🇨🇦 Drone Laws — Canada

What Are the Transport Canada RPAS Regulations in 2026?

Transport Canada governs all drone operations under the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), specifically Part IX. These rules apply to any drone weighing between 250 grams (0.55 pounds) and 25 kilograms (55 pounds). The regulations are designed to keep both manned aviation and people on the ground safe. As of 2026, the framework remains largely stable, with a strong emphasis on pilot certification and airspace authorisation. The core of the system is the split between Basic and Advanced operations, which dictates where and how you can fly.

Transport Canada Drone Registration: Who Needs It and How to Get It

Drone registration in Canada is free and mandatory for all RPAS weighing between 250g and 25kg. You must register your drone with Transport Canada before your first flight. The process is straightforward: you create an account on the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal (often called the DroneZone portal), enter your drone's make and model, and receive a registration number. This number must be displayed on your drone clearly.

If you own multiple drones, you register each one individually. The registration is linked to you, the pilot, not the drone itself. This means if you sell your drone, the new owner must register it under their name. Use our Registration Calculator to confirm your specific drone's requirements.

Basic RPAS Certificate Canada: Your First Step

The Basic RPAS Pilot Certificate is the entry-level licence for Canadian drone pilots. It is a free online exam administered by Transport Canada. The exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 80% to pass. It covers basic aeronautics, airspace classification, weather, and regulations.

Who Needs the Basic RPAS Certificate?

You need a Basic certificate if you fly a drone over 250g in uncontrolled airspace. Uncontrolled airspace is airspace where air traffic control does not manage traffic. This includes many rural areas, small towns, and open fields. The Basic certificate allows you to fly:

• More than 30 metres (100 feet) horizontally from bystanders
• At or below 122 metres (400 feet) above ground level
• Away from airports and heliports (unless in uncontrolled airspace)

Advanced RPAS Certificate Canada: How to Get It

The Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate is required for flying in controlled airspace or within 30 metres of bystanders. This is the commercial pilot's gold standard in Canada. The process is more involved than the Basic certificate and has a cost associated with it.

Basic vs Advanced RPAS Certificate: Comparison Table

Choosing between Basic and Advanced depends entirely on where you want to fly. The table below clarifies the key differences.

If you plan to fly in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or near any airport, you need the Advanced certificate. For rural flying, the Basic certificate suffices.

Drone Weight Thresholds in Canada: Under 250g, 250g–25kg, Over 25kg

Canada's drone laws are weight-based. Here is what each category means for you:

• Under 250g (sub-250g): Drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro are exempt from registration and pilot certification. However, you must still follow operational rules: fly below 122m (400ft), stay away from airports, and avoid flying over people or populated areas. You cannot fly in controlled airspace without authorisation.
• 250g to 25kg: This is the standard category requiring registration and a Basic or Advanced certificate. Most consumer drones fall here.
• Over 25kg: These require a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) from Transport Canada. This is rare for recreational pilots and typically involves industrial or agricultural drones.

Flying in Controlled Airspace: NAV CANADA and DroneZone Portal

Controlled airspace in Canada is managed by NAV CANADA. To fly in controlled airspace with an Advanced certificate, you must use the DroneZone portal to request authorisation. This is an online system where you submit your flight plan, and NAV CANADA either approves or denies it. The process can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the location. Always check the airspace before you fly using our No-Fly Zone Checker to avoid violations.

Parks Canada Drone Ban: All National Parks

One of the most common mistakes made by drone pilots in Canada is flying in national parks. Parks Canada enforces a strict ban on drone take-off and landing in all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas. This includes iconic parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Gros Morne. There is no exception for sub-250g drones. The only way to fly legally is to obtain a specific permit from Parks Canada, which is rarely granted for recreational purposes. For tourists visiting from the United States or Europe, this is a critical rule to remember.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Rules in Canada: The Sub-250g Advantage

The DJI Mini 4 Pro weighs under 250 grams, which places it in the exempt category. This means you do not need to register it with Transport Canada, and you do not need a Basic or Advanced pilot certificate to fly it. However, you are still subject to the same operational rules as all drone pilots. You must fly below 122 metres (400 feet), stay at least 30 metres from people (unless you have an Advanced certificate), and avoid controlled airspace without authorisation. The sub-250g advantage is significant for recreational pilots who want to avoid paperwork, but it does not grant you free rein over populated areas or national parks.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions