On 11 June 2025, the United States government issued a Level 1 state advisory for Canada, urging citizens to “exercise normal precautions” while remaining alert to potential risks. The advisory was issued just days after Montreal’s air quality ranked as the second worst in the world due to smoke from widespread wildfires, raising alarms about public health and environmental hazards.
According to the website of the US Embassy and Consulates in Canada, wildfires are a seasonal occurrence, typically affecting forested and grassland regions across Canada between May and September. While Canada is still viewed as a “safe destination,” visitors are advised to be cautious.
In 2024, the country faced a record amount of wildfire activity, which affected all 13 provinces and territories. Considering this, US citizens residing in or visiting Canada are strongly advised to stay informed about local wildfire conditions and adhere to instructions from Canadian authorities.
The sky over Manitoba and Saskatchewan turned an eerie red from wildfire smoke.
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) June 5, 2025
Hundreds of wildfires are burning in Canada, bringing rounds of smoke and haze to millions across Canada and the United States. https://t.co/vrZQqgt0GJ pic.twitter.com/V6g1Pd8zGU
In case of an emergency, Americans are advised to call 911 for immediate help from ambulance, fire services, or police in Canada. Additionally, they are also encouraged to review the Country Security Report for Canada as well as get the most up-to-date travel health information for their trip from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
What’s more, travellers are urged to review Canada’s governmental wildfire page for detailed information regarding emergency response, support initiatives, and health-related measures for ongoing wildfires. US citizens should also be aware of local hazards and register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates.
Diplomatic tensions have also contributed to increased travel scrutiny. As of April 2025, the Trump administration implemented a new travel regulation requiring certain visitors, including Canadians, to register their information with the US government. This move followed a sharp drop in Canadian visitors to the US, reportedly due to political friction and economic threats.
Data from Statistics Canada indicates that in March 2025, cross-border travel by road fell by 38%, while air travel dropped by 24%. The decline came shortly after Canada updated its travel advisory for the U.S. in response to tightened immigration enforcement and the threat of tariffs by President Trump.
By monitoring official resources and enrolling in STEP, visitors can enhance their safety while traveling in Canada. US travellers should remain cautious, stay informed, and be prepared for potential disruptions.
