Do you need a permit to film or photograph in Canada?

Ontario Film Commission Ontario (Toronto)

Promotes Ontario, including Toronto, and helps productions with location scouting, production support and government liaison.

Sources: Ontario Film Commission

BC Film Commission (Creative BC) British Columbia (Vancouver)

The provincial agency that promotes film and TV production in British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver.

Sources: Wikipedia: Creative BC Film Commission

Filming permits in Canada are issued locally, not nationally. In Toronto, permit requests are made through the City's FilmPal web portal (insurance certificates and maps are emailed to [email protected]) and approved applicants are emailed a link to pay the permit fees. In Whistler, BC, the municipality issues permits for filming in public areas; all exterior locations in Whistler Village need a permit, filming is limited to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. under the noise bylaw, impacted businesses must be told in writing at least seven days ahead, and commercial drone use needs a film permit on top of Transport Canada rules. News, student and public service announcement filming is exempt in Whistler.

Sources: City of Toronto: film permitting · Resort Municipality of Whistler: filming in Whistler

Checked against the official source on October 6, 2026.