Did cigarette prices in Canada increase or decrease over the last few years? What can smokers expect in the future? Read on to learn about cigarette costs in CA.
Here are the latest cigarette prices in Canada:
BRAND AND SIZE | PRICE PER PACK (C$) | PRICE PER CARTON (C$) |
---|---|---|
Accord Blue King Size LK 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Acord Blue Regular (LR) 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Accord Red King Size (SK) 20's | $12,50 | $125,00 |
Accord Red King (LK) 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Accord Red Regular 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Accord Ultra Mild Menthol King Size 20's | $12,50 | $125,00 |
Avanti du Maurier Slim Cigarettes King Size 20's | $12,50 | $125,00 |
Avanti du Maurier Slim Cigarettes King Size 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Avanti du Maurier Slim Cigarettes 100 mm 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Avanti du Maurier Light Slim King Size 20's | $12,50 | $125,00 |
Avanti du Maurier Light Slim King Size 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Avanti du Maurier Light Slim 100 MM 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Belmont King Size 20's | $13,65 | $136,50 |
Belmont Regular 20's | $13,65 | $136,50 |
Belmont Large Regular 25's | $15,99 | $127,92 |
Belmont Large King Size 25's | $15,99 | $127,92 |
Belmont Silver LK 25's | $15,99 | $127,92 |
Belmont Silver Reg 20's | $13,65 | $136,50 |
Belmont Silver King Size 20's | $13,65 | $136,50 |
Belmont Silver SR 20's | $13,65 | $136,50 |
Belmont silver (LR) 25's | $15,99 | $127,92 |
Belvedere King Size Filter 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Belvedere Regular 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Belvedere Filter Tip Mild Virginia 20's | $15,00 | $150,00 |
Belvedere Filter Tip Mild Virginia 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Benson & Hedges Black King size 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
benson & Hedges Gold King Size 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Benson & Hedges Lights 100 MM 25's | $14,99 | $119,92 |
Benson & Hedges De Luxe Ultra Lights 100 MM 25's | $14,99 | $119,92 |
Camels Blues Lights 20's | $14,99 | $149,90 |
Canadian Classic Original/Blue 20's | $13,81 | $138,10 |
Canadian Classic Rich/Red 20's | $13,81 | $138,10 |
Canadian Classic Silver 20's | $15,19 | $151,90 |
Craven A Pearl King Size 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Craven A Original Regular 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Craven A Special King size 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Du Maurier Signature King Size 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Du Maurier Signature King Size 25's | $14,99 | $119,92 |
Du Maurier Signature Regular 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Du Maurier Distinct King Size 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Du Maurier Distinct King (LK) 25's | $14,99 | $119,92 |
Du Maurier Distinct Regular 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Du Maurier Distinct Regular 25's | $14,99 | $119,92 |
Du Maurier Distinct Silver Regular 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Du Maurier Disintct Silver Large 25's | $14,99 | $119,92 |
Du Maurier Distinct Silver King Size 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Du Maurier Distinct Silver King Size 25's | $14,99 | $119,92 |
Du Maurier Nano Blue 90 mm 20's | $13,99 | $139,90 |
Du Maurier Mellow Blend Regular 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Du Maurier Mellow Blend King Size 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Du Maurier Mellow Blend Regular 25's | $14,99 | $119,92 |
Du Maurier Mellow Blend King Size 25's | $14,99 | $119,92 |
Du Maurier Fine Cut Special Blend King Size 20's | $14,99 | $149,90 |
Du Maurier Fine Cut Special Blend 100 mm 20's | $14,99 | $149,90 |
Du Maurier Light 100 MM 20's | $14,99 | $149,90 |
Dunhill King Size 20's | $15,00 | $150,00 |
Dunhill King Size 25's | $17,00 | $136,00 |
Dunhill Special Reserve King Size 20's | $15,00 | $150,00 |
Export A Smooth/Gold 25's | $15,80 | $126,40 |
Export A Rich/Red Regular 20's | $12,75 | $127,50 |
Export A Dark Blue 20's | $12,75 | $127,50 |
Export A Ultra Smooth Regular 25's | $14,34 | $114,72 |
Export A Light Regular 20's | $14,34 | $143,40 |
Export A Light King Size 20's | $14,34 | $143,40 |
John Player Special Regular 25's | $14,27 | $114,16 |
John Player Special King Size 25's | $14,27 | $114,16 |
John Player Standard Bold Regular 20's | $11,00 | $110,00 |
John Player Standard Bold King Size 20's | $11,00 | $110,00 |
John Player Bold Taste (LR) Regular 25's | $12,00 | $96,00 |
John Player Bold Taste (LR) King Size 25's | $12,00 | $96,00 |
John Player Standard Blue Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
John Player Standard Blue King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
John Players Plus Red Regular 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
