No, open carry of firearms in Canada is prohibited under the Firearms Act and Criminal Code, with exceptions for authorized individuals like peace officers or during licensed activities. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize stricter enforcement by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and provincial firearms officers.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Canada
- Prohibition on Public Display: Section 93 of the Criminal Code criminalizes the open carry of firearms in public without lawful excuse, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. Exceptions require explicit authorization from the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) of the relevant province.
- Licensing and Storage Mandates: The Firearms Act mandates secure storage (e.g., locked containers) and prohibits carrying firearms while loaded or in a manner that could cause public alarm. Violations trigger immediate revocation of licenses by provincial authorities.
- Restricted and Prohibited Firearms: Open carry of restricted firearms (e.g., handguns) is illegal unless under direct supervision for approved purposes (e.g., target shooting at licensed ranges). Prohibited firearms (e.g., sawed-off shotguns) are never permitted for open carry.