Crossbow Regulations in Canada: A Province-and-Territory Guide

Crossbow Regulations in Canada

Navigate the landscape of Crossbow Regulations in Canada with this province-by-province and territory-by-territory guide. This guide covers the main ways people use crossbows: hunting, bowfishing, recreational target shooting and basic ownership or transport. Rules can change by season, species, zone, licence type and local closure, so always verify the current regulation summary before using a crossbow.

Last reviewed: May 18, 2026.

Canada-Wide Crossbow Note

  • Ordinary two-handed crossbows that are longer than 500 mm are not licensed or registered like firearms under the Firearms Act, but their use is still controlled by hunting, fishing, municipal and safety rules.
  • Federal law still applies across Canada. One-handed crossbows and crossbows with an overall length of 500 mm or less, including the stirrup, are treated as prohibited weapons.
  • Hunting, bowfishing and target shooting are regulated differently. A crossbow that is lawful to own is not automatically lawful to use for a specific animal, fish, lake, river, season, park, municipality or backyard.
  • Non-residents bringing hunting equipment into Canada should also review Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP firearms/weapons guidance before travelling.
Federal resources:

Justice Laws - Prohibited Weapons Regulations, CBSA Memorandum D19-13-2 and RCMP licensing information and crossbow note.

Bowfishing in Canada

  • Bowfishing is normally regulated under provincial, territorial or federal recreational fishing rules, not under the general hunting rules listed below.
  • A fishing licence is usually required unless a specific exemption applies, and anglers must follow the species, waterbody, fishing zone, season, gear and possession rules for that location.
  • Do not assume that a crossbow may be used for trout, salmon, walleye, pike or other sport/game fish. Several provinces limit bowfishing to named rough fish, invasive fish or non-game species.
  • Ontario allows a bow and arrow as a non-angling method only for listed species and periods in the Fishing Regulations Summary. Ontario specifically lists bowfin, common carp and white sucker opportunities, with zone and season limits.
  • Alberta allows bowfishing under the Alberta Sportfishing Licence and does not require a special bowfishing licence, but bows cannot be used to harvest trout, mountain whitefish, Arctic grayling, lake sturgeon, walleye or northern pike.
  • Saskatchewan allows bow fishing for carp and suckers only; taking game fish and bigmouth buffalo by bow and arrow is prohibited.
  • Quebec permits fishing with bows or crossbows in most fishing zones, but prohibits those methods for Atlantic salmon, striped bass, landlocked salmon, muskellunge, lake trout, sturgeon and walleye except waters with no walleye length limit. The method is also prohibited in zones 17 and 22 to 24, fly-fishing waters, salmon rivers and listed areas near salmon river mouths.
  • Where a province or territory is not summarized here, verify the current fishing guide before using a crossbow for fish. This is especially important in national parks, special management areas, Indigenous/treaty areas and waters with local exceptions.
Bowfishing resources:

DFO recreational fishing regulations, Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary, Alberta Sportfishing Regulations, Saskatchewan Angling Regulations and Quebec other types of fishing.

Target Shooting and Practice

  • For recreational practice, the main question is usually not federal ownership but whether discharging a bow or crossbow is allowed at that place.
  • Use a recognized archery range, club, safe private property or another location where discharge is permitted. Many municipalities regulate or prohibit the discharge of bows and crossbows through local bylaws.
  • Some municipal bylaws define a bow to include a crossbow, and some allow target shooting only at approved ranges or in specific areas. Always check the local bylaw before backyard or rural-property practice.
  • Do not shoot across or from roads, trails, sidewalks, public places, vehicles or toward buildings, livestock, people or property. A safe backstop and clear shooting lane are essential.
  • National parks, provincial parks, conservation areas, municipal parks and no-shooting areas can have their own restrictions even when ordinary private ownership is lawful.
  • Transport crossbows uncocked, unloaded and safely cased where required by the province, territory, park, club or local rule. Hunting transport rules may apply when the crossbow is carried in wildlife habitat during an open or closed season.
Target shooting resources:

City of London discharge of firearms and bows by-law, District of Saanich Firearm and Bow Discharge Regulation Bylaw and City of Colwood Firearms & Bow Bylaw.

Alberta

  • Crossbows may not be used to hunt big game during archery-only seasons.
  • An exception exists for an eligible handicapped hunter who has a properly completed medical assessment form signed by an authorized medical practitioner.
  • A Bowhunting Permit is not required when hunting with a crossbow.
  • For big game, an authorized crossbow must require 100 pounds or more of pull to draw the string or cable to the cocked position.
  • Alberta does not set a crossbow bolt length restriction for big game, but the bolt head must not be designed to resist withdrawal after penetration.
  • Big-game crossbow broadheads must be either solid, sharp cutting heads at least 7/8 inch wide, or mechanical heads that open on impact to cutting edges at least 7/8 inch wide.
  • The Alberta guide states that crossbows may not be used for waterfowl hunting; also verify current federal migratory-bird rules before hunting waterfowl.
  • Hunters must hold the required Wildlife Identification Number (WIN), wildlife certificate, species licence, tags and any special licence required for the species and Wildlife Management Unit.
Contacts:

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas / Fish and Wildlife. Official hunting regulations. Phone: 310-3773 in Alberta, 1-877-944-0313 in Canada, or 780-944-0313 internationally. Contact page.

Official resources: Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations - Big Game Regulations.

British Columbia

  • Crossbows are generally legal for hunting in B.C., but hunters must follow the species, regional, General Open Season and Limited Entry Hunting rules that apply to the exact management unit.
  • The 2024-2026 B.C. Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis is effective from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026.
  • Hunters generally need a valid B.C. hunting licence, Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID), and any required species licence or Limited Entry Hunting authorization.
  • Regional schedules matter: local closures, no-shooting areas, firearm restrictions, motor-vehicle restrictions and park rules can change whether a crossbow may be used in a specific place.
  • No Shooting Areas may still be open to bows, including crossbows, unless a regional rule specifically restricts them.
  • Disabled hunting permits may authorize certain accommodations, including vehicle-related accommodations or companion/proxy hunting assistance where the permit conditions allow it.
  • Disabled hunting permit applications require eligibility under the Wildlife Act Permit Regulation and a medical assessment form.
  • Because B.C. rules are highly regional, verify equipment requirements and local method restrictions in the current online synopsis before relying on a crossbow in the field.
Contacts:

Government of British Columbia / FrontCounter BC / Fish and Wildlife services. Official hunting regulations synopsis. Phone: 1-877-855-3222. Email: FrontCounterBC@gov.bc.ca. Contact page.

Official resources: B.C. hunting licences and disabled hunting permits.

Manitoba

  • Crossbows may be used during big-game rifle seasons and designated muzzleloader seasons where the Manitoba regulations allow them.
  • Crossbows are not allowed during archery seasons unless the hunter holds a valid Disabled Crossbow Permit.
  • Crossbows are also not allowed in seasons where the regulation restricts hunters to shotgun and/or muzzleloader only.
  • For big game, a crossbow must have a draw weight of at least 150 pounds.
  • For big game, crossbow bolts/arrows must use a broadhead point at least 7/8 inch wide.
  • A Disabled Crossbow Permit allows an archer with a permanent disability to use a crossbow during an archery season.
  • The permit may be issued for specified disabilities, including paraplegia, hemiplegia, wheelchair confinement, certain amputations, or permanent upper-limb conditions preventing conventional archery use.
  • The application requires physician documentation, and Manitoba advises hunters to allow processing time before the season.
  • General Manitoba rules prohibit explosive, drugged, scented or poisoned arrows for big game or wild turkey.
Contacts:

Province of Manitoba, Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures. Fish and wildlife website. Manitoba eLicensing Call Centre: 1-877-880-1203. Disabled Crossbow Permit form page.

Official resources: Manitoba Hunting Guide and General Hunting Regulation.

