I consider myself an avid outdoorsmen and film maker. Being able to blend my two passions together is next to nirvana.
So, when consumer drones flew onto the market, naturally I had to get one. And the first place I thought to take my drone was into the backcountry while I camp.
However, drone laws in Canada have swiftly changed where pilots can and, more importantly, can’t fly. In Canada, strict drone laws prohibit the use of drones in most parks and campgrounds.
So, before you bring a drone camping, or even buy a drone, make sure you review the following rules, regulations and considerations.
Camping Drone Laws in Canada
Personally, I love capturing the raw and untamed beauty of the natural world. I truly enjoy creating cinematic stories of all my adventures, especially when camping.
My Mavic Air drone is so small and compact I can take it everywhere! That includes packing it with the rest of my gear and bringing my drone camping.
However, after a string of incidents, the Canadian government tightened up the rules regarding remotely pilot aircraft systems (RPAS). The new rules apply to small consumer drones, as a result.
Drone No Fly Zones in Canada
Canada is full of beautiful parks, so the question arises: Is it legal to fly a drone in a national or provincial park? And, can you take a drone camping?
Currently, all Canadian national and provincial parks are currently designated as ‘No Drone Zones’ for recreational drone use [Reference].
Therefore, pilots are not permitted to take-off or land within park boundaries unless they are pre-approved (see Authorization section below).
Where Piloting a Drone is Allowed – Interactive Map (Link)
To help drone pilots understand Canadian airspace and find out where to fly safely, the government has created this interactive map.
Therefore, you can quickly and easily see flight restricted areas occupied by airports, aerodromes, and helipads.
In Canada, you may not fly a drone:
- Within 5.6 km (3 miles) of an airport
- Within 1.9 km (1 mile) of a heliport
- Over advertised events (sporting event, festival, etc.)
- Within 30 m (100 feet) of people (measured horizontally)
How to Register a Drone in Canada
In Canada, all drones between 250 grams and up to 25 kilograms must be registered prior to being flown.
However, all drones under 250 grams, like the Mavic Mini or a custom FPV drone, do not need to be registered.
Registering a drone in Canada costs $5 and takes less than 5 minutes.
To register online, visit https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety/register-drone.html.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the “Register your Drone” icon.
You will need the following information to register your drone:
- Purchase date (if applicable)
- Make, mode, serial number, weight and type of drone
- Debit or credit card
Once registered, the drone must be marked with the registration code provided.
In the market for a drone? Check of my comprehensive article on The Best Drone for Backpacking, Camping & Hiking!
Getting a Pilot Certificate for a Drone in Canada
In Canada, drones between 250 grams and up to 25 kilograms must be piloted by individuals with a valid pilot certificate.
However, drones under 250 grams do not require a drone pilot certificate.
There are two type of pilot certificates in Canada: Basic Operations and Advanced Operations.
Individuals over the age of 14 can get a basic license. Only those over the age of 16 can get an advanced license.
Basic Operations Pilot Certificate
The vast majority of hobby drone pilots only need a basic operations license. It’s a pretty simple process to get one.
Firstly, you must pay $10 to take an online test. Then, you have 90 minutes to answer 35 multiple choice questions and must achieve a mark of 65% or above to pass.
Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate
The advanced operations licence is geared towards commercial operators and consists of more stringent certification.
Similar to basic operations, you must pay $10 to take an online test. Then, you have 60 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice questions and must achieve a mark of 80% or above to pass.
Following the online test, pilots must schedule and pass a flight review. During the flight review, you will be assessed on your ability to operate a drone safely.
For more information regarding pilot certification visit:
https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety/get-drone-pilot-certificate/exam.html
How to Obtain Authorization to Fly in Provincial and National Parks in Canada
For recreational and non-recreational use (i.e. commercial filming for education or promotional purposes) park superintendents may authorize limited use of drones. That means you can take your drone camping, but only if it’s pre-approved.
You will need to get prior approval from the field unit superintendent (how to contact Parks Canada) and meet Transport Canada’s requirements.
To submit a request to operate a drone, visit the provincial park website and find the respective contact form.
Be sure to include the following information in your email:
- Pilot certificate number
- Drone registration number
- Camping dates and confirmation information
- Campsite number or location where you intend to fly
- Your flight experience
Hopefully, you are granted permission to take your drone camping and to fly. And, if you do, please respect and follow all the rules so that more of us are allowed to fly.
Because, one careless pilot can ruin it for everyone, so fly safe and fly smart!
Fines and Penalties for Misuse of Drones in Canada
Drone pilots must follow the rules in the Canadian Aviation Regulations, Part IX – Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
To enforce registration, certification and safe piloting, the government of Canada has implemented strict fines and penalties for non-compliance.
