Ontario’s rulebook never says the words “metal detector”, which sounds like good news until you read what it does say. In a provincial park, digging any hole needs the superintendent’s written authorization, and anywhere in the province, recovering artifacts is archaeological fieldwork reserved for licensed archaeologists. So the honest answer is: swing where you have permission, dig only where someone has said yes in writing, and leave the old stuff to the licence holders.
Can I detect in Ontario?
The short answer for each kind of land. Tap a card for the detail and the rule’s own words.
- Provincial parksPermit requiredno published Ontario Parks policy on metal detectors was foundChecked against the source Oct 7, 2026
- Crown landNo verdict yetSource check pending
- BeachesNo verdict yetmunicipal beaches: municipal by-lawsSource check pending
- Municipal parksVaries by siteeach municipality decides by by-lawChecked against the source Oct 7, 2026
- Private landPermit requiredthe Heritage Act licence rule applies on private land tooChecked against the source Oct 7, 2026
- Parks Canada placesVaries by siteChecked against the source Oct 7, 2026
- Other federal landVaries by siteChecked against the source Oct 7, 2026
Open in many areas without a permitPermit, registration, or designated beaches onlyProhibited or effectively closed
The rules, land by land
Provincial parks
Permit requiredNo Ontario provincial-park rule names metal detectors, but digging any hole, or removing a relic, artifact or natural object, needs the park superintendent's written authorization, so plan on getting it before you detect.
- written authorization of the park superintendent for any excavation and for removing relics, artifacts or natural objects
- the superintendent decides on four criteria: human safety, harm or benefit to the environment and ecological integrity, scientific benefit, and cultural knowledge (s. 2 (3))
- no published Ontario Parks policy on metal detectors was found
- Parks Canada places are federal and have their own rules (see the Canada page)
What the rule says
“Except with the written authorization of the superintendent, no person shall, ... (e) make an excavation for any purpose in a provincial park”
Digging
Permit requiredDigging any hole in an Ontario provincial park needs the park superintendent's written authorization; the rule covers an excavation for any purpose.
- written authorization of the park superintendent
- the superintendent decides on four criteria: human safety, harm or benefit to the environment and ecological integrity, scientific benefit, and cultural knowledge (s. 2 (3))
- the same authorization is needed to disturb a natural object or a site of archaeological or historical interest (s. 2 (2) (a), (d))
- the Ontario Heritage Act licence rule also applies inside parks
What the rule says
“Except with the written authorization of the superintendent, no person shall, ... (e) make an excavation for any purpose in a provincial park”
Keeping finds
Permit requiredTaking a relic, artifact or natural object out of an Ontario provincial park needs the superintendent's written authorization, and removing Crown property is not allowed at all.
- relics and artifacts: written authorization of the superintendent (s. 2 (2) (c))
- natural objects, plants and trees: no disturbing or removing without the same authorization (s. 2 (2) (a))
- Crown property in a park may not be removed, damaged or defaced (s. 2 (1) (a))
- Ontario Parks lists a $155.00 fine for disturbing or removing a natural object
- the regulation does not address modern lost personal property
What the rule says
“Except with the written authorization of the superintendent, no person shall, ... (c) remove any relic or artifact in a provincial park”
Crown land
No verdict yetOntario's Crown land rules say nothing about metal detectors, so there is no confirmed answer. The Heritage Act still applies: recovering artifacts is archaeological fieldwork that needs a licence.
- recovering artifacts or disturbing a known archaeological site needs a licence
Beaches
No verdict yetNo Ontario source covers metal detecting on beaches. Beaches inside provincial parks fall under the park rules, where digging needs written authorization, and town beaches fall under municipal by-laws.
- provincial-park beaches: the provincial parks digging and keeping rules apply
- municipal beaches: municipal by-laws
- Crown land includes shore lands and the beds of most lakes and rivers, but no source addresses detecting there
Municipal parks
Varies by siteCity and town parks are governed by each municipality's own by-laws, which the Municipal Act lets councils pass for parks. Check the local parks by-law or ask the parks department before you detect.
- each municipality decides by by-law
- no municipal by-law was read for this record
What the rule says
“A lower-tier municipality and an upper-tier municipality may pass by-laws, subject to the rules set out in subsection (4), respecting matters within the following spheres of jurisdiction: ... 5. Culture, parks, recreation and heritage.”
Private land
Permit requiredGet the occupier's express permission. Under the Trespass to Property Act, entering cultivated or enclosed land, or land where the occupier has banned entry or an activity, without it is an offence with a fine of up to $10,000.
- entry is prohibited without any notice on gardens, fields and other cultivated land (including lawns, orchards and vineyards), woodlots on land used mainly for farming, and land enclosed to keep people out or animals in (s. 3 (1))
- an occupier can prohibit entry or a particular activity by notice, given orally, in writing or by signs (ss. 3 to 5)
- proof of the occupier's permission rests on the person charged (s. 2 (1) (a))
- the Heritage Act licence rule applies on private land too
What the rule says
“Every person who is not acting under a right or authority conferred by law and who, (a) without the express permission of the occupier, the proof of which rests on the defendant, (i) enters on premises when entry is prohibited under this Act, or (ii) engages in an activity on premises when the activity is prohibited under this Act”
All land: heritage law
Digging
Research permits onlyAnywhere in Ontario, digging to recover artifacts is archaeological fieldwork, and only a licensed archaeologist may do it or knowingly alter an archaeological site. The law says nothing about modern lost items.
- 'archaeological fieldwork' is any activity on, above or under land or water to recover artifacts or alter an archaeological site, including exploring, surveying, recovering and excavating (O. Reg. 170/04, s. 1)
- 'artifact' means any object made, modified, used, deposited or affected by human action that is of cultural heritage value or interest
- applies on all land and under water in Ontario, private land included; a marine archaeological site includes land below the high-water mark
- no licence is needed for normal agricultural work or routine maintenance of property (s. 48 (2) (b))
- licences go only to individuals the Minister finds competent (s. 48 (6), (8)); a licence does not give the right to enter any property (s. 61)
- penalty: up to $50,000, one year in prison, or both; up to $1,000,000 for contravening s. 48 (1) (s. 69 (1), (3))
- if you find a burial site, notify the police or coroner immediately (Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002, s. 95)
What the rule says
“no person shall do any of the following unless the person applies to the Minister and is issued a licence under this Part that allows the person to carry out the activity in question: 1. Carry out archaeological fieldwork. 2. Knowing that a site is a marine or other archaeological site ... alter the site or remove an artifact”
Keeping finds
Research permits onlyArtifacts removed from an archaeological site in Ontario can be seized from anyone who is not a licensed archaeologist; the province says only licensed archaeologists may remove and keep artifacts.
- applies to artifacts from an archaeological site anywhere in Ontario, not only Crown land
- seized artifacts go to a public institution in trust for the people of Ontario, or to an Indigenous community (s. 66 (2))
- artifacts recovered under a licence can be directed to a public institution or an Indigenous community (s. 66 (1))
- the Act does not address modern lost items
What the rule says
“Any artifact or any material in an archaeological collection that is removed from an archaeological site and that is in the possession of a person who is not a licensee under this Part ... may be seized by a person authorized to do so by the Minister”
Parks Canada places
Varies by siteAssume no: there is no single federal rule, but each superintendent posts orders for their place, and every posted order we read (9 of 9, from Fundy to Elk Island) bans metal detectors or allows them only by permit. Check the place's notices first.
- set by each place's superintendent: National Parks General Regulations s.7(1) (national parks) or National Historic Parks General Regulations s.12(1) (national historic sites)
- prohibited by posted order: Fundy and Kouchibouguac (NB); Kejimkujik including Kejimkujik Seaside, Sable Island, Halifax Citadel and Fortress of Louisbourg (NS); Elk Island (AB)
- permit only: Thousand Islands (ON); Fortress of Louisbourg allows written authorization from the Superintendent; Cape Breton Highlands (NS) lists metal detectors as a restricted activity, with the full notice kept at its visitor centers
- Jasper (AB): no detector order, but detecting is 'not encouraged' and no holes may be dug or objects removed without a Restricted Activity Permit or Research & Collection Permit
- a superintendent's permit is possible in principle (NPGR s.7(5), NHPGR s.12(3)); the orders and Jasper's page point to research, not hobby use
- places whose notices were not found online, including Prince Edward Island, Gros Morne and Terra Nova national parks: ask the park before you bring a detector
- digging: the Parks Canada digging rule; removing finds: the Parks Canada keeping rule
What the rule says
“The superintendent may, where it is necessary for the proper management of the Park to do so, designate certain activities, uses or entry and travel in areas in a Park as restricted or prohibited.”
Digging
ProhibitedDigging is off the table in national parks: the regulations bar removing or damaging natural objects, a term that includes soil, sand and gravel, and Parks Canada reads that as no holes and no disturbing the ground.
- 'natural object' includes any natural material, soil, sand, gravel, rock, mineral and fossil in a park (NPGR s.2)
- permits only for scientific, construction or park-management purposes (NPGR ss.11 and 12)
- Parks Canada: 'It is illegal to dig holes or disturb the ground in any way in a national park' (Jasper page, citing NPGR ss.10, 12(1) and 12(2))
- national historic sites: no removing or damaging natural objects (NHPGR s.4(1)) and no disturbing any archaeological site or historical resource (NHPGR s.3(1))
What the rule says
“No person shall remove, deface, damage or destroy any flora or natural objects in a Park, other than in accordance with a permit issued under subsection 11(1) or 12(1)”
Keeping finds
ProhibitedYou may not take artifacts or natural objects out of a Parks Canada place. The only removal permits are for museum display, science or park management, not for hobby finds.
- prehistoric or historic artifacts or structures: removal permits only for public display in a museum (NPGR s.14(2))
- natural objects such as rocks, minerals and fossils: permits only for scientific, construction or management purposes (NPGR ss.10 to 12)
- national historic sites: no disturbing or removing any archaeological site or historical resource; a Director's permit only for management, science or public display (NHPGR s.3)
- if you spot a possible cultural resource, Parks Canada's guidance (Jasper) is to leave it in place and contact the park
- modern lost property: no source found on keeping or turning in lost personal items
What the rule says
“no person shall wilfully remove, deface, damage or destroy any prehistoric or historic artifacts or structures in a Park.”
Other federal land
Varies by siteOutside Parks Canada places, each federal department applies its own laws and policies to its land, and no general federal detecting rule was found. Ask the department that manages the land before you detect.
- each federal land manager sets its own rules; no department's metal-detector rule was fetched
- National Wildlife Areas: disturbing soil or removing artifacts needs a permit
- archaeological finds: Parks Canada advises halting work and notifying the responsible federal, provincial or territorial archaeological official
What the rule says
“Other federal government departments are subject to different laws, policies and ministerial directives that pertain to federal lands.”
Digging
Permit requiredIn National Wildlife Areas, disturbing soil, sand or gravel, or removing any artifact or natural object, needs a federal permit.
- applies to National Wildlife Areas listed in the Wildlife Area Regulations, not to all federal land
- permits under s.4 go to activities whose effects would not compromise the conservation of wildlife or habitat
- some wildlife areas need a permit just to enter (s.3.3)
What the rule says
“no person shall do any of the following in any wildlife area except in accordance with a permit issued under section 4 or section 8.1: ... (r) disturb or remove any soil, sand, gravel or other material; ... (t) remove, damage or destroy any artifact or natural object”
Even where detecting is allowed, archaeological and historic sites are protected, and you must fill every hole and follow posted rules. Always confirm the current rule with the land manager.
Metal detecting in Ontario provincial parks
The general rules for provincial parks, O. Reg. 347/07, don’t mention detectors, and we couldn’t find an Ontario Parks detecting policy. What the regulation does say settles the practical question: except with the written authorization of the superintendent, no one may “make an excavation for any purpose in a provincial park”, disturb a natural object, or “remove any relic or artifact”. Removing Crown property isn’t allowed at all. Since detecting means digging, plan on written authorization before you detect.
When a superintendent weighs a request, the regulation lists four things to consider: human safety, harm or benefit to the environment, scientific value, and cultural knowledge. Recreation isn’t on the list, so call the park office before you pack the shovel. Parks Canada places, such as national parks, are federal land with their own rules; see our Canada page.
Ontario’s heritage law
Part VI of the Ontario Heritage Act says no one may carry out archaeological fieldwork, or knowingly alter an archaeological site or remove an artifact from it, without a licence from the Minister. “Archaeological fieldwork” is defined broadly: any activity to recover artifacts, including exploring, surveying and excavating. An “artifact” is anything made, used or affected by people that has cultural heritage value or interest. The rule applies on all land and under water, private land included, and licences go only to individuals the Minister finds competent.
Artifacts removed from an archaeological site can be seized from anyone without a licence, and the province’s archaeology page spells it out: unless you’re licensed, it’s illegal to dig an archaeological site or remove and keep artifacts. Fines run up to $1,000,000 for breaking the licence rule. If you ever uncover a burial site, the law requires you to notify the police or coroner immediately.
Beaches, Crown land & local rules
We found no Ontario rule on detecting beaches or Crown land. Crown land includes shore lands and the beds of most lakes and rivers, but neither the Public Lands Act nor the ministry’s Crown land pages mention detectors, so those rows stay unconfirmed. Beaches inside provincial parks follow the park rules above.
City and town parks are up to each municipality: the Municipal Act lets councils pass by-laws on parks, so check the local parks by-law. On private land, get the occupier’s permission. Under the Trespass to Property Act, entering cultivated or enclosed land, or land posted against entry or an activity, without express permission can cost up to $10,000.
Sources
Official and statutory sources this page is based on (source check: October 7, 2026):
No source names metal detectors. Parks detect is permit because the park rule requires the superintendent's written authorization for any excavation (lead precedent, BC and Manitoba). Crown land and beaches detect rows are unknown.
- O. Reg. 347/07, Provincial Parks: General Provisions
- Ontario Parks — Pinery Provincial Park, Park Rules
- Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.18
- O. Reg. 170/04, Definitions (Ontario Heritage Act)
- Archaeology
- Public Lands Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.43
- Recreational activities on Crown land
- Crown land management
- Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25
- Trespass to Property Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. T.21
- Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 33
- Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 12
- National Parks General Regulations (SOR/78-213)
- National Historic Parks General Regulations (SOR/82-263)
- Canada National Parks Act (S.C. 2000, c. 32)
- Restricted Activity Notice: Metal detectors (Fundy National Park)
- Superintendent's notice: Use of metal detectors prohibited (Kouchibouguac National Park)
- Superintendent's notices (Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site)
- Notice of prohibition: Metal detector use prohibited (Sable Island National Park Reserve)
- Superintendent's notices (Halifax Citadel National Historic Site)
- Restricted Activity Order: Metal detectors (Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site), PDF
- Restricted and prohibited activity notices (Cape Breton Highlands National Park)
- Restricted and Prohibited Activities (Elk Island National Park)
- Restricted activity order: Metal detector restrictions (Thousand Islands National Park)
- Using a metal detector in Jasper National Park
- Archaeology and the law
- Wildlife Area Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1609)
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is metal detecting allowed in Ontario provincial parks?
- In practice, only with the park superintendent's written authorization. No Ontario park rule names metal detectors, but O. Reg. 347/07 requires that authorization to make any excavation or to remove a relic, artifact or natural object, so ask the park office first.
- Do I need a permit to dig in an Ontario provincial park?
- Yes. Except with the superintendent's written authorization, no one may make an excavation for any purpose in a provincial park (O. Reg. 347/07, s. 2 (2) (e)).
- Can I keep old coins or relics I find in Ontario?
- Not if they come from an archaeological site. Under the Ontario Heritage Act, only licensed archaeologists may carry out archaeological fieldwork or remove artifacts from an archaeological site, and artifacts removed by anyone else can be seized. The Act does not address modern lost items.
- Can I metal detect on Crown land in Ontario?
- We could not confirm a rule. The Public Lands Act and the ministry's Crown land pages do not mention metal detecting. The Ontario Heritage Act still applies, so do not dig for artifacts or disturb archaeological sites.
- Can I metal detect in a city park in Ontario?
- It depends on the municipality. The Municipal Act lets each municipality pass by-laws on its parks, so check the local parks by-law or ask the parks department.
- Do I need permission to metal detect on private land in Ontario?
- Get the occupier's express permission. Under the Trespass to Property Act, entering cultivated or enclosed land, or land where entry or an activity is prohibited, without it is an offence with a fine of up to $10,000.
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