Legal Ages in Canada

The age you become an adult in Canada, and the legal ages for voting, driving, drinking alcohol and marriage, with the exceptions that matter.

Age of majority 18 / 19 Voting age 18 Driving age 16 Drinking age 18 / 19 Marriage age 16

Age of majority in Canada

18 / 19

The age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan, and 19 in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and the territories.

Voting age in Canada

Canadian citizens can vote at 18 in federal and provincial elections.

Driving age in Canada

Most provinces issue a learner’s licence at 16 (14 in Alberta), followed by graduated stages; a full licence usually takes about two years.

Drinking age in Canada

18 / 19

You must be 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 in every other province and territory.

Marriage age in Canada

The federal minimum is 16. Under the age of majority in your province (18 or 19) you need a parent’s consent, and some provinces also require a court’s.

Checked 22 October 2026 against national laws and government sites. Laws change and this is a summary, not legal advice; check with the authority that applies to you.

Age calculator

Your exact age today, and the date you turn 16, 18 or 21.

Emergency numbers in Canada

Police, ambulance and fire numbers, plus helplines.

Canadian statutory holidays 2026

Every holiday with its date and long weekends.