
‘Extremely challenging' start to summer tourism season
Evacuations are occurring as the summer tourism season ramps up. For some, it's their largest or only money-making period. At least 80 tourism assets have been affected by wildfires, per Travel Manitoba tracking data.
'Flin Flon, we rely on tourism all summer long,' said Dawn Hlady, speaking by phone while driving to a hotel in Saskatoon.
SUPPLIED
Wildfires burn this week near Wanless, north of The Pas, in western Manitoba. According to the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association, eight of its members have been affected by fires, but none 'have been lost.'
Hlady owns Big Island Drive-In, an outdoor cinema in the city of Flin Flon, some 800 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. The attraction typically opens in May and closes in October.
The first two weekends this year were hits, Hlady relayed. Roughly 700 people came out — Manitobans from all corners — to watch A Minecraft Movie on the May holiday long weekend.
Flin Flon residents have since been ordered to evacuate; they're among more than 17,000 Manitobans told to leave their northern communities. Hlady, like her neighbours, is unsure when she'll return or what she'll return to.
Big Island Drive-In sits within a forest.
'There's a big risk of losing it,' Hlady said, voice heavy with emotion. 'We hope that it's still standing in some sort of way or another.'
It's a hope Joe Buie shares as he thinks of the Flin Flon Station Museum. He's chairman of the hub, which was converted from the city's original train station.
'We're at the edge of town. The forest is just right there,' Buie said, describing the location.
The museum opens in the summer and welcomes locals and international visitors. It shares a campground with the Blueberry Jam music festival.
'A lot of our history is located in this museum,' Buie said. 'A lot of it can't be replaced.'
Board members plan to open the doors upon their return home. But that's a later concern; for now, Buie has been focused on his family, ensuring everyone arrives safely in Brandon.
Hlady, too, was separated from loved ones — her husband stayed in Flin Flon on Friday afternoon to feed first responders. The couple owns a Chicken Chef franchise.
'The situation is obviously extremely challenging,' said Chuck Davidson, president of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
'It's challenging for residents that have to leave their homes and hopefully they're coming home to a house — and it's the same for business owners.'
From a private-sector perspective, there's lost revenue to grapple with and employees temporarily without jobs, Davidson noted. He mentioned Jasper, Alta.: many entrepreneurs lost their businesses, or faced new debt, following a 2024 blaze.
Travel Manitoba has reviewed its social media pages and marketing to ensure it isn't directing people to wildfire-ravaged areas, said Linda Whitfield, vice-president of communications and stakeholder engagement.
She's talked with a tourism operator who's lost 'tens of thousands' of dollars in business as unsafe conditions led to cancelled bookings.
'Think of those areas once this has been dealt with and we're back to a safe situation,' Whitfield said. 'Those tourism operators will definitely need the help and need the support.'
The Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association has been keeping tabs on its membership. Around eight companies have been affected by wildfires — largely in the Whiteshell and Nopiming regions, executive director Don Lamont said.
'As far as we know, none (of the lodges) have been lost, none have been burnt down,' he said. 'It's an ongoing situation, very fluid.'
He's checked on entrepreneurs in Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage and Clearwater Lake. Anglers have booked fishing trips; following the province's state of emergency declaration Wednesday, many reservations were cancelled.
'It's a very scary situation and a lot of our outfitters are at risk,' Lamont said. '(And) it's a big loss. This is on top of what happened for two years of COVID (pandemic).'
Owners are keeping customers updated about their lodges' status. There's still plenty of demand from American tourists, Lamont and Whitfield noted.
And there's a need to remind tourists Manitoba is safe for travel in many areas, Whitfield said. 'Oftentimes, what happens is there's … this general perception that, 'Well, all of Manitoba is on fire.''
She's heard such comments when other provinces, like British Columbia, have faced wildfire emergencies.
'We don't want people to forget about places like Riding Mountain National Park, for example, or Spruce Woods,' Whitfield said.
Monday Mornings
The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week.
Several businesses outside wildfire zones have been supporting evacuees, including providing free activities and space for camper vans.
The Lakeview Inn in Lac du Bonnet collected donations — such as clothes and cases of bottled water — for local evacuees earlier this month. Nearby organizations did the same, according to Lakewood Inn manager Julianna Abdilla.
