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 encompasses communities like Radium Hot Springs, Invermere, and Fairmont Hot Springs, situated approximately 300 kilometers from the wildfires in the Okanagan. Radium Hot Springs Mayor Mike Gray reassures that the community is not under threat from the fires, and local businesses, hotels, and attractions remain operational and welcoming to visitors.
Amber Roy, the owner of the Wilder Lodge in Fairmont Hot Springs, noted a decline in August bookings following strong July reservations. Out-of-province guests, concerned after seeing wildfire reports on social media, have inquired about travel conditions, despite the fires being a considerable distance away.
Roy emphasized that the state of emergency in B.C. has instilled fear in some potential tourists, affecting visitor numbers in the Columbia Valley. However, bookings are showing a positive trend for the end of August and September, according to Fairhart. While Roy’s hotel hasn’t seen a surge in bookings for the rest of the month, she remains hopeful for increased last-minute visits to help recover from a recent wildfire-related power outage.
Although the Columbia Valley is not directly impacted by the significant Okanagan fires, it has encountered periods of heavy smoke this summer. Fairhart advises travelers to check current wildfire and smoke conditions before planning a trip to the region, ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit.