Travel Warning for North Okanagan: Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Okanagan Indian Band, Enderby, and other parts of the Regional District North Okanagan
Given the current wildfire situation in B.C., which is expected to worsen over the weekend, the Province of BC is asking people to not travel to parts of the North Okanagan until further notice, including Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Okanagan Indian Band, and Enderby.
The wildfires have resulted in challenging times with much uncertainty. The safety of our communities and residents is the top priority during this time. Tourism companies throughout the Thompson Okanagan region have been working with BC Emergency Support Services to support evacuees and identify needed services as the situation evolves.
Many communities in the Thompson Okanagan continue to welcome visitors during this time and look forward to hosting guests. Travellers are encouraged to check the official resources to make informed decisions based on the latest updates, before and during their trip.
The ThompsonOkanagan.com Know Before You Go page is regularly updated and serves as a resource for visitors to access key information resources such as DriveBC, BC Wildfire Service, Emergency Management BC, and more.
During wildfires, conditions can change rapidly, and we all play a role in keeping our visitors informed with the latest, on-the-ground information.
Businesses and DMOs can post regularly, (daily if possible), using #RealTime____(name of city/community) on social media to ensure current and future visitors have an accurate ‘real time’ visual on current conditions.
If your community has blue/clear skies, use the #RealTime____ hashtag to show visitors the favourable conditions and invite them to explore.
If your community is experiencing a period of heavy smoke or hazy skies, use the #RealTime____ hashtag to showcase and invite people to explore indoor attractions such as museums and galleries, or sharing any changes to your business offering (for example, wineries moving all tastings indoors to keep staff and visitors safe.)
Include the date and time the photo was taken. Tag key tourism partners in your post, including @HelloBC, @Thompson_Okanagan, and your Regional/Community DMO partners, to help us amplify your message.
For #RealTime____ examples and more information on emergency messaging, please see Destination BC’s Emergency Messaging Guidance.