Brian Barton
Canada has some of the cleanest air in the world, but there are still cities that suffer from high levels of air pollution. Air pollution is a silent killer, causing an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths globally in 2016, according to the World Health Organization. While Canada is far down the WHO's list of worst offenders, many Canadian cities could still be at risk of health-related issues from poor air quality. This article will explore which Canadian city has the least air pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| City with least air pollution | Saskatoon |
| Air quality in Saskatoon | 6.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre |
| Air quality in Toronto | 7 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre |
| Air quality in Montreal | 7.1 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre |
| Air quality an hour west of Toronto | 7.3 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre |
| Air quality in Hamilton | 7.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre |
| Air quality in Yellowknife | 7.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre |
| Air quality in Regina | 8.1 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre |
| Air quality in Quebec | 8.2 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre |
| Air quality in Windsor | 8.3 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre |
| Air quality in Prince George | 117.5 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre |
| Air quality in Logan Lake | 86 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre |
| Air quality in Edmonton | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
According to a 2016 Environment and Climate Change Canada report, Saskatoon's average level of PM2.5 (air particles of 2.5 or fewer micrometres in diameter) per cubic metre was 6.8 micrograms. This is below the World Health Organization's recommended maximum level of 10 micrograms.
However, Saskatoon does have sources of pollution that make ongoing monitoring important. One of the main pollutants impacting Saskatoon's air quality is ground-level ozone (O3). This is caused by the reaction of pollutants from industry, electricity generation, and vehicle exhaust with sunlight. Saskatoon failed to meet the 2020 Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for fine particulate matter.
To improve air quality in Saskatoon, residents can take transit, switch to electric vehicles, turn off their cars instead of idling, and plant lawns that do not require mowing.
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Vancouver, British Columbia
While Canada is far down on the World Health Organization's list of worst offenders for air pollution, some cities in the country suffer from poor air quality. Air pollution has been linked to several health issues, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases such as asthma.
The air quality in British Columbia, in general, is good compared to many areas in North America. This is particularly true for cities in the province such as the Greater Vancouver area and Victoria. However, some communities in British Columbia, such as Prince George and Logan Lake, have poor air quality.
British Columbia has been working to improve its air quality. Research in the province has been ongoing since at least 1990, and the BC Lung Association has commissioned work in this field. The BC Ministry of Environment added a branch for air quality in 1980, and after the 1990s, resources allocated to air quality grew rapidly, especially for the GVRD through its air management plan.
Overall, while Vancouver, British Columbia, generally has good air quality, there are still areas for improvement, such as reducing nitrogen dioxide levels. The province of British Columbia is actively working to improve air quality through research and the implementation of air management plans.
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Toronto, Ontario
The air pollution in Toronto is a mix of toxic air pollutants and criteria air contaminants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants can cause heart and breathing problems, affect birth outcomes, brain development and function, and are linked to cancer, chronic diseases (including diabetes) and other illnesses.
Toronto has not experienced a smog advisory since 2016, but the persistence of air pollution means that smog remains a possibility. Smog is a mixture of ground-level ozone, fine particles and other pollutants that can affect health and the environment. It sometimes appears as a brownish haze.
Toronto's air pollution levels are relatively low compared to some other Canadian cities. For example, in July 2021, Prince George, British Columbia, had an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 183, which is considered unhealthy. Logan Lake, also in British Columbia, had an AQI of 167, which is also regarded as unhealthy.
To improve Toronto's air quality, the city has introduced the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, which aims to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040. This target is one of the most ambitious in North America.
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Montreal, Quebec
Montreal's overall air quality index is 38, with a PM2.5 AQI of 38, a NO2 AQI of 15, an SO2 AQI of 5, an O3 AQI of 14, and a CO AQI of 6. The city's PM2.5 average was 10 μg/m³ in 2019, which met the World Health Organization's (WHO) target goal of 10 μg/m³ or less. However, in 2022, Montreal's PM2.5 level was recorded at 7.1 micrograms per cubic metre, which is slightly higher than the previous year's reading.
The use of cars and other vehicles contributes significantly to Montreal's air pollution levels. With a population of over 1.7 million people, there are inevitably a large number of vehicles in use. Areas with high traffic volumes are the worst affected by air pollution, and people who live or commute through these areas are at an increased risk of adverse health effects due to the pollutants and fine particulate matter released by vehicles.
Montreal's air pollution levels can also be influenced by meteorological conditions such as wind speed, humidity, and temperature. The city's geographical location near the St. Lawrence River may play a role in dispersing or mitigating air pollutants. Additionally, new rules and regulations aimed at reducing pollution from wood-burning stoves are expected to positively impact the city's air quality.
While Montreal generally enjoys good air quality, there may still be health consequences for certain at-risk individuals during more polluted months or in specific zones. Sensitive groups, including those with respiratory or heart conditions, the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with diabetes, may experience symptoms or increased health risks during periods of elevated air pollution. It is recommended that these individuals monitor air quality levels and take appropriate precautions, such as reducing time spent outdoors or limiting physical activity during periods of poor air quality.
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Hamilton, Ontario
While Canada is far down on the World Health Organization's list of countries with the worst air pollution, there are still cities within the country that suffer from poor air quality. In 2016, Hamilton, Ontario, had the highest rate of air pollution in the province, with an average of 7.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre. This was mostly due to industry and car travel.
Hamilton Mountain, Ontario, has an overall air quality index of 5. Its PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) AQI is 5, its NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) AQI is 1, its SO2 (sulphur dioxide) AQI is 0, and its O3 (ozone) AQI is 18. Sulphur dioxide emissions in Hamilton are among the highest in the country, second only to Trail, B.C., and Saguenay, Quebec. These high levels of SO2 are likely due to industrial activity, particularly smelters.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is an initiative between Environment Canada, Health Canada, and the Province of Ontario. It provides information on the current and forecasted maximum air quality levels in different areas. On May 16, 2025, the AQHI for Hamilton Downtown was 4, indicating moderate risk. At this level, individuals experiencing symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation are advised to consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities.
To improve air quality in Canada, the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) were developed by federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The CAAQS establish baseline air quality standards that tighten every five years. While most Canadian cities achieved the 2020 and 2025 CAAQS in 2017-2018, some, like Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Toronto, failed to meet the standards for nitrogen dioxide or fine particulate matter.
Overall, while Hamilton, Ontario, has had issues with air pollution, particularly from industrial sources, there are ongoing efforts to improve air quality across Canada through initiatives like the CAAQS.
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Frequently asked questions
While Canada is far down the World Health Organization's list of worst offenders for air pollution, there is no clear data on which Canadian city has the least air pollution. However, Saskatoon fell below the WHO's recommended maximum level of 10 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter in 2016.
Canada has some of the cleanest air in the world. However, air pollution still poses significant health risks, especially in cities. The energy required to meet the demands of the country's growing economy mostly comes from fossil fuels, which affects air quality.
The Canadian government is taking action to reduce air pollution through regulations developed and implemented under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999). These regulations aim to limit the number of pollutants released into the atmosphere each year. Additionally, the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) were established to set baseline air quality standards that tighten every five years.
