Is the air quality good in Canada?
The air quality in western Canada is currently very poor to hazardous, especially in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and parts of British Columbia. Some cities in the United States have also been affected.
Air quality in several cities is hazardous in multiple cities due to wildfire smoke and industrial fires.
Why is there an air quality alert in Canada?
The primary cause is wildfire smoke from ongoing fires in the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, exacerbated by a historic late-summer heat wave and lightning-sparked new fires.
Over 4,758 wildfires have burned more than 7.8 million hectares across the country in 2025, with Saskatchewan and Manitoba being the hardest hit. A historic late-summer heat wave, with temperatures 10–15°C above normal, has dried out vegetation and created explosive fire conditions, leading to new fires sparked by lightning.
Additionally, a massive fire at the GenAlta recycling plant in Strathcona County, near Edmonton, released thick, toxic smoke into the air (1).
Shifting wind patterns are transporting smoke from the Northwest Territories and northern Prairies into Alberta, Saskatchewan, and other regions, further impacting air quality.
Which cities are most affected by wildfire smoke?
Several Canadian cities are experiencing poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke (2).
- Buffalo Narrows, Saskatchewan
- Calgary, Alberta
- Edmonton, Alberta
- Lethbridge, Alberta
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Smoke is also spreading to parts of Ontario and the U.S. Midwest, but the most severe conditions are in the Prairies.
In the U.S., poor air quality is being experienced in:
Poor air quality in the U.S. may also be affected by local fires.
Are there any alerts in place?
Emergency air quality warnings have been issued for multiple regions.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a warning for residents of Calgary to limit their time outdoors (3). Edmonton, Alberta has activated its extreme weather response, providing free N95 masks, bottled water, and access to public facilities for vulnerable residents.
Authorities are advising people to avoid outdoor activities, keep windows and doors closed, and use HEPA filters indoors to reduce exposure to harmful particles.
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How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
