Whether you're walking home late at night or going for a jog in an unfamiliar area, you might be tempted to equip yourself with a self-defense tool just in case.
The issue? In Canada, for the average citizen, you are not allowed to carry any tool for the purposes of self-defense. But - and there is a “but” - if you are carrying a tool (like a safety keychain) for the purposes of something else, and happen to get into an altercation and use it as a weapon of opportunity, then you are within the confines of the law.
Let’s explore this idea further, as well as highlight the best self-defense tools you can legally carry on you in Canada.
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What Can We Carry In Canada To Feel Safe? Intent Matters
Think of a baseball, a metal water bottle or another heavy item like a skateboard that you are carrying around.
If you’re carrying a baseball on your way home from a game, and use the bat as a weapon of opportunity against an attacker, then you're OK since you had the bat with you for the purpose of a baseball game.
10 Self Defense Tools That You Can Carry In Canada
In Canada, carrying pepper spray is illegal for use against humans. However, you can carry dog spray to use against dogs, wildlife and (ahem) animals.
Dog and coyote spray comes in a small canister that has a key ring attachment so you place it on your keychain or bag. You can read our full guide on whether you can use bear spray for self defense in Canada here.
Personal alarms emit an extremely loud noise to draw attention to your situation and deter and disorient attackers. They’re perfect for joggers, elders, teenagers, women, night workers or anyone that thinks they may find themselves in a vulnerable position at some point.
Just pull the pin out and a very loud 125 decibel sound and flashing strobe light will emit from it so that everyone knows you’re in danger. These small objects can easily be thrown into a bag or pocket. We’d recommend the following personal safety alarms:
A security umbrella looks and functions like a regular umbrella, and provides an element of surprise in a threatening situation. Since its's built with a heavy frame and steel tip, a security umbrella can deliver a strong defensive strike.
With its clever hidden compartment, this stainless-steel bottle is your stealthy sidekick for stashing cash, cards, keys and those little treasures you don't want the world to find. And here's the kicker: it's a fully functional water bottle and can be used as a defense tool if it's filled with ice. Check prices on Amazon.
Self-defense keychains are small, portable tools that can be used for striking an attacker or for making noise to attract attention. The legality of self-defense keychains in Canada is a somewhat complicated issue.
To put it simply: carrying this tool solely for self-defense purposes is illegal because you are considered as carrying a prohibited weapon under Canadian law. However, keychains are legal to possess if they are primarily intended for another purpose (such as for carrying your keys).
If the keychain just happens to have a self-defense function on them that you used as an opportunity during an attack, your defense may stand up in court (if it ever comes to that).
Your every day flashlight can be used as self-defense tool by shining it in an attacker's eyes to blind and disorient them. Flashlights are of course legal to carry in Canada, unlike many other self-defense tools. This means that you can have one on hand at all times in your bag without worrying about breaking the law.
If you’re trapped in a car, you can break glass with a Tactical Pen (otherwise known as a windshield breaker). But it's illegal to carry this if you intend to use it as a weapon in Canada, so remember - you will only be carrying this on your person because it's a pen.
This small, handheld tool often features a sharp or pointed tip for breaking glass. The tip is sharp enough so that you can also be used for self-defense too.
Whatever you buy, just make sure it’s a pen that you can also use to jab at an enemy or use the end tip to smash windows and deliver a crushing blow. Read my full guide on the 10 best tactical pens here.
While the primary function of Apple’s AirTag is to keep tabs on our belongings, it can also help your personal safety. By placing an AirTag in your bag or on your keychain, you create an invisible tether between you and your friends and family. Your loved ones can use the Find My app, and easily check in on your location during your evening commute or jog.
9. GPS Watch GPS watches are your guardian angel. A fusion of fitness and protection, they're the jogger's trusted companion as they track your location real-time.
Safety whistles are simple and effective protective self-defense tools that can be used to attract attention and deter attackers. They’re perfectly legal in Canada and you can hang this whistle around your neck or leave it in a handbag or pocket.
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