To bring a hunting rifle or shotgun into Canada, visitors must complete the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (RCMP 5589) and declare the weapon to the CBSA immediately upon arrival. Handguns and assault-style firearms are strictly prohibited; smuggling them into Canada will result in immediate arrest and severe criminal charges.
Canada is home to some of the most spectacular wilderness in the world, drawing thousands of visiting hunters each year to the dense forests of Ontario, the mountains of British Columbia, and the open plains of Alberta. 🌲 While the hunting opportunities are world-class, Canada’s firearm laws are incredibly strict. Unlike the United States, there is no constitutional right to bear arms in Canada, and the possession of any firearm is treated as a highly regulated privilege.
If you are planning a hunting trip, understanding the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) declaration process is not just helpful-it is legally mandatory. Failing to declare a firearm, or attempting to bring a banned weapon across the border for “self-defence,” is an indictable offence. Ignorance of Canadian law is never accepted as an excuse, and making a mistake at the border can result in your vehicle being seized, your weapons destroyed, and a permanent ban from entering the country.
Step-by-Step Process for Declaring a Hunting Firearm in Canada
Proper preparation before you reach the border will ensure your crossing is smooth and legal. 📝 You must follow these specific federal steps to obtain a temporary Canadian firearms licence via the declaration form.
Step 1: Verify Your Firearm Classification
Before packing, you must confirm your weapon’s legal status in Canada. Canada classifies firearms into three categories: Non-Restricted, Restricted, and Prohibited. Standard hunting rifles and shotguns are generally Non-Restricted and are allowed. Handguns, short-barrelled rifles, and assault-style weapons (like AR-15s) are Prohibited. You absolutely cannot bring a Prohibited firearm into Canada under any circumstances.
Step 2: Complete the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (RCMP 5589)
Download and fill out the RCMP 5589 form before you travel. 📄 This document asks for your personal details, your reason for visiting (e.g., hunting or a sports shooting competition), and the exact make, model, and serial number of your firearm. Crucial rule: Fill out the entire form in advance, but do not sign it until you are standing directly in front of a CBSA officer.
Step 3: Secure the Firearm for Transport
Canadian transport laws dictate exactly how a gun must travel. Your Non-Restricted hunting rifle must be completely unloaded. It should be stored in a sturdy, locked, opaque case, and it must be placed in the trunk of your vehicle or out of plain sight. Ammunition must be stored separately from the firearm.
Step 4: Declare the Weapon to the CBSA Officer
The moment you pull up to the primary inspection booth at the border, you must verbally declare that you have a firearm in the vehicle. 🚨 The officer will direct you to a secondary inspection area. Park your vehicle, leave the firearm inside, and bring your unsigned RCMP 5589 form and your passport into the CBSA office. Only retrieve the firearm if the officer explicitly asks you to do so for a serial number inspection.
Step 5: Pay the Declaration Fee
Once the CBSA officer reviews your documents, inspects the serial numbers, and watches you sign the form, you must pay the federal processing fee. After payment, the officer will stamp the RCMP 5589 form. This stamped document now acts as your temporary Canadian firearms licence and registration for the duration of your trip.
How Much Does the Declaration Cost?
The financial cost of legally declaring a hunting firearm is very reasonable, but the fines for failing to comply are ruinous. 💵 As of May 2026, you should prepare for the following costs in Canadian dollars (CAD):
| Service / Penalty | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| RCMP 5589 Declaration Fee | $25 CAD (Flat fee per declaration) |
| Ammunition Import Duty | Free up to 200 rounds of hunting ammo |
| Penalty for Failing to Declare | Seizure of vehicle and $1,000+ CAD fines |
| Legal Fees for Smuggling Charges | $5,000 to $20,000+ CAD |
How Long is the Declaration Valid?
Your stamped Non-Resident Firearm Declaration is valid for exactly 60 days from the moment the CBSA officer approves it. ␐ If your hunting trip or stay in Canada extends beyond two months, you must contact the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) of the province you are visiting to request an official extension before your initial 60 days expire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring a handgun for bear protection in the wilderness?
Absolutely not. Handguns are strictly prohibited for visitors, and Canada does not recognize “wilderness protection” or “self-defence” as valid reasons for bringing a sidearm across the border. You will be arrested if you attempt to cross with one.
Do I need a Canadian hunting licence before I cross the border?
While the CBSA primarily cares about the RCMP 5589 form for the firearm itself, they may ask to see proof of your hunting plans. Having your provincial hunting licence or a booking confirmation with a Canadian hunting outfitter ready will make the process much smoother.
Can I borrow a firearm from a friend in Canada instead?
Yes, but you still need legal authorization. You must fill out the Non-Resident Temporary Borrowing of Firearms Declaration (RCMP 5590) and pay a separate fee. Your Canadian friend must also be present or have provided written consent and their valid PAL (Possession and Acquisition Licence) details.
What if I have an old summary conviction for impaired driving?
If you have any criminal record-even for a driving offence-you may be deemed criminally inadmissible to Canada. Even if your firearms paperwork is perfect, the CBSA will deny you entry unless you have secured a Temporary Resident Permit or Criminal Rehabilitation.
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