Lock Pick Laws in Canada
Complete guide to lock pick legality across Canada. Browse 1 covered regions with detailed legal information.
Canada regulates lock picks under Section 351 of the Criminal Code, which addresses 'Possession of break-in instruments.' The law prohibits possession 'without lawful excuse' and requires the Crown to prove beyond reasonable doubt that possession was in circumstances that give rise to a reasonable inference of intent to use them for breaking into a building, vehicle, or vault. Locksport is recognized as a lawful hobby, and Canadian courts have generally been reasonable about distinguishing hobbyists from criminals.
- •Section 351 Criminal Code governs possession federally
- •'Without lawful excuse' requires Crown to prove criminal intent
- •Context and circumstances are key factors in any prosecution
- •Locksport hobby is accepted as lawful excuse nationwide
- •No provincial variation in the core law (federal jurisdiction)
- •Canadian locksport community growing with TOOOL Canada presence
- •US-Canada border crossing requires extra preparation
Jurisdictions by Legal Status
Regions grouped by their overall lock pick legality status
When traveling within Canada, possession of lock picks for hobby purposes is generally acceptable under Section 351's 'lawful excuse' provision. However, context matters enormously—having picks while walking through a parking lot at 3 AM is very different from having them at a locksport meetup or while clearly traveling with hobby materials. The law focuses on circumstances that suggest criminal intent, so carrying documentation and practice locks creates a clear hobby context. For US-Canada border crossings, be prepared for additional scrutiny as border agents may not be familiar with locksport.
Store picks securely in a bag with practice locks and documentation. Keep in trunk when not actively traveling to an event. If pulled over, you can mention you have lock picking hobby materials if relevant to the stop.
Checked baggage only for all Canadian domestic flights and Air Canada international. Pack with practice locks and include documentation. CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) follows similar rules to TSA.
VIA Rail has no specific prohibition. Keep picks in your luggage with documentation. For trains near the US border, remember you may encounter border checks.
- ✓Keep comprehensive documentation of your locksport hobby (membership cards, event tickets)
- ✓Carry picks with transparent/cutaway practice locks to demonstrate educational purpose
- ✓Have TOOOL Canada membership or other club affiliation materials
- ✓Be prepared to explain your hobby clearly and calmly if questioned
- ✓Store picks in a dedicated case or bag separate from everyday items
- ✓For border crossing: declare picks proactively and have documentation ready
- ✗Carry picks in circumstances that could appear suspicious (near parked cars at night, etc.)
- ✗Keep picks without any supporting hobby context materials
- ✗Assume CBSA border agents will understand locksport—be prepared to explain
- ✗Cross US-Canada border without researching both countries' regulations
- ✗Carry picks to protests, demonstrations, or politically sensitive events
Common Questions for Canada
Additional Resources
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