In Canada, it is generally legal to own night vision scopes and use them for personal use, such as observation, navigation, or property security. However, their use for hunting is often regulated and can vary by region. It is important to understand the specific rules that apply in your location before using night vision in the field.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult local hunting regulations and authorities before using night vision equipment.

Provincial Regulations on Night Vision Scope Use

The regulations can be broadly categorized into regions where night vision scopes are explicitly prohibited and regions where the hunting guides do not explicitly ban the devices (though night hunting itself may still be restricted).

Regions Where No Explicit Restrictions Are Listed

·Alberta: The 2025 Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations^[1], published annually in July, does not explicitly prohibit infrared or night vision devices.

·Manitoba: Night hunting may require permits, but the 2025 Manitoba Hunting Guide^[2] (valid until March 31, 2026) does not mention night vision restrictions.

·New Brunswick: Only night raccoon hunting is allowed under special authorization. Infrared or night vision devices are not explicitly restricted.

·Newfoundland and Labrador: While night lights of any kind are prohibited, the Newfoundland & Labrador Hunting & Trapping Guide^[3] does not specifically ban night vision scopes.

·Northwest Territories: The NWT Summary of Hunting & Trapping Regulations^[4] (valid until June 30, 2026) does not mention infrared or night vision device restrictions.

·Nova Scotia: Night hunting is limited, but infrared or night vision devices are not explicitly restricted in the Hunting and Furharvesting Summary of Regulations^[5].

·Nunavut: The Nunavut Hunting Regulations^[6] do not contain explicit restrictions on night vision or infrared devices.

·Ontario: Night hunting is generally prohibited except for raccoon and spring wild turkey hunting, and only rimfire rifles are allowed. No explicit restriction exists for night vision scopes in the 2025 Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary^[7].

·Prince Edward Island: Night hunting is restricted, yet the Prince Edward Island Hunting Summary^[8] does not prohibit infrared or night vision use.

·Yukon: Hunting is prohibited from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise; however, infrared or night vision technology are not explicitly restricted in the Yukon Hunting Regulations Summary^[9].

Key takeaway: In many provinces and territories, night vision devices may be used legally, and restrictions on night hunting often apply separately. Always check the specific conditions for hunting at night.

Regions Where Night Vision for Hunting Is Prohibited

·British Columbia: The 2024–2026 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis^[10] explicitly prohibits the use or possession of infrared optics during hunting expeditions.

·Québec: Sport hunting in Québec^[11] (April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2026) explicitly bans hunting with night vision or thermal devices.

·Saskatchewan: The 2025–26 Summary of Hunting Regulations^[12] explicitly prohibits the use of artificial lights, infrared devices, night vision scopes, and goggles while hunting.

Key takeaway: In these regions, hunters must strictly avoid night vision devices to remain compliant with provincial laws.

Tips for Compliance

To stay on the right side of the law when using night vision scopes in Canada:

1. Check Local Regulations Regularly

Hunting rules are updated every year or two, and restrictions on night vision monocular use can change.

2. Understand Night Hunting Limits

Even in regions without explicit night vision restrictions, general night hunting rules may still apply.

3. Obtain Necessary Permits

Some provinces allow limited night hunting with authorization or special permits.

Conclusion

While possession of night vision scopes is generally legal in Canada, using them for hunting is a patchwork of regional rules. Hunters should always review the latest local regulations and obtain any necessary permits.

For reliable, high-quality night vision equipment, IRVOTEX is a trusted brand offering a range of scopes designed for legal hunting and outdoor observation.

References

[1] https://albertaregulations.ca/2025-Alberta-Hunting-Regulations.pdf

[2] https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/pubs/fish_wildlife/huntingguide.pdf

[3] https://www.gov.nl.ca/hunting-trapping-guide/

[4] https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/sites/ecc/files/resources/128-14237-hunt-trap-regs-2025-eng_web.pdf

[5] https://novascotia.ca/natr/hunt/pdf/hunting-and-furharvesting-summary-of-regulations.pdf

[6] https://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2024-12/Nunavut_Hunting_Regulations_Guide_2024-25.pdf

[7] https://www.ontario.ca/files/2025-03/mnr-2025-ontario-hunting-regulations-summary-en-2025-03-27.pdf

[8] https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/publication/hunting-summary

[9] https://yukon.ca/sites/default/files/2025-06/env-yukon-hunting-regulations-summary.pdf

[10] https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/outdoor-recreation/fishing-and-hunting/hunting/regulations/hunting-trapping-synopsis.pdf

[11] https://cdn-contenu.quebec.ca/cdn-contenu/chasse/Documents/regles-chasse-2024-2026-en.pdf

[12] https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/products/126433