Canada, often known for its politeness and natural beauty, also boasts a collection of laws that can seem quite unusual, even peculiar, to outsiders.
Like many countries, it has its share of regulations that might no longer make sense today, though they contribute to the nation’s unique character.
From seemingly simple acts like climbing a tree to more complex historical prohibitions, these laws offer a curious glimpse into Canadian life and history.
While many are not actively enforced, being aware of them adds an interesting layer to understanding the Great White North.
Here are 15 of these super weird laws found across Canada, presented in plain paragraphs:
1. No Pet Rats
In Alberta, owning a pet rat is prohibited because they are considered pests and nuisances. Alberta lawmakers are concerned that if a rat were to get loose, it could multiply and create a difficult-to-manage pest problem.
The source mentions the historical association of rats with spreading the plague, but notes that modern pet varieties are perceived differently by some.
2. No Pretending To Be a Witch
According to Section 365 of Canada’s Criminal Code, it was a crime to pretend to practice witchcraft, which included pretending to tell fortunes or acting as though you had “knowledge of an occult or craft science”.
This law originated from British rulings dating back to 1542, a time when suspicion around witches was high. Fortunately, Canadian lawmakers repealed this section of the criminal code in 2018.
3. No Trick-or-Treating After 16
In New Brunswick, City Counselors passed a law in 2017 that bans anyone aged sixteen or older from going trick-or-treating.
Attempting to collect candy as an older teenager could result in a fine of $200. The 2017 law was actually a less strict version of a 2005 law that banned trick-or-treating for anyone over 14.
Opponents noted that enforcing this law was challenging because children and teens typically do not carry identification.
4. Don’t Scare the King
Under Section 49 of Canada’s Criminal Code, it is illegal to “act with an intent to alarm” his majesty, the King. Violating this law could potentially lead to a sentence of up to 14 years behind bars.
The source advises that if you are in the King’s presence, it is best to be on your best behavior, avoiding practical jokes or saying things like “Boo!”.
5. Keep Dog Sleds Off Sidewalks
In Hay River, located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, it is illegal to use a dog sled on the sidewalk. While this might seem strange elsewhere, it makes sense in Northern Canada where dog sledding is popular.
The reasoning is that dogs pulling a sled quickly down a sidewalk could easily cause an accident, suggesting this was likely a practical issue the town needed to address given the popularity of dog sledding.
6. Don’t Wear Your Snake in Public
Visitors to Fredericton, New Brunswick, who own snakes are required to keep their reptiles at home.
Section 2.13 of the city’s animal control bylaws states that “no person shall have, keep or possess a snake or other reptile upon the street or in any public place”.
While the history of this law is not entirely clear, it may be linked to a six-and-a-half-foot boa constrictor that escaped in the city in 2015, as reports at the time indicated the owner had been wearing the snake in public before it escaped.
7. Tree Climbing Prohibited
In Oshawa, Ontario, the activity of climbing trees is banned. This ban was supposedly enacted by lawmakers to protect citizens, based on concerns that people might climb trees in an “outrageous and unsafe manner”.
However, some local residents feel the law is inconvenient, preventing activities like picking apples, building a duck blind, or rescuing adventurous kittens.
8. No Painting Wooden Ladders
In Alberta, local laws prohibit painting wooden ladders. These rules, reported by Global News, are part of Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code.
The reasoning behind this law is reportedly that leaving the ladder unpainted allows users to better assess its condition before using it.
9. Don’t Swear in the Park (or Public)
In Taber, Alberta, swearing, screaming, or yelling in any public place could result in a $150 fine. Spitting in public is also punishable, though the fine is lower at $75.
According to Global News, this bylaw also includes an 11:00 pm curfew for teens under 16 and bans all graffiti, even on your own property, stating that the property owner’s consent is not a defense.
10. No T-Shirts for Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers in Halifax are held to a specific dress code that some travelers find surprising. The municipal code requires drivers to wear a shirt or military-type blouse with a collar and sleeves (explicitly stating “no T-shirts”), ankle-length trousers or dress shorts within three inches of the knee, socks, and shoes, and all clothing must be neat and tidy.
Female drivers are permitted to wear a skirt instead of ankle-length trousers.
11. No Waterskiing After Sunset
Regardless of your location in Canada, waterskiing after sunset is against the law. Canada’s Criminal Code specifies that operating a vessel while towing someone on water skis, a surfboard, water sled, or other object during the period from one hour after sunset to sunrise is a summary conviction offense.
Getting caught could potentially lead to up to six months in prison and/or a significant $5,000 fine.
12. No Publishing or Selling Crime Comics
Technically, Canada’s Criminal Code contains a section that outlaws crime comic books, although this law is rarely, if ever, enforced today.
According to media and entertainment lawyer Bob Tarantino, this law is broad enough that it could outlaw major superhero comics like Batman, Spider-Man, and Superman.
Legislators created this law in the late 1940s due to public pressure to regulate the comic book industry, which peaked after a 1948 incident in British Columbia where two boys who were avid comic book readers shot and killed a man while pretending to be highway bandits, prompting public demand for a legislative response.
13. Don’t Use Too Many Coins to Make Purchases
While coins are typically considered legal tender everywhere, in Canada, using too many coins for a purchase can technically invalidate the transaction.
According to the Canadian Currency Act, there are limits on the number of coins that must be accepted for a purchase.
The source notes there is a detailed list of which coins are acceptable in what quantities, but the core idea is that a seller isn’t required to accept a purchase if you pay with too many coins.
14. No Sledding
Despite Canada having abundant snow, sledding has become controversial in certain areas. Reports indicate that legislators in Toronto have banned sledding on 45 of the city’s popular hills.
As a measure to deter tobogganers, the city has stopped placing safety measures like hay bales or padding at the bottom of hills, something they used to do, although the lack of safety measures may not entirely stop determined sledders.
15. Don’t Make Fun of Christianity
For a considerable period, making fun of Christianity was considered a crime in Canada, although lawmakers repealed this law in 2018.
The law stated that publishing “blasphemous libel” was punishable by up to two years in jail. The last individual charged under this law was Rev.
Victor Rahard in 1935, an Anglican minister who had put up posters containing what was deemed “blasphemous libel,” reportedly poking fun at the Roman Catholic Church.
Alicia Richards