New Brunswick

  • Crossbows are permitted for use under a bow hunting licence in New Brunswick.
  • New Brunswick recognizes crossbows as firearms under the Fish and Wildlife Act framework, and crossbow hunters are subject to many of the same hunting laws as bow and gun hunters.
  • All resident bow/crossbow hunters born on or after January 1, 1981, or hunting with a bow/crossbow for the first time, must complete an approved stand-alone Bowhunter Education course with a practical component or field day.
  • All non-resident bow/crossbow hunters born on or after January 1, 1981, or hunting with a bow/crossbow for the first time, must complete a recognized stand-alone Bowhunter Education course meeting National Bowhunter Education Foundation or Atlantic Canada standards.
  • Bow hunters born before January 1, 1981 who are not first-time bow hunters may show a previous licence allowing bow or crossbow use.
  • Crossbows used to hunt deer, moose and bear must have a minimum draw weight of 150 pounds and be fitted with broadheads no less than 20 mm wide.
  • It is illegal to discharge a crossbow within 100 metres of a dwelling, school, playground, athletic field, solid waste disposal site or place of business.
  • It is illegal to carry a cocked and loaded crossbow on any vehicle, including an all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile.
  • Crossbows used for hunting must be equipped with a safety.
  • From September 1 to December 31, crossbow hunters must wear a solid or camouflage fluorescent hunter orange jacket or vest and a solid fluorescent hunter orange hat, subject to listed deer-archery stand/blind exceptions.
Contacts:

New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development, Fish & Wildlife Branch. Official Fish & Wildlife website. Phone: 506-453-3826. Email: fw_pfweb@gnb.ca. Service New Brunswick Helpdesk: 1-888-832-2762.

Official resources: Go Hunting, Hunter Education Requirements and Crossbow Hunting in New Brunswick.

Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Certified hunters may use crossbows during firearms seasons for big game and small game.
  • Crossbow use for big game, including moose, caribou and black bear, is limited to the regular rifle season and is not allowed in the archery preseason.
  • Hunters must carry proof of completed firearms and hunter education courses, in addition to the required hunting licences.
  • An archery or crossbow-specific course is not required by the provincial guidance, but hunters are encouraged to understand crossbow and archery basics before hunting.
  • For moose, caribou and black bear, crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 150 pounds.
  • For moose, caribou and black bear, broadheads must have at least two sharp metal cutting edges.
  • For small game, hunters must use blunts or other small-game tips designed to kill by shock.
  • It is illegal to transport a loaded crossbow in or on any vehicle, including ATVs, snowmobiles and aircraft.
  • A crossbow must be cased or fully wrapped and tied when transported during a closed season or outside the hunter's open area.
  • It is illegal to discharge a firearm, including a crossbow or bow, within 1,000 metres of a school, playground, athletic field or posted commercial wood-cutting operation, or within 300 metres of a dwelling.
Contacts:

Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Wildlife Division. Official hunting regulation summaries. Department contact page.

Official resources: Information on Crossbows and 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Northwest Territories

  • Crossbows are recognized hunting equipment in the NWT wildlife framework: big game may be harvested with a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow, subject to the applicable regulations.
  • Small game may also be harvested with a firearm, bow and arrow, crossbow, slingshot, net, snare, deadfall, trap or similar device, subject to the regulations.
  • NWT crossbow equipment standards require at least 68 kg draw weight at 700 mm, a bolt weight of at least 16.2 g, and a cutting broadhead of at least 2.2 cm diameter.
  • Resident and non-resident hunters need a hunting licence; big game also requires wildlife tags.
  • Tags must be attached immediately after the kill where tags are required.
  • Resident and non-resident hunters must complete government-issued Hunter Education training before a hunting licence can be issued.
  • Non-NWT residents must use a licensed NWT outfitter and guide to hunt big game.
  • Hunters must carry and show their licence and tags at all times; Indigenous harvesters must carry identification proving harvesting rights in the hunting area.
  • Crossbow seasons are not generally shown as separate seasons in the official summary reviewed; crossbow use is tied to the applicable species, area, licence, tag and season rules.
Contacts:

Government of the Northwest Territories, Environment and Climate Change. Hunting licence information. General inquiries: 1-867-767-9055. North Slave Wildlife and Forestry: 867-767-9238 ext. 53247. Email: ECC_Communications@gov.nt.ca. Regional offices.

Official resources: Hunting licence and ECC regional offices.

