This page is a general reference summary, not legal advice. Always check the relevant country's official authority for the latest rules before flying.
In Canada, drones are regulated by Transport Canada under Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations. The rules depend on the drone's weight: microdrones under 250 g have their own rules and need no registration or pilot certificate, while drones from 250 g up to 25 kg must be registered and flown by a certified pilot.
Drones are registered online through Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal, and the registration number must be marked on the drone. Basic operations require the Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations (passing the Small Basic online exam, minimum age 14). Flying closer to people or in controlled airspace requires the Advanced certificate (minimum age 16).
To plan where to fly, Transport Canada points to the NRC Drone Site Selection Tool, which shows prohibited, restricted and potentially hazardous areas, and to NAV Drone, which is used to request permission in NAV CANADA-controlled airspace. Foreign pilots and operators cannot register a drone in Canada and need a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC-RPAS) to comply with the rules, so visitors should check Transport Canada's guidance before travelling.
Key rules at a glance
- Under 250 g (microdrones): no registration and no pilot certificate are required, but the other rules still apply, such as staying away from emergency sites and restricted airspace. The weight of anything attached, such as a camera or safety cage, counts; the remote controller does not.
- From 250 g up to 25 kg: the drone must be registered with Transport Canada and marked with its registration number. Penalties apply for flying an unregistered or unmarked drone.
- Basic operations need the Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations (Small Basic online exam, minimum age 14, the certificate does not expire). Carry the certificate and your proof of registration. The Advanced certificate (minimum age 16) is needed for operations such as flying in controlled airspace or closer to people.
- To stay within basic operations, keep the drone in sight at all times, stay more than 30 m horizontally from any person, fly only in uncontrolled airspace, and stay more than 5.6 km (3 NM) from certified airports and more than 1.9 km (1 NM) from certified heliports. Within 5.6 km of a military aerodrome you need Department of National Defence permission.
- Do not fly inside the security perimeter of an emergency response, or within 9.3 km (5 NM) of a wildfire. Takeoff and landing inside a national park are not permitted unless the park superintendent allows it. Flying near advertised outdoor events requires an SFOC, even for microdrones.
Before you fly
- Confirm your drone's operating weight, including any camera or other attachment, to see whether registration and a pilot certificate apply.
- Check that the drone is registered and marked, and carry your pilot certificate and proof of registration.
- Survey the area and check the NRC Drone Site Selection Tool, NAV Drone and current NOTAMs before each flight. The NRC tool is a convenience tool only.
- Insurance is not required for standard operations but is recommended. For altitude limits and the rules for foreign operators, check Transport Canada's pages before you fly.
This site doesn't yet have map-based airspace data for this country. Please check the official links below.
Sources
Summary checked against the official pages below on October 23, 2026. Rules change — confirm with the authority before flying.
Related guides
- A Beginner's Drone Pre-Flight ChecklistA simple, repeatable pre-flight checklist for new pilots, covering what to do before you leave home, at the flight location, before takeoff, and after landing.
- Do You Need Drone Insurance? A Checklist Before You BuyWhat drone insurance covers, when it is worth it, what the law requires depending on your country, and the questions to ask before you sign a policy.