US and Australia Travel Warning to Canada Amid Devastating Wildfire Smoke That Halts Tourism, Here’s What’s Confirmed

Friday, June 13, 2025

The U.S. and Australia have now issued an official travel warning to Canada amid an escalating environmental emergency that is impossible to ignore. The reason? Devastating wildfire smoke is sweeping across provinces, dimming skylines, choking the air, and effectively forcing parts of Canada’s tourism industry to halt. What was once a haven for summer travel now sits under a blanket of danger and uncertainty.

Canada, known for its crystal-clear lakes, hiking trails, and clean mountain air, is now at the center of a global climate crisis. This wildfire season is more aggressive than ever. Thick smoke is drifting into cities, disrupting flights, shutting down parks, and raising alarm for both tourists and residents.

Meanwhile, tourism halts in high-impact zones have caused ripple effects across airlines, hotels, and outdoor adventure operators. Popular destinations like Banff, Montreal, and Vancouver are seeing cancellations rise, while businesses scramble to adjust.

Here’s what’s confirmed: the wildfire threat is not isolated. It’s widespread. Both the U.S. and Australia are telling their citizens to prepare for emergencies, stay informed, and reconsider travel plans. The air quality in parts of Canada is now among the worst in the world.

Travelers are anxious. Tour operators are worried. And local economies built on seasonal travel are bracing for impact. As more embassies may follow with additional warnings, all eyes are on Canada’s skies and what lies ahead.

This isn’t just smoke—it’s a global travel disruption in real time.

US Travel Advisory for Canada Sparks Urgency as Wildfires and Air Quality Crisis Disrupt Tourism Across All Provinces

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 1 travel advisory for all of Canada, urging American travelers to stay alert as the 2025 wildfire season intensifies. The advisory comes as massive blazes and deteriorating air quality blanket provinces coast to coast, just weeks after Montreal was ranked among the worst cities in the world for air pollution.

For travelers, the warning marks a pivotal shift in how North Americans perceive summer travel to Canada—normally a time of pristine landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cool weather escapes. Now, the picture is drastically different. Skies are hazy, flight paths are being evaluated, and tourists are facing difficult choices.

Summer Travel in Canada Meets a Fiery Reality

Wildfires in Canada are nothing new. But the 2025 season is already mirroring the unprecedented destruction of 2024, when all 13 provinces and territories were affected by record-breaking fire events. This year’s early flare-ups have already forced evacuations, strained emergency services, and raised new fears for travelers and locals alike.

From British Columbia to Nova Scotia, air quality indexes are slipping into the “unhealthy” and “hazardous” zones. Major tourism hubs like Banff, Montreal, and Toronto are under watch as shifting winds spread smoke across urban areas and national parks. Travel photography now includes more masks than mountains.

The U.S. Issues a Level 1 Advisory—What It Means

A Level 1 advisory might seem mild compared to higher threat levels, but it carries weight in the context of environmental threats. The advisory instructs American travelers to exercise normal precautions while also preparing for possible emergency situations caused by wildfires.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada released a Weather Alert detailing the wildfire threat and encouraging Americans to create emergency kits, keep documentation accessible, monitor local media, and register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates.

The alert emphasizes one reality: travel in Canada now comes with environmental risk, especially in forested and grassland regions where fires can start and spread rapidly.

Impact on Travel and Tourism Across Canada

The ripple effects are already being felt in Canada’s tourism industry. In Quebec, hotel bookings are fluctuating as visitors respond to changing air quality conditions. In Alberta, trail closures and wildfire warnings are disrupting national park visits, while scenic train routes like the Rocky Mountaineer have issued disclaimers and may face temporary delays.

Outdoor festivals, wildlife excursions, and glamping resorts—all staples of Canada’s peak travel season—are adapting with contingency plans or, in some cases, cancellations.

Meanwhile, airports in wildfire-prone regions have issued warnings for potential visibility issues and rerouted flights. Smoke infiltration in cabins and terminals is now a monitored risk.

Wildfire Tourism: An Unsettling Shift

Some travelers now find themselves engaging in an eerie form of “disaster tourism.” Instead of chasing Northern Lights or maple festivals, they’re navigating road closures, wearing N95 masks in city centers, and monitoring air quality apps.

Tour operators in popular regions like Vancouver Island, Whistler, and Niagara Falls are emphasizing safety first. While no national parks have closed completely, many have reduced access or added strict fire bans. Local tourism boards are walking a fine line—welcoming visitors while ensuring they’re aware of the risks and responsibilities.

Health and Safety Now Come First

Public health authorities across Canada are ramping up efforts to inform both citizens and tourists. The Government of Canada has launched centralized wildfire information portals offering real-time updates, evacuation notices, and health guidance. Travelers are urged to check these pages before visiting any region.

For those with respiratory conditions, seniors, children, and pregnant individuals, the wildfire smoke poses a serious health concern. Mask mandates aren’t officially in place, but many travelers are advised to carry protection when visiting high-risk areas.

The CDC also provides updated health information for U.S. travelers to Canada, including guidance on smoke inhalation and return travel precautions.

Economic Impact and Industry Response

As fears mount, Canada’s travel sector is adjusting. Some airlines are offering flexible rebooking options for routes into high-alert provinces. Travel insurance providers are updating wildfire clauses, and hotel chains are reviewing cancellation policies to balance business with compassion.

Tourism authorities in cities unaffected by fires are launching alternative campaigns, urging travelers to explore “smoke-free zones.” Coastal cities and remote Atlantic destinations may benefit from shifted interest, but the overall industry faces uncertain months ahead.

Travelers Urged to Prepare, Not Panic

Despite the advisory, Canada remains one of the safest destinations in the world. The warning from the U.S. government is not meant to deter travel entirely—but to encourage smart, informed decision-making.

If you’re traveling to Canada this summer, here’s what you should do:

• Monitor air quality using apps like AQICN or your airline’s advisory system.
• Stay informed by checking provincial emergency updates.
• Pack essentials, including reusable masks, medications, and water filters.
• Register for STEP or your local country’s travel alert system.
• Follow local guidelines during wildfires—including evacuation orders and trail closures.

Final Thoughts: Rethinking Travel in a Climate-Changed World

This latest advisory underscores a larger truth: climate change is now part of the travel experience. Whether it’s floods in Europe, hurricanes in the Caribbean, or wildfires in Canada, environmental emergencies are reshaping how and where people vacation.

For Canada, this wildfire season is more than just a fire emergency—it’s a test of its infrastructure, its emergency preparedness, and its resilience as a world-class travel destination.

The U.S. travel advisory may be cautious, but it’s also a call to awareness. Travelers must now consider climate readiness as part of their planning checklist.

Stay alert. Stay informed. And remember: adventure begins with safety.