priority is the Safety of Our Volunteers, Spectators and Competitors
🏁 First Time Spectating at a Rally? Here’s What to Expect
Attending your first rally can feel overwhelming. I remember not knowing where to go, what to bring, or how to follow the schedule. But after seeing my first rally car blast through the trees, I was hooked.
🎉 Good to Know: Spectating at Pacific Forest Rally is FREE!
📅 Planning Ahead for a Rally Day
A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what to do before you hit the forest roads:
- Check the Rally Website & Social Media
Look for spectator guides, schedules, and stage locations. Past events often offer great insight. - Know the Area
Use Google Maps (or your favourite app) to scout out roads, services, and terrain. - Book Early
Find accommodation (hotels or campsites) and check for local stores to pick up:- Snacks & drinks
- Bug spray, sunscreen
- Batteries & power banks
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Print Essentials
Save or print the spectator guide, maps, and schedule — cell service may be unreliable in rural areas.
🧳 What to Bring: The Rally Spectator Checklist
Rallies happen in rugged, natural areas. Be ready for anything:
👕 Clothing & Comfort
- Dress in layers – weather can change fast
- Sturdy shoes or hiking boots
- Rain gear, hat, sunglasses
🍔 Food & Supplies
- Cooler with food & water
- Small BBQ or camping stove
- Folding chairs, pop-up shelter, collapsible cart
- Trash bags (pack it in, pack it out!)
🛠 Essentials
- Bug spray & sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Hand/foot warmers
- Toilet paper
- Camera or phone for photos
📍 Arriving in Merritt: Your Rally Day Game Plan
Rally events usually follow this order:
- Parc Exposé
Get up close to the rally cars and meet the teams. It’s like a car show before the race. - Ceremonial Start
Watch the teams launch into action before heading to the stages. - Getting to the Spectator Area
- Arrive 30+ minutes before the stage starts (follow the information in Spectator Guide)
- Watch for signs and follow volunteer instructions
- Once course opening cars (000, 00, 0) go by, the road is closed (“hot”)
- During the Stage
- Cars start every 1–2 minutes
- Fastest cars go first
- Expect dust, rocks, and noise — that’s the fun!
- Only after the sweep vehicles (98 and 99) pass is the stage road reopened to traffic. (Follow Volunteer Directions)
⚠️ Expect the Unexpected
Rally schedules are tight, but things happen:
- Accidents can delay stages
- Dust may force delays (called “dust windows”)
- Some stages may be cancelled or restricted
Stay flexible, follow updates, and keep a positive attitude — the adventure is part of the fun!
🚧 Safety First: Rally Spectator Safety Tips
- Stand well back from the road
- Have an escape route planned
- Never stand on the outside of corners
- Listen to instructions from volunteers and officials
- Don’t block emergency access routes
🙌 Volunteers: The Rally’s Backbone
Look for volunteers in colored vests:
- 🔴 Red – Officials
- 🔵 Blue – Security
- 🟡 Yellow – Marshals
- 🎥 Other colors – Media
Be respectful — they’re here for your safety and the love of the sport. Want to help out? Visit our Volunteer Page.
🧍 Your Role as a Spectator
Rally fans are part of the community. Help keep our welcome strong by:
- Respecting the land and local residents
- Driving responsibly
- Cleaning up after yourself
- Following marshal instructions
Bad behavior could cost us access to rally roads — don’t be the reason a stage gets canceled.
🏆 After the Rally: Podium Ceremony
Once the dust settles, celebrate the winners at the podium ceremony!
📍 Usually held near the service park — check your spectator guide for details.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Spectating at a rally is thrilling, unpredictable, and totally unique. With a little prep and the right attitude, your first rally can be unforgettable. And if you love it? Consider becoming part of the rally community — we’d love to have you.
See you on the stages!
The use of drones at Canadian Rally Events is strictly Prohibited!!!
(EXCEPTION: ORGANIZER APPROVED COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS)
In Canada, the operation of drones at advertised events, especially large gatherings, is regulated primarily by Transport Canada under the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). The specific regulations that would apply to the prohibition of drones at such events generally fall under Part IX – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems of the CARs. Below is a summary of the key points:
Relevant Regulations:
1. Prohibition Over Advertised Events:
– Under Section 901.47 of the CARs, drones are prohibited from flying over or within the security perimeter of advertised events like open-air assemblies of persons (e.g., concerts, festivals, sporting events) unless they have specific permission from Transport Canada or are being operated by law enforcement agencies or other authorized operators.
2. No Drone Zones:
– Areas around certain events may be declared as “No Drone Zones”, where any drone operation is strictly forbidden unless authorized. This could include temporary flight restrictions (TFR) issued by Transport Canada for events, including high-profile or large public gatherings.
3. Penalties:
– Violations of these regulations can lead to fines or enforcement actions. For individuals, the penalties can range up to $1,000 for flying a drone without meeting the requirements, $1,000 for flying where it is not allowed, and up to $3,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk.
Wording of the Regulation (Excerpt from Section 901.47 of CARs):
– 901.47 (1) No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft over or within the security perimeter of an advertised event unless authorized to do so by the Minister.
– 901.47 (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), an advertised event includes, but is not limited to, open-air assemblies of persons, parades, and sporting events.
Get to know our safety crews
Course Opening Cars
Sweep Team