The Lakeview Inn ran out of space for donations. It's forwarding hand-outs to women's shelters and non-profits.
'I've just seen the community come together so fast,' Abdilla said. 'I'm very proud to live here and work here.'
gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com
Gabrielle PichéReporter
Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle.
Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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Winnipeg Free Press
18-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Wonders of the Whiteshell
In May of this year, Whiteshell Provincial Park, along with many others throughout the province, was closed due to wildfires. Campgrounds, trails and businesses were off limits and permanent residents were evacuated. It was a move that most Manitobans have never seen before, and it served as a wakeup call, reminding us all of just how valuable these wild spaces are. With the Whiteshell now reopened, it's time to reacquaint ourselves with this 2,700 square kilometre landscape set on the rugged Precambrian Shield, with its deep, dark forests and wide-open lakes. There's a little something for everyone here including hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, camping, boating and angling. The towns of Falcon Lake and West Hawk Lake have all the little luxuries — hotels and vacation rentals, restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores and gift shops. These are the pockets of civilization, but for the most part, nature owns Whiteshell Provincial Park. Here's our Top Ten on how to enjoy it this summer. I'm moored in a calm alcove with a multimillion-dollar view. Towering spruces draw the shoreline, rocky outcropping grab the setting sun and there's a picturesque island in the distance. To complete the scene, a bald eagle flies low then rests on the tallest spruce, as if on cue. It's easy to feel I have the entire park to myself, here on the deck of my Voyageur Houseboat. Based in Pinawa, three luxury houseboats await your rental, equipped with kayaks, to make exploring easy and nights ridiculously comfortable. Voyageur Houseboats photo Drift off to sleep in a quiet bay in a Voyageur Houseboat. These luxury accommodations launch from Pinawa and also offer evening tours-some with charcuterie. Voyageur Houseboats photo Drift off to sleep in a quiet bay in a Voyageur Houseboat. These luxury accommodations launch from Pinawa and also offer evening tours-some with charcuterie. Dozens of hiking trails cut through this vast park and that makes it easy to spot some of the province's most beautiful birds. Along McGillivray Falls Trail, get ready for warbler wonderland including Nashville, magnolia, mourning, chestnut-sided and Canada warblers. Sparrows also seem to like this trail. Look for chipping and song sparrows and listen for the unmistakable voice of the white-throated sparrow. Stop at the picturesque Long Pond to see sedge wren, sora and Wilson's snipe. Shel Zolkewich photo Whiteshell Provincial Park is a birder's dream. Watch for all manner of birds, from majestic bald eagles to cheery American goldfinches (pictured here). Shel Zolkewich photo Whiteshell Provincial Park is a birder's dream. Watch for all manner of birds, from majestic bald eagles to cheery American goldfinches (pictured here). The Bannock Point Petroforms echo the shapes of humans and snakes, birds and turtles, all carefully arranged in moss-covered rocks. Diane Maytwayashing knows them well. The Anishinaabe knowledge keeper takes visitors on guided walks of the sacred site, sharing stories of the teachings and healings that continue to this day through ceremony and song. Visitors learn about the original name of the site — Manidoo-Abi — that loosely translates as 'where the spirit sits.' Book your visit at Travel Manitoba photo Book an experience with Diane Maytwayashing at the Bannock Point Petroforms to learn about these ancient arrangements of stones in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Travel Manitoba photo Book an experience with Diane Maytwayashing at the Bannock Point Petroforms to learn about these ancient arrangements of stones in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Head to Whitemouth for the hot spinach dip, cheeky fish tacos — made with pickerel cheeks — and the signature Spicy Radish burger with zippy mayo, pickles and jalapeño jack cheese. 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Reach out to Shel Zolkewich photo Moody mornings at Otter Falls. Shel Zolkewich photo Moody mornings at Otter Falls.


