Menthol Cigarettes in Canada: Are They Still Available? (2026 Guide)
Menthol Cigarettes in Canada: Are They Still Available? (2026 Guide)
If you have been searching for menthol cigarettes in Canada and coming up empty at your local convenience store, you are not imagining things. Canada banned the sale of commercially manufactured menthol cigarettes in 2017, making it one of the first countries in the world to take that step. But here is what most smokers do not know: menthol cigarettes are still available in Canada — you just need to know where to look and why they are still legal.
This guide covers everything Canadian smokers need to know about menthol cigarettes in 2026: what happened with the ban, which products are still on the market, how much they cost, and where to buy them online.
Were Menthol Cigarettes Banned in Canada?
Yes — but the full picture is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Understanding what was banned and what was not is the key to finding menthol cigarettes today.
The 2017 Federal Menthol Ban Explained
On July 5, 2017, Health Canada’s amendments to the Tobacco Act came into full force, prohibiting the sale of menthol-flavoured cigarettes and little cigars manufactured by federally regulated commercial tobacco companies. The regulation targeted brands like Belmont Milds, Export “A” Menthol, and other major-label menthol products sold at convenience stores across Canada.
The reasoning was straightforward: health regulators argued that menthol’s cooling, minty sensation masks the harshness of tobacco smoke, making it easier for new smokers — especially young people — to start and sustain a habit. Several Canadian provinces had already implemented their own menthol bans before the federal rules took effect, with Nova Scotia leading the way in 2015.
What Exactly Was Banned?
The ban applied to federally regulated commercial tobacco manufacturers — the major tobacco companies selling products through licensed retail channels like convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. It covered cigarettes, little cigars, and cigarillos with characterising menthol flavour.
What the federal ban did not cover are tobacco products made and sold through First Nations reserve tobacco operations, which operate under separate legal frameworks. This is the key exception that keeps menthol cigarettes available for Canadian smokers in 2026.
Can You Still Buy Menthol Cigarettes in Canada?
Yes. Native reserve cigarette brands are not subject to the same federal tobacco manufacturing regulations that banned menthol from major commercial brands. As a result, several First Nations tobacco producers have continued to produce and sell menthol cigarettes legally.
Native Reserve Cigarettes and the Menthol Exception
First Nations tobacco companies operate under provincial and band-level frameworks rather than the federally regulated commercial tobacco system. This means products like BB Menthol, Canadian Menthol, and Playfare Menthol can still be manufactured and sold — including through licensed online retailers that source directly from reserve producers.
These products are genuine cigarettes — not workarounds or imitation products. They are manufactured to standard specifications, with proper filters and tobacco blends, just with the menthol flavour that mainstream brands can no longer offer.
Best Menthol Cigarettes Available in Canada (2026)
If you are looking for that cool, minty hit you used to get from your old brand, these are the best menthol options currently available to Canadian smokers:
Canadian Menthol Cigarettes
One of the cleanest menthol options on the market, Canadian Menthol delivers a smooth, consistent mint flavour balanced with a medium-strength tobacco body. The menthol is present without being overpowering — ideal for smokers who liked Belmont Milds or Export “A” Menthol before the 2017 ban. These are a popular choice for daily smokers making the switch from banned commercial menthol brands.
BB Menthol Cigarettes
BB Menthol is one of the best-selling native cigarette products in Canada across all categories, not just menthol. The menthol variant delivers a strong, refreshing mint character with a light-bodied tobacco smoke. It is a great option for smokers who prefer a pronounced menthol flavour and want good value — BB cigarettes are among the most competitively priced options available. Check out our full list of cigarette brands in Canada to compare your options.
Playfare Menthol Cigarettes
Playfare Menthol rounds out the top three. With a slightly fuller tobacco body than BB Menthol, Playfare suits smokers who want menthol coolness without sacrificing the weight of a full-flavour smoke. The draw is smooth and consistent, and the menthol carries through from first puff to the end of the cigarette without fading.
How Much Do Menthol Cigarettes Cost in Canada?
