Vaping Laws Canada 2026: Outdoor Rules, Nicotine Limits & Fines
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Time to read 4 min
Where can you vape in Canada in 2026?
Vaping is legal in Canada, but since it's fairly new you probably have questions about where exactly you're able to vape and what the rules are.
Most provinces restrict outdoor vaping near buildings, patios, playgrounds, and public spaces. If you previously were a smoker, you already know what to expect, vaping is treated the same as smoking in almost all cases. Standing too close to an entrance or window can still result in a fine.
I've written this guide to break down Canada’s vaping laws for 2026, including:
- Where you can and can’t vape outdoors
- How far you must stand from buildings (in metres and feet)
- The legal nicotine limit across Canada
- Fines you could face for breaking the rules
- Key differences between vaping and smoking
If you vape, or you’re switching from cigarettes, this is what you need to know for where you'll be able to vape.
Table of Content
🇨🇦 Canada-Wide Vaping Laws (2026)
All vaping products sold in Canada are limited to a maximum nicotine strength of 20 mg/mL (2%).
What this means:
The 20 mg/mL nicotine cap applies nationwide
-
Applies to:
Disposables
Pods
Bottled e-liquid
In effect since July 23, 2021
Products above this strength cannot be legally sold in Canada
The maximum strength used to be 50 mg/mL but has changed. If you still have your own e-liquid or disosables of this strength, you can legally vape them. You just cannot get any new ones.
🚭 Can You Vape Outside in Canada?
Yes; but only if you’re far enough away from restricted areas.
As of January 2026, outdoor vaping is not automatically allowed.
Most provinces apply the same outdoor rules used for cigarette smoking.
📏 Distance rules vary by province, usually 3 to 9 metres (10–30 feet).
Common outdoor vaping restrictions across Canada:
You generally cannot vape near:
Building entrances
Open windows
Air intakes
Restaurant or bar patios
Playgrounds and school grounds
Vehicles with minors
📍 Vaping Laws by Province (Canada 2026)
Vaping Laws in Ontario (2026)
Ontario treats vaping almost exactly the same as smoking.
Key rules:
-
Vaping prohibited in:
Enclosed workplaces and public places
Restaurant and bar patios
Vehicles with minors
-
Outdoor restrictions often enforced through municipal bylaws
If you’re in a city, assume 9 metres unless signage says otherwise.
Fine: Typically $250
Maximum penalty: Up to $1,000
Rules enforced since 2015–2016
Vaping Laws in Quebec (2026)
Quebec has some of the strictest outdoor vaping laws in Canada.
Key rules:
-
No vaping within 9 metres (29.5 feet) of:
Doors
Openable windows
Air vents
Applies outdoors
Fines: $250 to $1,500
Rule in effect since November 26, 2015
Vaping Laws in British Columbia (2026)
BC uses a clear buffer zone around buildings.
Key rules:
-
No vaping within 6 metres (19.7 feet) of:
Entrances
Windows
Air intakes
Applies to public and workplace settings
Rules enforced since 2016
Vaping Laws in Alberta (2026)
Alberta aligns vaping rules with tobacco enforcement.
Key rules:
Vaping banned where smoking is banned
-
Enforcement commonly applies near:
Entrances
Patios
Smoke-free grounds
Typical fine: $250
Rules active since 2018
Vaping Laws in Manitoba (2026)
Manitoba has one of the largest outdoor buffer zones.
Key rules:
-
No vaping within 8 metres (26.2 feet) of:
Public buildings
Patios and decks
-
Fines:
First offence: $100–$500
Repeat offences: up to $1,000
Rules active since 2014
Vaping Laws in Atlantic Canada (2026)
New Brunswick
9 metres (29.5 feet) from buildings
20 metres (65.6 feet) from playgrounds
3 metres (9.8 feet) from patios
Nova Scotia
4 metres (13.1 feet) from entrances, windows, air intakes
Prince Edward Island
4.5 metres (15 feet) from entrances
Fines: $100–$2,000
Newfoundland & Labrador
Strong focus on smoke-free properties
Vaping banned in vehicles with minors
Outdoor restrictions often enforced through posted signage
🔥 Vaping vs Smoking in Canada (2026)
Outdoors, vaping is usually treated the same as smoking in Canada.
What’s the same:
Distance rules
Patio bans
Playground and school restrictions
Fines
What’s different:
Product regulations
Flavour and retail rules
Nicotine caps (specific to vaping)
✅ Final Takeaway: Vaping Laws Canada 2026
Here’s the bottom line:
Nicotine limit: 20 mg/mL nationwide
Outdoor vaping is restricted in every province
Required distance ranges from 3 to 9 metres
Fines commonly start around $250
Cities and private properties can be stricter
When in doubt: Take a few extra steps back, it’s cheaper than a ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I vape outside in Canada?
Yes, but only if you are far enough away from restricted areas like building entrances, patios, playgrounds, and windows. Distance requirements vary by province.
❓ What is the legal nicotine limit in Canada?
The maximum legal nicotine strength is 20 mg/mL (2%) for all vaping products sold in Canada.
❓ Is vaping treated the same as smoking?
In most provinces, yes especially outdoors. Vaping and smoking follow the same location-based restrictions.
❓ How far from a building can I vape?
Depending on the province, you must stand 3 to 9 metres (10–30 feet) away from doors, windows, and air intakes.
❓ What happens if I break vaping laws?
Fines typically start around $250 and can increase depending on the province and repeat offences.
