Drone Laws in British Columbia: Wildfires, BC Parks and Hunting Rules

British Columbia’s landscapes draw drone pilots from across the world. Alongside federal rules, the province has some of the strictest provincial laws affecting drones in Canada.

1. Wildfires: the strictest rule

B.C.’s Wildfire Act makes interfering with wildfire control activities an offence, and the BC Wildfire Service explicitly includes drones. Penalties can reach $100,000 and/or one year in jail. Under federal rules, flying within 9.3 km (5 NM) of a wildfire is prohibited without permission.

• Report drones near wildfires: *5555 on a cellphone or the provincial toll-free line.
• Check the BC Wildfire Service map before planning summer flights.

Details: drones, wildfires and emergency scenes.

2. Hunting and trapping

B.C.’s Wildlife Act hunting regulation makes it illegal to operate or possess a drone, or use data obtained by a drone, while on a hunting or trapping expedition. It’s also illegal for a third party to use a drone to help a hunter or trapper. See drones, hunting and wildlife.

3. Parks

Vancouver specifics: drone laws in Vancouver.

4. Mountains and backcountry

• Helicopters (heli-skiing, rescue, logging, firefighting) fly low in valleys — give way and land if you hear one.
• Mountain weather changes fast; wind and turbulence near ridges are dangerous — see flying in wind.
• Cold at altitude drains batteries — see winter flying.

5. Coastal airspace

Seaplane routes and water aerodromes are common along the coast. Check charts and airspace tools, and stay well away from floatplane operations.

Federal rules still apply everywhere

Registration, certificates, altitude limits, distances from people and airspace rules apply throughout B.C. Start with our Canada drone rules guide.