Canada raised its travel advisory to Level 3 for 12 districts in British Columbia due to active wildfires. The affected areas include Thompson-Nicola, Central Okanagan and North Okanagan regional districts. Officials closed 87 provincial parks and 210 backcountry trails effective July 5.
More than 4500 residents received evacuation orders near Kamloops and Kelowna with 12000 additional residents on alert. Air quality indices reached 180 in Kelowna on July 6. The province deployed 2400 firefighters and 14 water bombers.
Wildfire season began three weeks earlier than the 10-year average because of record spring drought. Last year similar fires forced cancellation of 18000 hotel bookings in the Okanagan Valley. Tourism revenues fell 22 percent in the region during August 2025.
What this means for you
Cancel or rebook any hiking or camping reservations in the 12 affected districts before July 15. Monitor the BC Wildfire Service website daily for new closure notices. Choose Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands as alternative destinations with better air quality.
Travel insurance policies purchased after July 1 will not cover wildfire-related cancellations. Rent vehicles with air filtration systems if driving through interior routes. Avoid outdoor dining in Kelowna and Kamloops until the advisory drops to Level 2.
Conditions may improve after Labor Day when cooler temperatures arrive.