Home
Restricted and prohibited items
Restricted and prohibited items
Some items are either restricted or totally prohibited as carry-on or checked baggage on VIA Rail trains, as they could represent a risk for the safety of travelers.
Controlled or illegal substances are prohibited as carry-on and checked baggage at all times.
Corrosive or dangerous chemicals or materials
- Acids, alkalis, rust preventing or removing compounds and raveled dioxide solution.
- Bleach, tear gas, radioactive and any other harmful bacteriological materials.
Explosives and flammable items
Any flammable liquids or solids are not accepted as carry-on baggage.
- Fireworks, flammable substances, radioactive materials, explosives, etc.
- Gasoline, petroleum spirits, oil-based paint, lacquer, stains, shellac, oils, wood alcohol, lighter or heating fuels, matches, charcoal briquettes and any other ignitable substance.
Firearms, weapons and sharp objects
See our Firearms, weapons and sharp objects section for details on these restrictions.
Oxygen equipment, cylinders and extinguishers for butane, propane, carbon dioxide or nitrogen (pressurized)
We only accept oxygen equipment on board for medical reasons (with some restrictions).
See our Medical items page for more details.
Defense / Incapacitating Sprays
Bear spray, mace and pepper spray are not accepted (either carry-on or checked baggage).
Corrosive or dangerous chemicals or materials
- Acids, alkalis, rust preventing or removing compounds and raveled dioxide solution.
- Bleach, tear gas, radioactive and any other harmful bacteriological materials.
Explosives and flammable items
Any flammable liquids or solids are not accepted as checked baggage.
- Fireworks, flammable substances, radioactive materials, explosives, etc.
- Gasoline, petroleum spirits, oil-based paint, lacquer, stains, shellac, oils, wood alcohol, lighter or heating fuels, matches, charcoal briquettes and any other ignitable substance.
Firearms, weapons and sharp objects
See our Firearms, weapons and sharp objects section for details on these restrictions.
Defense / Incapacitating Sprays
Bear spray, mace and pepper spray are not accepted (either carry-on or checked baggage).
Batteries
More information on batteries and batterie-powered items can be found on the special items page.
Firearms, weapons and sharp objects are always prohibited as carry-on baggage, except for on-duty law enforcement officer and other authorized armed personnel (provided they have given prior notification to VIA Rail). However, some of these items can be accepted as checked baggage.
If you have firearm(s) or ammunition to bring as checked baggage, please complete the following form:
Firearm(s) Declaration Form (PDF 225kb) (Accessible version)
Note: This form can be printed and filled in advance, but it must be signed in front of a VIA Rail employee.
Ammunition
- A maximum of 5 kg (11 lb) of ammunition per passenger is allowed.
- Ammunition must be packed in a secure solid container made of plastic, wood or metal and must be packed separately from the firearm.
Archery weapons (Bows, crossbows, arrows, etc.)
- The crossbow rope should never be engaged in the mechanism.
- A secure locking device must be attached to the crossbow to make it inoperable.
- All archery items must be securely stored in a solid opaque container.
Non-restricted firearms (ordinary rifles, shotguns, combination guns, etc.)
- You will be required to complete and sign a declaration form upon checking in your firearm and to present a valid government-issued photo ID. Consult our Online train ticket purchase and booking page for more details on what is a valid ID.
- Firearms must be unloaded and the trigger mechanism must be disabled.
- A locking device must be attached to the firearm to make it inoperable.
- They must be securely stored and locked in a specially designed, opaque case.
- You may check a maximum of two (2) firearms per passenger, free of charge.
Restricted and prohibited firearms (all types of handguns, semi-automatic rifles, automatic rifles, altered shotguns, replica firearms, etc.)
Restricted and prohibited firearms, as well as prohibited ammunition are never accepted for transport by VIA Rail.
Other firearms (sporting guns, air guns, BB guns, pellet air guns, air rifles, starter pistols, etc.)
- A locking device must secure the firearm to make it inoperable.
- They must be securely stored and locked in a specially designed, opaque case.
- This case should be stored within a checked baggage item, if size allows it (i.e. bag, suitcase, container, etc.)
Martial arts and self-defense items (batons, billy clubs, nightsticks, nunchakus, etc.)
- These items should be safely packed to prevent any injuries. This means they must be well wrapped or stored in a specialized case.
- This case should be stored within a checked baggage item, if size allows it (i.e. bag, suitcase, container, etc.)
- These items must not be visible once packed; the bag or container must be opaque.
Sharp objects (knives, hunting knives, sabres, axes, machetes, swords, box cutters, meat cleavers, etc.)
- These items should be safely packed to prevent any injuries. This means they must be well wrapped or stored in a specialized case.
- This case should be stored in a checked baggage, if size allows it (i.e. bag, suitcase, container, etc.)
- These items must not be visible once packed; the bag or container must be opaque.
Please refer to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) rules regarding firearms prior to your trip to meet Canadian regulations for storing and transporting your firearm.
