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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Canada?
Yes, with conditions.
Generally legal, but with real rules to follow — usually age verification, and in some places a low-power threshold.
Tier 3 — Moderate
Threshold-based licensing — permit-free band for low-power, licence required above.
CA
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Canada is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationThreshold-based
Age rule18+
PossessionLicence required
Transfer / saleLicensed dealer process
TransportFirearm transport rules
AuthorityFederal + sub-national layer
Before you buy or sell
- Click anywhere on Canada to open the dedicated provincial-level map.
The rules in detail
Classification
Threshold-based
Federal Firearms Act: at or below 152.4 m/s (500 fps) AND 5.7 J — not a firearm. Above either: regulated; above both for full firearm status. Provincial layer thin.
Age rule
18+
Federal PAL minimum 18+. Minor's Licence available 12–17 after Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
Possession
Licence required
Below federal threshold: free for adults. Above: PAL required.
Transfer / sale
Licensed dealer process
Below threshold: no federal process. Above: standard non-restricted firearm process.
Transport
Firearm transport rules
Below threshold: no federal-specific rule. Above: federal STDR applies.
Authority
Federal + sub-national layer
Federal for firearms; provincial for hunting; municipal for discharge.
Hunting with an airgun
Varies province-by-province. See dedicated Canadian map.
Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Click for the dedicated Canadian map
All 10 provinces + 3 territories with the federal floor, provincial hunting frameworks, and municipal carve-outs. Click anywhere on Canada to open the dedicated provincial-level map.
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.