Ottawa Air Quality
Real-time Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Ottawa. Updated hourly by Environment Canada.
About the AQHI
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a scale from 1 to 10+ designed by Environment and Climate Change Canada to help you understand what the air quality around you means for your health. It measures the combined health risk from three pollutants: ground-level ozone (Oā), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide (NOā). Unlike traditional air quality indices that focus on pollution levels, the AQHI is specifically calibrated to reflect the health impact of air pollution.
Understanding the Scale
Data source: Environment and Climate Change Canada ā GeoMet OGC API
Published under the Open Government Licence ā Canada
AQHI values are updated hourly based on real-time monitoring station data from the Ottawa area.
When air quality is poor, head indoors
Best Museums in Ottawa
National Gallery, History Museum, War Museum, and more ā great indoor days when air quality is poor.
Read moreIndoorBest Escape Rooms in Ottawa
Challenge your team in air-filtered indoor spaces. Perfect for smoky or high-AQHI days.
Read moreIndoorBest Arcades in Ottawa
Retro arcades, bar games, and entertainment complexes ā indoor fun when the air isnāt great.
Read moreToday's Events in Ottawa
Wheelers Maple ā Pancake House & Sugar Bush
Year-round pancake house and maple experience featuring sugar bush tours, two museums, maple products, and seasonal activities in Lanark County.
Drag the Archive: Photographs of Queer Gender Performance
A collaborative exhibition showcasing the life and work of drag performer Paul "Peaches Latour" Fournier and queer rights activist Philip Hannan through archival photography.
University of Ottawa Earth Week 2026
Week-long celebration featuring environmental events and activities designed to bring people together and take action for the planet. Offered in English and French.
Ottawa Grassroots Festival 2026
14th annual multi-day music and community festival celebrating diverse cultures and languages with evening concerts and free daytime workshops and performances.
9th Korean Cinema Celebration in Canada: Ottawa Screenings
The 9th Korean Cinema Celebration in Canada brings free Ottawa screenings to ByTowne Cinema from April 24 to 27, with additional online screenings available on MovieBloc.
European Union Short Film Festival
The European Union Short Film Festival brings short dramas, experimental works, animation, and more from over 20 EU Member States to Arts Court Theatre.
Upcoming Events This Week
Trivia Tuesdays at The Barley Mow
Test your knowledge every Tuesday night at The Barley Mow! Grab your smartest friends (or the funniest ones) for trivia at 7pm.
Toddler Tuesdays at National Arts Centre
Interactive performing arts program for children aged 18 months - 5 years. Singing, dancing, games, story time and creative play with instructor Jesse Kahat.
Wheelers Maple ā Pancake House & Sugar Bush
Year-round pancake house and maple experience featuring sugar bush tours, two museums, maple products, and seasonal activities in Lanark County.
Art n Tell ā Monthly Artist Showcase
Monthly open mic for visual and performing artists of all disciplines and skill levels to showcase their work in a supportive community setting.
Canadian War Museum - Free Thursday Evenings
Free museum admission every Thursday evening with special exhibitions on Canadian military history. Reservations required.
Drag the Archive: Photographs of Queer Gender Performance
A collaborative exhibition showcasing the life and work of drag performer Paul "Peaches Latour" Fournier and queer rights activist Philip Hannan through archival photography.