Wildfires in British Columbia’s Okanagan region are impacting tourism in the Columbia Valley, despite the area being distant from the fires. Jessica Fairhart, the executive director of the Columbia Valley Tourism Marketing Society, mentions that the provincewide state of emergency due to the wildfires has influenced some travelers’ decisions. The Columbia Valley, which encompasses communities like Radium Hot Springs, Invermere, and Fairmont Hot Springs, is approximately 300 kilometers away from the wildfires in the Okanagan.
Mike Gray, the Mayor of Radium Hot Springs, assures that the community is not under immediate threat from wildfires, and local businesses, hotels, and attractions are operating as usual. Amber Roy, owner of the Wilder Lodge in Fairmont Hot Springs, notes a decline in August bookings following the onset of the wildfires, despite strong July reservations.
Concerns from out-of-province guests regarding the wildfires’ proximity have been raised, with some potential visitors unsure about conditions. Roy emphasizes that the region is open for tourism and dispels fears about accommodations being occupied by wildfire evacuees. Fairhart acknowledges a decrease in tourism over recent weeks due to visitor concerns but mentions a positive trend in bookings for late August and September.
While Roy’s hotel has not seen a surge in bookings for the remaining month, she remains hopeful for last-minute trips to boost business recovery. The area also faced challenges such as a wildfire-induced power outage during the typically busy August long weekend. Despite the distance from the major wildfires, the Columbia Valley has experienced periods of heavy smoke this summer, posing another worry for tourists. Fairhart advises potential visitors to monitor current wildfire and smoke conditions before planning their trip.