Airgun law · Canada

Are Airguns Legal in Quebec?

Yes, but heavily regulated.

Legal in principle, yet the compliance burden is high — often firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people actually 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 airguns must clear a provincial velocity threshold — verify the current number in the Quebec hunting regs.

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 at or above the federal firearm threshold.

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

Provincial framework requires hunting airguns to meet a minimum velocity threshold (often cited as ≥ 500 fps for hunting methods)

Deer

Not allowed / prohibited

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

Turkey

Unresolved / not addressed

Unresolved

Small game

Allowed with conditions

Allowed (qualified — community sources cite a minimum velocity of around 500 fps for small-game airgun use; verify in current regs)

Predators

Unresolved / not addressed

Unresolved

Other big game

Not allowed / prohibited

Not allowed

Caliber / FPE minimums

Small game airgun: community-sourced minimum of 500 fps. Big game: 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 is the most regulation-dense Canadian jurisdiction for firearms compliance.

Local rules that still apply

Cities of Montréal, Québec, Laval

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

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