Canada is one of the preferable choices for international students with welcoming nature, stunning landscapes, and maple syrup. However, to streamline society, it has certain laws and regulations. But did you know that it has some seriously quirky laws in its law book as well?
In this blog, we will be identifying some of the weird Canadian laws that will leave you wondering and scratching your head. Without further ado let’s get started.
Table of contents
Weird Canadian Laws For Driving
There are many fun facts about Canada that will blow your mind. We will be talking about some of the weird Canadian laws that you should keep in mind while driving in Canada.
Halifax, Nova Scotia: Taxi Drivers are Not Allowed to Wear T-Shirts
Yes, You heard that right! In Halifax, Nova Scotia, a taxi driver is not allowed to wear t-shirts. According to the Halifax bylaw, it is mentioned on number 24, that drivers must be dressed neatly and in formals only and strictly.
As per this law, they are not allowed to wear t-shirts while driving. They are also advised to wear shoes and socks but absolutely no T-shirts. They must wear shirts with collars or military-designed shirts with a collar and full sleeves. No ankle-length trousers or short dresses are allowed for the drivers to wear.
Sudbury, Ontario: It is Illegal to Attach a Siren to Your Bike
Unusual noise in Ontario is illegal and strictly not allowed. If you are studying in any of the top universities in Ontario and using a cycle for your commutation you should strictly adhere to this weird Canadian law.
According to the Sudbury by law, it is strictly not allowed to use any other device for honking other than a bell or horn. Any other artificial sound in your bicycle shall be deemed unusual, so avoid using it on your bicycle while driving from your university in Ontario.
Also Read: Take a break from your studies and explore 5 Thrilling Outdoor Adventures in Toronto!
Weird Canadian Laws For Eating
In Canada, quirky eating laws exist, like in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where it’s illegal to eat ice cream on a sidewalk on Sunday. In your stays with student accommodation in Canada, these unique regulations will add a flavourful twist to dining experiences.
Province-Wide, Ontario: If You Don’t Pay your Hotel Bill, They can Sell Your Horse
If you are a food enthusiast and love having dine-outs with your friends, be aware of the fact that you have to pay the bill anyhow. As per the Ontario Innkeeper’s Act, if you own a horse and you are not capable enough to pay the bill, the restaurant can keep your horse and will ask you to leave.
If the bill remains unpaid for two weeks, they can sell your animal, whether it is a horse or carriage. They can also put your things on auction and enable you to pay their bill.
Bathurst, New Brunswick: You are Not Allowed to Trick or Treat If You’re Over 16 Years Old
If you are in the city of Bathurst, and your age is above 16 years old, this weird Canadian law is going to impact you. As per the municipal bylaw of Bathurst, you are not allowed to participate in door-to-door soliciting, or trick or treating. This is allowed for young children only who are below 16 years of age.
Also Read: Moving to Canada and Wondering about the best city to live in? Check out our blog – 5 Best Cities To Live In Canada!
Weird Canadian Laws For Skiing
There are also many Canadian laws for skiing. Check out some of the weird laws for skiing while you decide to have a good time in Canada below.
Oshawa, Ontario: It is Against The Law to Climb a Tree
Trees are the most important and of course crucial part of our daily lives. In Ontario, it is really intolerable to interfere with the trees standing tall and enhancing the beauty of the province. Wait! It is not just about interfering with, in fact, if you are living in any student accommodation in Oshawa you are not allowed to even place or plant the trees at any point. As per the Oshawa bylaw, attaching, affixing, or placing upon in any manner any object or thing to a tree or part of a tree, and climbing the tree are strictly prohibited.
Nationwide: It is Illegal to Waterski After Sunset
If you are a night person and love to explore the nightlife in Canada, don’t try your heart out in Canada hitting the waves for water sports. Section 250 of the Criminal Code of Canada, it is illegal to waterski in Canada at night. The crime can land you in jail for up to six months with a hefty fine of CAD 5,000.
As per the law, “Everyone who operates a vessel while towing a person on any water skis, surf-board, water sledge, or another object during the period from one hour after sunset to sunrise is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.”
Also Read: Are you planning to study in Canada? Check out the Best Universities in Canada
Bizarre Laws You’ll Want to Follow (Just in Case)
In this section, we dive into some of the more outlandish laws that are still technically on the books today. They might sound too absurd to be real, but who knows? In rare instances, you might need to keep these in mind next time you find yourself in a tricky situation!
It’s Illegal to Die in the Parliament Buildings of Ontario
One of the most bizarre laws you’ll find on the books in Canada is the regulation that makes it illegal to die in the Ontario Provincial Parliament Buildings. While this sounds like a strange piece of legislative humour, it actually dates back to the days when dying within the confines of a government building could result in a complicated situation for the staff. The law is meant to avoid dealing with the formalities of death inside a government space, and while it’s not enforced today, it’s a great conversation starter!
You Cannot Carry a Machete in Public in Quebec Without Good Reason
This law, which seems to come straight from an action movie, makes it illegal to carry a machete in public without a legitimate reason. While it’s easy to imagine someone carrying a machete for gardening or self-defence, the law has its roots in maintaining public order and discouraging dangerous weapons in public spaces.
It’s Illegal to Own More Than 6 Tigers in Canada
While this might sound like something from a big-cat enthusiast’s dream (or nightmare), there’s a law in place that limits the number of tigers one can own in Canada. In some provinces, it’s not just about owning tigers—it’s about ensuring they are not kept in dangerous or improper conditions.
FAQs on Weird Canadian Laws
The weirdest Canadian law is illegal to paint wooden ladders in the province of Alberta. According to the Alberta government’s Occupational Health and Safety Code, a person must not paint a wooden ladder.
The weirdest law in Canada is a home may not hold more than two garage sales within a year, and each one may not last more than two days.
The weirdest Canadian law related to the Queen is a law according to which it is illegal to scare the Queen which can land you in jail for 14 years.
According to the Agricultural Pets Act for Alberta, it is illegal to own or bring a pet rat into the province.
No, it is illegal to swear in a public park in Toronto according to the Toronto Municipal Code.
Indeed, always save your receipts if you are purchasing something from Niagara Falls. You may be required to declare your purchase later on.
Historians see these laws as a window into the social norms and priorities of the past. Legal experts often regard them as harmless quirks unless they interfere with modern legal interpretations.
Yes, citizens can petition their local government or legislature to review and repeal outdated laws. However, this requires significant advocacy and legal effort.
While stories of enforcement are rare, there are humorous anecdotes about people stumbling upon these laws and sharing their experiences online. For instance, someone might jokingly “test” the coin-payment laws in Ontario by trying to pay for a meal with all pennies!
Some modern laws might feel odd depending on your perspective. For example, restrictions on the use of certain items in public spaces (like machetes in Quebec) might seem unusual, but they serve specific safety purposes.
Hope you liked our blog on the weird Canadian laws. If you are studying in Canada, check out the laws, plan your things accordingly, and enjoy! For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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