John Player Plus Red King Size 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
John Player Choice Regular 20's | $11,00 | $110,00 |
John Player Choice King Size 20's | $11,00 | $110,00 |
John Player Plus Mellow King Size 20's | $13,50 | $135,00 |
John Player Smooth King Size 20's | $11,00 | $110,00 |
John Player Smooth Taste Regular 20's | $11,00 | $110,00 |
John Player Smooth Taste King Size 25's | $12,00 | $96,00 |
John Player Smooth Taste Regular 25's | $12,00 | $96,00 |
John Player Rich Taste Regular 20's | $11,00 | $110,00 |
John Player Rich Taste King Size 20's | $11,00 | $110,00 |
John Player Rich Tast Regular 25's | $12,00 | $96,00 |
John Player Rich Taste King Size 25's | $12,00 | $96,00 |
MacDonald Special Red King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
MacDonalds Special Red King Size 25's | $13,50 | $108,00 |
MacDonalds Special Red Regular 25's | $13,59 | $108,72 |
MacDonald Special Blue King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Marlboro Canadians 20's | $14,27 | $142,70 |
Marlboro Rooftops 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Marlboro Black/Red 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Marlboro Blue Smooth Taste 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Matinee Extra Mild King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Matinee Extra Mild King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Matinee King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Matinee King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Matinee Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Matinee Mellow King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Matinee Mellow Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Matinee Mellow Regular 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Matinee Mellow King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Matinee Subtle King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Matinee Subtle Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Matinee Subtle King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Matinee Subtle Regular 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Medallion King Size 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Medallion King Size 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Next Red King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Next Red King Size 25's | $14,00 | $112,00 |
Nexr Red Regular 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Next Blue King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Next Blue King Size 25's | $14,00 | $112,00 |
Next Blue Regular 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Next Blue Regular 25's | $14,00 | $112,00 |
Next Gold King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Nexr Gold King Size 25's | $14,00 | $112,00 |
Next Gold Regular 25's | $14,00 | $112,00 |
Next Green-Menthol King Size 25's | $14,00 | $112,00 |
Next Duo King Size 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Number 7 Red King Size 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Number 7 Red Regular 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Number 7 Lights King Size 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Number 7 Lights Regular 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Number 7 100mm 20's | $15,00 | $150,00 |
Number 7 Blue King Size 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Number 7 Blue Regular 25's | $15,00 | $120,00 |
Pall Mall Gold Regular 25's | $13,00 | $104,00 |
Pall Mall Gold King Size 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Pall Mall Lights (Blue) 20's | $12,50 | $125,00 |
Pall Mall Special Red King Size 25's | $13,00 | $104,00 |
Pall Mall Special Red Regular 25's | $13,00 | $104,00 |
Pall Mall Special Red Regular 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Pall Mall Special Red King Size 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Pall Mall Special Red XL 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Pall Mall Special Red King Size 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Pall Mall Special Blue King Size 25's | $13,00 | $104,00 |
Pall Mall Special Blue King Size 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Pall Mall Special Blue Regular 25's | $13,00 | $104,00 |
Pall Mall Special Blue Regular 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Pall Mall Special Blue XL King size 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Pall Mall Gold Regular 25's | $13,00 | $104,00 |
Pall Mall Gold King Size 20's | $13,00 | $130,00 |
