The Canadian agency responsible for drone safety, Transport Canada, has provided many internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above. Are drones allowed in Canada? According to Transport Canada, drone use is allowed in Canada, subject to TC regulations. Read on for more details. Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Canada: New Canada Drone Laws! As of May 20, 2025, Canada updated and published new rules for flying drones. These rules are now in effect. Overview of the new rules The rules apply to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or “drones,” that: weigh 250 grams (g) up to and including 25 kilograms (kg), and are operated within the drone pilot’s visual-line-of-sight The rules introduce two categories of drone operations: basic and advanced. The categories are based on distance from bystanders and on airspace rules. Each of these are detailed further below. Microdrones (under 250 grams) and drones that weigh more than 25 kilograms Micro-drones are drones weighing less than 250 g. The weight of the remote control is not factored into the weight calculation, but the weight of anything attached or carried, such as optional cameras or safety cages, will be considered part of the weight. Pilots of micro-drone don’t need to register their drones or get a drone pilot certificate to fly them. Pilots of micro-drones are not bound by the same requirements as other drones. However, you must not operate your drone in a reckless or negligent manner to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of anyone. While there are no prescriptive elements of the regulations, there is an expectation that the pilot of a micro drone to use good judgment, identify potential hazards, and take all necessary steps to avoid any risks associated with flying your drone. As a good practice, you should always: maintain the drone in direct line of sight do not fly your drone above 400 feet in the air keep a safe distance between your drone and any bystanders Stay far away from aerodromes, airports, heliports, and waterdrome avoid flying near critical infrastructures stay clear of aircraft, at all time do a pre-flight inspection of your drone keep the drone close enough to maintain the connection with the remote controller avoid advertised events Follow these guidelines to avoid flying in a negligent or reckless manner and being subject to fines. Enjoy a safe flight and minimize the risk of incidents. Remember: If your flight is risky, don’t do it. Micro-drones are considered aircraft under the Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations and are therefore prohibited from entering the following zones without the proper authorization: Class F Special Use Restricted Airspace Zones where a NOTAM for Forest Fire Aircraft Operating Restrictions has been emitted Zones, where a 5.1 of the Aeronautics Act restricts the use of airspace to all aircraft, have been emitted If your drone weighs over 25 kilograms or you want to fly outside the rules, you must get special permission from Transport Canada before you fly. Penalties The rules are enforced by Transport Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). There are severe penalties for those who break the rules. Individuals and corporations can face fines or jail time for: putting aircraft and people at risk flying without a drone pilot certificate flying unmarked or unregistered drones Pilot certificates, knowledge tests, and flight reviews All pilots, of drones that weigh between 250 g and 25 kg must get a drone pilot certificate. Pilots conducting basic operations need a Pilot Certificate - Basic Operations. Pilots conducting advanced operations need a Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations. They must pass the Small Advanced Exam and an in-person flight review to get this certificate. The flight review will assess a pilot’s ability to operate their drone safely.