One of the biggest advantages of native reserve menthol cigarettes is price. Because they are produced outside the commercial tobacco tax structure that applies to major brands, they are significantly more affordable than what mainstream menthol cigarettes used to cost before the ban.
Pack and Carton Prices
| Brand | Pack Price (est.) | Carton Price (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Menthol | $8–$11 | $75–$95 |
| BB Menthol | $7–$10 | $65–$88 |
| Playfare Menthol | $8–$11 | $70–$92 |
Compare that to what major-brand menthol cigarettes were costing before the 2017 ban — often $15–$17 a pack in Ontario — and the savings are substantial. See our full carton price guide for current pricing across brands.
How to Save Even More on Menthol Cigarettes
The easiest way to reduce your per-cigarette cost is to buy by the carton rather than the pack. A carton contains 200 cigarettes (10 packs of 20), and buying in carton quantities typically saves 15–25% compared to buying packs individually. If you smoke half a pack a day, a single carton can last you three to four weeks. Our pack and carton guide breaks down the math in full.
Where to Buy Menthol Cigarettes Online in Canada
Since menthol cigarettes are no longer available at convenience stores (the commercial brands are gone), the most practical way to get them is to order online from a retailer that sources from native reserve producers. Online purchasing gives you access to the full range of menthol brands, better per-unit pricing, and discreet home delivery.
Is It Legal to Buy Cigarettes Online in Canada?
This is the most common question we get, and the answer is yes — it is legal for adults to purchase cigarettes online in Canada, provided you are buying from a legitimate retailer and the products are sold in compliance with applicable provincial regulations. See our detailed breakdown on whether it is legal to buy cigarettes online in Canada for a province-by-province overview.
When ordering online, look for retailers who:
- Verify your age at checkout
- Provide plain, accurate product descriptions
- Use tracked, discreet shipping
- Offer clear return or satisfaction policies
Frequently Asked Questions About Menthol Cigarettes in Canada
Why did Canada ban menthol cigarettes?
Health Canada cited evidence that menthol’s cooling effect reduces the perceived harshness of smoke, making it easier to start and continue smoking — particularly among youth. The ban was part of a broader effort to reduce tobacco appeal under the amended Tobacco Act. A 2020 study published in Tobacco Control found that menthol bans were associated with reduced smoking initiation among young people [1].
Are native reserve menthol cigarettes the same quality as name brands?
Yes. Native reserve cigarettes use standard cigarette-grade tobacco blended and manufactured to commercial specifications. The main differences are the brand name and price point — not the quality of the tobacco or the construction of the cigarette.
Can I bring menthol cigarettes into Canada from the US?
No. Importing menthol cigarettes for personal use from outside Canada is not permitted under Canadian border regulations. The ban on commercial menthol cigarettes applies to products entering the country, not just those manufactured domestically. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces tobacco import restrictions at the border [2].
How many cigarettes can I bring back into Canada from abroad?
Canadian residents returning from travel can bring back one carton (200 cigarettes) duty-free after a 48-hour absence. See our full guide on cigarette import limits for details.
Do menthol cigarettes have more tar than regular cigarettes?
No. The menthol flavouring itself does not affect tar content. What menthol does do is reduce the perceived harshness of smoke, which can lead some smokers to inhale more deeply or smoke more frequently — but the cigarette itself is not chemically different from a standard cigarette in terms of tar delivery [3].
The Bottom Line
Menthol cigarettes are not gone from Canada — they are just no longer made by the major commercial tobacco companies. Native reserve brands like Canadian Menthol, BB Menthol, and Playfare Menthol give Canadian smokers access to quality menthol cigarettes at significantly lower prices than the old commercial brands ever offered. The easiest way to get them is to order online from a trusted Canadian retailer that sources directly from reserve producers.
Sources
- Chaiton M, et al. (2020). “Association of Menthol Cigarettes and Smoking Cessation in Canada.” Tobacco Control. tobaccocontrol.bmj.com
- Canada Border Services Agency. “Travelling with Tobacco Products.” cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- Health Canada. “Menthol in Tobacco Products.” Government of Canada. canada.ca
