Is the air quality good in Alberta?
On June 30, 2026, most of Alberta and some communities in neighboring provinces are experiencing poor air quality due to wildfire smoke. According to Environment Canada, the smoky conditions are expected to persist for several days, contributing to reduced visibility (1)(2).
What is causing poor air quality in Alberta?
Wildfire smoke from northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories is drifting into Alberta and southern regions.
Thick smoke prevented firefighting pilots from dropping water from aircraft in Northwest Territories overnight.
Which communities are being impacted by poor air quality?
Several cities in Alberta and in neighboring provinces are being impacted by poor air quality, including (3):
- Banff, Alberta
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Calgary, Alberta
- Edmonton, Alberta
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Fort McMurray, Alberta
- Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories
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Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
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Golden, British Columbia
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Lethbridge, Alberta
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Red Deer, Alberta
- Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Are there any air quality alerts in place?
There are Special Air Quality Statements and Air Quality Warnings for nearly all communities across Alberta (4). Authorities are encouraging residents to restrict outdoor activities, monitor local air quality conditions, and seek treatment if smoke-related symptoms persist.
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.
