Canada Travel Alert: Wildfires, Safety Concerns, and Tourism Surge Dominate 2025 Summer Travel Landscape Podcast By cover art

Canada Travel Alert: Wildfires, Safety Concerns, and Tourism Surge Dominate 2025 Summer Travel Landscape

Canada Travel Alert: Wildfires, Safety Concerns, and Tourism Surge Dominate 2025 Summer Travel Landscape

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 As of June 21, 2025, anyone interested in traveling to Canada should be aware that both Canadian and U.S. authorities are issuing updates and reminders about travel safety and conditions. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Canada, which means travelers should exercise normal precautions. This advisory, released on June 11, 2025, specifically reminds people of the potential risks associated with Canada’s 2025 wildfire season. Wildfires are common in forested and grassland regions across Canada from May to September, and last year the country experienced record-breaking fires affecting every province and territory. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates advise travelers to stay aware of wildfire conditions, monitor local authorities’ guidance, and prepare emergency plans if venturing into impacted areas. Montreal, for example, recently recorded some of the world’s worst air quality due to wildfire smoke.

Global Affairs Canada has also updated its advisories for the 2025 summer travel season, with heightened scrutiny compared to previous years. While Canada itself is considered safe and encourages domestic travel — with Ottawa expecting record hotel bookings and launching a Canada Strong Pass for free or discounted entry to national parks and museums — Canadians are being more cautious about travel abroad, especially in regions flagged for instability and environmental hazards.

For those heading to the U.S., Canadian officials remind travelers of ongoing large-scale demonstrations in several American cities, notably Los Angeles, and warn of stricter border searches and increased registration requirements for travelers. Canadians abroad are encouraged to register their trips online with the Registration of Canadians Abroad system, enabling the government to contact them in emergencies and send critical updates about changing safety conditions.

Domestic travel within Canada is thriving, partly due to concerns about international destinations. Skyscanner data shows a 95 percent increase in flight searches from Ottawa to Edmonton since the start of the year, with Calgary and Winnipeg also popular. Ottawa has seen a 49 percent rise in round-trip bookings, reflecting a trend toward regional vacations or multi-leg journeys within the country. Tourism officials attribute this surge to a drop in U.S. travel and a growing sense of civic pride.

Listeners considering a visit to Canada this summer can expect vibrant tourism, especially surrounding Canada Day celebrations. However, they should remain alert to regional wildfire risks and stay informed through official channels such as the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates, and Global Affairs Canada. Americans and Canadians alike are urged to monitor air quality updates, prepare for possible wildfire-related disruptions, and heed all local advisories while traveling throughout Canada during this active wildfire season.
No reviews yet