Airgun law · Canada

Are Airguns Legal in Quebec?

Yes, but heavily regulated.

Legal in principle, but the compliance burden is high, often with firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people want. Watch the provincial registry update rule in particular.

Tier 2: Major Restrictions

Significant provincial-level rules layered on top of the federal framework.

The picture at a glance

Each measure below scores how restrictive Quebec is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).

ClassificationProvincial layer added

Age rule18+ for PAL

PossessionPAL required (above threshold)

Transfer / saleProvincial registry update

TransportFederal STDR (above threshold)

Provincial layerProvincial layer above

Before you buy or sell

Quebec adds a provincial firearm registry above the federal floor for firearm-classified airguns.
Hunting air rifles (small game only) must be .177 calibre or larger, fire projectiles at least 4.4 mm in diameter and reach at least 152.4 m/s (500 fps). A gun that also exceeds 5.7 J counts as a firearm under federal law and must be registered in Quebec.

The rules in detail

Classification

Provincial layer added

Federal framework governs the firearm question. Quebec layers a registration requirement on top via the provincial Firearms Registration Act for non-restricted firearms, including airguns that exceed both federal thresholds (500 fps and 5.7 J). Airguns at or below either threshold are exempt from provincial registration.

Age rule

18+ for PAL

18+ for PAL. Quebec has historically taken a more conservative posture on minor's licences than other provinces.

Possession

PAL required (above threshold)

Lawful for adults below the federal threshold. Above threshold: PAL plus Quebec provincial registration (SIAF).

Transfer / sale

Provincial registry update

Below threshold: no provincial process. Above: PAL verification on both sides plus provincial registration update.

Transport

Federal STDR (above threshold)

Below threshold: no province-specific rule. Above: federal STDR applies, plus provincial registration must reflect the holder.

Provincial layer

Provincial layer above

Federal for firearms; provincial Quebec law on conservation / fauna controls hunting methods. Quebec's Firearms Registration Act adds a provincial registry layer above the federal floor.

Hunting with an airgun

Air rifles allowed for most small game with a .177 / 500 fps minimum; not allowed for big game, wild turkey, migratory birds, or coyote, wolf, fox, raccoon and groundhog

Deer

Not allowed / prohibited

Not allowed (airgun is not an authorised method for white-tailed deer)

Turkey

Not allowed / prohibited

Not allowed (no rifles, including air rifles, for wild turkey)

Small game

Allowed with conditions

Allowed with conditions: air rifles of .177 caliber or larger, firing projectiles of at least 4.4 mm at 152.4 m/s (500 fps) or more; hunter's certificate with code F required

Predators

Not allowed / prohibited

Not allowed for coyote, wolf, fox or raccoon (air rifles are excluded for these species and groundhog)

Other big game

Not allowed / prohibited

Not allowed

Caliber / FPE minimums

Small game: air rifle of .177 caliber or larger, projectile diameter at least 4.4 mm, muzzle velocity at least 152.4 m/s (500 fps). Big game, wild turkey, migratory birds, coyote, wolf, fox, raccoon and groundhog: airgun is not an authorised method.

Notes

Quebec's hunting regulations are administered by Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP). Verify current rule before any hunt. Quebec has more firearms compliance rules than most Canadian jurisdictions.

Local rules that still apply

Cities of Montréal, Québec, Laval

Municipal bylaws prohibit airgun discharge within urban limits except at approved ranges.

Keep exploring

Open the interactive mapSee how this compares across the map and switch between legal and hunting views.Ballistics toolkitCheck energy, velocity, and range for any airgun and load.Ammo databaseBrowse 600+ pellets and slugs by caliber and weight.

This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance. It isn't legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.