Things travellers must know before visiting Canada amid worsening wildfires

Travellers planning to visit Canada are being advised to check wildfire updates as fires continue to spread across key provinces. 

Manitoba and Saskatchewan have declared Provincial States of Emergency. 

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) has raised the national alert to Level 5, the highest level of preparedness, according to a report by Conde Nast Traveller.

According to the report, as of June 5, there are 201 active wildfires across Canada. Out of these, 103 fires in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia are considered “out of control.

” More than 33,000 residents have been forced to evacuate. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called it “the largest evacuation Manitoba will have seen in most people’s living memory.”

The most critical fires are in northern Saskatchewan and northern and eastern Manitoba. 

In Saskatchewan, the SHOE and CAMP fires have merged. Authorities have evacuated the town of La Ronge and nearby areas after fire reached the local airport.

In Manitoba, fires led to the evacuation of Lac du Bonnet in May, where two people died

 Although residents have returned, communities like Flin Flon, Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake), Lynn Lake, and Sherridon remain under evacuation.

Impact on air quality in the US and Europe

Smoke from the fires has crossed borders, affecting air quality in parts of the United States. Alerts have been issued in states including Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Massachusetts. Some regions of Western Europe have also reported hazy skies.

What’s open for travellers in Manitoba?

Several Manitoba parks are closed: Bakers Narrows, Grass River, and Wekusko Falls. Nopiming Park is shut for the season. 

Some parts of Whiteshell Park have reopened, including campgrounds in Brereton, Caddy, and West Hawk lakes.

Travel Manitoba advised that other destinations like Churchill, known for beluga sightings from June to September, remain safe and open. Visitors are encouraged to check the Manitoba Wildfire Status Dashboard before travelling.

Tourist sites still open in Saskatchewan

Narrow Hills and Lac La Ronge provincial parks are currently closed. In Prince Albert National Park, backcountry areas and lakes (except Waskesiu) are closed.

However, major attractions like Grasslands and Cypress Hills parks remain open. 

Tourism Saskatchewan advises travellers to check the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s site for updates.

Indigenous tourism in focus during June

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. Indigenous-run tourism sites like Pemiska Tourism near Saskatoon and Turtle Village in Manitoba’s Riding Mountain National Park remain open. Turtle Tours, a walking tour in Winnipeg, will launch on June 21.

With conditions changing rapidly, Indian tourists are advised to monitor official sources. Provincial websites and wildfire dashboards in Manitoba and Saskatchewan provide real-time updates on closures, fire status, and travel safety.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visit/things-travellers-must-know-before-visiting-canada-amid-worsening-wildfires/articleshow/121690800.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst