If spring leaves you reaching for tissues and allergy medication, Windsor may be the hardest place in Canada to call home.
A new 2026 ranking by Aerobiology, an Ottawa-based research lab, has named Windsor the most challenging Canadian city for people who suffer from pollen allergies.
Researchers estimate that between eight and 10 million Canadians — roughly one in five people — are affected by seasonal pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Common symptoms include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, coughing, itchy eyes, and watery eyes.
The annual ranking measures both the length of allergy season and how many days each city experiences high or very high airborne pollen levels.
According to the report, Windsor topped the list because of its long pollen season, strong concentrations of airborne allergens, dense surrounding vegetation, and weather conditions that help pollen spread. Researchers also pointed to highly allergenic plants common in the region, including birch, oak, and ragweed.
Top 5 Most Challenging Canadian Cities for Pollen Allergies in 2026
- Windsor
- Hamilton
- Barrie
- Victoria
- Kingston
Ontario cities dominated the upper end of the ranking, highlighting how local climate and vegetation patterns can significantly affect allergy sufferers.
Top 5 Canadian Cities With the Lowest Seasonal Pollen Burden
- St. John’s
- Saint John
- Regina
- Moncton
- Halifax
Experts say allergy sufferers can reduce symptoms by monitoring pollen forecasts, keeping windows closed on high-count days, showering after outdoor activity, and speaking with healthcare professionals about treatment options.
For many Canadians, seasonal allergies are more than a nuisance — and for residents of Windsor, they may be a way of life.