Winnipeg Free Press
08-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Hotel space in Winnipeg tight as number of evacuees rises
The provincial government has warned it has to consider temporary congregate shelters for wildfire evacuees because hotel space is limited. Leaf Rapids residents were ordered to leave by 10 a.m. Tuesday, while Thompson residents are on alert to evacuate. New evacuees are being asked to travel to Winnipeg while authorities find hotel rooms for people as quickly as possible, a provincial spokesperson said Tuesday. 'With over 6,600 Manitobans currently evacuated, and more priority 1 residents (people with the most serious health concerns) evacuating, available hotel space is limited,' the spokesperson said in an email. 'Congregate shelters may be needed to provide temporary shelter while work continues to quickly move people into hotel rooms.' The soccer complex on Leila Avenue, which was used as a shelter when Flin Flon was evacuated, reopened as a reception centre Tuesday, and may be used as a shelter if needed. Manitoba Hotel Association president Michael Juce said that while the summer is typically busy for hotels, some in large urban markets have more availability than usual because there are fewer conferences and business events. There are around 15,000 hotel rooms in Manitoba, with about 70 per cent occupied at any given time. Juce said it's difficult to say if there would be enough hotel rooms for evacuees, even if operators free up as many rooms as possible. 'Some trips can be delayed, but there's some folks who are in hotels, who are staying for medical reasons, for example, and that makes things obviously complex as well,' he said. Last month, Premier Wab Kinew suggested the province could use emergency powers to require 'a small, small minority' of hotel owners that had not made rooms available for evacuees to do so. 'I know hotels will do their best to accommodate people for whatever reason they're staying,' Juce said. Thompson was preparing for a possible evacuation, although a fire north of the city did not pose an immediate threat Tuesday. Mayor Colleen Smook said evacuees would likely have to be sent outside the province if Thompson was evacuated. The city is the largest in northern Manitoba, and a regional service hub. 'If Thompson goes down, you're not just moving 15,000 people. You're taking away essential services for 70,000 people in the north,' Smook said. 'Manitoba has no room for us. Winnipeg is full, Brandon is full. 'We'd be talking about (hotel rooms in) other provinces and maybe the United States.' Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (Nelson House) is asking the federal and provincial governments, and the Canadian Red Cross to help co-ordinate an evacuation involving more than 300 high-priority residents, including people with medical conditions, infants and elders. Chief Angela Levasseur said NCN was told 'there are no hotel rooms' for evacuees from her community. NCN does not want its members to be lodged in congregate shelters, a news release said. Provincial staff were looking at hotel options within and outside Manitoba in case at least parts of Thompson have to evacuate, Christine Stevens, assistant deputy minister of the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization, said Monday. Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias announced a voluntary evacuation for the entire community Monday due to several wildfires in the area. Voluntary evacuees would have to arrange their own accommodations because hotel rooms are 'currently full,' or stay at the Leila Avenue congregate shelter, if available, he wrote in a Facebook post. He said 60 hotel rooms were available for medically vulnerable evacuees, who've been flown to Winnipeg. — With files from Chris Kitching Malak AbasReporter Malak Abas is a city reporter at the Free Press. Born and raised in Winnipeg's North End, she led the campus paper at the University of Manitoba before joining the Free Press in 2020. Read more about Malak. Every piece of reporting Malak produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.


