Calgary has some of the worst air quality in North America as wildfire smoke rolls in
Calgary has some of the worst air quality in North America, and some areas are experiencing “very unhealthy” air quality levels due to wildfire smoke, according to IQAir.
IQAir updates its readings hourly, and several Calgary areas were reporting AQI levels in the “very unhealthy” range on Friday. On the company’s scale, scores between 201 and 300 fall into that category.
As of writing, only five spots in North America ranked ahead of Calgary, with Ashcroft, B.C., recording the highest AQI score at 306. Prineville, Ore., followed with a score of 234, while Airdrie, Alta., and Clinton and Kamloops, B.C., were tied at 192. Calgary recorded a total AQI of 191.
As of 10 a.m. on July 24, 2026, Everstone in southwest Calgary recorded the city’s highest AQI at 206, while other spots are seeing levels above 190.
IQAir
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According to IQAir, wildfire smoke from northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories is drifting into Alberta and causing these conditions. The company says residents should take precautions while air quality remains in the “very unhealthy” range.
It recommends that sensitive groups, including children, seniors, pregnant people and those with heart or lung conditions, remain indoors and limit outdoor activities.
“Everyone should avoid outdoor exercise, wear a pollution mask outdoors and only go outdoors when necessary. Air purifiers should be turned on.”
According to IQAir’s hourly forecast, conditions are expected to improve over the course of the day.
IQAir
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has also issued an orange-level air quality warning for Calgary and surrounding areas, with wildfire smoke causing poor air quality and reduced visibility across the region.
“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can change rapidly over short distances and from hour to hour,” ECCC said.
ECCC says that conditions are expected to improve for most areas by the weekend.