As of June 14, 2025, Canada continues to be considered a very safe destination for international travelers, maintaining its Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions advisory according to the U.S. Department of State. This status means that travelers are encouraged to use common sense and basic safety measures, as Canada poses minimal risks compared to many other countries.
However, listeners should be aware of some noteworthy updates and current events that could impact travel plans. On June 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued a refreshed Level 1 advisory for Canada, with a specific emphasis on the country’s 2025 wildfire season. The advisory was prompted after cities like Montreal recently experienced severe air quality issues, at one point ranking as the second worst in the world due to smoke from wildfires. U.S. citizens, as well as other travelers, are urged to monitor wildfire conditions, heed local authority guidance, and prepare for possible disruptions, especially if visiting forested or grassland regions that are prone to fires from May through September, the typical wildfire season in Canada.
For urban travelers, while the risk remains low, there are reminders to remain vigilant. Certain Canadian cities, like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, have seen incidents of violent crime and opportunistic thefts such as smash-and-grab from parked vehicles. Listeners are advised to keep valuables out of sight, use hotel safes when possible, and be cautious in crowded tourist spots where pickpocketing may occur. Simple precautions such as not leaving belongings in vehicles and staying alert in busy areas can greatly reduce the risk of theft.
Demonstrations and public gatherings occasionally occur in major Canadian cities. Travelers are advised to avoid these events, follow the instructions of local authorities, and stay informed through local news sources.
Travelers from Canada to the United States should also take note of stricter border measures introduced earlier in 2025. Canadians staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days now must register with U.S. authorities, and border crossings have seen increased scrutiny amid rising bilateral tensions, new tariffs, and heightened political rhetoric, which have already led to a decline in transborder travel.
While Canada’s travel advisory status remains at its safest level, listeners are encouraged to plan ahead, stay up to date on local conditions—particularly regarding wildfires—and exercise basic precautions, especially in urban and high-tourism areas. Checking official resources such as the Government of Canada’s travel pages, local weather updates, and the U.S. Department of State’s advisories before and during your trip will ensure a smooth and safe experience.
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