Peter Jackson Charcoal Filter King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Peter Jackson Charcoal Filter Regular 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Peter Jackson Full Flavor Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Peter Jackson Full Flavor Regular 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Peter Jackson Full Flavor King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Peter Jackson Full Flavor King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Peter Jackson Select Flavor King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Peter Jackson Select Flavor King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Peter Jackson Select Flavor Regular 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Peter Jackson Select Flavor Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Peter Jackson Smooth Flavor King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Peter Jackson Smooth Flavor Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Peter Jackson Light King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Player's Original Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Player's Original Regular 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Player's Blue King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Player's Blue King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Player's Blue Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Player's Blue King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Player's Blue Regular 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Player's Rich Flavour Regular 25's | $14,62 | $116,96 |
Player's Rich Flavour King Size 25's | $14,62 | $116,96 |
Player's Rich Light Regular 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Player's Smooth Taste Regular 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Player's Smooth Taste King Size 20's | $11,99 | $119,90 |
Player's Smooth Taste King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Player's Smooth Taste Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Player's Plain King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Player's Black & Red Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Player's Black & Red King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Playe's Black & Silver Regular 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Playe's Black & Silver King Size 25's | $12,99 | $103,92 |
Viceroy Red King Size 25's | $11,99 | $95,92 |
Viceroy Red King Size 20's | $10,99 | $109,90 |
Viceroy Red Regular 25's | $11,99 | $95,92 |
Viceroy Red Regular 20's | $10,99 | $109,90 |
Viceory Blue King Size 25's | $11,99 | $95,92 |
Viceroy Blue Regular 25's | $11,99 | $95,92 |
Viceory Blue King Size 20's | $10,99 | $109,90 |
Viceory Blue Regular 20's | $10,99 | $109,90 |
Vogue DS Perle Rosee Slims 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Vogue DS Perle Rogue 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Vogue DS Perle Bronze 20's | $12,99 | $129,90 |
Vogue Purple Super Slim 20's | $13,99 | $139,99 |
We are not affiliated with the providers of the above goods/services in any way. The prices above should serve as a guide only. |
Did you know the first use of tobacco use in Canada dates to around the 8th Century? Tobacco cultivation shows up in the archeological record by the 11th Century, with European visitors recording tobacco crops by the 1600s.
Since then, the tobacco industry in Canada grew into a multi-billion dollar concern. Nearly 28 million cigarettes are sold annually. Smokers care deeply about the price of their tobacco.
Cigarette prices in Canada exceed $139 per carton of 200 sticks in some areas when you include all applicable taxes. So can cigarette prices go any higher?
Read on to learn the answer.
A Short History of Tobacco Use and Legislation in Canada
By the 1900s smoking cigars and cigarettes was widespread. Temperance organizations recognized tobacco as an evil and successfully lobbied a complete ban in 16 states. The bans were poorly enforced and repealed in short order.
In the interest of national health, cigarette prices in Canada increased with a tax in 1951. It was repealed by 1953. This cycle repeated several times, with prices increasing each time.
The 1950s and 60s saw nearly 3/4 of all Canadian men smoking and nearly half of all women. 1951 saw the addition of a national tax on tobacco of 3 cents a pack. Manufacturers tacked on an additional 2 cents. Naturally, contraband flourished.
Strikes, Taxes and Cigarette Prices in Canada
A strike at a large Canadian cigarette manufacturer, Imperial Brands, created shortages in several cigarette types, exacerbating the problem of illicit cigarettes. By 1953, tobacco industrialists managed a rollback of taxes.
In 1964, health concerns within the government successfully established the Smoking and Health Program with a budget of $600,000. But the government budget for assistance to tobacco growers and manufacturers was more than five times that.
Cigarette prices saw upward pressure throughout the 60s but per capita consumption of cigarettes peaked at a whopping 4,100 cigarettes per person by 1964. Tobacco interests could see resistance coming, though.
Advertising and Coupon Bans
The 1970s saw the voluntary adoption of the tobacco advertising ban. The ban became permanent in 1988. At the same time, legislation eliminated coupons and premiums.
