The wildfires that have affected large portions of BC have forced the closure of two mountain resorts – right in the middle of visitor peak season.
Both Assiniboine Lodge and Sunshine Village have closed in response to nearby forest fires. Unfortunately for the two establishments, vacationers continue to flock to the area and are opting to take their business to other resorts that have remained open.
Earlier this week, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park was closed to the public due to forest fires. CBC reported that Assiniboine Lodge management helped lodge guests, campers, and staff evacuate from the premises, as well as users of the nearby Naiset Huts. More than 50 people evacuated the area via helicopter and flew to Mount Shark. The rest of the evacuees opted to hike.
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Assiniboine Lodge reservations assistant Jane Carswell confirmed that the establishment has cancelled bookings for the week, offering full refunds. Carswell also said that the Lodge will be empty until at least today (August 04).
“We’re just waiting for further information from BC Parks, what the next steps are, how long this might last,” she told CBC.
Sunshine Village, meanwhile, less than 30km northwest of Assiniboine Lodge, was shut down for the second time in less than a week on Monday. Approximately 300 hotel guests and staff were moved out. Accommodation for the evacuees was arranged in nearby Banff.
It was Parks Canada that ordered Sunshine Village to shut down after the nearby Verdant Creek fire began to encroach.
Other mountain vacation getaways in the region, however, were more fortunate, and continue to do business.
Mount Engadine Lodge, located close to the Mount Shark helipad Assiniboine guests were flown to, has been enjoying “its best July ever,” according to general manager Simon Harvie.
“We’ve really only had one bad smoke day. Other than that, the weather has been beautiful every day, and business has definitely been stronger than previous summers,” Harvie added.
Tourist businesses in the area say that although the wildfires continue to burn, visitor numbers have been high. Some say that the decision to make entry into national parks free of charge fueled the visitor surge, while others claim tourism is related to Canada’s 150th anniversary.
August is typically peak season for mountain resorts in the region. Assiniboine Lodge reported that during one such peak season, it managed to serve 30 guests at roughly $400 per person, per night.
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