Nova Scotia

  • Use of crossbows by certified hunters is legal for hunting all species that may be harvested with a bow or firearm, except during Special Open Seasons for Bowhunting.
  • For certification to hunt with a crossbow, a hunter must meet Nova Scotia's crossbow certification requirements or complete the crossbow hunter safety course.
  • For big game other than moose, a crossbow must have a draw weight of 150 pounds or greater and bolts with heads more than 2.2 cm in diameter.
  • For deer under the archery and muzzleloader stamp, primitive weapons include a crossbow meeting the 150-pound draw weight and bolt-head requirement.
  • Crossbow hunters must wear hunter orange or camouflage orange.
  • No person may hunt or discharge a firearm, crossbow or bow between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise unless a listed permit or furharvesting exception applies.
  • No person may possess a weapon in or on a vehicle at night unless it is encased.
  • A Weapon Discharge Permit may be issued to a disabled person to hunt from a vehicle, but the hunter must still hold the required hunting licence and follow permit conditions.
  • A person hunting wildlife may not possess more than one weapon unless the additional weapon is unloaded and disassembled or unloaded and encased.
Contacts:

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Official hunting website. Service Nova Scotia: 1-800-670-4357 or 902-424-5200. Local and area offices.

Official resources: Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary, Crossbow FAQ and Online Crossbow Hunter Training Course.

Nunavut

  • Crossbow hunting for big game is permitted in Nunavut, subject to the same regulations as hunting with a firearm.
  • A standard crossbow must have a draw weight of at least 68 kg at full draw.
  • A compound crossbow must have a draw weight of at least 45 kg.
  • Crossbow quarrels must weigh more than 16.2 g.
  • If a broadhead is used, it must be more than 2.22 cm at its widest point.
  • Hunters need a harvesting licence for small game; big game hunting also requires species authorization tags.
  • Licences and tags must be carried while hunting, are not transferable, and are valid for one year from July 1 to June 30.
  • A person 12 or older may be issued a small game licence. A person 16 or older may be issued a big game licence, and ages 12 to 16 may be issued a big game licence if endorsed by a parent or guardian.
  • Non-residents and non-resident foreigners may hunt big game only through a licensed outfitter and with a professional big game guide.
  • Sport hunting is not permitted in Nunavut national or territorial parks, wildlife sanctuaries or preserves listed in the regulations guide.
Contacts:

Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment. Department website. Phone: 867-975-7700. Email: environment@gov.nu.ca.

Official resources: Wildlife regulations and Nunavut Hunting Regulations Guide.

Ontario

  • Crossbows are included in Ontario's hunting firearm/bow framework and may be used for species and seasons where bows/crossbows are permitted.
  • For moose, elk and black bear, a crossbow must have at least 300 mm draw length and 54 kg draw weight.
  • For deer and wild turkey, a crossbow must have at least 300 mm draw length and 45 kg draw weight.
  • Bolts used for big game or wild turkey must have a broadhead at least 22 mm wide with at least two sharp cutting edges.
  • A crossbow is considered loaded when it is cocked and has a bolt in it.
  • Hunting is generally allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, with listed exceptions.
  • It is illegal to have a loaded firearm/crossbow in or on a vehicle, aircraft, snowmobile, ATV, motorboat or anything towed by a boat unless a specific exception applies.
  • Hunters with qualifying mobility disabilities may apply for authorization related to loaded firearms/crossbows in a vehicle or motorboat.
  • Ontario hunters generally need an Outdoors Card, hunter accreditation and all required licences/tags for the species hunted.
Contacts:

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Ministry website. Natural Resources Information and Support Centre: 1-800-387-7011. Contact form.

Official resources: Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary - General Regulations and Ontario resident hunting licence.

Prince Edward Island

  • PEI's Hunting Summary lists provincial seasons mainly for small game, furbearers and migratory birds; no deer or other big-game season is listed.
  • The official PEI Hunting Summary reviewed did not publish a separate crossbow equipment table, so hunters should confirm crossbow legality for the exact PEI species and season before hunting.
  • To hunt legally on PEI, a hunter must have a valid hunting licence and pay the Wildlife Conservation Fund fee.
  • Most hunters also require Firearms Safety, Hunter Safety and/or Bow Hunting Safety training, depending on the type of hunting.
  • The Bow Hunting Safety Course includes Hunter Safety, Tree Stand Safety and a practical bow shooting test.
  • All persons seeking a PEI hunting licence must show a Hunter Safety Certificate to the licence vendor.
  • Non-resident hunter safety certificates from the hunter's home jurisdiction are accepted.
  • Non-resident hunters must be accompanied by either a licensed resident hunter or a registered hunting guide while hunting in PEI.
  • Youth hunters under 16 require a hunting licence and may not use or carry a firearm except with a parent or guardian, subject to federal firearms law.
  • Because PEI has limited huntable species compared with many provinces, direct confirmation with the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division is recommended before using a crossbow.
Contacts:

Government of Prince Edward Island, Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division. Official hunting summary. Phone: 902-368-6450. Wildlife emergencies: 902-368-4683. Email: hunting@gov.pe.ca.