Canada also adopted particularly graphic warnings as part of the required packaging. As of 2018, promotional logos and branding are restricted on packaging. The law only permits direct mail advertising to adults and advertising in adults-only venues.
The ban also covers new tobacco products like vaping.
Use of Taxes to Slow Consumption
Between 1982 and 1992, the stop-smoking faction of the Canadian health system successfully outflanked the tobacco industry lobbyists. The federal government increased tobacco taxes by 500 percent. The demand for cigarettes dropped precipitously.
Total federal and provincial tax revenues increased by 240 percent. Predictably, contraband cigarettes and cigarette smuggling from the U.S. increased sharply. To combat illicit (and untaxed) tobacco, the government hurriedly decreased taxes.
Tax revenues underwent a downswing, then gradually increased as consumption rose. In an effort to discourage consumption, taxes increased slowly in combination with education and anti-marketing efforts.
Two Types of Taxes
Canada taxes tobacco products in two ways. Specific taxes are a fixed amount per unit, such as $0.1825 per cigarette. The other type of tax is a percentage of the price, such as a 65 percent tax on the pre-tax price added to the total.
Manufacturers can more easily manipulate percentage of price taxes. They only have to reduce prices to reduce tax revenue. However, they are transparent and automatically rise if the price per unit increases.
Specific taxes are easy to calculate and administer. However, they make it easy for manufacturers to hide price increases from the consumer. They need regular adjustments for inflation.
The Current Price Situation
Cigarette prices in Canada are on the rise. The attack on tobacco use continues with the advertising ban, the branding ban, health care initiatives and more. Cigarette price increases in the past two years are sans federal tax hikes.
Where is this money going?
Manufacturers report the overall price of a carton of cigarettes is 68 percent taxes. However, the cost of a carton of cigarettes has increased by $7 in the past four years while the increase in tax revenues has been only 53 cents. This creeping increase in the wholesale price of cigarettes produces little outcry.
Nowhere to Go But Up, Up, Up
In 2017, the government set a goal to reduce the number of smokers in Canada to less than five percent of the population by 2035. This is a decrease of nine percent.
To get smoking levels down to six percent by 2036 (not quite the government’s target) tobacco taxes need to increase to 80 percent of the overall price. Anti-smoking advocates prefer a sudden, large jump to shock consumers and prompt quitting.
The tobacco industry predicts a price shock will just send buyers into the contraband market. They advocate slow, steady, modest increases adjusted for inflation every five years. As it stands, a carton of cigarettes is worth more than $100, of which nearly 70 percent of the total is taxes.
Where to Go for Lower Cigarette Prices in Canada
Illicit contraband aside, wholesale per carton prices for Canada vary due to provincial and federal taxes collected. Quebec boasts the lowest costs, while Manitoba takes the spot for the highest costs per carton. If you are a First Nation person with a card and buy on a Reserve, you will pay different taxes.
Don’t expect special prices from retailers. Prices for cigarettes tend towards uniformity throughout a province.
However, Imperial Tobacco (owner of some of Canada’s top brands) offers certain retailers $5 to $9 rebates per carton for sales volumes. And they, in turn, pass on the savings to the consumer.
In particular, these incentives were offered to gas station convenience stores. Other incentives from manufacturers to retailers skirt the intent of regulation but remain legal. There is no maximum which a retailer may charge, but in exchange for the incentive, the retailers agree to a certain minimum price and monthly sales volume.
What About Online Cigarette Purchases?
Buying tobacco online is risky. There are a few First Nation outlets who use the mail to deliver cigarettes as well as U.S. or Mexican services who will send tobacco products packaged for use outside of Canada. However Customs and Excise can (and does!) seize these items at random or inspect them and impose heavy duties.
In addition, sales to persons under the age of 18 are restricted. Delivery must be through approved couriers with age verification.
However there is no guarantee that the tobacco sold online is genuine or even of decent quality. Cheap knock-offs and adulterated products are a problem. Canada’s response to the contraband problem is one of stronger enforcement.
