Smoking and Vaping Rules in Victoria, BC
Key takeaways
In Victoria, smoking and vaping outdoors is governed by the Capital Regional District's Clean Air Bylaw No. 3962, not a separate city bylaw. It covers parks, playgrounds, playing fields, public squares, bus stops and patios, with a 7-metre buffer at doors, windows and air intakes. Island Health enforces it.
In Victoria, British Columbia, outdoor smoking and vaping rules come from the Capital Regional District’s Clean Air Bylaw No. 3962, which applies across the region rather than only inside city limits. It bans smoking in parks, playgrounds, playing fields, public squares and bus stops, and since 2019 it covers vaping and cannabis as well. This page describes what the CRD publishes on its Clean Air Bylaw page.
What does the Clean Air Bylaw cover?
The CRD lays out how the rules grew over time:
| Year | What was added |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Indoor public spaces are smoke-free |
| 2007 | Patios of businesses that serve food or beverages |
| 2014 | Parks, playgrounds, playing fields, public squares and bus stops (Bylaw 3962) |
| 2019 | Burning or vaping any substance, including cannabis, in those public spaces |
The 2019 change took effect through an amendment dated 9 January 2019.
How far from a door do I need to be?
The 2014 change widened the smoke-free buffer outside doorways, windows and air intakes from 3 metres to 7 metres. For other places that use a different distance, see smoking near doorways.
Who enforces it, and what happens to offenders?
Enforcement began on 1 April 2015. The Tobacco and Vapour Prevention Control team at Island Health educates the public and issues written warnings and municipal fine tickets, including for cannabis. The CRD page does not list fine amounts, so check with Island Health for the current figure.
How do I report a violation?
The CRD page does not describe a formal complaint process. It names the Island Health Tobacco & Vapour Prevention and Control Program as the contact:
- Phone: 250.360.1450
- Email: [email protected]
How does it fit with provincial law?
British Columbia’s own tobacco and vapour rules still apply on top of the regional bylaw; see the British Columbia summary and the provincial page. For a wider view of outdoor restrictions, read outdoor smoking bans. Other cities are on the bylaw hub.
Legal information only, not legal advice. Laws and bylaws change; confirm the current text in the official source before you rely on it. Read the full disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
Does Victoria have its own smoking bylaw?
The rules that apply in Victoria come from the Capital Regional District's Clean Air Bylaw No. 3962, which covers the region. We did not find a separate City of Victoria smoking bylaw.
Is cannabis covered?
Yes. Since a 9 January 2019 amendment, burning or vaping any substance, including cannabis, is prohibited in the bylaw's public spaces.
Who enforces the bylaw?
Island Health's Tobacco and Vapour Prevention Control team, which issues written warnings and municipal fine tickets. It can be reached at 250.360.1450.
Sources
- Clean Air Bylaw — Capital Regional District. Accessed October 27, 2026.