I always thought Canada was just maple syrup, hockey, and saying “sorry” a lot. But after poking around the legal system, I realized we’ve got some pretty bizarre laws hiding in plain sight. It’s like finding out your sweet old grandma has a secret tattoo – totally unexpected and kind of hilarious!
I stumbled across 13 laws that made me do a double-take. Some are old and outdated, while others are newer than you’d think.
Illegal to remove a bandage in public
Yep, you read that right. In Canada, it’s against the law to peel off a bandage where others can see. This odd rule is part of our public health laws. I guess they don’t want us grossing people out or spreading germs. So if you need to change that band-aid, you better find a private spot!
Unlawful to pay with too many coins
Ever tried to pay for something expensive using just loonies and toonies? Well, don’t! It’s actually illegal to use too many coins for a single purchase. The limit depends on the coin type, but for example, you can’t use more than 25 loonies in one go. Guess the cashiers got tired of counting!
Illegal to drag a dead horse down Yonge Street
This weird law is specific to Toronto. Apparently, you can’t pull a dead horse along Yonge Street on Sundays. I’m not sure why it’s okay on other days, or why anyone would do this anyway. Maybe it was a big problem back in the day?
Against the law to paint a wooden ladder
For some reason, it’s illegal in Canada to paint a wooden ladder. The law doesn’t say anything about metal ladders, though. I guess they were really worried about slippery paint on wood. If you need to spruce up your ladder, stick to metal ones!
Illegal to pretend to practice witchcraft
Oddly specific, right? In Canada, it’s against the law to pretend to practice witchcraft or tell fortunes. Real witches are okay, I guess? This law was meant to stop people from scamming others. So no fake crystal balls or phony spells allowed!
Unlawful to own too many garage sales
In some parts of Canada, you can only have a certain number of garage sales per year. Go over the limit, and you might get in trouble. This law is to stop people from basically running a store out of their home. So think twice before you clean out your attic too often!
Illegal to water your lawn while it’s raining
This one actually makes sense, but it’s funny that it’s a law. In some Canadian cities, you can get fined for watering your lawn during a rainstorm. It’s all about saving water. So if the sky’s doing the job for you, turn off those sprinklers!
Against the law to build big snowmen
In some Quebec towns, it’s illegal to build a snowman taller than 1 meter (about 3 feet) on your front lawn. They say it’s for safety reasons, in case it falls on someone. But come on, building giant snowmen is half the fun of winter!
Unlawful to climb trees in Oshawa
If you’re in Oshawa, Ontario, keep your feet on the ground. It’s actually illegal to climb trees there. This law was probably made to keep kids safe, but it applies to everyone. So no matter how tempting that big oak looks, resist the urge to channel your inner monkey!
Illegal to own a pet rat in Alberta
Sorry, rat lovers in Alberta – your furry friends are outlawed. Alberta has worked hard to keep rats out of the province. Even pet rats are a no-go. They’re serious about being rat-free, so stick to hamsters or gerbils instead.
Against the law to eat ice cream on Bank Street
This weird law only applies to Bank Street in Ottawa on Sundays. For some reason, you can’t munch on an ice cream cone while walking down this specific street on this specific day. I wonder if gelato is okay? Maybe bring a spoon just in case!
Unlawful to whistle in Petrolia
In the town of Petrolia, Ontario, it’s illegal to whistle or hoot in public. I guess they really value peace and quiet there. So if you’re feeling happy and musical, you might want to express it in a different way. Maybe try jazz hands instead?
Illegal to own a blue house in Beaconsfield
If you live in Beaconsfield, Quebec, don’t even think about painting your house blue. It’s against the law there. They have strict rules about house colors to keep the town looking a certain way. So stick to other colors of the rainbow for your dream home!
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