Fishing trips to Canada hold a long-standing tradition for Jeffrey Hardy and his friends from Vermont. Since 2001, they have been loyal anglers of Quebec’s northern wilderness, known for its abundant walleye population and lack of cellphone service. However, this summer, their plans were derailed as wildfires spread across the country, obstructing roads, destroying campgrounds, and causing turmoil in the tourism industry.
“It was a major disappointment,” expressed Mr. Hardy, who is currently residing in Bermuda after the onset of the pandemic. “Everyone was excited to go because Canada had been closed off due to Covid.”
Canada is experiencing its worst wildfire season on record, straining the outdoor tourism sector just as it was recovering from the impact of the pandemic. Quebec has been the hardest hit, with over 11.6 million acres burned out of the total 28.6 million acres in the country, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
The wildfire season in Canada typically runs from April to September, and this year started off intensely with mass evacuations in Alberta and Nova Scotia in May, followed by Quebec and parts of northern Ontario. The fires are primarily located in remote regions, away from major cities. However, these regions have historically attracted travelers seeking outdoor adventures.
Tourism is a significant contributor to Canada’s economy, accounting for a two percent share of the gross domestic product, which translates to 44 billion Canadian dollars in 2019. The pandemic cut this figure in half, but it has since rebounded to 37.8 billion dollars as travel restrictions eased. The United States, followed by Britain, Mexico, India, France, and China, are the top countries of origin for international visitors to Canada. The American market is particularly crucial for the tourism industry, with projections indicating a recovery in visitation rates by 2026 and tourism spending by 2024.
However, the wildfires have impacted popular Canadian destinations beyond major cities. Hiking trails in British Columbia and campgrounds in eastern Ontario and Quebec have been affected. The Quebec Outfitters, an industry group, estimates that about 330 wilderness outfitters, including the fishing lodge Mr. Hardy planned to visit, have temporarily closed, resulting in revenue losses exceeding 10 million Canadian dollars. Additionally, around thirty camps and cabins have been damaged or destroyed by the fires.
To support affected businesses, the Quebec government is offering financial assistance through guaranteed loan programs totaling 50 million Canadian dollars. Canadian tourism operators, particularly smaller businesses, are concerned about repaying debts accumulated during the pandemic. The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is urging the government to extend repayment time frames.
In response to ongoing wildfires and in anticipation of increasing visitor volumes, some businesses are reevaluating their operations. The Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association, based in Alberta, is considering implementing a questionnaire for customers, allowing them to indicate at which level of the air quality index they would postpone or cancel their bookings. This adaptive approach aims to ensure the safety and satisfaction of travelers.
The impact of the wildfires extends beyond the tourism industry. In May, approximately 30,000 Albertans were evacuated from their homes, marking an early start to the fire season. British Columbia, which currently has the most wildfires burning, experienced a devastating heatwave two years ago that resulted in numerous deaths. The province’s tourism sector contributes more to its gross domestic product than its oil industry.
Blackcomb Helicopters, based in Whistler, British Columbia, has suspended its sightseeing tours and other offerings to focus on the firefighting efforts. The company’s fleet is being utilized to combat the fires until early August. Other natural landmarks, such as Greer Creek Falls, have also fallen victim to the wildfires, leaving residents and photographers like Darrin Rigo saddened by the loss.
The impact of wildfires on Canada’s tourism industry is a reminder of the vulnerability of natural attractions and the need for measures to protect them. As the country navigates the recovery process, it will require innovative strategies and support to ensure the resilience of its tourism sector.
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