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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Civic Maple Weather Desk. Data from Environment and Climate Change Canada and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
In Canada, VFR (Visual Flight Rules) weather minimums set the lowest allowed visibility and cloud clearance for pilots flying without instruments. For day VFR, basic requirements are 1.5 kilometres visibility and clear of cloud in uncontrolled airspace, with tighter rules in controlled airspace.
What are the VFR weather minimums in Canada?
The minimums differ by airspace class and time of day. In uncontrolled airspace, day VFR requires at least 1.5 kilometres visibility and the aircraft must remain clear of cloud. In controlled airspace, visibility must be at least 3 kilometres, and you need 500 feet vertical and 1 mile horizontal cloud clearance. Night VFR requirements are stricter: visibility at least 3 kilometres and the same cloud clearances regardless of airspace. For special VFR in Canada, a clearance allows flight in controlled airspace with reduced conditions—generally 1.5 kilometres visibility and clear of cloud. The live forecast above shows current local conditions relative to these limits.
How do VFR minimums differ between day and night?
Day VFR allows lower visibility—1.5 km in uncontrolled airspace—while night VFR requires at least 3 km everywhere. At night, pilots also need a valid night rating and the aircraft must have appropriate lighting. In MVFR (marginal VFR) weather, conditions sit just above minimums: visibility 1.5 to 5 km and ceilings below 1000 feet. Pilots should check the Canada weather hub and a 10-day forecast before any VFR flight.
What is the difference between VFR and MVFR weather?
MVFR (marginal VFR) describes conditions that are still legal but near minimums: visibility 1.5–5 km or ceilings below 1000 feet. MVFR requires extra caution, especially for Ottawa weather or any area with frequent low cloud.
What are VFR weather minimums in controlled airspace?
In controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, E), day VFR demands at least 3 km visibility and cloud clearance of 500 ft vertical and 1 mi horizontal. Night VFR follows the same cloud clearance but requires 3 km visibility everywhere.
What is special VFR in Canada?
Special VFR allows you to fly into controlled airspace when conditions are below standard VFR minimums. You need an ATC clearance, visibility at least 1.5 km, and you must remain clear of cloud. It’s commonly used for VFR OTT requirements when over‑top flying.