Wildfires ravaging the Okanagan region of British Columbia are impacting tourism in the Columbia Valley, located several hours away, despite the distance from the actual fires. Jessica Fairhart, the executive director of the Columbia Valley Tourism Marketing Society, noted that the provincewide state of emergency due to wildfires has influenced some travelers’ plans.
The Columbia Valley, encompassing areas like Radium Hot Springs, Invermere, and Fairmont Hot Springs, is about 300 kilometers away from the wildfires in the Okanagan. Radium Hot Springs Mayor Mike Gray assured that the community is not under immediate threat from wildfires, and local businesses, hotels, and attractions remain operational.
Amber Roy, the proprietor of Wilder Lodge in Fairmont Hot Springs, reported a decline in August bookings following a strong month of July. She mentioned receiving inquiries from out-of-province guests concerned about the wildfires, often misjudging their proximity. Roy emphasized that the area is open for visitors and not housing wildfire evacuees.
Both Roy and Fairhart acknowledged receiving calls from worried tourists and observing a decrease in visitor numbers. Despite this, Fairhart mentioned an optimistic outlook for bookings towards the end of August and into September. Roy expressed hope for a surge in last-minute trips to help her business recover from a recent wildfire-related power outage during the typically busy August long weekend.
Although the Columbia Valley is not directly affected by the major Okanagan wildfires, it has faced periods of heavy smoke this summer, causing additional apprehension among tourists. Fairhart advised prospective visitors to stay informed about current wildfire and smoke conditions before embarking on their trips.
The tourism industry in the Columbia Valley is working to reassure travelers and encourage visits, highlighting the region’s readiness to welcome guests and the improving booking trends for the upcoming months.