Laws on smoking marijuana in Canada's national parks

 Are you planning a trip to one of Canada’s national parks this year? The rules around bringing and smoking marijuana in national parks have changed. The legalization of cannabis has made camping and smoking weed a beautiful combination, but it is not an activity that should be done without some prior knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations.

Knowing the provincial and local laws that apply to the different parks and historical sites will be beneficial when you are planning trips in Canada this new year.

When camping in Parks Canada campgrounds the use of cannabis will be tolerated in your designated campsite. You will not be able to smoke in the common areas of the campground (these include the washrooms trails playgrounds and shelters).

Below is a list of all provinces in Canada and the rules regulating cannabis use within Canadian national parks per each province:

British Columbia

• No smoking within 6 meters of buildings
• Registered Park Canada campsites
• Playgrounds not eligible within 6 meters
• Trails eligible for smoking

Alberta

• Public us no smoking or vaping within 5 meters of building
• Registered Parks Canada campsites
• Campground common areas not allowed
• Trails are eligible
• Playground not eligible within 5 meters

Saskatchewan

• Public use not allowed
• Registered Park Canada campsites
• Trails not allowed
• Playgrounds not allowed

Manitoba

• Public use not allowed
• Registered Park Canada campsites
• Trails not allowed
• Playground not allowed

Ontario

• Public use
• Registered Parks Canada campsites
• Trails are allowed
• Playground not allowed

Quebec

• Public use not within 9 meters of building
• Registered Parks Canada campground
• Trails are allowed
• Playgrounds not allowed

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Public use is not allowed
• Registered Parks Canada campsites
• Trails not allowed
• Playgrounds not allowed

New Brunswick

• Public use not allowed
• Registered Park Canada campsites
• Trails not allowed
• Playgrounds not allowed

Nova Scotia

• Public use allowed no smoking on beaches or within 4 m of building
• Registered Parks Canada campsites
• Trails not allowed or within 9 meters of trails
• Playground no smoking or vaping with 20 m of playground

Prince Edward Island

• Public use not allowed
• Registered Parks Canada campground
• Trails not allowed
• Playgrounds not allowed

Northwest Territories

• Public use allowed no smoking or vaping in kitchen shelters even if unroofed
• Trails allowed
• Playgrounds not allowed within 30 meters

Nunavut

• Public use allowed not within 3 meters of building
• Registered Parks Canada campsites allowed
• Trails allowed
• Playgrounds not allowed

Yukon

• Public use not allowed
• Registered Parks Canada campsites
• Trails not allowed
• Playgrounds not allowed

If you’re travelling across Canada and camping is your goal, this information will assist you in your planning. Registered Parks Canada abides by the new law enacted on October 17, 2018 in every province or territory. This law enables you to partake at your leisure while visiting other areas in Canada. Your campsite is your home away from home.

While traveling be respectful of each provinces’ different rules pertaining to the use of cannabis. This new year where you are eligible to use cannabis legally in Canada can be the icing to your cake when exploring this amazing land. Be responsible when indulging and enjoy!