Banff and the Bow Valley are breathing easier this week after a spell of wildfire smoke prompted air quality warnings in late July. Environment Canada has lifted all alerts for the area, and current conditions show a mix of sun and cloud with temperatures around 19°C on Monday, August 24, 2026.
The smoke that blanketed the region came from wildfires in British Columbia, Washington State, the Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan. On July 24, Environment Canada upgraded an air quality warning from yellow to orange for Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, Kananaskis Country, the Municipal District of Bighorn, and nearby communities including Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation. At that time, dense smoke caused very poor air quality and reduced visibility, but conditions were expected to improve for most areas that weekend.
By Monday morning, the air quality index in Banff had dropped to 36, which IQAir classifies as good. The seven-day forecast from Environment Canada calls for mostly sunny skies and warming temperatures, reaching a high of 28°C on Wednesday, August 26, with a chance of showers returning by the weekend.
Despite the improved air, a fire ban remains in effect for all areas of Banff National Park, put in place on July 30 due to elevated fire danger. Parks Canada reports there are currently no active wildfires inside the park.
Health officials remind residents that during smoky periods, people aged 65 and older, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people with chronic health conditions, and those working outdoors should limit strenuous outdoor activity. With the smoke clearing, outdoor plans can resume, but the fire ban means campfires and other open flames remain prohibited until further notice.
