10 lesser-known and intriguing Canadian laws that defy expectations

Canada’s legal landscape holds many hidden quirks. While many statutes align with modern values, others remain curiosities of their time.

As the nation celebrates Canada day, we look at 10 of the most intriguing laws—both past and present—that once shaped or still govern daily life.

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Scaring the Queen

Before being repealed in 2018, frightening or alarming the Queen was considered illegal as per the Criminal Code of Canada.

Such an act was an indictable offence and could result in imprisonment for up to 14 years.

This law is supposedly a remnant of the Treason Act of 1942, first inspired by a British man pointing (but not firing) his gun at the Queen.

Using too many coins to make a purchase

Canada’s Currency Act of 1985 limits the number of coins that can be used when making a single transaction.

Those trying to purchase something with more than $5 in nickels, $25 in loonies (one-dollar coins), or $40 in toonies (two-dollar coins) may be denied by a merchant.

And although pennies became increasingly rare after the Royal Canadian Mint ceased production in May 2012, Canadian business owners may still accept up to 25 cents in pennies per transaction.

Challenging someone to a duel

Canada maintained anti-dueling laws well into the 21st century, which were only repealed recently in 2018.

The Criminal Code explicitly prohibited all aspects of dueling culture to prevent acts of violence and to maintain public order—including instigating or participating in dueling challenges, as well as provoking duels.

Dueling was an indictable offence and carried a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.

Owning a pet rat

In the prairie province of Alberta, it is not only illegal to import and sell rats, but also to keep them as pets.

In 1942, Alberta introduced the Agricultural Pests Act, which empowered the Minister of Agriculture to classify any animal as a pest if it posed a threat to crops or livestock.

This highly enforceable rule came into full effect in 1950 when rats were officially declared pests.

Individuals in possession of even a single pet rat can face a fine of $5,000—a penalty which has helped Alberta remain largely rat-free since 1950.

Constructing a tall snowman

In the small town of Souris, Prince Edward Island, a unique bylaw restricts residents living on corner lots from building snowmen—or any snow sculpture—taller than 30 inches.

This rule, introduced to prevent blocked views and obstructions, does not apply to properties located on non-corner lots.

While this older bylaw is still in effect, it is unclear how regularly it has been enforced in recent years.

Holding more than two garage sales

Toronto, Ontario, prohibits the act of holding more than two garage sales per year on any premises located in a residential zone.

A single garage sale cannot exceed two consecutive days, and once this period has concluded, all signage must be removed.

Failure to adhere to this regulation—designed to deter those using garage sales to frequently sell goods from their home—constitutes an offence punishable by fines up to $5,000.

Wearing casual attire as a taxi driver

Taxi drivers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, must adhere to a specific dress code still in effect to this day.

T-shirts are not permitted—only collared shirts or blouses with sleeves can be worn when presenting oneself as a taxi driver. Trousers (or skirts) must be ankle length, and dress shorts need to be within three inches of the knee.

Further, if one's clothes are not “neat and tidy in condition,” they are breaking the law.

Selling yellow or butter-coloured margarine

Quebec law strictly prohibited the production and sale of yellow-tinted margarine until 2008.

Margarine was required to have be white or colourless, so as not to be confused with yellow-hued butter.

Authorities strictly implemented this rule, confiscating non-compliant products from grocers, even in minimal quantities.

Dogsledding on sidewalks

Dogsledding is a popular mode of transportation in the Northwest Territories due to significant territorial snowfall.

In the town of Hay River, however, using a dog sled on a sidewalk is illegal—a commonly enforced rule designed to prevent accidents.

First time offences may range from $75 to $150, depending on how the offence is classified.

Climbing trees on city property

Oshawa, a city in Southern Ontario, bans the interference or damage of trees on municipal property—and that includes the act of climbing a tree.

One cannot attach, affix, or place upon “in any manner any object or thing to a tree or part of a tree.”

Failure to comply with this rule can lead to a penalty of $250 (if it is one’s first time in the past year doing so).

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