Here are the worst Canadian cities to live in if you have allergies
It’s officially allergy season, and a new report reveals which cities in Canada will have you sneezing the most.
Aerobiology Research Laboratories, which operates 30 pollen monitoring stations across Canada, released its list of the 2026 allergy capitals in the country. The report reveals Canada’s best and most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies.
“Spring in Canada is associated with increased outdoor activity and warmer weather, but also higher exposure to airborne pollen,” reads the report. “An estimated 8 to 10 million Canadians, or approximately one in five people, are affected by allergic rhinitis, commonly triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.”
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing and itchy or watery eyes.
According to Aerobiology, pollen seasons in Canada are getting longer and more intense, in part due to climate change.
“Warmer temperatures contribute to earlier seasonal onset, longer growing seasons, and increased pollen production,” reads the report. “Higher temperatures and air pollution in urban environments may further intensify exposure to airborne allergens.”
The research centre’s seasonal allergy report provides a standardized analysis of airborne pollen exposure, ranking cities in Canada based on seasonal allergy burden and relative exposure risk.
It ranks cities based on the following factors:
- Length of the pollen season for tree, grass, and weed species
- Number of days with high or very high pollen counts for clinically relevant species
- Peak intensity of seasonal pollen concentrations
- Frequency and duration of overlapping pollen seasons
- Regional climate variables influencing pollen production and dispersion
Top 5 worst cities to live in Canada if you have pollen allergies
Aerobiology Research Laboratories
Aerobiology ranked the top five most challenging cities in Canada for seasonal pollen allergies based on the number of days with high or very high airborne pollen concentrations. It also took into account the length of the season for the most clinically relevant allergenic plant species, including trees, grasses, and weeds.
“These locations experience longer pollen dispersal seasons with markedly higher peak
pollen concentrations, largely driven by dense surrounding vegetation, including extensive
deciduous forests, favourable climate conditions, and the abundance of highly allergenic
species such as birch, oak, and ragweed – particularly across southern Ontario,” explained the report.
A majority of the cities are in Ontario, and only one city in Western Canada made the list.
- Windsor, Ont.
- Hamilton, Ont.
- Barrie, Ont.
- Victoria, B.C.
- Kingston Ont.
Top 5 best Canadian cities to live in if you have pollen allergies
Aerobiology Research Laboratories
If your allergies are debilitating, you may want to consider a move to one of the top five cities in Canada with the most favourable conditions for pollen.
Aerobiology based this ranking on the lowest number of days with high or very high airborne pollen concentrations from tree, grass and weed species.
“These locations are characterized by shorter pollen seasons, fewer peak pollen days, and lower overall seasonal pollen intensity, often influenced by coastal conditions, cooler temperatures, and regional vegetation patterns,” reads the report.
The research lab noted that while no place in Canada is free of pollen exposure, these cities demonstrate less seasonal pollen burden based on their standardized airborne pollen monitoring data.
Most of the cities are in Atlantic Canada.
- St. John’s, N.L.
- Saint John, N.B.
- Regina, Sask.
- Moncton, N.B.
- Halifax, N.S.
Check out Aerobiology’s full report to see cities ranked by tree, grass and weed pollen.
How to manage your allergies
The research lab shared some helpful advice for Canadians this allergy season.
It suggests people check daily pollen forecasts using its Allergy Sufferers App or The Weather Network, and limit time outdoors on days when levels are high. This is usually on dry and windy days.
“After spending time outdoors, showering and changing into clean clothing can help
remove pollen from the skin and fabrics,” reads the report. “Keeping windows and doors closed during high pollen periods can reduce indoor exposure, and regular cleaning, including vacuuming, can help limit allergen accumulation indoors.”
If you’re doing outdoor activities like yard work, wearing a face covering can help reduce exposure, according to Aerobiology. Protective eyewear like wraparound glasses can also help reduce eye irritation.
If you plan on travelling to cities in Canada with high pollen concentrations, the report suggests doing it in late summer and early fall to avoid peak ragweed season.