Ontario’s Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 bans vaping in all enclosed public places, enclosed workplaces, and within 9 metres of building entrances and exits. Additional buffer zones of 20 metres apply near playgrounds and sports fields. Fines for individuals who break these rules start at $1,000 for a first offence. Municipalities like Toronto can add even stricter local bylaws on top of the provincial law.
Key Takeaways
- The 9-metre rule means you must stay at least 9 metres (about 30 feet) from any entrance, exit, or air intake of an enclosed public space or workplace before vaping.
- Vaping is completely banned inside restaurants, bars, malls, hospitals, schools, public transit, and all other enclosed public spaces in Ontario.
- Playgrounds and sports fields have a larger 20-metre buffer zone where vaping is prohibited.
- Vaping in a car with anyone under 16 is illegal under provincial law.
- Apartment and condo rules depend on your lease or condo corporation’s bylaws; the provincial law doesn’t ban vaping inside private residences, but landlords and condo boards can.
- The legal age to buy vapes in Ontario is 19, with a proposed bill (Bill 125, introduced May 2026) seeking to raise it to 21.
- Fines range from $1,000 to $5,000 for individuals, and up to $100,000 for corporations on a first offence.
- Municipal bylaws vary: Toronto, Ottawa, and other cities may impose additional restrictions beyond the provincial baseline.
- Outdoor patios at bars and restaurants are smoke-free and vape-free zones, and the 9-metre rule applies around them as well.
- Medical cannabis vaping does not receive a blanket exemption from the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.
What Exactly Is Ontario’s 9-Metre Vaping Rule?
The 9-metre rule requires anyone vaping (or smoking) to stay at least 9 metres away from the entrance or exit of an enclosed public place or enclosed workplace. This distance also applies to air intakes of these buildings.
Nine metres is roughly 30 feet, or about the length of a school bus. The rule exists to prevent second-hand vapour from drifting into doorways and ventilation systems. It applies province-wide under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, and enforcement falls to local public health inspectors and bylaw officers.
Key details about the 9-metre rule:
- It covers entrances, exits, and air intakes of any enclosed public place or enclosed workplace.
- It applies to both tobacco smoking and vaping equally.
- Bar and restaurant patios are included: you cannot vape within 9 metres of a patio.
- The rule is a provincial minimum. Some municipalities extend the buffer distance further.
A common mistake is assuming the 9-metre rule only applies to the front door. It covers every entrance and exit, including side doors, loading docks, and emergency exits. If a building has multiple doors on different sides, you need to be 9 metres from each one.
For a broader overview of Ontario’s vaping legislation, see our complete guide to vaping laws in Ontario for adults 19+.
Where Are Vapes Completely Banned in Ontario?
Vaping is completely banned inside all enclosed public places and enclosed workplaces across Ontario. There are no exceptions for vape lounges or designated vaping rooms in these settings.
Here is a list of locations where vaping is always prohibited:
| Location Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Enclosed public places | Shopping malls, movie theatres, libraries, community centres, museums |
| Enclosed workplaces | Offices, warehouses, factories, retail stores |
| Restaurants and bars | All indoor dining and drinking areas |
| Schools and daycares | All school property, including grounds and parking lots |
| Hospitals and health care facilities | All buildings and grounds |
| Public transit | Buses, subways, streetcars, trains, stations, shelters |
| Hotels and motels | All common areas; guest rooms only if not designated for smoking/vaping |
| Government buildings | Courthouses, municipal offices, provincial buildings |
| Shelters | Bus shelters, homeless shelters, and other enclosed public shelters |
| Vehicles with minors | Any motor vehicle with a passenger under 16 |
Ontario also allocated $30 million in 2024 specifically for vape detectors in schools, signalling how seriously the province takes enforcement in educational settings.
If you’re new to vaping and want to understand the basics of how these devices work, our guide on how disposable vapes work covers the essentials.
How Close Can You Legally Vape Near Schools or Playgrounds?
You cannot vape anywhere on school property, and you must stay at least 20 metres away from public playgrounds and sports fields. The 20-metre rule is more than double the standard 9-metre buffer.
The breakdown by location:
- Schools and daycares: Vaping is banned on the entire property at all times, not just during school hours. This includes parking lots, sports fields attached to schools, and surrounding grounds.
- Public playgrounds: A 20-metre buffer zone (about 65 feet) applies around all publicly owned playground equipment.
- Public sports fields: The same 20-metre buffer applies to publicly owned sports fields, splash pads, and similar recreational areas.
