This page brings together everything you need to know about drone laws in Canada, from the federal Canadian Aviation Regulations (Part IX) to provincial and city rules. Each section links to a detailed guide. Rules change: always confirm with Transport Canada before you fly.
Start here
- Canada drone rules 2026: what every pilot must know
- Sub-250 g drones: what microdrone pilots can and can’t do
- Recreational vs commercial flying: is there a difference?
- Age requirements for young pilots
Registration, certificates and permits
- How to register a drone in Canada
- How to pass the Small Basic exam
- Advanced pilot certificate: exam and privileges
- Preparing for the flight review
- Recency requirements every 24 months
- Level 1 Complex operations (BVLOS)
- RPAS Operator Certificate
- Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOC)
- Rules for foreign pilots visiting Canada
Where and how you can fly
- Controlled airspace and NAV Drone authorization
- Flying near people and crowds
- Safety assurance declarations
- Visual line of sight, FPV and visual observers
- Night flying rules
- Advertised events
- Wildfires and emergency scenes
- National, provincial and city parks
Responsibilities and enforcement
- Site surveys
- Record keeping requirements
- Accidents and incident reporting
- Fines and penalties
- Privacy: what you can and can’t film
- Hunting and wildlife laws
- Drone insurance
- Starting a drone business: legal checklist
Provincial and city laws
Key numbers to remember
| Rule | Value |
|---|---|
| Registration and certificate threshold | 250 g take-off weight |
| Maximum altitude (standard rules) | 122 m (400 ft) above ground |
| Basic: distance from bystanders | More than 30 m (100 ft) |
| Basic: distance from certified airports / heliports | 5.6 km (3 NM) / 1.9 km (1 NM) |
| Wildfires | No flying within 9.3 km (5 NM) without permission |
| Minimum age: Basic / Advanced / Level 1 Complex | 14 / 16 / 18 |
| Basic exam | 35 questions, 90 min, 65% to pass |
| Advanced exam | 50 questions, 60 min, 80% to pass |
| Recency | Every 24 months |
| Maximum fines (individual / corporation) | Up to $3,000 / up to $25,000 per violation |
Questions? See our drone FAQ or contact us.