Bizarre Laws

Canada’s provinces and territories are home to some truly unusual laws—from banning pet rats in Alberta to regulating the height of snowmen in Prince Edward Island. These quirky rules, rooted in history, public safety, or local culture, offer a fascinating look at how municipalities have used law to shape community life. This article explores 13 of Canada’s oddest laws, province by province, and the stories behind them.

The Rhinoceros Party of Canada uses satire to spotlight flaws in traditional politics. Founded in 1963, it’s known for humorous promises and parody campaigns, like repealing gravity or slowing hospital clocks. Though satirical, it’s a registered political party under Canadian law, participating in elections to challenge political norms and encourage civic reflection through humor. Let me know if you'd like variations for different platforms.

In Souris, PEI, a bylaw prohibits snowmen taller than 30 inches—an unusual rule aimed at keeping sidewalks safe and roads clear during snowy winters.

In Petrolia, Ontario, a now-amended bylaw once prohibited public yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing at any time, aiming to reduce noise and maintain community peace. Introduced under the authority of Ontario’s Municipal Act, 2001, the bylaw drew attention for its broad scope. In 2009, the town revised the law to focus specifically on noise related to advertising or selling, clarifying its intent and addressing concerns about personal expression. The case highli

Since the 1950s, Alberta has remained uniquely rat-free—an achievement rooted in strict legislation, a designated control zone, and strong public cooperation. Backed by the Agricultural Pests Act, Alberta's approach combines law, enforcement, and citizen engagement to manage one of the most persistent pests globally. This article details how the province continues to lead in invasive species prevention.