Disclaimer:

It is important to stay informed on laws and regulations regarding metal detecting in your area by consulting official sources such as local government authorities, as they may change over time. Additionally, it is essential to obtain permission before metal detecting on private property. Please note that I cannot be held responsible for any legal issues that may arise from not conducting your own research. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations.

Metal Detecting by Province or Territories

Alberta

Metal detecting in Alberta is allowed without a license as long as the detectorist follows all federal and provincial laws regarding treasure hunting. The most popular recreational activity in the province is gold panning, which can be done in various rivers such as the Red Deer, North Saskatchewan, McLeod, Athabasca and Peace River Systems. However, the government does not provide maps for hobby prospectors. Despite this, Alberta is known for its abundance of other metals and minerals, with many industrial mining operations taking place.

British Columbia

In British Columbia, metal detecting is allowed in all places that are not prohibited by law. The most popular activity for hobby enthusiasts is prospecting, which can be done in streams and rivers near historic mines using tools such as pans and sluice boxes. British Columbia is also rich in copper, gold, molybdenum, lead, and zinc for large-scale detecting and mining.

Manitoba

Metal detecting in Manitoba is highly regulated and protective of its historical sites and archaeological locations. Heritage sites are protected by law and cannot be used for detecting, even with a permit. In most public parks, detectorists must obtain permission from park workers and specify the locations they plan to dig before starting. As for gold prospecting, Manitoba is rich in minerals and metals, including gold, and many old mines are still active with staked claims.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is also protective of its archaeological sites, and while metal detecting is not illegal, many detectorists fail to report significant archaeological finds. The province is also an overlooked region for gold prospecting, but those who are aware of potentially fruitful locations can be successful.

Newfoundland

In Newfoundland and Labrador, metal detecting as a hobby is not illegal as long as the purpose is to collect valuables other than historic resources. However, unauthorized usage of metal detectors and removal of historical resources is prohibited and can lead to prosecution. As for gold prospecting, the province is not very promising, with gold mines only located on the island of Newfoundland.

Nova Scotia

Metal detecting in Nova Scotia is not illegal, but the law states that using a metal detector “for non-intrusive scanning” is allowed in certain areas, mostly on private property with the landowner’s permission. However, digging for finds is not specifically legal and laws protecting historical artifacts and sites make metal detecting difficult in most of the province. Prospecting for gold is also not very promising, with small-scale detectorists finding mostly gold dust or small nuggets.

Ontario

Metal Detecting in Ontario is generally allowed, with no additional specific regulations beyond the general laws discussed above. Public places are generally open to metal detecting, while national parks, private property, and other restricted areas are prohibited. Ontario is rich in gold, making it a popular destination for both large-scale miners and individual prospectors. In addition to gold, the province is also rich in other metals and minerals, such as palladium, platinum, copper, zinc, diamonds, nickel, and silver.

Price Edward Island

In contrast, Prince Edward Island does not have much to offer for metal detecting or prospecting. Local authorities protect historical heritage and paleontological sites, making relic hunting difficult. Gold prospecting is also not popular in the province, and while metal detecting is legal, there is not much to be found beyond small regular finds.

Quebec

Quebec does not have any specific regulations against metal detecting as long as it follows the general laws discussed above. The province is also welcoming for individual prospectors, as it is rich in gold. Recreational gold mining is allowed, and tours are organized by some parks. In addition to gold, Quebec is also rich in other metals and minerals such as copper, zinc, diamonds, silver, titanium, nickel, platinum, and iron.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan previously allowed all metal detecting activities that were not prohibited, but due to damage caused by uncaring treasure hunters in public parks and other places, the province has become more restrictive. There are also strict laws protecting archaeological and historically significant sites, making relic hunting difficult. Gold prospecting is possible, with a type of gold called gold flour being found in local rivers, but it is hard to pan.

Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories allows hobby detecting as long as it does not damage historical sites, and welcomes gold panning. However, the area is not very favorable for these activities. The region is rich in diamonds, with deposits discovered in the 90s, but detectorists and prospectors are unlikely to find much more than regular items.

Nunavut

In Nunavut, hobby detecting and individual detecting/prospecting is allowed, with some locations requiring permits from local authorities. The region is not very favorable for individual prospectors due to harsh soil conditions and climate, despite being rich in gold and iron.

Yukon

Yukon is famous for its gold and other metals, with gold, silver, and copper being the most abundant. Recreational gold panning is widespread in the region, with popular places including Klondike, Kluane, Southern Lakes, and Whitehorse Region. There are no specific laws or prohibitions in Yukon, making it a popular destination for detectorists and prospectors.