New travel advisory warns Americans travelling to Canada
A new travel advisory issued by the U.S. government is urging Americans to be careful when travelling in Canada.
On June 11, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada issued a travel advisory warning Americans of potential hazards in Canada due to wildfire season. It states that wildfires are common in forested and grassland regions in Canada and frequently occur from May to September.
“In 2024, Canada was affected by record-breaking wildfires affecting all 13 provinces and territories,” reads the statement. “We urge U.S. citizens visiting or living in Canada to be aware of wildfire conditions in their area and follow guidance from local authorities.”
Ongoing wildfires have blanketed southern parts of Canada and even the U.S. in smoke. FireSmoke Canada’s radar currently shows smoke extending from Alaska to the East Coast.
Americans are urged to follow the government of Canada’s guidance on what to do before, during, and after a wildfire. Provinces and territories also provide online information on the wildfire situation in their areas, along with emergency resources.
@albertawildfire/Instagram
Those in need of immediate assistance should dial 911 for police, ambulance, or fire services. In addition, they should also be prepared for other potential situations by staying informed, ensuring they have sufficient food supplies, and having an exit strategy in place.
Despite this, the advisory states that Canada is “generally a safe destination for travellers.” The travel advisory is currently at level one, which means that U.S. citizens should “exercise normal precautions.”
When travelling abroad, Americans can sign up for the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and to make it easier to locate them in an emergency.
The U.S. issued four travel advisories in Canada in 2024, including two weather alerts, a demonstration alert due to transportation disruption in Toronto, and a worldwide caution alert.