Vancouver's air quality ranks 22nd worst globally as wildfires blanket the region
Fine particles from provincial wildfires have pushed Vancouver's AQI to 76. West End air quality is particularly bad, with readings in the unhealthy range for sensitive groups.
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Vancouver's air quality has deteriorated rapidly over the past week, ranking 22nd globally for worst air on Wednesday, July 22, according to IQAir's real-time measurements.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 76 as of mid-morning, making Vancouver the worst in Canada among cities IQAir tracks. The main culprit: PM2.5 fine particles from wildfires burning across B.C.
The West End is experiencing the worst local conditions, with an AQI of 107—classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups. A sustained indoor temperature of 26°C is already considered a threshold for heat-related illness risk; poor air quality compounds that danger for vulnerable residents.
Metro Vancouver Regional District's own Air Quality Health Index reports low risk across most of Metro Vancouver as of mid-morning Wednesday, though Southwest Metro Vancouver is at medium risk and parts of the Eastern Fraser Valley are at high risk. IQAir's forecast expects conditions to improve over the course of Wednesday.
The shift marks a sharp reversal from last week, when Vancouver ranked among the top 10 cities globally for air quality. The spread of wildfire activity across the province is the driving factor behind the rapid degradation.
The facts
How did Vancouver rank globally for air quality on July 22, 2026?
Vancouver ranked 22nd worst globally for air quality on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, according to IQAir's real-time measurements.
What was Vancouver's Air Quality Index reading?
Vancouver's AQI hit 76 as of mid-morning on July 22, 2026, making it the worst in Canada among cities IQAir tracks.
Which Vancouver neighbourhood had the worst air quality?
The West End experienced the worst local conditions with an AQI of 107, classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups.
What caused the rapid decline in Vancouver's air quality?
PM2.5 fine particles from wildfires burning across British Columbia pushed Vancouver's air quality to hazardous levels.