Choose a different spot if you’re anywhere near a school zone. Even if classes are out for the summer, the ban on school property is year-round. The 20-metre playground rule applies to municipally owned playgrounds, so private playgrounds (like those at a private residence) are not covered by this specific provision.
Can You Vape in Your Apartment or Condo?
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act does not ban vaping inside private residences, including apartments and condos. However, your landlord, property manager, or condo corporation can impose their own no-vaping rules, and many do.
For renters:
- Landlords in Ontario can include no-smoking and no-vaping clauses in new leases.
- If your lease was signed before a no-vaping policy was introduced, the landlord may not be able to enforce it retroactively against you, but this depends on the specific situation and legal advice is recommended.
- Common areas in apartment buildings (hallways, lobbies, laundry rooms, elevators) are enclosed public places and are always vape-free under provincial law.
For condo owners:
- Condo corporations can pass bylaws banning vaping in individual units, on balconies, and in common areas.
- These bylaws are legally enforceable. Violating them can result in fines from the condo board.
- Even without a formal bylaw, condo boards can adopt rules restricting vaping.
A practical tip: Before signing a lease or buying a condo, ask specifically about the vaping policy. “No smoking” clauses increasingly include vaping by default, but it’s worth confirming in writing.
Are There Different Vaping Rules for People Under 18?
Yes, but the age threshold in Ontario is actually 19, not 18. No one under 19 can legally purchase, attempt to purchase, or be supplied with vaping products in Ontario. Retailers must verify age before every sale or delivery.
Current rules for minors and young adults:
- The legal purchase age for vaping products in Ontario is 19.
- Retailers who sell to anyone under 19 face fines of up to $50,000 for a first offence.
- It is illegal to supply vaping products to anyone under 19, even as a gift.
- Young people under 19 are also prohibited from vaping in any location where the Smoke-Free Ontario Act applies.
Proposed changes (Bill 125, May 2026):
On May 26, 2026, Ontario NDP MPPs introduced Bill 125, which would raise the minimum purchase age from 19 to 21. The bill would also prohibit the promotion of vaping products, targeting concerns about youth-focused advertising. As of June 2026, Bill 125 has not yet been passed into law, but it signals a possible shift in Ontario’s approach to youth vaping.
If you’re an adult looking for age-appropriate vaping options, our guide to choosing the right disposable vape can help.
How Much Is the Fine If You Vape Somewhere Illegal?
Individuals caught vaping in a prohibited area face fines starting at $1,000 for a first offence, escalating to $5,000 for subsequent offences. Corporations face much steeper penalties.
Fine structure under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017:
| Offender | First Offence | Subsequent Offences |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Up to $1,000 | Up to $5,000 |
| Corporation | Up to $100,000 | Up to $300,000 |
These fines apply to vaping in any prohibited location, including enclosed public spaces, within the 9-metre buffer zone, near playgrounds, and in vehicles with minors present.
Who enforces the law?
- Municipal bylaw officers
- Public health inspectors
- Provincial offences officers
- In some cases, police officers
A common misconception is that enforcement is lax. In reality, municipalities like Toronto and York Region actively pursue convictions. York Region, for example, publishes a public list of tobacco and e-cigarette convictions.
What Public Spaces Allow Vaping in Ontario?
Vaping is generally permitted in outdoor public spaces that are not within a restricted buffer zone, not on school or hospital grounds, and not near playgrounds or sports fields. In practice, this means open sidewalks, parks (away from playgrounds), and other outdoor areas where no specific restriction applies.
Where you can typically vape outdoors:
- Open sidewalks and streets, provided you are 9+ metres from building entrances
- Parks and green spaces, as long as you’re 20+ metres from playgrounds and sports fields
- Your own private property (house, backyard)
- Private vehicles, as long as no one under 16 is inside
Where you cannot vape, even outdoors:
- Within 9 metres of any entrance, exit, or air intake of an enclosed public space or workplace
- Within 9 metres of a bar or restaurant patio
- Within 20 metres of a public playground or sports field
- On school grounds or hospital grounds
- At bus shelters and transit stops
- On outdoor restaurant or bar patios
The safest approach: if you’re in a public area and unsure, look for posted no-smoking/no-vaping signs and keep well away from doorways and children’s play areas.
Are Outdoor Patios Okay for Vaping?
No. Outdoor patios at bars and restaurants in Ontario are smoke-free and vape-free zones. The 9-metre rule also applies around these patios, so you cannot vape within 9 metres of the patio’s perimeter.
This catches many people off guard. Because patios are outdoors, some assume vaping is fine. But the Smoke-Free Ontario Act specifically includes outdoor serving areas of restaurants and bars in its list of prohibited locations.
