Unusual Laws from the Great North

Every country and even many cities have a good number of strange laws from the past, or even on the books today. The great Canada is no different. Some of the laws are no longer enforced, and others are no longer around, but all have had a place in Canadian law. We dare you to avoid asking yourself “why” as you read the following laws.

British Columbia

If you happen to live in Port Coquitlam, keep a count of your pets. It’s illegal to own more than four pet rats at a time.

Staying to the pet theme, in Oak Bay, if your parrot is too loud you could be fined $100.

An oldie but a goodie, in Vancouver from the 1940s through the 1980s, it was against the law to sell a stove on a Wednesday.

Street entertainers in Victoria are forbidden from giving children balloon animals.

And in British Columbia, as a whole, it is 100% illegal and not allowed to kill a sasquatch. Leave Big Foot alone, for the love of all that is holy.

Alberta

In Alberta, make sure you heed the warnings. It is unlawful to paint a wooden ladder.

The entire province also makes it against the law to sell or buy non-prescription lenses at any costume shop.

You should also avoid setting fire to the leg of a wooden-legged man, as you’ll be breaking the law.

In addition, if you’re riding your trusty steed, you’re in luck. All businesses in Alberta must provide a rail to tie horses to.

While in St. Paul, Alberta, it’s also illegal for a child under the age of 15 to be outside between midnight and six am.

Saskatchewan

If you happen to be in Fort Qu’Appelle, make sure to check your shoes. You cannot walk down the main street if your shoes happen to be untied.

Ontario

Potty mouths need not apply, as it’s illegal to swear in a public park in Toronto.

It’s also illegal to attach a siren to your bike if you’re in Sudbury.

And in Petrolia, many noises are forbidden. Avoid whistling, singing, shouting, hooting, or yelling if you don’t want to end up in trouble.

If you don’t pay a hotel bill in the province, the hotel can choose to sell your horse.

Kanata, Ontario has made it unlawful to have a garage door that is painted in the color purple.

Meanwhile, in Uxbridge, having an Internet connection faster than 56K is illegal.

Quebec

When you’re in Quebec, it’s fine to swear, but it’s illegal if you do it in French.

If you live in Beaconsfield, it’s unlawful to paint your house more than two colors.

New Brunswick

When in Fredericton, it’s illegal to carry a pet lizard or wear a snake in public.

Nova Scotia

In Halifax, taxi drivers are not allowed to wear t-shirts or shorts.

It’s also illegal to unhinge someone’s front gate in Wolfville.

Prince Edward Island

And in Charlottetown, don’t ring a doorbell to be annoying or disturb someone. It’s illegal to do so intentionally.

No matter where in Canada you reside, there are some crazy laws out there. You may not even know them yourself. While this is far from a full list, it gives you an idea of just what kind of things out there may be illegal and how silly many of the laws are.