Wildfires in British Columbia’s Okanagan region are impacting tourism in the Columbia Valley, located several hours away, despite its distance from the fires. Jessica Fairhart, the executive director of the Columbia Valley Tourism Marketing Society, noted that B.C.’s provincewide state of emergency due to the wildfires has influenced some travelers’ plans.

The Columbia Valley, home to 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 the community is not under immediate threat from the fires, and local businesses, hotels, and attractions are operating as usual.

Amber Roy, owner of the Wilder Lodge in Fairmont Hot Springs, mentioned a decline in August bookings following the onset of the wildfires, despite strong July bookings. Concerns raised by out-of-province guests regarding the wildfires’ proximity have contributed to the drop in reservations.

Roy emphasized the need for accurate information dissemination, as some tourists perceive a broader impact of the wildfires than reality. She also addressed worries about accommodation availability for wildfire evacuees, clarifying that such concerns are not relevant in their area.

Fairhart highlighted that other local businesses have reported similar challenges with concerned tourists canceling visits. While there has been a recent decline in bookings, there is optimism for an upward trend in reservations for the end of August and September.

Although Roy’s hotel has not witnessed an immediate booking surge for the remaining month, she remains hopeful that last-minute travel decisions could boost visitor numbers. The hotel is aiming to recover from a wildfire-induced power outage during the typically busy August long weekend.

Despite being far from the major Okanagan wildfires, the Columbia Valley has encountered periods of heavy smoke this summer, prompting additional worries among tourists. Fairhart advised prospective visitors to stay informed about current wildfire and smoke conditions before embarking on their travels.