Southwest B.C. Braces for Intense Pollen Surge This Weekend, Expert Warns

Residents of southwestern British Columbia should prepare for an intense pollen season, with Vancouver, Burnaby, and Victoria expected to see a significant surge in airborne allergens starting this weekend, according to a leading pollen research lab.

After a colder-than-usual start to the year, pollen levels had remained relatively low, but rising temperatures will now trigger a sharp increase, said Daniel Coates, director of Ottawa-based Aerobiology Research Laboratories, which tracks airborne allergens across Canada.

"Because it's getting warmer, we're going to see quite high levels of cedar this weekend, which is stereotypically the start of the pollen season," Coates explained.

Which Pollens Will Be Worst?

• Cedar pollen will be at very high levels through Monday.

• Alder, hazel, and elm pollen—which are known to cause intense allergy symptoms—will surge over the next two weeks.

• These allergens can trigger congestion, coughing, sneezing, and worsened respiratory issues for those with pollen sensitivities.

Pollen Season Starts Late—But Could Last Longer

Coates noted that B.C.’s pollen season typically begins in late January, but this year’s cold weather pushed it back by several weeks. However, he warned that this delay doesn’t mean a milder season—in fact, the warming trend could make it worse.

His lab’s data suggests that pollen levels in Canada have steadily increased over the past 30 years, with longer and more intense allergy seasons due to climate change.

"With warmer seasons, we see more pollen production," Coates explained.

Managing Allergy Symptoms

Since there is no cure for pollen allergies, Coates recommended several ways to reduce exposure:
✅ Rinse nasal passages with water to remove pollen buildup.
✅ Wear sunglasses outdoors to prevent pollen from getting in your eyes.
✅ Keep pets out of the bedroom, as they can carry pollen indoors.

Could It Be Worse? Yes—at Least It’s Not Ragweed

While southwestern B.C. will be hit hard in the coming weeks, Coates reassured locals that they are spared from Canada’s worst pollen offender: ragweed.

"You guys are lucky in British Columbia—you don’t get the worst pollen type, which is ragweed," he said.

Still, with allergy season ramping up fast, experts urge B.C. residents to stock up on allergy medication and prepare for worsening symptoms in the coming weeks.