DJI's GEO zone database lists 1,739 drone zones in Canada, 201 of them restricted, mostly around airports and military bases. Below are the zone types, the largest restricted zones, the rules at a glance and the official links to request permission when you need to fly inside a zone.
Zone types
| Zone | Count | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 🟥 Restricted | 201 | DJI drones cannot take off or fly inside. Most are airports and military bases; flying there needs an authorization and a DJI unlock. |
| 🟧 Enhanced warning | 619 | The drone asks you to confirm before flying in. Often smaller airfields and approach paths. |
| 🟨 Warning | 919 | A warning only, for example heliports and small airfields. Flight is not blocked, but local rules still apply. |
Largest restricted zones
| Zone | Radius |
|---|---|
| Mirabel Intl | 4.3 km |
| Aéroport Macdonald-Cartier Airport | 3.5 km |
| Calgary International Airport | 3.5 km |
| Toronto Pearson International Airport | 3.4 km |
| Aéroport International Montréal-Trudeau | 3.0 km |
| Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport | 2.7 km |
| Group Captain R.W. McNair | 2.6 km |
| Halifax Stanfield International Airport | 2.3 km |
| Gander Intl | 2.3 km |
| Vancouver Intl | 2.3 km |
| Bagotville | 2.3 km |
| Prince George | 2.2 km |
| St John | 2.1 km |
| Hamilton | 2.1 km |
| Comox | 2.1 km |
Radius of the circle in DJI's database. The official zone can have another shape and reach further, for example along the runway approach.
Drone rules in Canada at a glance
- Aviation authority: Transport Canada
- Airspace authorization: NAV CANADA
- Maximum height: 122 m (400 ft) above the ground, unless an authorization allows more.
- Registration: Drones of 250 g or more must be registered and marked in Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal, and the pilot needs a Basic or Advanced drone pilot certificate. Official page
- Official map: NAV Drone (NAV CANADA)
- Basic operations must stay in uncontrolled airspace, more than 5.6 km from certified airports and 1.9 km from certified heliports.
- Taking off or landing in a national park needs permission from Parks Canada.
How to get authorization to fly in a restricted zone
Steps and links from official sources, checked in September 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official website (Transport Canada) before you fly.
- Get a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations in the Drone Management Portal: Basic pilots may not fly in controlled airspace. Official page
- Request permission to fly in NAV CANADA controlled airspace through the NAV Drone app. Official page
- In military controlled airspace or within 3 NM of a military aerodrome, ask the military aerodrome authority shown in the NRC Drone Site Selection Tool. Official page
- For flights outside the standard rules (for example above 122 m or at advertised events), apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC-RPAS). Official page
- Flying a DJI drone? With the authorization in hand, request an unlock on DJI FlySafe. DJI's unlock does not replace the authority's permission.
Check zones and weather before you fly
The Drone Weather Forecast app shows these zones on a map with DJI's colours, next to the hourly wind, gusts, rain, KP index and satellites for your drone model.
Frequently asked questions
Where can't you fly a drone in Canada?
Around airports, military bases and other restricted areas. DJI's database lists 201 restricted zones in Canada; the official map is NAV Drone (NAV CANADA). Temporary restrictions can appear at any time, so check before every flight.
Do I need permission to fly a drone near an airport in Canada?
Yes. Flying inside an airport zone or other restricted airspace needs an authorization. Responsible authority: NAV CANADA. The official steps and links are on this page.
How high can you fly a drone in Canada?
Up to 122 m (400 ft) above the ground under the general rules, unless an authorization allows more. Near airports the limit can be lower, or zero.
Is the DJI no-fly zone map official?
No. DJI's GEO zones are a safety layer built into DJI drones. The binding zones and rules are the ones published by the aviation authority, Transport Canada (official map: NAV Drone (NAV CANADA)).
Zone counts and names: DJI FlySafe GEO database, snapshot of February 3, 2026. It is a safety guide, not the official airspace: the aviation authority publishes the binding zones and temporary restrictions.