Choking on Smoke: Montreal Tops Global Air Pollution Rankings Amid Prairie Wildfires

Montreal has been thrust into an unwelcome spotlight as the city with the worst air quality in the world, according to Swiss air monitoring firm IQAir. The culprit: thick smoke drifting eastward from relentless wildfires raging across the Canadian Prairies.

On Saturday morning, July 26, 2025, Environment Canada issued urgent air quality warnings across southern Quebec, advising residents to limit outdoor activities and remain indoors whenever possible. The smoke, trapped by a stagnant air mass, blanketed Montreal in a dense haze, obscuring the skyline and triggering health alerts.

The situation is dire not only in Quebec. Saskatchewan is experiencing its smokiest season on record, with cities like Saskatoon logging over 180 hours of smoke exposure this year—breaking records dating back to 1953. As of Saturday morning, 59 active wildfires were burning in Saskatchewan, with 12 deemed uncontained and multiple communities under evacuation orders.

Health officials warn that wildfire smoke poses risks to everyone, especially vulnerable groups such as seniors, children, pregnant individuals, and those with respiratory conditions. Symptoms range from mild irritation to severe coughing and chest pain. Environment Canada recommends using N95 masks outdoors and keeping windows closed indoors.

While air quality is expected to improve by Sunday as winds shift the smoke toward New Brunswick and the northeastern U.S., the crisis underscores the growing impact of climate-driven wildfires on urban health and infrastructure.

Montrealers, typically enjoying vibrant summer days, now find themselves navigating a season of smoke, heat, and uncertainty.