FlyCheck°

Country guide · Transport Canada

Drone rules in Canada

Official source re-checked 2026-06-12

Where can I fly?

NRC drone site-selection tool (redirects to drone-tool-2 — expected)
Check the official zone information before every flight — local no-fly zones are not covered by the national rules below.

Registration

Under 250 gNot required

Basic safety guidelines apply; no registration required. As of 1 April 2025, an SFOC is required to fly microdrones at advertised public events.

250 g and aboveRequired

Drone registration required through drone management portal. Registration fee CAD $10 (effective 1 April 2025).

Pilot test / certificate

Under 250 gNot required

No certification required, follow basic safety rules

250 g and aboveRequired — RPAS Basic certificate

Online exam through Transport Canada. For advanced operations (near people or in controlled airspace), an RPAS Advanced certificate is also required. As of November 2025: BVLOS, EVLOS, and Sheltered operations require an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC; fee CAD $125) plus a Level 1 Complex Operations pilot certificate.

Marking & altitude

Drone marking

Required from 250 g — Registration number must be marked on the drone

Max altitude: 122 m

122m AGL for basic operations in uncontrolled airspace

Key restrictions

  • Check NRC drone tool before flying: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/drone-tool
  • Provincial parks may prohibit drones — check park authority before visiting
  • Controlled airspace requires prior authorization
  • Municipal bylaws may add local restrictions beyond federal rules
  • Advanced operations (near people, controlled airspace) require RPAS Advanced certificate

Official apps

iOS app
Publisher: NAV CANADA
Android app
Publisher: NAV CANADA

Official resources

Register as an operator
Official registration portal
Pilot test
Official test information
Authority website
Official drone rules
Run a full check for Canada
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change — always verify with the Transport Canada before flying. FlyCheck covers national rules only; local restrictions (airports, parks, cities) also apply.