Is Vaping Allowed in Sports Stadiums?

For many Canadians, attending sporting events is a cherished pastime. But for those who vape, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations around vaping in stadiums.
 

This guide shares an overview of vaping policies at various sporting events in Canada, helping you navigate the rules.
 

It’s important to note that vaping policies can vary significantly between different venues and events. In Canada, provincial regulations and city bylaws also apply to all sports stadiums, whether they have a venue-specific policy or not. Failing to comply with the rules could have consequences ranging from warnings to ejection from the event to potential legal repercussions.
 

You should always check the policy of the venue you’re visiting and the provincial regulations or city bylaws before attempting to vape.
 

What are the vaping laws in Canada?
 

Before diving into specific sporting event policies, let’s review the general vaping laws in Canada:

• The minimum age to buy vaping products is 18; some provincial laws have increased this age to 19 or 21.¹
• The maximum nicotine concentration allowed in e-liquids is 20 mg/mL.²
• Specific regulations may vary by province and municipality.
   

You can learn more about Canadian vaping laws in our guide, which looks at where you can vape legally in Canada.
 

Vaping policies at major Canadian sports stadiums
 

Many Canadian sports stadiums have strict no-smoking or vaping policies. For example:
 

• Rogers Centre (Toronto): No smoking or vaping anywhere in the stadium, in line with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Those leaving the facility to smoke or vape will not be permitted re-entry to the stadium.³
• Scotiabank Arena (Toronto): The arena is a smoke‑free building, including the use of vapes. Fans who leave the building to smoke will not be allowed back inside.⁴
• BC Place (Vancouver): Smoking and the use of vapes are not permitted on BC Place property and will result in eviction without a refund.⁵
   

Always check the official website of the stadium you’re visiting for the most up-to-date information on their smoking and vaping policies.
 

Vaping policies across different sports events

Policies around vaping at sports events can vary not just by venue, province and city but also by sport and league, depending on the type of arena or stadium. Most stadiums and arenas establish their own rules and consequences, so it’s important to check before you visit.
 

Are vapes allowed in NBA arenas?
 

Most NBA arenas prohibit vaping. However, as with NFL stadiums, there may be exceptions or designated smoking and vaping areas in some venues. It’s a good idea to check the arena’s policy before attempting to vape at an NBA game.
 

Are vapes allowed in NHL arenas?
 

NHL arenas generally don’t allow vaping inside the venue. Some may have designated outdoor areas where smoking and vaping are permitted. Check the arena’s policy for accurate information.
 

Are vapes allowed in MLS stadiums?
 

Most MLS stadiums have no-vaping policies. However, as with other sports, policies can vary by venue. Always confirm the rules with the specific stadium you're planning to visit before vaping.
 

Vaping rules at major international sporting events in Canada

Major international sporting events in Canada generally follow the same smoking and vaping policies already enforced at their host stadiums. Many provinces, including Ontario, restrict vaping in enclosed public spaces and designated outdoor areas.⁶
 

These broader restrictions sit alongside federal rules under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA), which set national standards such as the 20 mg/mL nicotine cap. While federal regulations don’t determine where vaping is allowed, they shape the compliance environment in which large events operate.
 

Because spectators often travel from different regions with different laws, event organisers typically emphasise stadium-specific rules through signs and announcements.
 

What fans should know before attending a major sporting event in Canada
 

If you’re heading to a major sporting event in Canada, whether it’s an international soccer tournament or a Stanley Cup playoff game, it’s important to understand that vaping rules are shaped by both federal and provincial laws as well as venue-specific policies.
 

Because each province and municipality can introduce additional restrictions, and international events often attract fans unfamiliar with local laws, it’s a good idea to check the host stadiums' policy and local bylaws before attending.
 

Canadian regulations vary by region, so checking ahead ensures you understand what is permitted at that specific event.
 

Do Canadian stadiums have designated vaping areas?
 

Whether Canadian stadiums have designated vaping areas depends on the venue and municipal bylaws. Many Canadian stadiums do not provide vaping areas due to provincial laws, like in Ontario where vaping in enclosed public spaces and many outdoor areas connected to venues is banned.
 

Some venues, such as the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, may allow vaping only in specific outdoor spaces if local bylaws and their property layout permit it.⁷
 

Fans can check the stadium’s official policy and local regulations before attending to see if there are any designated vaping areas.
 

Legal consequences
 

Violating vaping regulations and policies at sporting events can lead to various consequences, such as:

• Ejection from the event
• Fines and legal actions, which can vary depending on provincial laws, city bylaws and venue policies
• Revocation of season tickets or banning from future events
   

Good vaping etiquette
 

If vaping is permitted in certain areas at a sporting event, consider these etiquette tips:

• Ask those around you if they mind before vaping
• Avoid blowing vapour directly at others
• Minimise the amount of vapour produced
• Dispose of any waste properly
   

As a vaper attending sporting events, it’s crucial to be aware of and respect the venues' policies, the provincial regulations and the city’s bylaws. By being considerate and following the rules, you can enjoy the game while ensuring a positive experience for everyone around you.
 

To learn more about vaping, keep exploring Vuse guides or browse our vape devices and disposable vapes online.
 

References:

1. Government of Canada. (2023). Preventing kids and teens from smoking and vaping. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/preventing-kids-teens.html
2. Canada Gazette. (2021). Canada Gazette, Part 2, Volume 155, Number 13: Nicotine Concentration in Vaping Products Regulations. Available at: https://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2021/2021-06-23/html/sor-dors123-eng.html
3. MLB. (n.d.). Rogers Centre Information Guide. Available at: https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/ballpark/information/guide
4. Scotia Bank Arena. (n.d.). FAQ | Scotiabank Arena. Available at: https://www.scotiabankarena.com/plan-your-visit/plan-your-visit-faq
5. BC Place. (2024). Guest Policies. Available at: https://www.bcplace.com/guest-policies/
6. Government of Ontario. Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. Available at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/17s26
7. Edmonton.ca. Plan Your Visit to Commonwealth Stadium. Available at: https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/commonwealth_stadium/plan-your-visit
   
    

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only, intended for adult nicotine consumers (18+) in Canada, and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources, and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity, or completeness of such information.