Therefore, flying a drone without proper documentation or approval may results in the following penalties and fines:
Individuals
- Flying an unregistered drone may result in a fine of up to $1,000
- Flying without a drone pilot certificate may result in a fine of up to $1,000
- Operating in a ‘no drone zone’ may result in a fine up to $1,000
- Operating recklessly and putting other aircraft and people at risk may result in a fine up to $3,000
Corporations
- Flying an unregistered drone may result in a fine of up to $5,000
- Flying without a drone pilot certificate may result in a fine of up to $5,000
- Operating in a ‘no drone zone’ may result in a fine up to $5,000
- Operating recklessly and putting other aircraft and people at risk may result in a fine up to $15,000
Multiple infractions could result in multiple penalties, so the cost of illegally flying a drone could be very high.
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Hi,
Your link to no drones in parks is only for National Parks (the link is only pertaining to National Parks in Canada) which Provincial parks are totally separate. I recently joined a FB Drone group based here in NS where I live. Trying to find literature on laws regarding NS Provincial Parks. I’ve been unable to do so as of yet.
Hello Tony and thank you for your comment!
Yes, the link in the article is specific for national parks in Canada; however, according to the many, if not all, provincial park websites that i’ve researched, drone usage is not allowed. My experience is that the provincial parks take guidance from the national parks so the same rules tend to apply.
I’ve actually attempted to be granted permission from the park field unit superintendent (Grundy Lake Provincial Park in Ontario) but was denied multiple times, even though I was camping in the backcountry! I guess they do not want to set a precedent and start granting permissions to recreational drone users willy nilly.
I’ve not researched Nova Scotia provincial parks, but my advice is to call the park field unit supervisor and speak to them. They might not be fully aware of the rules but it helps to ask. You might be to convince them to grant you permission to fly during your visit!
Good luck and happy flying!
Drone use in Nova Scotia provincial parks is banned.
https://parks.novascotia.ca/rules-regulations
Thanks Matt! Yup, Nova Scotia is a no-go for drones in provincial parks.
How about banff? Do you know if anyone has been approved to fly a drone there ?
Hi Tsam,
Since Banff is a national park in Canada, I believe drones are prohibited. However, you can attempt to contact the park wardens to obtain authorization by calling 1-888-WARDENS (1-888-927-3367) [Toll-free 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week].
Regards,
Shane
Just wanted to note that it appears Sask Parks do allow drone use long as no animals or humans are disturbed and transport Canada’s laws are followed (they note that the law prohibiting flying 30m horizontally from people would make campgrounds, beaches, and playgrounds no-go’s when they’re occupied)
https://parks.saskatchewan.ca/articles/camping/saskatchewan-provincial-parks-policies?tti=Policies
Likewise, there are no regulations against drone flights in Manitoba provincial parks (but not near wildfires). They are banned in BC & Alberta provincial parks. I guess the answer to flying drones while camping is to head to the beautiful Prairie parks, do so conscientiously, and not mess it up for the rest of us.
Thanks Kyle, 100% agree! Everyone, please fly your drones appropriately within parks and camping areas, and don’t mess it up for the rest of us.
Just curious about the Ontario Provincial Park rule regarding drones under 250g, since there is no requirement to hold a pilot certificate, or to register the aircraft with Transport Canada?
Hi Neil, currently all remotely piloted aircraft systems, including drones, no matter the weight are not allowed to be operated inside of Ontario provincial parks. The only exception is if you’re able to get authorization from the park superintendent. I’ve tried and have been denied multiple times, even if I planned on flying in ultra-remote regions.
You’re correct about registration and certification of drones weighing under 250 grams – it’s currently not required in Canada.
Really unsure about Provincial parks in British Columbia. Everywhere within Bc is some sort of park, and as film makers, most of us want to capture the beauty of the places we live in to encourage attachment and engagement in conservation from the public. Barring drones from Provincial parks inhibits the places we can fly almost entirely.
The No fly zone only notes National Parks, Provincial Parks are not listed. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/drone-tool/
The Government website sites the Parks Act, but there is no mention of UAV’s or Drones within the Act, only citing the use of drone being prohibited under “natural resources protection deemed by the minister”. This is vague language, and based on the fines issued in the 2020, almost all are for flying within the city limits or Stanley Park, which is a National Park.
I completely understand the need to restrict drones for traffic and pedestrian safety, as well as privacy issues and national monuments. But barring them from Provincial parks is the wrong call, and doesn’t seemed well defined or enforced.
Hi Brendan, I find that British Columbia is one of the most restrictive provinces in Canada. They don’t even allow dogs on some backcountry trails – ridiculous!
I was born and raised in BC, but now live in Ontario. And for some reason, Ontario is way more open and transparent about provincial park rules. Regardless, unless you’re well outside of the Greater Vancouver District, most areas aren’t drone friendly. You’re either too close to the public, within the flight path of planes, too close to helipads and aerodromes, or near someones private property.
Perhaps look up maps of Crown land in BC, and cross-reference restricted RPAS areas to find regions where you can fly? This is your best bet to fly over public areas without risk of fines. It’s very clunky but try using the BC iMaps online tool (https://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/hm/imap4m/) to find crown land.
Hope this helps!
Shane