Smoking and Vaping Rules in Ontario

Age

You must be 19 to buy tobacco or vapour products in Ontario. Anyone who sells or supplies them to a younger person breaks provincial law. Federally the floor is 18, so Ontario is stricter. Compare other provinces in the legal smoking age.

Where smoking and vaping are banned

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 covers smoking and vaping alike. It bans them in enclosed workplaces and public places, on bar and restaurant patios and in public areas within 9 metres of them, on school grounds and in children’s playgrounds and publicly owned sports areas (and public areas within 20 metres), within 9 metres of hospital entrances, and in a vehicle when anyone 15 or younger is inside. A conviction costs $1,000 for a first offence and $5,000 for further offences. The full list is on Ontario smoking laws and municipal bylaws; Toronto’s park and doorway rules are on the Toronto page.

Retail rules

Tobacco and vapour products must be hidden until purchased and cannot be promoted in stores. Flavoured vapour products are limited to specialty vape stores and licensed cannabis stores, except menthol, mint and tobacco.

Renting

Private units are generally allowed to smoke in unless a lease or condo bylaw says otherwise, but the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 lets a landlord apply to evict a tenant whose smoking interferes with others’ reasonable enjoyment. Shared indoor areas are smoke-free. See the tenants’ guide.

Tax

Ontario’s tax is $0.18475 per cigarette, or $36.95 for 200, in effect since 29 March 2018. Federal excise adds $38.92 per carton from 1 April 2026, so government tax before sales tax totals $75.87. Prices are on Ontario cigarette prices.

Quit help

Ontario’s government points to Health811 (dial 811) and Smokers’ Helpline. More programs and drug coverage are in free quit-smoking help by province.