10 Weird Canadian Laws You Won’t Believe Are Real

When you think of Canadian laws, your mind probably jumps to tax rules, immigration policies, or maybe the laws around driving in the snow. But Canada’s legal system has more than just practical regulations—it’s also full of unexpected, quirky, and sometimes downright strange rules that often catch newcomers (and even locals) by surprise.

As we celebrate Canada Day and all the traditions that come with it, it’s a great time to look beyond the usual headlines and explore the lesser-known side of Canadian law. Here are ten fascinating laws—some still in effect and others now repealed—that reflect Canada’s colourful history and unique approach to order.

1. Frightening The Queen Was Once A Serious Crime

Until 2018, scaring or alarming the Queen was not only frowned upon—it was illegal.
The Criminal Code of Canada treated this as an indictable offence that could lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

This law came from a very old tradition rooted in the Treason Act of 1942. It was apparently inspired by an event where a man in Britain pointed a gun (but didn’t fire) at the Queen. While it may seem odd today, it remained on the books for decades before finally being repealed.

2. Too Many Coins Can Get You Turned Away

Planning to pay for lunch with a pocket full of coins? Think again.
Canada’s Currency Act of 1985 sets clear limits on how many coins you can use in a single transaction.

You can only pay:

• Up to $5 in nickels
  
• $25 in loonies
  
• $40 in toonies
  

Even though the penny is no longer made, if you happen to have some lying around, you can still use only up to 25 cents worth of them in one purchase. If you try to go over these limits, a business can legally refuse your payment.

3. Duelling Was Illegal Until 2018

Challenging someone to a duel might sound like something out of a historical drama, but it was once taken seriously under Canadian law.
Until 2018, the Criminal Code made it illegal to challenge or accept a challenge to a duel.

Anyone caught doing so faced up to two years in prison. The law aimed to prevent unnecessary violence, but as duels have long fallen out of fashion, it was eventually removed.

4. You Can’t Own A Pet Rat In Alberta

Love rats? You’ll need to move out of Alberta.
Since 1942, Alberta has enforced the Agricultural Pests Act, which gave the province power to classify rats as pests due to the damage they cause to crops and property.

By 1950, this rule became official, and Alberta has remained mostly rat-free ever since. Owning or trying to import a rat is illegal, and anyone caught with one could face a fine of up to $5,000.

5. Oversized Snowmen Are Banned In One PEI Town

In Souris, a small town in Prince Edward Island, snow sculptures are welcome—but only up to a certain size.
If you live on a corner lot, your snowman can’t be taller than 30 inches.

This unusual rule was created to make sure snow sculptures don’t block a driver’s view at intersections. If your house isn’t on a corner, you’re free to build Frosty as tall as you like.

6. Only Two Garage Sales Allowed Per Year in Toronto

Toronto may be a shopper’s paradise, but if you plan to hold regular garage sales from your front yard, be careful.
City regulations only allow two garage sales per year per residence, and each can last only two days.

Once your sale is over, you must take down all signs immediately. Breaking this rule could lead to fines of up to $5,000. The idea is to stop people from turning their homes into unofficial stores.

7. Taxi Drivers Must Dress Formally In Halifax

Taxi drivers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, can’t just roll out of bed and go to work in a T-shirt and shorts.
According to local regulations, they must wear collared shirts or blouses, and trousers or skirts that reach the ankles.

Dress shorts are only allowed if they’re within three inches of the knee. The clothes must also be clean and tidy. If not, drivers are technically breaking the law.

8. Coloured Margarine Was Illegal In Quebec

For years, Quebec had a strict law against selling margarine that looked too much like butter.
Until 2008, yellow or butter-coloured margarine was completely banned.

To avoid confusion with real dairy butter, margarine had to be white or colourless. Officials even removed small amounts of illegal margarine from store shelves. While this rule no longer exists, it’s a perfect example of how deeply food culture can influence legislation.

9. Dogsledding On Sidewalks Is Prohibited

In the Northwest Territories, dog sleds are a traditional and respected form of travel.
But if you happen to be in Hay River, don’t take your sled on the sidewalk.

Doing so is against the law and could lead to a fine between $75 and $150. The rule is there to keep sidewalks safe for pedestrians, especially during busy winter months.

10. Tree Climbing On City Property Is Illegal In Oshawa

Planning to climb a tree at your local park in Oshawa, Ontario? You might want to think again.
The city has a bylaw that makes it illegal to climb or attach anything to a tree on public property.

Even hanging a sign or leaning something against a tree is not allowed. If it’s your first offence in the past year, you could face a $250 fine. It’s all part of protecting public greenery from damage.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s laws aren’t just about taxes and traffic—they also tell stories about the country’s values, history, and sense of humour. From snowman size limits to margarine colour bans, these quirky laws remind us that every rule has a reason, even if that reason seems outdated or unusual today.

As you explore life in Canada or prepare for your move, it’s worth learning not just the major regulations, but the smaller ones too. After all, you never know when you’ll need to count your coins—or avoid building a giant snowman.