How much do cigarettes cost in Canada in 2026? Depending on your province, a single carton of 200 name-brand cigarettes now runs anywhere from about $120 to over $180 at retail — and most of that is tax. Here’s the province-by-province breakdown, why prices vary so much, and what smokers are actually paying.
Cigarette prices by province (2026)
Approximate retail prices for mainstream brands at gas stations and convenience stores. Prices vary by store and brand; figures are indicative as of mid-2026.
| Province | Avg. price per pack (20–25) | Avg. price per carton (200) |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | $18–$20+ | $155–$180 |
| Alberta | $15–$17 | $140–$160 |
| Saskatchewan | $16–$18 | $150–$170 |
| Manitoba | $16–$19 | $150–$175 |
| Ontario | $15–$17 | $145–$165 |
| Quebec | $13–$15 | $120–$140 |
| New Brunswick | $15–$17 | $145–$165 |
| Nova Scotia | $16–$18 | $150–$170 |
| PEI | $15–$17 | $145–$165 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $16–$19 | $155–$180 |
Why are cigarettes so expensive in Canada?
Tax. Federal excise duty alone adds roughly $30+ per carton of 200, and provincial tobacco taxes add anywhere from about $3 to $8 per pack on top — in B.C., combined taxes approach $55 per carton before the tobacco itself, retail markup, or sales tax. That’s why the same carton can cost $40 more in Vancouver than in Montreal.
How native cigarettes compare
Cigarettes manufactured on First Nations territory are sold outside the mainstream retail tax structure, which is why a carton of 200 costs around $29.99 instead of $150. Brands like BB, Canadian Classics, Playfare’s and Elite come in the same full flavour, light and menthol styles as retail brands. Learn more in our complete native cigarettes guide or browse the full cigarette selection.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a carton of cigarettes in Ontario in 2026?
A carton of 200 mainstream cigarettes typically costs $145–$165 at Ontario retail stores. Native cigarette cartons ordered online cost around $29.99.
Which province has the cheapest cigarettes?
Quebec consistently has the lowest retail cigarette prices in Canada, averaging roughly $120–$140 per carton, thanks to the lowest provincial tobacco tax.
Which province has the most expensive cigarettes?
British Columbia and Newfoundland & Labrador are typically the most expensive, with cartons reaching $180 or more.
Why are native cigarettes so much cheaper?
They are produced and sold on First Nations territory outside the mainstream retail tax structure, so a carton costs around $30 instead of $120–$180.
You must be of legal smoking age in your province (19+ in most of Canada) to purchase tobacco products.
Buy native cigarettes by province
See prices, delivery times and how much you save in your province: Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec.