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

CraveVape
Oct 30, 2025
4 min read

If you're curious about vaping laws in Canada, especially around age limits, you're not alone. Many customers ask:

How old do you have to be to buy a vape in Canada?

The short answer is: It depends on where you live. While the federal minimum age is 18, most provinces and territories set the age at 19, and a few may vary slightly. At Crave Vapes, we strictly follow these rules to ensure safe, responsible, and legal sales.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about vape purchase age laws in Canada, including a province-by-province breakdown, why these restrictions exist, and what to bring when visiting a vape shop.

✅ Quick Answer: How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Vape in Canada?

Province/Territory	Legal Age to Buy a Vape
Alberta	18
British Columbia	19
Manitoba	18
New Brunswick	19
Newfoundland & Labrador	19
Northwest Territories	19
Nova Scotia	19
Nunavut	19
Ontario	19
Prince Edward Island (PEI)	21 (highest in Canada)
Quebec	18
Saskatchewan	18
Yukon	19

📌 Note: These laws can be updated. Always verify with your provincial health authority or local by-laws before purchase.

🧾 Federal Vape Laws (TVPA)

Canada’s Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA), passed in 2018, governs all vaping products nationwide. It prohibits:

Selling vape products to anyone under 18.
Promoting vapes in ways that appeal to youth.
Giving out free vape samples.

But here's the catch: provinces can (and do) enforce stricter rules—especially when it comes to age.

📍 Ontario (Where Crave Vapes Is Based)

In Ontario, the minimum age to purchase vaping products is 19 years old. This applies whether you're buying in-store or online.

At Crave Vapes, we:

Check all government-issued photo ID for age verification.
Refuse sales to anyone under 19, even with parental permission.
Train our staff on local and federal compliance laws.

You’ll need to bring valid ID, such as:

Driver’s license
Ontario Photo Card
Passport
Canadian Armed Forces card

🧠 Why Age Restrictions Exist

The goal of these laws isn’t just red tape. They’re based on public health priorities.

Here’s why:

1. Protecting Youth

Nicotine affects the adolescent brain, which is still developing until about age 25. Early nicotine use can increase the risk of addiction and mental health challenges.

2. Preventing Misuse

Raising the age reduces the chance of vapes getting into the hands of minors via social sourcing (friends, siblings, etc.).

3. Regulating Quality & Safety

Strict age laws are tied to better regulation of vape ingredients, packaging, and warning labels.

🚨 What Happens if You Buy Underage?

If you're caught buying (or attempting to buy) vapes while underage, consequences may include:

Confiscation of product
Fines
Suspension of online accounts (for online stores)
Penalties for retailers (including license loss)

Retailers are legally obligated to refuse service if you don’t meet the age requirement. At Crave Vapes, we take this seriously.

🛍 How to Buy a Vape in Canada (Legally)

Here’s what you need to do to buy your vape safely and legally:

✔ Check Your Province’s Minimum Age

Refer to the chart above or contact your provincial health authority.

✔ Bring Proper ID

No ID = no sale. Your ID must show your photo and date of birth.

✔ Shop at Licensed Vape Stores

Whether you’re buying online or in-person, make sure you’re purchasing from a licensed Canadian vendor that follows Health Canada guidelines.

✔ Stay Informed

Age laws and product regulations change frequently. Subscribe to local updates or ask your vape shop if you’re unsure.

💡 Bonus: What About Vaping in Public?

Even if you’re old enough to buy a vape, you may not be allowed to use it everywhere.

Some provinces restrict vaping in:

Restaurants, bars, patios
Public parks
School zones
Workplaces and indoor public areas

Check local bylaws to avoid fines or ejections from public spaces.

🤔 What If I’m Close to the Legal Age?

You may wonder if there's any flexibility, especially if you're "almost 19" in Ontario. The answer is: No.

Canadian law doesn’t allow exceptions based on:

Parental consent
Medical needs
“Almost legal” birthdays

You must wait until your actual 18th or 19th birthday (depending on your province) to buy vape products legally.

🔄 Age Verification Online

If you're ordering vape products from Crave Vapes online:

You’ll need to upload or scan your ID.
You may be required to pass a third-party age verification system.
Delivery personnel may request ID upon delivery.

We follow these extra steps to keep our online sales 100% compliant.

🧾 Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, Legal, and Informed

To recap:

Federal minimum age: 18
Most provincial ages: 19
PEI is highest at: 21
Ontario law: 19 years old to purchase or possess vape products
Always bring government ID
Buy from trusted retailers like Crave Vapes

We're here to make your experience safe, informed, and legal. Whether you're buying your first device or restocking your favourites, knowing the rules helps you vape responsibly.