Official resources: PEI Hunting Summary PDF, hunting safety courses and Hunting and Trapping Seasons Regulations.

Quebec

  • Quebec's current sport hunting regulations cover April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2028.
  • To hunt with a crossbow or bow, Quebec residents generally need a hunter's certificate bearing code A or code B; non-residents are exempt from the certificate requirement but must still use authorized weapons and gear.
  • Crossbow hunting is not permitted under Code F; Quebec states that Code F has not authorized crossbow hunting since 2007.
  • Crossbows may still be used during firearm hunting seasons, except in zones 17, 22, 23 and 24, where crossbows are prohibited.
  • For large game, crossbows must have at least 54 kg draw weight, a safety catch, and bolts at least 40 cm long including the tip.
  • Arrows/bolts for large game and wild turkey must have a cutting diameter of at least 22 mm.
  • For migratory birds where crossbows are authorized, crossbows must have at least 45 kg draw weight and arrows/bolts must have a razor-sharp tip with at least two blades and 22 mm cutting diameter.
  • A crossbow with a taut string connected to the firing mechanism, with or without a bolt, is prohibited in or on a motorized land vehicle, aircraft or trailer.
  • People with qualifying disabilities may apply for special authorizations to use a crossbow during bow-only periods, except zones 17, 22, 23 and 24, or to possess/fire a weapon from a stationary vehicle or trailer.
Contacts:

Ministere de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs. Official hunting website. Biodiversity, Wildlife and Parks Client Services: 1-877-346-6763. Email: renseignements.faune@environnement.gouv.qc.ca.

Official resources: Hunting weapons, ammunition and gear, vehicles, aircraft and boats and authorizations for people with disabilities.

Saskatchewan

  • Crossbows are permitted only during an open muzzleloader or rifle season.
  • Exception: crossbows are permitted during all open seasons in the Regina/Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and Prince Albert Wildlife Management Zones.
  • A crossbow used for hunting must have a draw weight of at least 150 pounds.
  • Big-game archery equipment rules include broadheads of at least 7/8 inch diameter; verify the current Hunters Guide for the exact crossbow bolt wording before the hunt.
  • A valid Saskatchewan hunting licence and HAL account/identification are required for licence purchases, except where a legal exemption applies.
  • Hunters must follow species, Wildlife Management Zone, draw, season, tag/seal, land-access and outfitter requirements.
  • Vehicle use, road hunting, firearms restrictions and provincial park rules may add local restrictions.
  • Printed copies of the Hunters Guide may lag behind online updates, so Saskatchewan says the online version is the most up to date.
Contacts:

Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Environment. Official hunting website. Environment Inquiry Centre: centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca. HAL licensing help: 1-855-848-4773. TIPP violations: 1-800-667-7561.

Official resources: Hunting in Saskatchewan and Hunting licences.

Yukon

  • Crossbow hunting is not legal in Yukon.
  • The Yukon Hunting Regulations Summary states that it is against the law to hunt with a crossbow.
  • For big game, Yukon separately lists a crossbow as prohibited hunting equipment.
  • Yukon allows bow hunting only with approved bows: longbow, recurve bow and compound bow are listed; crossbows are not included in that bow definition.
  • Bow-only sheep hunting in subzone 9-03 (Gray Ridge) does not include crossbows because crossbow hunting is prohibited territory-wide.
  • A valid Yukon hunting licence is required to hunt, and big game hunters need the applicable seals and/or Permit Hunt Authorization where required.
  • Hunters must carry their hunting licence while hunting and must physically carry big game seals when hunting big game.
  • Hunters must be completely off a road or highway, including the shoulder, before firing a shot and must shoot away from the road, not across or along it.
Contacts:

Government of Yukon, Department of Environment. Official hunting regulations. Phone: 867-667-5652. Toll-free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408 ext. 5652. Email: environmentyukon@yukon.ca.

Official resources: Yukon hunting regulations and Yukon Hunting Regulations Summary PDF.