Vancouver Sun
25-06-2025
- Vancouver Sun
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Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Whether you're stuck in the dreaded middle seat on a never-ending plane ride or crammed into the back of a bus, finding a comfortable enough position to catch some quality Z's on the go feels about as promising as winning the lottery. But fear not, weary traveller, for there is a knight in fluffy armour ready to save the day: the almighty travel pillow. Let's be honest, no one is expecting to get their best night's sleep while travelling — but your pillow doesn't have to be to blame. Gone are the days when the U-shaped pillow you got complimentary with your flight was the only option. Now, there's a pillow shape, material and configuration for every type of snoozer. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. While you can find these magical neck supporters at every airport bookstore and major rest stop known to humanity, many simply don't make the cut when it comes to comfort. If your upcoming vacation involves an excruciatingly long flight or an epic road trip , equip yourself for sleep success with our seven picks for the most remarkable travel pillows you can snag online for every preference. Best memory-foam option: Ostrich Go Neck Pillow Best for side-sleepers: Trtl Pillow Best for versatility: Huzi Infinity Pillow Best 2-in-1 budget-friendly option: Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow Best inflatable option: Sunany Inflatable Travel Pillow Best for window seats: J-Pillow Travel Pillow Best camp pillow: Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow One of the greatest enemies of sleeping well on the go is the dreaded mid-nap head slump, which is exactly what inspired the Go Neck Pillow's unique design. Like traditional U-shaped pillows, this hugs your neck, b ut unlike its counterparts, this pillow takes support to a whole new level. By offering 360-degree support, every angle of your neck and head is cradled with care. Thanks to its front Velcro enclosure, it stays in position and when not in use, it easily folds down to 60 per cent of its size and fits into the included drawstring storage bag. While the Go Neck Pillow comes with a higher price tag, its luxurious feel and convenience make it worth the investment for frequent travellers. Benefits: Sleeve is machine-washable, comes with a storage bag Material: Rayon and memory foam Price: $89 Where to buy: Amazon The ultimate ally for the side sleepers among us, Turtl's proprietary fleece-covered rigid frame gives your neck all the support it needs. Like a stylish neck brace, this pick is great for those prone to neck kinks and is the preferred pillow by nine out of ten participants in a study they conducted. And hot sleepers, fret not! While the original Trtl acts like a cozy, warm scarf, they just launched Trtl Pillow Cool constructed from mesh and cooling Tencel fabric. Whichever model you choose, we love that Trtl doesn't require any inflating, squeezing, stuffing, or wrestling into a puny carrying case. It proudly packs flat, taking up no more space than your wallet and is ready for action when you need it. Benefits: Available in four colours, also comes in a cooling version Material: Fleece Price: $80 Where to buy: Amazon | Trtl This versatile infinity oval of support allows you to wrap and twist the pillow into the shape that suits your snuggle best. We appreciate that it's machine-washable, super-soft and breathable, and not only offers neck support but can be used as a lumbar pillow, desk pillow, chin pillow or noise-canceling pillow. Many also recommend it for travelling with kids, and the fact that it comes in four cute colours doesn't hurt either! The only downside is the bulkiness it will add to your bag. Benefits: Versatile for all kinds of sleeping positions, available in ten colours Material: Bamboo shell, polyester fill Price: $64 Where to buy: Infinity Pillow | Amazon The shape-shifting Samsonite Magic Travel Pillow makes our list because it effortlessly transforms from a cozy U-shape to a convenient square-shaped pillow in a matter of seconds — and comes in at a pleasantly affordable price tag. If you want both a regular pillow for car or camp sleeping, but a neck pillow while flying, you can't beat this micro-bead-filled marvel which is just the right amount of squishy. Benefits: 2-in-1 design, comes in two colours Material: Polyvinyl chloride Price: $35 Where to buy: Amazon | Samsonite For those who take more of a forward-slouch position when slumbering, this inflatable pillow will turn your lap, tray or desk into nap central. Hugging the flat side against you makes for the perfect position upright if riding on a train, and flipped the other way, you can sink your head right in a la a massage table with it resting on a tray table on a plane. As a bonus, there are arm holes on the sides that allow for air ventilation and a nifty private nook to read or edit your phone pics in. Benefits: Inflatable Material: Polyvinyl chloride Price: $20 Where to buy: Amazon This wonderfully comfy choice is a window-seat superhero in a car or airplane. Wedged up against a hard surface with the trunk under your chin, the plush J-Pillow keeps your head upright and in place while you move with an adjustable wrap around your neck. It comes with a durable clip for attaching to your bag or carry-on and is a nice compact size. Benefits: Great for window seats Material: Polyester and foam Price: $63 Where to buy: Amazon Designed to pack small and deliver big comfort when you're home away from home, the Therm-a-Rest compressible pillow is our luxury pick while camping and road-tripping. Surprisingly ultralight, it packs up to a little larger than a typical water bottle (14 x 5 x 6 compressed) and fluffs out to a generous 14 x 18 x 4-inch pillow. It has a perfect fill level to satisfy all, and the brushed fabric feels like heaven on the face. Plus, it's safe for the washing machine so you can freshen it up between campfires or plane rides. Benefits: Comes in two sizes Material: Brushed polyester cover and urethane fill Price: $69 Where to buy: Amazon Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter .