Canada Drone Rules 2026: What Every Pilot Must Know

Whether you just unboxed your first quadcopter or you’re planning commercial work, knowing the Canada drone rules is the first step to flying legally and safely. Transport Canada regulates drones under the Canadian Aviation Regulations, and the rules changed in 2025 with new options for flying beyond visual line of sight. This guide summarizes the essentials for 2026 in plain language and points you to the official sources you should always check before you fly.

Who Regulates Drones in Canada?

Transport Canada sets the rules for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), the official term for drones. The rules depend mainly on your drone’s weight and on where and how you fly. Always confirm the latest requirements on the Transport Canada drone safety pages, since details can change.

Canada Drone Rules by Weight

Microdrones Under 250 g

Lightweight drones under 250 g are popular precisely because they don’t need registration or a certificate. That doesn’t mean anything goes: you’re still responsible for flying safely and respecting privacy and trespass laws. Transport Canada also notes that flying a microdrone at an advertised event now requires an SFOC.

Registering Your Drone

Any drone weighing 250 g up to 25 kg must be registered with Transport Canada through its Drone Management Portal, and the registration number must be marked on the drone. The registration fee is $10 per drone (in effect since April 1, 2025). You must carry proof of registration whenever you fly.

Basic vs Advanced Operations

Your flight is classed by where you fly and how close you get to people.

Basic Operations

According to Transport Canada, you’re conducting a basic operation when you meet all of these conditions:

• Your drone weighs no more than 25 kg.
• You can always see it (visual line of sight).
• You fly in uncontrolled airspace.
• You stay more than 30 m (100 ft) horizontally from bystanders.
• You stay more than 5.6 km (3 nautical miles) from the centre of certified airports and more than 1.9 km (1 nautical mile) from the centre of heliports.
• You never fly over bystanders.

For basic operations you need a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations, which requires passing Transport Canada’s online Small Basic Exam. You must be at least 14 years old. The certificate is issued right after you pass and doesn’t expire, though you’re expected to keep your skills current. Details are on the basic operations page.

Advanced Operations

If you don’t meet every basic condition, for example you want to fly in controlled airspace near an airport or closer than 30 m to people, your flight is an advanced operation. That requires an advanced pilot certificate (online exam plus an in-person flight review), a drone suited to the operation, and, in controlled airspace, permission from the air navigation service provider (NAV CANADA).

What Changed in 2025: BVLOS and Sheltered Operations

Transport Canada’s 2025 update, which took effect on November 4, 2025, opened up new types of flying without the need for a special certificate in many cases:

• Lower-risk beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS): requires a new Level 1 Complex Operations pilot certificate (minimum age 18, online exam, at least 20 hours of ground school and a flight review), plus an RPAS Operator Certificate. These flights must stay below 122 m (400 ft), away from airports, and generally at least 1 km from populated areas.
• Extended visual line of sight (EVLOS): using a trained visual observer, within 2 nautical miles, in uncontrolled airspace and more than 30 m from uninvolved people.
• Sheltered operations: small drones flown close to a structure, within 61 m horizontally and no more than 30 m above it.
• Medium drones (25 to 150 kg) within visual line of sight for certain advanced operations.

The full list, including fees, is in Transport Canada’s 2025 summary of changes.

Everyday Safety Rules

• Keep your drone below 122 m (400 ft) above ground.
• Check the airspace before every flight using Transport Canada’s recommended tools.
• Stay away from emergency operations and advertised events unless authorized.
• Do a pre-flight check of your drone, batteries and the weather. Cold Canadian winters shorten battery life noticeably.
• Respect privacy: don’t record people without consent, and follow provincial and municipal rules on where you can take off.
• Carry your pilot certificate and proof of registration.

Penalties

Flying without the required registration or certificate, or breaking the operating rules, can lead to fines from Transport Canada, and penalties for corporations are higher than for individuals. Endangering aircraft is treated especially seriously.

FAQ

Do I need a licence for a drone under 250 g in Canada?

No. Microdrones under 250 g don’t need registration or a pilot certificate, but you must still fly safely, and flying at an advertised event requires an SFOC.

How old do you have to be to get a drone certificate?

At least 14 for basic operations. The Level 1 Complex certificate for lower-risk BVLOS requires you to be 18.

How far from an airport can I fly a drone?

For basic operations, more than 5.6 km from the centre of a certified airport and more than 1.9 km from a heliport. Closer flights require advanced operations and permission.

Can I fly my drone beyond visual line of sight?

Since November 4, 2025, lower-risk BVLOS is possible with a Level 1 Complex certificate and an RPAS Operator Certificate, subject to strict conditions.