Canada is known for its breathtaking scenery, friendly people, and its love for maple syrup, but the Great White North also boasts a set of bizarre laws that are likely to leave you scratching your head.
From restrictions on snake-wearing to prohibitions on climbing trees, Canada’s quirky rules give the country a certain charm.
While these laws are mostly outdated and rarely enforced, they still stand as a testament to some of the oddities of Canadian legal history. Here’s a deep dive into 15 of the strangest laws that exist in Canada.
1. No Pet Rats in Alberta
In Alberta, it’s illegal to own a pet rat. While many people keep rats as pets elsewhere, Alberta has a unique law on the books that prohibits them.
Rats are considered a significant pest, and the provincial government has made it a priority to keep the area free of them.
The law stems from fears that pet rats could escape, breed, and create a larger pest problem, threatening agriculture and the local ecosystem.
So, if you’re a rat lover, you might want to consider moving somewhere else or sticking with a hamster.
2. Witchcraft Was Illegal Until 2018
Until recently, pretending to practice witchcraft, including fortune telling, casting spells, or claiming occult knowledge, was a crime in Canada.
The law, found in Section 365 of the Criminal Code, was originally put in place in the 16th century and was rooted in British witchcraft laws.
Thankfully, the law was repealed in 2018, just in time for Halloween fun without the fear of a criminal charge.
While this law was never really enforced in modern times, it’s still fascinating that Canada maintained such a peculiar rule for so long.
3. Trick-or-Treating Has an Age Limit
In Bathurst, New Brunswick, the age limit for trick-or-treating is strictly enforced. If you’re over the age of 16 and caught collecting candy, you could face a fine of up to $200.
The law was passed in 2005 and updated in 2017 to lower the age limit to 16. While it may seem harsh, the reasoning behind this law is to curb older teens from exploiting the tradition for free candy.
However, enforcement is difficult since kids don’t often carry ID, leading to some pretty confusing situations on Halloween night.
4. It’s Illegal to Scare the King
Under Section 49 of Canada’s Criminal Code, it’s illegal to frighten or alarm the King (or anyone holding the throne) in Canada.
While this law sounds out of place in the modern age, it was put in place to ensure that the monarch or anyone in their presence wasn’t disturbed by practical jokes, pranks, or anything that could cause undue stress.
If you happen to be in the presence of royalty, it’s probably best to refrain from yelling “Boo!” or pulling any surprise stunts, as this could land you behind bars for up to 14 years.
5. Keep Your Dog Sleds Off the Sidewalk
In Hay River, Northwest Territories, it’s illegal to ride a dog sled on the sidewalk. In an area where dog sledding is a common mode of transportation, the law is designed to keep pedestrians safe.
It may sound like an odd rule, but it makes sense in a northern community where sledding is an everyday occurrence.
Imagine a team of dogs barreling down the sidewalk while you’re trying to take a stroll definitely a potential for chaos!
6. No Snakes in Public
In Fredericton, New Brunswick, it’s against the law to bring your snake or any other reptile into a public place.
The law likely stems from a 2015 incident where a six-and-a-half-foot boa constrictor escaped from its owner and slithered around the city.
The owner was reportedly wearing the snake around his neck, and the situation escalated quickly when the reptile got loose. This bizarre law helps prevent any future snake-related incidents in the public eye.
7. Tree Climbing Is a Crime in Oshawa
If you’ve ever enjoyed climbing trees, you might want to rethink doing so in Oshawa, Ontario. Local laws prohibit climbing trees, and while the reasons behind this ban are murky, it likely has to do with safety concerns.
Some people believe it was implemented to prevent reckless climbing that could result in injuries, while others argue that it makes everyday tasks like picking apples or rescuing pets much more difficult.
Still, for many residents, this law remains an inconvenience that limits their outdoor activities.
8. Don’t Paint Your Wooden Ladder
In Alberta, there’s a surprising law that bans painting wooden ladders. This Occupational Health and Safety Code regulation is intended to ensure that users can inspect the ladder for signs of wear and tear.
If a ladder is painted, it may conceal cracks, splinters, or other damage that could lead to an accident.
While it might seem odd to forbid ladder decoration, it’s a safety measure that some people might not have expected when looking for a DIY project.
9. Watch Your Mouth in Taber
Taber, Alberta, has a very strict law regarding public behavior. Swearing, yelling, or screaming in any public space can result in a fine of up to $150.
Not only that, but spitting is also prohibited, albeit for a smaller fine of $75. The law was implemented to maintain public decorum and prevent any outbursts that might disturb the peace.
It even includes graffiti regulations that restrict residents from adding artwork to their own property unless they have written permission from the property owner.
10. Taxi Drivers Must Dress Sharp
In Halifax, Nova Scotia, there’s a specific dress code for taxi drivers. The municipal code requires all taxi drivers to wear a shirt with a collar and sleeves no t-shirts allowed.
They must also wear ankle-length trousers or knee-length dress shorts and keep their clothes neat and tidy at all times.
While this may seem like a minor detail, it’s meant to maintain a professional appearance for drivers.
Female drivers can opt for skirts in place of trousers. It’s a strict but interesting law that may raise eyebrows among travelers expecting more casual attire.
11. No Waterskiing After Dark
If you’re planning a waterskiing adventure in Canada, you better finish up before sunset. According to Canada’s Criminal Code, waterskiing after dark is illegal, and violators can face up to six months in jail or a fine of $5,000.
This law is in place to reduce accidents caused by waterskiing in low-visibility conditions.
If you’re caught skiing under the moonlight, you might want to reconsider your plans or at least schedule them for earlier in the day.
12. Crime Comics Are Banned
Canada once banned the publication and sale of crime comics, a law that targeted graphic novels and comic books that depicted criminal activity.
The law came about after a tragic incident in 1948 when two boys, heavily influenced by crime comics, committed a murder in British Columbia.
Although the law is largely ignored today, it’s still on the books, and its broad wording technically outlaws superheroes like Batman, Spiderman, and Superman.
It’s a reflection of the moral panic that surrounded comic books in the mid-20th century.
13. Limit Your Coin Spending
Under the Canadian Currency Act, paying for something with an excessive number of coins is illegal.
For instance, if you try to pay for a coffee with 100 pennies, the cashier is not required to accept the payment.
The law is designed to prevent bulk coin use in situations where it could be impractical or burdensome for businesses.
So, next time you go coin shopping, remember: there’s a legal limit to how many nickels you can use!
14. Sledding? Not So Fast
Despite Canada’s love for winter sports, sledding is actually banned on many of Toronto’s most popular hills.
To prevent injuries, the city has implemented this ban on 45 of its slopes. There’s no more padding or hay bales at the bottom to cushion the fall, so the city refuses to encourage this winter pastime.
Although this law hasn’t stopped people from sledding, it does reflect the city’s concerns about safety and liability.
15. Blasphemy Law Wasn’t Repealed Until 2018
For decades, it was illegal to make fun of Christianity in Canada. The law, which banned “blasphemous libel,” could have sent offenders to prison for up to two years.
The last known person charged under this law was in 1935, but the law wasn’t officially repealed until 2018.
It’s fascinating to think that a law like this existed for so long in a country that prides itself on free speech, but it’s another example of how societal values change over time.
Alicia Richards