Legislation, Now and in the Future
Federal law virtually bans public smoking in Canada. It covers all federal workplaces and public transportation.
Provincial governments ban smoking in almost all other workplaces and indoor public spaces. Smoking rooms are prohibited in most areas.
Almost all tobacco advertising is banned. Tax schedules rise and enforcement efforts increase each year. The government outlines six priorities:
- Less than 5 percent of the population by 2035 and other targets. In addition to the goal of less than 5 percent tobacco use by 2035 for the general population, setting other tobacco use and sub-population targets.
- Protection of youth. Prevent young people and others from beginning tobacco use including all vaping products, and protection from second-hand smoke and vapour.
- Assistance for Canadians who use tobacco. Enable easy access to treatment to quit tobacco and reduce harm to those who are not yet ready to cease tobacco use.
- Support of Indigenous peoples. Support a shared approach to address higher rates of commercial tobacco use among Indigenous peoples.
- Address tobacco use and disproportionate health and social effects. Address use in groups such as those living with mental illness and those with lower socioeconomic status.
- Increase capacity. Ensure that the Government of Canada has the resources, information and partnerships it needs to achieve its targets and to support partners.
Based on these priorities, proposed legislation includes import restrictions to exclude all flavoured tobaccos. While it is already understood that flavoured products are already banned for cigarettes, the vape trend lacks the same rigorous enforcement.
Tobacco Warnings and Labeling
Health warnings with graphic pictorial displays must occupy 75 percent of the principal package display area. Only bidis and smokeless tobacco products may display text-only warnings. Cigars and pipe tobacco carry a health warning in a specified font size.
Terms such as “light” and “ultra” are misleading and false. They are prohibited. Plain packaging at the manufacturer level begins November 9, 2019. It is required at the retailer level beginning February 7, 2020.
Cigarette Additives Ban
Sugars and sweeteners are banned, as are flavourings such as menthol, mint, and spearmint. The law bans spices, herbs, and ingredients that create the impression of health benefits. It also bas ingredients associated with energy and vitality. Colouring agents of any kind are forbidden.
Manufacturers and importers must provide disclosure of the contents and emissions of their products to government authorities.
Sales Restrictions to Persons Under the Age of 18
Canada restricts the sale of tobacco products via vending machines and the internet. Laws prohibit the sale of single cigarettes or small packets of cigarettes. Persons under the age of 18 may not buy tobacco products.
Proposed Law Changes
The current age to purchase tobacco products is 18. There is legislative interest in raising the tobacco purchase age to 19 and eventually 21 years of age. Research suggests that increasing the purchase age discourages the youth from starting to smoke.
The Tobacco and Vaping Act of 2018 addresses newer forms of tobacco consumption. However, ongoing proposed updates include the banning of sweet vaping flavours, colours and sweeteners to match the ban on flavoured tobacco. In addition, regulation of nicotine content and emissions are on the table.
Electronic cigarettes and liquids that do not contain nicotine follow the same rules as those that use nicotine. Electronic cigarettes themselves are subject to the same safety regulations as consumer electronics.
There is some argument as to regulating vaping as smoking in public places. The current consensus is that e-cigarettes should be treated the same as cigarettes. However, vaping does not create a lingering cloud or open flame like a cigarette would.
Consider Vaping and Other Alternatives
For smokers looking for an alternative to high cigarette prices in Canada, vaping can provide metered nicotine doses to lessen the shock to the body. The action is soothing and familiar. Many e-cigarette juices allow a gradual withdrawal from nicotine to prevent negative effects. Vaping comes at a reduced cost to smoking.
In addition to vaping, there are several other alternative medical products to consider. There are also additional alternatives including chewing tobacco and pipe smoking.
It is unlikely that taking snuff replicates the smoking experience, but it remains part of the nicotine delivery universe.
Compare Cigarette Prices in Canada With Our Handy Table
Still intent on smoking? Cigarette prices in Canada are going nowhere but up. And if none of the nicotine alternatives appeal to you, price compare by province and retailer with our handy chart. But keep in mind that this price comparison is for reference only.
For information on other prices, just browse our website!