Destination Northern Ontario Continues to Support Tourism Industry During Wildfire Season
by Sara Currier | August 4, 2026
Destination Northern Ontario (DNO) and Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO) recognize the challenges many tourism operators are facing as a result of the ongoing wildfire situation across the region. Since the beginning of the wildfire season, DNO and NOTO have been working closely with tourism partners, industry organizations, and government agencies to support operators through coordinated communications, resources, and recovery planning.
One of the first priorities for DNO and NOTO was developing a dedicated wildfire information hub that brings together the latest travel messaging, safety information, and links to official updates from trusted sources. The resource was created to help operators respond to visitor questions, share consistent messaging, and provide travellers with the information they need to make informed decisions when planning their trips to Northern Ontario.
Working alongside regional and provincial partners, DNO and NOTO have also helped coordinate consistent public messaging to ensure visitors understand that while some communities have been directly impacted, much of Northern Ontario remains open and welcoming travellers. This collaborative approach has helped reduce widespread cancellations driven by media coverage that often suggested the entire region was affected.
Recognizing the unique challenges facing lodges, outfitters, camps, and other resource-based tourism businesses, DNO and NOTO have also been working directly with the sector to provide timely information, advocate for targeted supports, and help operators navigate the impacts of wildfire-related closures, evacuations, and travel disruptions.
Beyond immediate communications support, DNO is also focused on helping the industry prepare for the future. The organization is currently developing an Emergency Preparedness Resource to provide operators with practical tools, templates, and best practices to help businesses prepare for and respond to future emergencies, including wildfires and other disruptions.
DNO is also collaborating with partners to develop a wildfire preparedness manual that will serve as a long-term resource for tourism businesses, helping strengthen the industry's resilience during future wildfire events.
Recognizing that recovery extends beyond communications, DNO and NOTO continue to work with Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) to identify immediate financial assistance opportunities for tourism businesses affected by the fires. At the same time, discussions continue with FedNor and the Province of Ontario regarding both short- and long-term recovery supports, recognizing that rebuilding in the hardest-hit communities will take several years.
To further assist operators, DNO and NOTO are partnering with industry organizations to deliver a series of five webinars focused on helping tourism businesses mitigate the impacts of wildfires, strengthen business resilience, and prepare for recovery.
As conditions continue to evolve, DNO and NOTO will maintain regular updates to the wildfire resource page and continue advocating for Northern Ontario's tourism industry. By working together, sharing accurate information, and planning for the future, we can support visitor confidence while helping tourism businesses navigate both the immediate and long-term impacts of the wildfire season.