The US Embassy in Ottawa has issued an urgent travel alert for American visitors to Canada, warning that thick plumes of smoke from raging wildfires are significantly degrading air quality across multiple provinces and drifting into neighboring US states. The advisory urges travelers—especially those with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly—to stay informed of daily wildfire updates and take preventive measures to safeguard their health amid worsening haze conditions.
Canada’s 2025 wildfire season has already consumed more than 5.17 million hectares of forested land, with over 3,092 individual fires active as of mid-July. Provinces such as Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Quebec remain under provincial or state-of-emergency declarations, and Environment Canada has issued widespread air quality statements for regions including southern Ontario and central Quebec.
Tourism itineraries have been disrupted by evacuation orders affecting over 33,000 residents—17,000 of whom were displaced in Manitoba alone—and forced closures of major park destinations like Narrow Hills Provincial Park and Whiteshell Provincial Park. Yet, key tourism corridors such as Churchill in Manitoba and Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan remain open, and companies like Rocky Mountaineer report that rail routes are operating on schedule while closely monitoring air quality for guest safety.
Despite environmental challenges, the US Department of State continues to rate Canada at a Level 1 advisory—“Exercise Normal Precautions.” The travel notice also reminds US citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time Embassy alerts, review the Country Security Report, and consult the CDC for the latest travel health advisories before departure.
Travelers should regularly check Environment Canada’s air quality index and the US EPA Fire and Smoke Map for real-time updates. Public health experts recommend limiting outdoor activities when air quality reaches “Unhealthy” or worse, using N95/FFP2 masks if travel outdoors is unavoidable, and considering portable HEPA air purifiers in accommodation settings to reduce indoor smoke exposure.
The tourism industry is adapting with flexible booking policies and smoke-safe packages: many hotels in major cities are offering upgraded air filtration rooms and extended cancellation windows, while rail and cruise operators stand ready to adjust itineraries should conditions deteriorate. Destination Canada is also providing travelers with essential wildfire guidance and safety tips to ensure informed trip planning
Looking ahead, climate experts warn that wildfire seasons in Canada are becoming longer and more intense, driven by hotter, drier summers and the persistence of “zombie” fires from previous seasons. As smoke continues to cross borders—impacting air quality in the US Northeast and Midwest—travelers must factor environmental risks into their plans and remain agile in response to rapidly changing conditions.
While Canada’s natural beauty endures beyond this season’s smoke, visitors are advised to stay flexible, register for Embassy alerts, and pack accordingly—because when it comes to wildfire smoke, preparation is the best itinerary safeguard.
Read more travel alerts, read Global Travel Wire.
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