What this means in practice:
- You cannot vape while seated on a patio.
- You cannot vape while standing within 9 metres of the patio area.
- Staff can ask you to leave or stop vaping, and bylaw officers can issue fines.
- This applies to all patios, whether they are enclosed, partially enclosed, or fully open-air.
If you want to vape during a night out, you’ll need to step well away from the patio and any building entrances. Given the layout of many downtown areas, finding a compliant spot can require walking a fair distance.
For an understanding of why disposable vapes have become so popular despite these restrictions, see the rise of disposable vapes in Canada.
Do Ontario Workplaces Have Their Own Separate Vaping Policies?
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act already bans vaping in all enclosed workplaces. On top of that, individual employers can (and often do) create stricter workplace vaping policies.
Provincial baseline:
- Vaping is prohibited inside any enclosed workplace in Ontario.
- This includes offices, retail stores, warehouses, factories, and any other indoor work environment.
- Employers are required to ensure compliance and can face fines if they allow vaping indoors.
Employer-specific policies:
- Many employers ban vaping on the entire property, including outdoor areas, parking lots, and company vehicles.
- Some workplaces designate outdoor vaping areas that comply with the 9-metre rule.
- Construction sites and other outdoor workplaces may have their own rules, though the provincial law primarily targets enclosed spaces.
A practical note for employees: Even if the provincial law technically allows vaping in an outdoor area of your workplace, your employer’s policy may not. Always check your employee handbook or ask HR before vaping on company property.
Retailers and wholesale businesses in the vaping industry face additional compliance requirements. If you’re in the vape retail business, our article on selling wholesale disposable vapes in Canada covers the legal landscape.
What’s the Difference Between Vaping Rules in Toronto Versus Other Ontario Cities?
Toronto generally follows the same provincial rules as the rest of Ontario, but the city has been more aggressive in enforcement and has considered additional local restrictions. Other municipalities can also pass bylaws that go beyond the provincial minimum.
Toronto-specific details:
- Toronto Public Health actively enforces the Smoke-Free Ontario Act through inspections and complaint-based investigations.
- The city publishes detailed fact sheets on vaping rules for different property types, including hotels, restaurants, and multi-unit residential buildings.
- Toronto has explored additional restrictions on vape shops, including limiting where they can operate.
Other Ontario municipalities:
- Ottawa: Follows provincial rules and has strong enforcement through Ottawa Public Health.
- Kitchener-Waterloo: Follows provincial rules; local enforcement varies. For local vape buying guidance, see our Kitchener-Waterloo adult buyer’s guide.
- York Region: Publishes a public list of tobacco and e-cigarette convictions, which serves as a deterrent.
- Hamilton, London, and other cities: Follow provincial rules with varying levels of local enforcement.
The key takeaway: The Smoke-Free Ontario Act sets the floor, not the ceiling. Always check your local municipality’s bylaws, because they may impose tighter rules on where you can vape, how close vape shops can be to schools, and other restrictions.
Can You Vape in a Rental Car in Ontario?
There is no provincial law specifically banning vaping in a rental car, but most rental car companies in Ontario prohibit smoking and vaping in their vehicles and will charge cleaning fees if they detect vapour residue.
Legal position:
- The Smoke-Free Ontario Act bans vaping in a motor vehicle if anyone under 16 is present. This applies to all vehicles, including rentals.
- If you are alone or with adults only, the provincial law does not prohibit vaping in a private or rental vehicle.
Rental company policies:
- Nearly all major rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, etc.) have no-smoking and no-vaping policies.
- Cleaning fees for vaping in a rental car can range from $150 to $400 or more.
- Residue from flavoured e-liquid can leave a noticeable scent and film on interior surfaces, making it easy for rental companies to detect.
Bottom line: Legally, you can vape in a rental car if no minors are present. Practically, it will almost certainly cost you a cleaning fee. It’s not worth the risk.
Are There Any Exceptions for Medical Cannabis Vaping?
Medical cannabis vaping does not receive a blanket exemption from the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. The same rules that apply to nicotine vaping apply to cannabis vaping in public and workplace settings.
What the law says:
- The Smoke-Free Ontario Act covers “the use of an electronic cigarette,” which includes devices used for cannabis as well as nicotine.
- The Cannabis Act (federal) and Ontario’s Cannabis Control Act add further restrictions on where cannabis can be consumed.
- You cannot vape cannabis anywhere you cannot vape nicotine. In many cases, cannabis vaping is subject to additional restrictions.
