BORDER REOPENING DOESN’T MEAN A RETURN TO NORMAL
For many tourism operators in this province, the announcement that the border was reopening on August 9th was BIG news. In these pandemic times, though, there will be a learning curve for both lodges and guests.
In addition to receiving a full series of a vaccine authorized by the Government of Canada, fully vaccinated travellers must also: provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal) including proof of vaccination prior to arrival in Canada; meet the pre-entry testing requirements; be asymptomatic upon arrival; and have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French (or certified translation) ready to show a government official on request as evidence.
For most of the fishing lodges, this lifting of restrictions is too late for this season. Most are now focusing on 2022.
FALL HUNTING SEASON
It’s a different story for the waterfowl and big game outfitters who now can move ahead with plans to confirm American clientele for this fall. Friend Paul Conchatre, who runs Birdtail Waterfowl, has been constantly updating his American clients on the border situation on his website. He, like many operators have a ton of work to do to get ready for the fall season. Finally, many should have a chance to recoup some of their losses!
If the pandemic wasn’t enough, forest fires in this province are causing even more hardship for operators who have outpost camps, especially those on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. My family and I were scheduled this weekend to visit one of the remote outpost camps that Shaun Jackson has. That is not going to happen since all his 13 of his 14 outposts are currently closed because of the current backcountry travel ban in Manitoba due to the extreme dry conditions.