Ever had a moment where you thought, Wait… am I even allowed to do this? You’re not alone. Canada has plenty of well-known laws, but there are also some unexpected, quirky, and downright strange legal allowances. Some seem like loopholes that were never closed, while others serve a practical purpose.
Before we go deep into the topic, let’s check out what the crime rate in Canada is in 2025!
Can you legally walk around with a sword? Own a pet raccoon? Carry a flamethrower? The answer might surprise you. Let’s take a look at ten things you probably didn’t know you could do—completely within the law.
1. Keep a Raccoon as a Pet
Most people think of raccoons as little masked troublemakers that raid garbage cans, but in certain parts of Canada, you can legally keep one as a pet. In Ontario, for instance, there’s no province-wide ban on raccoon ownership, though some municipalities have their restrictions.
However, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Raccoons are highly intelligent, mischievous, and incredibly destructive. They also have sharp claws, unpredictable behavior, and a knack for escaping. If you don’t raccoon-proof your house, you’re inviting chaos into your life. Oh, and good luck finding a vet willing to treat your unconventional pet.
2. Carry a Sword in Public
Picture this: You’re walking down the street with a full-length katana strapped to your back. Legal or not? Surprisingly, yes-it is. As long as you’re not brandishing it in a threatening manner, carrying a sword in public is completely legal in most parts of Canada.
Swords, much like large knives, are not classified as weapons unless they are used with criminal intent. However, that doesn’t mean it’s socially acceptable. If you walk into a grocery store with a medieval longsword, expect some raised eyebrows and maybe even a visit from the police to check if you’re up to no good.
3. Play Online At Offshore Casinos
However, using offshore gambling platforms comes with risks. These sites are not subject to Canadian regulations, which means consumer protections may be limited. If an offshore site refuses to pay out winnings or engages in unfair practices, players have little legal recourse.
It is essential to research platforms carefully, check for licensing from reputable regulatory bodies, and read user reviews before depositing money. Platforms like pokermira are among the many available options, but users should approach online gambling responsibly and be aware of the potential risks involved.
4. Drink Alcohol in Public (In Some Places)
Think drinking a beer in the park is illegal? Not always. Some parts of Canada allow public drinking, especially in designated areas. In Quebec, for instance, you can sip alcohol in a public place as long as you’re eating a meal with it.
Some cities are even experimenting with legal outdoor drinking zones. Just make sure to check the local rules before cracking open a cold one—otherwise, you could still end up with a fine.
5. Eat Roadkill
Okay, this one sounds extreme, but yes—you can legally eat roadkill in some provinces. Alberta and British Columbia, for example, allow people to salvage recently hit animals for consumption. In fact, some organizations encourage this practice as a way to reduce waste and make use of perfectly good meat.
However, you can’t just grab any dead animal off the road.
- The animal must be freshly killed (no week-old carcasses, please).
- You need to report it to the authorities.
- It has to be deemed safe for human consumption.
So, while roadkill dining is legal, it’s not for the faint of heart.
6. Own a Flamethrower
This sounds like something out of an action movie, but flamethrowers are not classified as weapons under Canadian law. That means you can legally buy, own, and use one without needing a special permit.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you can start torching things at will. If you cause damage, endanger people, or use it recklessly, you could face serious consequences. But if you’re looking for a dramatic way to melt snow off your driveway, a flamethrower is surprisingly within the legal limits.
7. Buy and Consume Cannabis Edibles Anywhere Smoking is Allowed
When Canada legalized cannabis, they didn’t stop at dried flowers. Edibles, drinks, oils, and concentrates are all perfectly legal. As long as you’re of legal age (18 or 19, depending on the province), you can legally purchase and consume them anywhere smoking is permitted.
- Some allow smoking only in private residences.
- Others have designated public smoking areas.
- Some cities have stricter by-laws restricting cannabis use altogether.
So, while edibles are legal, where you eat them might still matter.
8. Have a Backyard Burial (Under Certain Conditions)
Believe it or not, you can legally bury a loved one—or even a pet—on your property in some provinces. Nova Scotia and Ontario, for example, allow private burials, but only if you go through the proper legal channels.
There are strict regulations, though. You need approvals, must meet environmental and zoning requirements, and follow specific burial depth guidelines. It’s not as simple as digging a hole in your backyard. But if you’re willing to handle the paperwork, it’s possible.
9. Hitchhiking is Legal (With Limitations)
Hitchhiking has a reputation for being risky, but in most of Canada, it’s legal. The only major restriction? You can’t do it on highways where stopping is prohibited.
That means if you’re on a safe side road or designated pull-over spot, sticking your thumb out for a ride isn’t against the law. Whether it’s safe to do so is another story, but legally speaking, you won’t get fined for it.
10. Live in Your Car
Housing costs are through the roof, and for some people, living in a car is the only affordable option. The good news? There’s no federal law against it. The challenge, however, is finding a place to park overnight without getting fined.
- 24-hour parking lots
- Rest stops
- Campgrounds or designated car-camping spots
As long as you’re parked legally, you can technically live in your car without breaking any laws.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s laws can be surprising. Some things that seem normal—like drinking in public—can be illegal in some places, while carrying a sword or owning a flamethrower is completely fine.
If you ever find yourself wondering if something is legal, it’s always a good idea to check the rules. And hey, if you ever feel like gambling online, drinking a beer in a public park, and strolling down the street with a pet raccoon… you just might be within your rights.
