Radon Levels by Province: A Canadian Guide

Radon comes from uranium and radium in the ground. Some parts of Canada sit on geology that produces far more radon than others, which makes where you live a real factor in your risk, though not the only one.

Health Canada's cross-Canada survey, conducted from 2009 to 2011, tested radon in over 14,000 homes across every province and territory. It's the largest national dataset on indoor radon in Canada, and more recent regional studies have confirmed its findings.

Here's what the data shows.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has the highest average indoor radon concentrations of any province. The geology, particularly the Canadian Shield and ancient sedimentary rock, releases radon at higher rates than most of the country.

Health Canada's survey found roughly 26% of Saskatchewan homes had radon above 200 Bq/m³, more than twice the national average. In some areas, the proportion is even higher.

Average indoor level: ~200+ Bq/m³

If you're in Saskatchewan and haven't tested, testing is one of the highest-priority actions you can take for your family's health.

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Manitoba

Manitoba's radon situation mirrors Saskatchewan's. The provincial geology, particularly in southern Manitoba and Winnipeg, produces elevated radon. Health Canada's survey found roughly 17% of Manitoba homes exceeded 200 Bq/m³.

Winnipeg has been the focus of specific radon awareness campaigns. Readings vary quite a bit by neighbourhood, but the city-wide average is well above the national mean.

Average indoor level: ~160 Bq/m³

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New Brunswick

New Brunswick has higher radon than most Canadians would expect, driven by granitic geology in parts of the province. The Health Canada survey found about 8% of homes above 200 Bq/m³, but some areas are much higher than the provincial average.

Homeowners in the central and northern parts of the province should treat testing as a priority.

Average indoor level: ~100–120 Bq/m³

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Alberta

Alberta has real regional variation. Southern Alberta, including Calgary and surrounding areas, tends to run higher. Northern Alberta is generally lower. The province-wide average sits in a moderate range, but that average hides areas with quite high concentrations.

Calgary has been identified as one of the higher-risk major cities in Canada, and local awareness initiatives reflect that.

Average indoor level: ~80–100 Bq/m³

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Ontario

Ontario's average is close to the national mean, but the province is large. Northern Ontario, particularly over the Canadian Shield, tends to run higher. Southern Ontario, with its clay-heavy soils, is generally lower.

Health Canada's survey found about 4% of Ontario homes above 200 Bq/m³. Below the national average, but given Ontario's population, that's still a lot of homes.

Average indoor level: ~60–80 Bq/m³

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British Columbia

BC's radon profile is complicated by its geography. Interior BC, particularly the Kootenay and Thompson-Okanagan regions, has elevated radon due to granitic bedrock. Coastal areas, including Metro Vancouver, tend to be lower.

If you're in the BC Interior, your risk is meaningfully higher than the provincial average suggests.

Average indoor level: ~50–80 Bq/m³

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Quebec

Quebec's average indoor radon is among the lower in the country. But areas underlain by Canadian Shield rock, much of northern Quebec, have higher concentrations. Urban Quebec (Montreal, Quebec City) sits on different geology and tends to run lower.

Average indoor level: ~40–60 Bq/m³

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Atlantic Canada

Nova Scotia has moderate to elevated radon, with variation tied to the South Mountain Batholith granite formation running through the province. Prince Edward Island is generally lower due to its sedimentary geology. Newfoundland and Labrador has above-average risk driven by ancient Precambrian bedrock, particularly on the Avalon Peninsula.

The North

Data from Yukon, NWT, and Nunavut is less complete, but what exists suggests Yukon and parts of the NWT have elevated radon due to local geology. If you're in northern Canada, testing is recommended.

What this means for you

Provincial averages give you context, but they don't determine your home's radon level. Two houses on the same street can have very different readings depending on foundation type, ventilation, construction, and what's directly beneath them.

The only way to know your home's level is to test it. A long-term kit costs $30–$60 and takes 90 days. Given what we know about radon's health impact, it's worth doing regardless of where you live. If you're in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, or parts of Alberta and BC, the case is especially strong.