How Old Do You Have to Be to Vape in Canada?

How old do you have to be to vape? While some may think the minimum age is 21, this is only true for Prince Edward Island. In most Canadian provinces and territories, the legal age to purchase vaping products is 19, with the exception of Quebec and Saskatchewan.    

When are you allowed to vape in each province? 

Regional Minimum Age Vaping Rules  

Vaping laws vary significantly across Canada, with each province and territory establishing its own regulations regarding the minimum age and other restrictions. While specific rules may differ, Canadian law generally treats vaporizers and vapes equally, applying a uniform legal framework. Understanding these regional differences is essential for compliance and responsible use. 

Alberta    

In Alberta, the legal age to buy a vape is 18. The nicotine content in e-liquids is limited to 20 mg/ml. Flavored vapes are allowed without restriction, and online sales are permitted with mandatory age verification upon delivery. Public vaping is restricted in certain areas, including hospitals, schools, playgrounds, and sports fields. Additionally, municipalities may impose further restrictions through local bylaws.    

British Columbia   

In British Columbia, you must be 19 years old to buy a vape. The province limits nicotine levels in e-liquids to 20 mg/ml. Flavored vaping products can only be purchased online or in adult-only retail stores. Online sales are permitted with required age verification upon delivery. Public vaping is prohibited within six meters of doorways, windows, and air intakes, with some municipalities enforcing even stricter regulations.    

Manitoba    

In Manitoba, you can buy a vape at the age of 19. The province follows federal nicotine regulations, capping e-liquids at 20 mg/ml. Flavored vaping products are permitted without additional restrictions. Online sales are allowed, but customers must verify their age upon delivery. Public vaping is banned in indoor public spaces and workplaces, with violators subject to fines.    

New Brunswick   

In New Brunswick, the legal age to purchase a vape is 19. The province enforces a strict flavor ban, allowing only tobacco-flavored e-liquids. Online sales are permitted but require age verification at delivery. Public vaping is restricted in enclosed public places and workplaces.    

Newfoundland and Labrador    

To buy a vape in Newfoundland and Labrador, you must be 19 years old. The province adheres to federal nicotine limits, capping e-liquids at 20 mg/ml. It has implemented a complete ban on flavored vaping products. Online sales are permitted with mandatory age verification on delivery. While vaping is allowed in designated areas, it is prohibited indoors.    

Nova Scotia   

In Nova Scotia, you must be 19 to buy a vape. The province limits e-liquids to 20 mg/mL, including both freebase and nicotine salts. All flavored vaping products, except for tobacco, are banned. Online sales are permitted, but age verification is required at delivery. Public vaping is prohibited in enclosed public spaces such as bars, playgrounds, and vehicles carrying minors.    

Ontario    

In Ontario, you must be 19 to buy a vape, and e-liquids are capped at 20 mg/ml. Only tobacco, menthol, and mint flavors are allowed in general stores, while specialty vape shops can sell more flavors with age restrictions.  Online sales are allowed with mandatory age verification at delivery. Vaping is permitted outdoors but banned in playgrounds, sports fields, restaurant patios, and near schools, with some municipalities adding further restrictions.   

Prince Edward Island   

In Prince Edward Island you need to be 21 to buy a vape. It has the highest minimum age requirement for vaping in Canada. The province only allows e-liquids containing a maximum of 20 mg/ml of nicotine. Only tobacco-flavored vaping products are permitted, and all other flavors are banned. Online sales remain legal, but age verification is required upon delivery. Public vaping is completely banned in workplaces, public areas, and vehicles carrying minors.    

Quebec   

In Quebec, you must be at least 18 to buy a vape, making it the lowest legal age requirement in Canada. The province enforces strict public health laws, prohibiting vaping in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and areas near doorways or air intakes. Quebec follows federal nicotine regulations, capping e-liquids at 20 mg/ml. The province has completely banned the online sale of vaping products, requiring consumers to purchase them in-store. Additionally, only tobacco-flavored e-liquids are permitted.    

Saskatchewan    

To buy a vape in Saskatchewan you must be 18. The province follows federal nicotine guidelines, limiting e-liquids to 20 mg/ml. Saskatchewan enforces partial flavor restrictions, allowing only tobacco, menthol, and mint-flavored products to be sold in general retail stores, while other flavored products are only available in specialty vape shops. Online sales are allowed but require age verification at delivery. Public vaping is restricted in enclosed spaces, school grounds, and near doorways.    

In Northwest Territories, you must be 19 to buy a vape. The territory follows federal nicotine limits, capping e-liquids at 20 mg/ml. There are no additional restrictions on flavored vaping products. Online sales are permitted with mandatory age verification upon delivery. Public vaping is banned in enclosed public areas to maintain indoor air quality standards.    

Nunavut    

In Nunavut the minimum age to purchase a vape is 19. The territory follows federal nicotine guidelines, capping e-liquids at 20 mg/ml. A complete flavor ban is in place, allowing only tobacco-flavored e-liquids to be sold. Online sales are still permitted, provided age verification is completed upon delivery. Public vaping is strictly prohibited in many locations, including restaurants, workplaces, and outdoor areas such as parks.    

Yukon   

In Yukon, you must be 19 to buy a vape. The territory follows federal nicotine regulations, limiting e-liquids to 20 mg/ml. Unlike other provinces, Yukon does not impose restrictions on flavored vaping products. Online sales are permitted but require age verification upon delivery. Public vaping is prohibited in indoor public spaces, including workplaces and restaurants.