Drone Laws in Toronto: Parks Bylaw, Controlled Airspace and Where You Can Fly

Toronto is one of the hardest places in Canada to fly a drone casually. Two layers of rules overlap: federal aviation rules (with large areas of controlled airspace) and the City of Toronto parks bylaw.

Layer 1: the City of Toronto parks bylaw

Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 608 (Parks), section 608-19, states that while in a park, no person shall operate powered models of aircraft, rockets, watercraft or vehicles unless authorized by permit. In practice, the City treats this as prohibiting drone take-offs and landings in city parks without a permit, and municipal bylaw officers enforce it.

• This applies to city parks — including popular waterfront and ravine parks.
• Filming productions typically go through the City’s film permit process.
• Neighbouring GTA municipalities such as Mississauga, Brampton and Hamilton have similar park restrictions.

Layer 2: controlled airspace

Toronto Pearson is one of the busiest airports in North America, and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport sits on the downtown waterfront. Large parts of the city lie in controlled airspace, and there are many heliports (including hospitals).

See controlled airspace and NAV Drone.

Other places to avoid

• Rouge National Urban Park: as a Parks Canada place, recreational drones are prohibited — see Canadian parks.
• Events such as parades, festivals, marathons and fireworks — SFOC required. See advertised events.
• Emergency scenes and police operations.

How to fly legally in the Toronto area

1. Check airspace in NAV Drone or another recommended tool before choosing a site.
2. Choose a take-off spot outside city parks, on private land where you have permission.
3. With an Advanced certificate, request NAV CANADA authorization for controlled airspace.
4. Keep 30 m from bystanders in basic operations — see flying near people.
5. Consider model aircraft club fields outside the core.

Province-wide rules: Ontario drone laws.