Emergency Help Abroad - Canada

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Canada — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Cannabis is legal, but only for those over 18–19 depending on the province; public consumption rules vary widely.

• Possessing or using illegal drugs remains a criminal offence and can result in arrest and prosecution.

• Carrying firearms, pepper spray or certain knives without proper licensing is illegal.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is heavily enforced and penalties include large fines, licence suspension and prison time.

• Alcohol laws differ by province; drinking in public or carrying open containers may be illegal.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Indigenous cultural sites and lands must be respected; damaging or entering off-limits areas can lead to prosecution.

• Removing artefacts, stones or natural items from protected parks is illegal.

• Modesty and respectful behaviour are expected in religious buildings.

• Public nudity is prohibited except in designated areas.

• Littering in national parks, lakes or public spaces can result in fines.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification; visitors should carry their passport or a copy.

• Disorderly behaviour, public intoxication or fighting can lead to arrest.

• Aggressive behaviour on public transport or in nightlife zones may result in removal or penalties.

• Scams can occur in busy city centres, especially involving ATMs or ticket kiosks.

• Offering bribes to officials or police is a criminal offence.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Public transport systems require valid tickets; fare evasion results in fines.

• Driving without a valid licence, international permit or insurance is illegal.

• Speed limits, road rules and seatbelt laws are enforced strictly.

• Wildlife-related driving laws (e.g., slowing down in animal-crossing zones) must be followed.

• Overstaying your permitted entry can lead to removal or bans.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is regulated and requires certification for anything beyond recreational flying.

• Flying drones near airports, national parks or crowds can result in heavy fines.

• Photographing certain government or military facilities is restricted.

• Using photos of individuals for commercial purposes without consent may breach privacy laws.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Starting fires outside designated areas is prohibited, especially during wildfire season.

• Feeding wildlife, including bears, elk or birds, is illegal and dangerous.

• Swimming or hiking in closed zones can lead to penalties or rescue charges.

• Dumping waste in lakes, rivers or natural spaces is strictly prohibited.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Removing plants, rocks or cultural items from protected areas is illegal.

• Entering roped-off trails or closed natural areas may result in fines.

• Disrupting wildlife or approaching dangerous animals is prohibited and unsafe.

• Buying or transporting items made from protected species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels normal or automatic in the UK may be approached very differently in Canada.

• Don’t approach or feed wildlife, including bears, elk, moose and smaller animals; it’s dangerous for you and harmful for them.

• Don’t underestimate distances or road conditions, especially in winter or remote areas, where driving can be challenging and services sparse.

• Don’t drink and drive under any circumstances, as Canada enforces strict drink-driving laws with heavy fines and possible criminal records.

• Don’t use drones in national parks without permission, as restrictions are strict and fines can be significant.

• Don’t ignore local avalanche, fire or trail-closure warnings, particularly in mountain regions; they are issued for genuine safety reasons.

• Don’t assume cannabis is legal everywhere in the same way, as rules vary by province and there are restrictions on where you can consume it.

• Don’t leave food, coolers or rubbish unsecured in bear country, including at campsites and picnic areas, where attractants must be carefully managed.

• Don’t walk on frozen lakes or rivers without local advice, as ice thickness varies and accidents can be fatal.

• Don’t treat Indigenous sites, art and communities as tourist props, and always show respect for local cultures and land rights.

• Don’t ignore extreme cold-weather warnings, failing to dress properly or risking frostbite on exposed skin.

• Don’t jaywalk in busy urban areas, such as major intersections, where crossing outside designated points can incur fines.

• Don’t block cycle lanes or pathways when stopping for photos, especially in cities with strong cycling cultures.

• Don’t litter in parks, lakes or wilderness areas, as Canada places high value on pristine natural environments.

• Don’t leave valuables visible in vehicles at trailheads or city car parks, as smash-and-grab theft can occur.

• Don’t assume tipping is optional in service industries, as tipping around 15–20% is standard in restaurants, bars and taxis.

• Don’t underestimate the power of rivers, waterfalls and rapids, and avoid climbing over barriers or fencing for a better photo.

• Don’t smoke where it’s prohibited, including within certain distances of doorways, patios or public spaces, depending on local bylaws.

• Don’t assume mobile reception is guaranteed outside towns, and avoid risky hikes or drives without telling someone your plans.

• Don’t be careless with campfires or cigarettes, especially in dry seasons, where wildfires spread quickly and penalties are severe.

• Don’t ignore rules on alcohol in public spaces, as open-container laws vary and drinking in the wrong place can lead to fines.