Despite a busy forest fire season, Tourism Northern Ontario wants summer travellers to know it is business as usual for tourism operators in Northern Ontario.
Although the affected areas in Northeastern Ontario only make up for one per cent of the region’s geography, tourism operators say the fires that are burning may be convincing some tourists to stay away from Northern Ontario.
In particular, confusion over the difference between the village of Killarney and the huge municipality of Killarney led many to think the village was in jeopardy from the fires. In truth, the village, and its tourist amenities like Killarney Mountain Resort were never impacted by the fires.
Tourism Northern Ontario, in a release to media, reinforced the message that the fire hazard is moderate for most Northern Ontario, as can be seen on the MNRF's interactive fire map.
Most provincial parks remain open; Grundy Provincial Park was closed briefly but is now opening as of today.
Operators are reporting very little change to their business as a result of forest fire activity in the northwest region.
"Northern Ontario tourist operators have a long history of dealing with forest fires and as conditions ease the North remains a safe holiday destination for visitors. We hope to see returning and new visitors to the North very soon,” said David MacLachlan, Tourism Northern Ontario executive director.
