10 Weird Canadian Laws That’ll Make You LOL – PNP Insights Included
10 Quirky Canadian Laws That Might Surprise You
Canada is known for being polite, progressive, and peaceful—but did you know our legal system has its fair share of oddities? From outlawing duels to regulating how tall a snowman can be, some Canadian laws past and present are truly head-scratchers. While many of these rules were designed with safety or public order in mind, others are simply relics of a different time.
As we celebrate national pride and the uniqueness of Canadian life, let’s take a fun look at some of the most interesting and lesser-known laws from across the country.
Key Highlights
- It was once illegal to scare the Queen in Canada—punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
- In Alberta, keeping a pet rat can cost you a $5,000 fine.
- Toronto limits residents to just two garage sales per year per property.
- Halifax taxi drivers must follow a strict dress code, or risk being fined.
- Quebec banned yellow margarine until 2008 to protect butter sales.
- Snowmen taller than 30 inches are prohibited on corner lots in Souris, PEI.
1. It Was Illegal to Scare the Queen
Believe it or not, until 2018, it was a criminal offence in Canada to “alarm Her Majesty.” This quirky law came to us via the Criminal Code and had roots in the British Treason Act of 1942. The idea stemmed from an incident in the U.K. where someone pointed a gun (without firing) at the Queen, prompting serious legal consequences.
If you were found guilty of this offence, you could face up to 14 years in prison. Thankfully, this law has since been repealed, but it remains a curious footnote in Canadian legal history.
2. There’s a Limit on Coins You Can Use
Planning to pay for your next Timmy’s run entirely in nickels? Think again. According to Canada’s Currency Act of 1985, there are limits on how much coinage you can use in one transaction.
Here’s what the law says:
- No more than $5 in nickels
- $40 in toonies
And while pennies were phased out in 2012, you can still use up to 25 cents’ worth in a single purchase—if the cashier agrees!
3. Dueling Was Illegal (Until Recently!)
Throwing down the gauntlet in Canada could have landed you in hot water. For years, engaging in or even challenging someone to a duel was strictly prohibited under Canadian law.
This law didn’t just target the actual act—it also banned provoking, organizing, or accepting a duel. If you were found guilty, you could face up to two years in prison. It might seem like something out of a history book, but this law wasn’t officially removed until 2018.
4. You Can’t Own a Pet Rat in Alberta
Alberta takes pest control seriously—so seriously that the province has made it illegal to own, import, or sell rats. Under the Agricultural Pests Act of 1942, rats were declared a threat to crops and livestock.
Since 1950, Alberta has actively enforced this law, and individuals caught with a rat can be fined up to $5,000. Thanks to this tough stance, Alberta remains one of the few places in the world with an almost rat-free population.
5. Snowmen Have a Height Limit in Souris, PEI
In most parts of Canada, building a snowman is a beloved winter tradition. But if you live on a corner lot in Prince Edward Island‘s town of Souris, there’s a catch. Local bylaws cap snow sculptures at just 30 inches in height to prevent them from obstructing views for drivers.
It’s unclear how strictly this rule is enforced today, but technically, building that towering snowman in your front yard could get you in trouble—if your home’s on a corner lot, that is.
6. Only Two Garage Sales a Year in Toronto
Live in Toronto and love a good yard sale? Go for it—but only twice a year. City bylaws limit residents in residential zones to two garage sales annually. Each sale may last no more than two consecutive days, and all signage must be removed immediately after.
This rule is intended to prevent people from operating ongoing businesses out of their homes. Breaking this bylaw could lead to a fine of up to $5,000—yikes!
7. Taxi Drivers in Halifax Must Dress Formally
If you’re hailing a cab in Halifax, don’t expect your driver to be in a t-shirt and shorts. Taxi drivers in this Nova Scotia city are required to dress in a professional manner—collared shirts or blouses with sleeves are mandatory, and pants (or skirts) must reach the ankle. Dress shorts are acceptable, but only if they’re within three inches of the knee.
Clothing must also be “neat and tidy”—otherwise, it’s a bylaw violation. Talk about dress to impress!
8. Quebec Once Banned Yellow Margarine
Until 2008, Quebec enforced a rule that margarine had to be white or colourless. Why? To avoid consumer confusion with butter, which is naturally yellow.
This decades-old law was supported by dairy industry advocates, and violating it meant having your margarine confiscated—even in small quantities. The ban eventually melted away, but it’s a fascinating example of how deeply food regulation can go.
9. No Dogsledding on Sidewalks in Hay River
In the snow-covered town of Hay River in the Northwest Territories, dogsledding is a part of life. However, using a dog sled on a sidewalk is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
Violating this bylaw could cost you between $75 and $150, depending on how the offence is categorized. While adventurous, sliding down the sidewalk with your huskies isn’t worth the ticket!
10. Climbing Trees Is Illegal in Oshawa
Got a little climber in the family? If you’re in Oshawa, Ontario, think twice before letting them scale a city-owned tree. Municipal bylaws prohibit climbing, affixing objects to, or otherwise tampering with trees on public land.
Even a first-time offence can result in a $250 fine. So keep your feet on the ground—and maybe invest in a good treehouse kit for the backyard instead.
Final Thoughts: Canadian Laws With a Quirky Twist
From margarine colour bans to snowman size restrictions, Canada’s legal history is full of surprises. While some of these laws have been repealed, others remain on the books—and they reflect the unique, diverse, and sometimes humorous fabric of Canadian society.
Love learning about quirky Canadian facts like these? Make sure you check out our guide to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) or browse our latest immigration insights for more fascinating tidbits about life in Canada.
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