Where medical cannabis vaping is allowed:
- In a private residence (subject to landlord or condo rules)
- In certain designated spaces, if they exist in your area (these are rare)
- In a private vehicle, as long as you are not driving and no one under 16 is present
Common mistake: Some people assume a medical cannabis prescription grants them the right to vape in public or at work. It does not. Employers must accommodate medical needs, but this does not automatically mean allowing vaping on the premises. Alternative consumption methods (edibles, oils) are typically suggested as accommodations.
For adults choosing between different vape formats, our comparison of disposable vapes versus pod systems explains the practical differences.
Quick Compliance Checklist for Vapers in Ontario
Use this checklist before vaping in any location:
- Am I indoors in a public place or workplace? If yes, do not vape.
- Am I within 9 metres of a building entrance, exit, or air intake? If yes, move further away.
- Am I within 9 metres of a bar or restaurant patio? If yes, move further away.
- Am I within 20 metres of a playground or sports field? If yes, move further away.
- Am I on school grounds or hospital grounds? If yes, do not vape.
- Am I in a vehicle with anyone under 16? If yes, do not vape.
- Does my lease, condo bylaw, or employer policy ban vaping here? If yes, do not vape.
- Am I in a bus shelter or transit stop? If yes, do not vape.
If you answered “no” to all of the above, you are likely in a compliant location. When in doubt, move to a more open outdoor area and look for posted signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I vape on a public sidewalk in Ontario? Yes, as long as you are at least 9 metres from any building entrance, exit, or air intake, and not within 20 metres of a playground or sports field. Open sidewalks with no nearby restricted zones are generally fine.
Is vaping in a hotel room legal in Ontario? It depends on the hotel. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act bans vaping in hotels except in designated guest rooms. Most hotels do not designate rooms for vaping, so check with the front desk before assuming it’s allowed.
Can my landlord ban vaping in my apartment? Yes. Landlords can include no-vaping clauses in new leases. For existing tenants, enforceability depends on the lease terms and when the policy was introduced.
What happens if I vape on a restaurant patio? You can be asked to stop by staff, and a bylaw officer can issue a fine starting at $1,000 for a first offence.
Does the 9-metre rule apply to my own home? No. The 9-metre rule applies to enclosed public places and enclosed workplaces, not private residences. However, if you live in a multi-unit building, common areas are covered.
Are vape pens treated differently from larger vape devices under Ontario law? No. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act applies to all electronic cigarettes and vaping devices equally, regardless of size or type. A small disposable vape is treated the same as a large mod.
Can I vape in a park in Ontario? Generally yes, as long as you are not within 20 metres of a playground, sports field, or splash pad, and not within 9 metres of any building entrance. Some municipal parks may have additional restrictions posted.
Is it legal to vape while driving in Ontario? The Smoke-Free Ontario Act does not prohibit vaping while driving, provided no one under 16 is in the vehicle. However, if vaping impairs your ability to drive safely, you could face distracted driving charges.
Will the legal vaping age change to 21? Bill 125, introduced in May 2026, proposes raising the purchase age to 21. As of June 2026, it has not been passed. The current legal age remains 19.
Can a business owner allow vaping inside their store? No. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits vaping in all enclosed workplaces and public places. Business owners cannot override provincial law.
Do federal rules also apply to vaping in Ontario? Yes. The federal government caps nicotine concentration in vaping products at 20 mg/mL. Federal packaging and labelling requirements also apply alongside Ontario’s provincial rules.
Can I vape at an outdoor concert or festival in Ontario? It depends on the event’s rules and the venue. Provincial law allows vaping in open outdoor spaces (with the usual buffer zones), but most festivals and outdoor events in Ontario now have their own no-vaping policies. Check the event’s website or signage.
Conclusion
Understanding where you can and cannot vape in Ontario comes down to a few core rules: stay out of enclosed public spaces, respect the 9-metre buffer around building entrances and patios, keep 20 metres from playgrounds and sports fields, and never vape in a vehicle with a minor. Municipal bylaws may add further restrictions, so always check local rules in your city.
Actionable next steps:
- Memorize the distances: 9 metres from entrances and patios, 20 metres from playgrounds and sports fields.
- Check your lease or condo bylaws if you live in a multi-unit building.
- Ask your employer about workplace-specific vaping policies.
- Watch for Bill 125: If it passes, the purchase age will rise to 21, and vape promotion rules will tighten.
- When in doubt, don’t vape. A $1,000 fine is not worth the risk. Step further away, find an open outdoor area, and enjoy your vape responsibly.
For adults 19+ looking for affordable, compliant vaping options in Ontario, browse our selection of disposable vapes under $20 or explore the full Joy Mini collection.
