Can you carry a gun on you in Canada?

Asked by: Prof. Lambert Frami  |  Last update: March 9, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (42 votes)

Carrying handguns and restricted long guns If you want to request authorization to carry a handgun or restricted long gun for a lawful occupational purpose, you must obtain an Authorization to Carry from the Canadian Firearm Program.

Are you allowed to carry firearms in Canada?

In general, the only firearms allowed for wilderness protection are non-restricted rifles and shotguns. However, Canadian residents may be authorized to carry a handgun or restricted long gun for wilderness protection or for lawful occupational purposes if they: are licensed to possess restricted firearms.

Can a US citizen carry a gun in Canada?

Visiting Canada

Non-residents must be 18 years of age or older to use a firearm in Canada or to bring one into the country. If you are coming into Canada with a firearm, please fill out a Non-Resident Firearms Declaration form ( RCMP 5589) before you arrive at your entry point into Canada to save you time.

Can you carry a gun in your car in Canada?

Yes, you can carry a gun in your car in Canada, but it must be unloaded, out of sight, and in a locked container (like the trunk) or locked vehicle, with stricter rules for restricted/prohibited firearms requiring an Authorization to Transport (ATT) and locked safety devices. Non-restricted firearms (most hunting rifles/shotguns) must be unloaded and locked away or hidden in a locked car, while restricted firearms (handguns) need an ATT, a locked case, and a trigger lock. 

Can you carry a gun for self-defense in Canada?

Every Canadian has a right to personal safety and to defend oneself against a probable threat. However, in Canada, you cannot carry a weapon for the purpose of self defence.

Carrying Firearms While Hiking in Canada

33 related questions found

Is it legal to carry a gun while hiking?

Yes, you can carry a gun while hiking in many places, but it's complex and depends heavily on federal, state, and local laws, especially for public lands like National Parks (where state laws apply but discharge is often banned) and National Forests. Always check regulations for the specific land you're on (federal, state, private) and ensure you have necessary permits, as laws vary significantly by location and often restrict firearms in buildings like visitor centers.
 

Can personal security carry guns in Canada?

As per the Firearms Act, security guards in Canada can only carry and use a firearm if it is issued by their employer. They must have a valid firearms licence and an Authorization to Carry issued by the federal government. While on duty they must carry and present these when requested.

Can I travel through Canada with my firearm?

When crossing the border into Canada, hunters must declare all firearms in their possession. Declared rifles and shotguns may be carried through Canada while in transit to Alaska. Certain types of handguns are not permitted in Canada under any circumstances.

What can't you bring across the Canadian border?

You cannot bring illegal drugs, cannabis (even medical), most firearms/weapons (like pepper spray/mace), fresh fruits/veggies, raw meat, certain live animals/pets, and firewood across the Canadian border without permits; you must also declare items like alcohol, tobacco, large amounts of cash ($10k+), and any food, plant, or animal products, or risk seizure and fines. 

Can I bring a gun from Canada to the US?

If you are moving non-restricted or restricted firearms from Canada to the United States, you do not have to stop at a CBSA office when you leave the country. However, the United States requires an import permit. Visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for the required import permit.

Is Canada a gun-friendly country?

Concealed carry is prohibited outside of a lawful profession (e.g. security and trapping). Open carry of non-restricted rifles is federally permitted when adhering to transport regulations. Hunting with a restricted firearm (which includes handguns) is prohibited.

Can you bring a pocket knife into Canada by car?

While many types of folding knives are perfectly legal for ownership and carry-such as pocket knives, multi-tools, and utility knives-others, like switchblades and gravity knives, are prohibited under Canadian law.

What will Canada not let you in for?

You can be inadmissible to Canada for security (terrorism, espionage), criminality (serious crimes like DUI, theft, drug offenses), human rights violations (war crimes, crimes against humanity), financial reasons, misrepresentation on applications, health grounds (endangering public health/safety), or non-compliance with immigration laws, with inadmissibility preventing entry unless a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is granted. 

What not to pack for Canada?

You should not bring illegal drugs, cannabis (across the border), firearms, most explosives, certain weapons (like mace/pepper spray), obscene materials, hate propaganda, counterfeit items, or unrestricted amounts of alcohol/tobacco into Canada. Be very cautious with food (especially fresh fruits/veggies, raw meat, and plants), as many are restricted or prohibited; always declare them, and ensure camping gear is free of soil. Unapproved prescription drugs, unvaccinated pets, and undeclared currency over $10,000 CAD are also restricted or banned. 

Can I carry a gun in Canada in a car?

Lock non-restricted firearms and locked containers carrying restricted or prohibited firearms in the trunk or in a similar lockable compartment. If the vehicle does not have a trunk or lockable compartment, put firearms and firearm containers out of sight inside the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

Can I carry a pistol in Canada?

Carrying handguns and restricted long guns

If you want to request authorization to carry a handgun or restricted long gun for a lawful occupational purpose, you must obtain an Authorization to Carry from the Canadian Firearm Program.

What happens if you get caught with a handgun in Canada?

Possession of firearms in Canada is strictly regulated under the Firearms Act and Criminal Code. A valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) or Restricted PAL (RPAL) is mandatory to own firearms legally. Penalties for unauthorized possession can include imprisonment up to 14 years.

What can I carry in Canada for self-defense?

Some of the self-defense items that you can legally carry in Canada include dog sprays, personal safety alarms, self-defense keychains, safety whistles, and flashlights. It's important to note that while these items are legal, their use must be appropriate and proportional to the threat faced.

What country has the loosest gun laws?

Yemen does not require any permit or any license for the acquisition or selling of any types of firearms, including fully automatic firearms.

Can you use a gun to defend yourself in Canada?

Self-defence is legal in Canada, but it's severely limited under Section 34 of the Canadian Criminal Code. You cannot use weapons as self-defence tools (guns, knives, or other tools). Proving self-defence with a weapon, especially a gun, is exceedingly hard.

Why don't hikers carry guns?

Hikers often don't carry guns due to the extra weight, increased risk of accidents, potential for escalating conflicts, complex legal regulations across different areas, and the fact that firearms can make others uncomfortable, with many feeling they offer a false sense of security, as animal encounters are rare and bear spray is often more effective for wildlife. The logistics and responsibilities of firearm ownership in the backcountry add significant burdens, contrasting with the goal of lightweight, minimal-impact hiking.
 

Should I bring a gun while camping?

If you want to protect yourself from aggressive wild animals or possible assailants while you camp, carry a firearm. Call your destination's park office ahead of time to learn the rules regarding concealed carry. Then consider these five easy ways to carry firearms when camping to find your preferred carry position.

Can I take my gun to an airport in a backpack?

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only.

What not to do in Canada as an American?

What are the laws in Canada for tourists?

  • No drinking under the age of 19 (18 in some provinces)
  • No smoking in indoor public spaces.
  • No littering or feeding wildlife.
  • No bringing weapons, illegal drugs, or cannabis products across the border.
  • Fishing, hunting, and driving without a legitimate license.

Can a felon visit Canada?

Canada's admissibility laws are consistent across all border stations, so felons are equally at risk of being turned away at all land border crossings, Canadian airports, and even when arriving by ship. Flying into Canada with a felony can be particularly risky, however, as getting denied entry can be a disaster.