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 (O₃), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). 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 — GeoMet OGC API
Published under the Open Government Licence — Canada
AQHI values are updated hourly based on real-time monitoring station data from the Ottawa area.
Today's Events in Ottawa
Butterflies in Flight
Over 100 live butterflies from 20+ species flutter in the museum solarium. New pupae arrive weekly from Costa Rica and Philippines. Included with museum admission.
Wheelers Maple – 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.
Rideau Hall Historic Skating Rink
Free public skating at Rideau Hall's refrigerated historic rink, established 1872. Restored heritage Winter Pavilion. Weather dependent, open through March 29.
Fulton's Sugar Bush – Maple Season 2026
Experience a sixth-generation family sugar bush with sleigh rides, maple taffy, walking trails, campfires, and certified organic maple products.
Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm – Maple Season
Experience traditional maple season at this heritage working farm with sugarbush tours, tractor rides, maple taffy, animal barn, and more.
Maple Fest at Proulx Farm
Family-friendly maple season celebration featuring pancake house, sugar bush tours, wagon rides, petting farm, and maple syrup production demonstrations.
Upcoming Events This Week
Butterflies in Flight
Over 100 live butterflies from 20+ species flutter in the museum solarium. New pupae arrive weekly from Costa Rica and Philippines. Included with museum admission.
Free Thursday Nights at National Gallery
Free Thursday evening admission with seasonal refreshments, live music, and art-making activities. Presented by BMO at the Scotiabank Great Hall.
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 – 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.
Rideau Hall Historic Skating Rink
Free public skating at Rideau Hall's refrigerated historic rink, established 1872. Restored heritage Winter Pavilion. Weather dependent, open through March 29.