WATCH: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Wednesday she's "prepared to do whatever is necessary" to ensure people's safety amid the intensifying wildfire situation province-wide, and particularly, in the Fort McMurray area — which roughly 6,600 locals evacuated on Tuesday. Additionally, the province has put in place a fire ban in the high level and Fort McMurray areas, as well as an off highway vehicle restriction in the Fort McMurray area.
This season started out a little slower, but turned quickly over the weekend with major out-of-control fires forcing evacuations and threatening cities and towns in both British Columbia and Alberta.Beth Potter, president of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, said the direct impact of wildfires is hard enough.
As fires ravaged parts of eight provinces in June 2023, Destination Canada commissioned a survey of Americans. It found among those who were likely to take a trip to Canada in the next six months, more than half were rethinking their plans. The concerns reach beyond just fires. Warmer winters are harming cold-season tourism as well. The famous Rideau Canal stayed closed in 2023, and barely opened at all this year, because it was too warm. The ice hotel in Quebec City, a unique draw for tourism, was melting, said Martinez Ferrada.