Drone Laws in Canada
Under 250g, yes, freely. For 250g+, a visitor must hold a Canadian pilot certificate and, because foreigners cannot register a drone in Canada, apply for a Foreign Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC), a real barrier.
Canada regulates drones through Transport Canada, and visitors face a real barrier above 250g because foreigners cannot register a drone and need a Foreign Special Flight Operations Certificate.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Drone rules change frequently and vary by location. Always confirm the current rules with the national aviation authority (linked below) before you fly. Last reviewed: July 2026.
Aviation authority
Transport CanadaThe rules
- Registration
- For drones 250g-25kg (CAD $10 as of April 2025); a pilot certificate (Basic/Advanced) is separate. Under-250g drones are exempt.
- Remote ID
- Not currently required (only proposed).
- Maximum altitude
- 122 m (400 ft).
- Line of sight
- VLOS for Basic/Advanced. Lower-risk BVLOS is possible under a newer Level 1 Complex certificate (age 18+); higher-risk needs an SFOC.
- No-fly and distance rules
- Basic ops keep 30 m from bystanders; controlled airspace needs authorisation via NAV Drone. Since April 2025 even micro-drones need an SFOC to fly at advertised events.
- Commercial and paid work
- Rules are set by environment, not payment: a registered drone + Basic/Advanced certificate; complex/BVLOS needs Level 1 Complex or an SFOC.
- Notable restrictions
- Recreational drone use is banned in all national parks/historic sites without a permit (Parks Canada fines up to $25,000).
- Penalties
- Individuals up to $1,000 (no certificate) / $3,000 (restricted areas) / $5,000 (unregistered); corporations up to $25,000; can stack.
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Find a local drone pilotOfficial sources
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Drone rules change frequently and vary by location. Always confirm the current rules with the national aviation authority (linked below) before you fly. Last reviewed: July 2026.