Thinking about shooting airsoft in your backyard in Canada? Before you set up targets and start playing, you should know this: For most Canadians living in cities like Toronto, Markham, or anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area, the answer is a firm no — and the reasons go deeper than you might expect.
Airsoft guns are legal to own in Canada, provided they meet federal speed restrictions. But owning one and using one are two very different things. Even if your equipment is fully compliant with federal law, local municipal bylaws often have the final say on where you can actually fire it. In most urban and suburban areas, those bylaws prohibit discharging any air-powered gun — airsoft, paintball, or pellet — outside of designated locations.
So what are the rules exactly, and where can you legally play? Let's examine the layers of federal law, provincial age requirements, and municipal restrictions.
Federal Velocity Rules and Age Restrictions
Canadian federal law sets clear velocity limits for airsoft guns. Any gun shooting between 366 and 500 feet per second with a standard 0.20 gram BB is legal to own without a firearms licence. Go above 500 fps and produce more than 5.7 joules of energy, though, and the gun becomes a regulated firearm — one that requires a proper licence.
Replica firearms occupy a different category entirely. Airsoft guns resembling real firearms but shooting below 366 fps cannot be sold, imported, or transferred in Canada, regardless of how you plan to use them.
Bill C-21 rattled the airsoft community a few years back, raising fears of sweeping restrictions. The final version of the law left velocity rules untouched, so airsoft remains legal in Canada in 2025 and 2026 under the same framework.
Age rules also matter, especially for families wondering whether their kids can participate. In Ontario, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase an airsoft gun from a store. Retailers must verify ID before selling to anyone. Minors can still play — but only under adult supervision.
Municipal Bylaws on Backyard Airsoft Shooting
Even though federal law allows airsoft ownership, local municipal bylaws determine where you can actually fire these guns. In Markham, By-law 2012-233 prohibits discharging any weapon capable of causing bodily injury — including air guns, paintball guns, and spring guns — anywhere in the city. The only exceptions are with special permission from the Manager of By-law Services or at an approved range. The bylaw defines a firearm broadly enough to capture airsoft guns, since they can shoot a projectile and cause injury.
Similar rules apply across the Greater Toronto Area. Toronto does not allow anyone to fire air guns within city boundaries unless at a designated shooting range. These bylaws apply even on private property. Your backyard is not exempt.
What happens if a neighbour calls it in? Bylaw officers and sometimes police will respond, verify whether a violation occurred, and issue a warning letter or a fine. It does not matter if your gun is federally compliant — local rules can still catch you out.
Fines, Neighbour Complaints, and Safer Alternatives
Fines for bylaw violations vary by city, and police regularly respond to neighbour complaints — even when the shooter feels perfectly safe. The problem is that a realistic-looking airsoft gun can alarm bystanders who have no way of knowing it is not real. Add a stray pellet that chips a fence or breaks a window, and you are also looking at potential repair costs on top of any fine.
For families who want to play without the legal headaches, designated airsoft fields are the way to go. These venues enforce safety rules, mandate proper eye protection, and eliminate any risk of alarming the neighbourhood. In Markham, Gear Up Airsoft on Kennedy Road north of Highway 407 runs an indoor arena with varied layouts and obstacles, hosting casual games, tournaments, and training sessions for all skill levels.
One last thing to keep in mind before heading out: transport your airsoft gun unloaded and inside a case or opaque bag. Keeping it out of public view avoids unnecessary misunderstandings with passersby or law enforcement along the way.
Airsoft in Markham: Your Trusted Destination
If you're looking to play airsoft the right way — at a proper approved range with quality gear — look no further than air guns in Markham. GearUp Airsoft has been Markham's trusted airsoft destination since 2013, serving the Greater Toronto Area community with carefully selected, inspection-tested equipment from top brands. Located on Kennedy Road just north of Highway 407, their knowledgeable team helps beginners and seasoned players alike find the right setup — fully compliant with Canadian velocity regulations. Rather than risking a bylaw fine in your backyard, visit GearUp Airsoft and gear up for a legal, exciting airsoft experience at an approved venue.