Knives and pepper spray in Canada (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Canada sets weapons law federally in the Criminal Code. Automatic and gravity or centrifugal knives, push-daggers and some disguised blades are prohibited weapons. Pepper spray designed for use on people is a prohibited weapon, while spray labelled for animals only is not treated as one.

RuleWhat applies
Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public placesThe Criminal Code has no length limit for ordinary folding knives. A knife whose blade opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force, or by pressure on a button, spring or other device in the handle, is a prohibited weapon. [1]
Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public placesThe Criminal Code does not mention locking or one-handed knives. Such a knife is a prohibited weapon only if it opens automatically (button, spring, gravity or centrifugal force). A blade that needs controlled manual opening does not meet that definition. [2]
Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public placesThe Criminal Code has no blade-length limit for fixed-blade knives. Push-daggers (other than the ulu), belt-buckle knives, devices under 30 cm that conceal a blade (such as a knife-comb), spiked wristbands and blade-bearing finger rings are prohibited weapons. [3]
Pepper sprayCarrying in public placesAny device designed to be used to injure, immobilise or incapacitate a person by discharging tear gas, Mace or other gas, or a liquid, spray, powder or other substance, is a prohibited weapon. A spray labelled specifically for use against animals only, and meeting the Pest Control Products Act, is not treated as a prohibited weapon. [3]
Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public placesCarrying a weapon concealed is an offence unless authorised under the Firearms Act. Possessing a prohibited weapon without a licence under which it may be possessed is an offence. Carrying a weapon to a public meeting is an offence unless there is a lawful excuse. [4]

Notes

  • Any object, including an ordinary knife, can count as a weapon if used, designed or intended to cause injury or to threaten or intimidate (s. 2), and carrying it for a purpose dangerous to the public peace is an offence (s. 88).
  • The animal-only exception comes from CBSA's customs memorandum, which relies on the container label and the Pest Control Products Act. Using bear spray against a person was not checked here.
  • Provincial, municipal and venue rules were not checked here. Licences and authorisations under the Firearms Act were not examined.

Sources

  1. Department of Justice Canada (Justice Laws website): Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46), s. 84: Interpretation (definitions of prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Canada Border Services Agency: Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Department of Justice Canada (Justice Laws website): Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted (SOR/98-462) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Department of Justice Canada (Justice Laws website): Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46), s. 90: Carrying concealed weapon (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.