Wildfires in British Columbia’s Okanagan area are impacting tourism in the Columbia Valley, located several hours away. Despite the distance from the fires, the province’s state of emergency has influenced some travelers’ decisions, according to Jessica Fairhart, the executive director of the Columbia Valley Tourism Marketing Society.
The Columbia Valley, which includes communities like Radium Hot Springs, Invermere, and Fairmont Hot Springs, is approximately 300 kilometers away from the wildfires in the Okanagan. Radium Hot Springs Mayor Mike Gray reassured that their community is not under immediate threat from the fires, with local businesses, hotels, and attractions remaining operational.
Amber Roy, the owner of Wilder Lodge in Fairmont Hot Springs, noted a decline in August bookings following strong July reservations. Concerned calls from out-of-province guests, who perceive the wildfires through social media, have contributed to the drop in reservations. Roy emphasized that the wildfires are not affecting the entire province, but specific regions.
There have been worries about tourists occupying accommodations needed for wildfire evacuees, but Roy clarified that such concerns are unfounded in her area. Fairhart mentioned that other businesses in the region have also received calls from hesitant tourists, leading to a recent decrease in bookings. However, there is a positive trend for bookings towards the end of August and September.
While Roy’s hotel has not seen a surge in bookings for the remaining month, she remains hopeful that last-minute trips by visitors will pick up. Increased tourism would aid in recovering from a wildfire-related power outage that affected her business over the busy August long weekend.
Despite being distant from the major Okanagan wildfires, the Columbia Valley has encountered periods of heavy smoke this summer. Fairhart highlighted that smoke concerns are also on tourists’ minds, advising them to stay updated on current wildfire and smoke conditions before visiting the region.