Is a pepper gun legal in Canada?

Asked by: Dr. Jaime Mayert II  |  Last update: June 17, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (31 votes)

No, traditional pepper spray/mace is illegal in Canada as a prohibited weapon for self-defense; however, some non-lethal launchers (like Byrna) are legal if they fire below 500 FPS and don't contain chemical irritants, while bear spray is permitted for animal defense, not human use, with serious penalties for misuse.

Are pepperball guns legal in Canada?

Chemical irritants, including pepper-based rounds, can fall under prohibited weapon regulations in Canada. Carrying or discharging a pepperball gun in public—even for self-defense—can lead to criminal charges.

Is it legal to own a pellet gun in Canada?

In Canada, the legal limit for air guns that do not require a firearms license (PAL) is 500 fps muzzle velocity. Air guns that exceed both 500 fps AND 5.7 joules / 4.2 foot-pounds of muzzle energy are classified as firearms and require licensing and registration. But no store will sell it unless you show a valid PAL.

Which type of guns are legal in Canada?

Non-restricted

  • Rimfire rifles (manual or semi-automatic)
  • Shotguns (manual, break-action and most self-loading models)
  • Manual centrefire rifles.
  • Long-barreled, semi-automatic centrefire rifles which use a non-detactable magazine of five rounds or less (and are not a variant of a prohibited model)

What type of self-defense is allowed in Canada?

The core law that governs self-defence in Canada is Section 34 of the Criminal Code. You may act in self-defence if you reasonably believe force is being used against you or someone else, or that a threat of force is being made against you or someone else, and your response is reasonable in the circumstances.

The Byrna Is A Bad Option For Canadian Self Defence -- A Lawyer Explains

43 related questions found

What can I carry instead of pepper spray in Canada?

That means you cannot buy, carry, or use pepper spray to protect yourself. The only exception is animal repellents like bear spray, which are legal if used as intended — but using them on people can still lead to criminal charges.

Can I carry a taser in Canada?

Both tasers and stun guns are considered prohibited weapons, and possession and use of these items are fully banned under the Canada Criminal Code on Prohibited Weapons. Similarly, any item carried for the express purpose of self-defence is considered illegal in Canada.

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.

What weapons are not allowed in Canada?

Prohibited

  • Handguns with barrels equal to or less than 105 mm in length.
  • Handguns designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32 calibre cartridge. ...
  • Firearms adapted from a rifle or shotgun, whether by sawing, cutting or any other alteration, and that, as so adapted are:

What is the most popular gun in Canada?

Leading the pack is the Remington Model 700 , a rifle that has earned its reputation as a workhorse for hunters and marksmen alike.

Does a pellet gun count as a firearm?

No, federally, pellet guns aren't firearms because they use compressed air, not explosives, but state and local laws vary, with some places treating powerful ones like firearms, requiring background checks or restricting them, so local laws trump federal definitions, and it's crucial to check your city/state rules, as regulations on age, purchase, and public carry differ significantly. 

Do you need a pal for a pellet gun in Canada?

Are Airguns Legal in Canada? License Required? Non-restricted airguns can be purchased and used without a firearms license. Restricted airguns (over 500 FPS and 5.7 Joules) require a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL).

Can I take my Byrna into Canada?

Yes. The Byrna launchers are considered firearms under the Canadian Criminal Code, however, they are EXEMPT from licensing requirements because the Byrna has a firing velocity below 500 ft/sec (150 meters/sec).

Does Walmart carry Byrna?

Yes, Walmart sells Byrna products, but primarily their less-lethal projectiles and refill kits, like pepper balls and kinetic rounds, rather than the actual Byrna launchers (pistols/rifles) themselves, which are usually found on the official Byrna website or specialized retailers like Airguns of Arizona. You can find items like Byrna Eco-Kinetic Projectiles and Byrna Max Pepper/Tear Gas Blends on Walmart's website. 

Can you defend yourself against an intruder in Canada?

“You can do anything that's reasonable in the circumstances, not anything you want,” Schofield said in an interview with CTV Your Morning. “It really is context-based.” Unlike the “Castle Law” in the U.S., Canada's Criminal Code allows the use of force only when it is deemed “reasonable” and “proportionate.”

Is Canada banning .22 rifles?

22-caliber semi-automatic rifle, was not prohibited in Canada's recent ban announced on March 7, 2025. The prohibition list published by the Government of Canada specifically targets certain makes and models of firearms, but the Ruger 10/22 does not appear on this list.

Can I own an AK-47 in Canada?

Based on Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code , receiver blanks can be classified as non-restricted, restricted or prohibited. The most common in Canada are for: Colt M1911, SIG 226 and Glock 17 pattern handguns (all restricted firearms) AK-47 and AR-15/M16 pattern rifles (both prohibited firearms)

What self defense weapons are illegal in Canada?

If you are found to be carrying a weapon, i.e baseball bats, pocket knives, bear spray or pepper spray for the primary purpose of self defence, this can result in weapon charges and a potential multi-year prison sentence.

Can I carry a gun while hiking 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 you have a loaded gun in your house in Canada?

And do not think you can keep a loaded handgun ready in your home in case of intruders. All firearms must be unloaded and secured by a locking device so that they cannot be fired, or they must locked into a room or container that is hard to break into.

How hard is it to get a gun license in Canada?

In order to obtain your licence to buy a gun, you need proper training. In Canada, the RCMP and Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) require individuals to take a firearms training course called the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC).

Can you shoot a bear in self-defense in Canada?

Under Canadian law, there is no such thing as using a firearm for self-defense. In fact, carrying a firearm purely for self-defence is illegal. If there is a struggle of some kind and one has to defend themselves, for your safety and theirs, do not use a firearm.

What is the best home self-defense weapon?

Best Home Defense Guns

  1. Glock 19 Gen 5 – Best CCW. ...
  2. Walther PDP Full Size 4.5 – Best Full-Size Pistol. ...
  3. Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS – Best State-Compliant Pistol. ...
  4. Mossberg 590A1 – Best Pump-Action Shotgun. ...
  5. Beretta 1301 – Best Semi-Auto Shotgun. ...
  6. Palmetto State Armory AR-15 Pistols – Best Value AR-15.

Which is better, a stun gun or a taser?

Neither a stun gun nor a Taser is universally "better"; the choice depends on your need for distance vs. close-quarters, cost, and legalities, with Tasers offering immobilization from afar but costing more, while stun guns are cheaper, compact for direct contact, and better for general personal use. Tasers shoot probes for neuromuscular incapacitation from a distance, ideal for preventing attacks, while stun guns require direct contact to cause pain and muscle spasms.