Types of Cigarettes in Canada 2026

Types of cigarettes in canada fall into 5 types by strength (Ultra Light, Light, Medium, Full Flavour, Flavoured) and 3 categories by format (King Size, Regular, Slim). Canadian smokers choose from 2 brand tiers: retail brands (Du Maurier, Marlboro, Export A, Player’s, Canadian Classics) sold at $14-$18/pack and native brands (Putters, DKs, BB, Nexus) sold at $50/carton ($6.25/pack) at ClassicSmokes.ca.

What Are the Different Types of Cigarettes in Canada?

Cigarettes in Canada are classified into 5 types based on strength and flavour profile. The strength classification depends on filter ventilation percentage and tobacco blend density. According to Health Canada’s tobacco product regulations, retail packaging in Canada no longer displays “light” or “mild” descriptors under plain packaging rules introduced in November 2019. Native cigarette brands continue to use strength descriptors on their packaging.

Light cigarettes are the most popular type in Canada, accounting for approximately 40% of all cigarette sales. Full flavour ranks second at 35%. Ultra light, flavoured, and medium types share the remaining 25%. According to the Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey, 11.7% of Canadians aged 15+ reported smoking in 2022, with the highest rates in the 25-34 age group.

What Cigarette Brands Are Available in Canada?

Canadian cigarette brands divide into 2 tiers: retail commercial brands and native brands. Retail brands are manufactured by multinational tobacco companies (Imperial Tobacco, Philip Morris, JTI-Macdonald) and sold at convenience stores with full federal and provincial taxes. Native brands are manufactured on First Nations reserves and sold online at 60-70% lower prices.

According to the Canada Revenue Agency’s tobacco market data, Imperial Tobacco Canada (Du Maurier, Player’s, Pall Mall), JTI-Macdonald (Export A, Number 7), and Philip Morris International (Marlboro) manufacture the majority of retail cigarettes sold in Canada. Native brands are manufactured by Indigenous-owned facilities on First Nations reserves in Ontario and Quebec.

What Are King Size, Regular, and Slim Cigarettes?

Canadian cigarettes come in 3 physical formats: King Size (84mm length, 25mm circumference), Regular (72mm length, 25mm circumference), and Slim (84-100mm length, 17mm circumference). King Size is the dominant format in Canada, used by all native brands and most retail brands. According to Health Canada’s Tobacco Products Appearance, Packaging and Labelling Regulations (SOR/2019-107), specific packaging dimensions are mandated for each format.

King Size cigarettes deliver a longer smoking duration (5-7 minutes per cigarette) compared to Regular (4-5 minutes). Slim cigarettes produce less smoke per puff due to the narrower circumference. All native brands at ClassicSmokes.ca use King Size format with 25 cigarettes per pack, 8 packs per carton (200 cigarettes total).

What Are Canadian Lights?

Canadian Light cigarettes are a native brand sold in Light and Full Flavour variants. Canadian Light is one of the most popular native cigarette products in Canada, known for smooth draw and consistent quality. Canadian Light packs contain 25 king size cigarettes. Cartons contain 8 packs (200 cigarettes) at $44-$50 from ClassicSmokes.ca.

The term “Canadian Lights” also refers broadly to any light-strength cigarette sold in Canada. The light cigarettes category at ClassicSmokes.ca includes 10+ light and ultra light variants: Putters Light, DKs Light, BB Light, Nexus Light, Playfares Light, Rolled Gold Light, Dumont Light, Canadian Light, Canadian Ultra Light, and Canadian Classics Silver.

Is Marlboro Available in Canada?

Marlboro cigarettes are sold in Canada in 2 variants: Marlboro Red (full flavour) and Marlboro Gold (light). Marlboro is manufactured by Philip Morris International and distributed through retail stores at $19-$21 per pack. ClassicSmokes.ca sells Marlboro at $59.99 per carton (10 packs of 20, 200 cigarettes total), making it the most affordable Marlboro source in Canada.

Marlboro Red delivers a bold, full-flavour tobacco taste. Marlboro Gold delivers a smoother, lighter draw. According to Philip Morris International’s product data, Marlboro is the best-selling cigarette brand globally. In Canada, Marlboro holds a smaller market share than domestic brands (Du Maurier, Export A, Player’s) but maintains strong brand recognition among imported cigarette buyers.

What Are Export A Cigarette Types?

Export A produces 4 cigarette variants in Canada: Full Flavour (Green), Light (Blue), Ultra Light (Silver), and Medium (Gold). Export A is manufactured by JTI-Macdonald and ranks as one of Canada’s oldest cigarette brands, first introduced in 1928. Export A cigarettes use a distinctive rounded pack design and Canadian-grown tobacco blends.

Export A is sold exclusively at retail convenience stores and gas stations at $17-$20 per pack. Export A is not available through online native cigarette retailers. Smokers seeking a comparable full-flavour experience at lower cost choose DKs Full Flavour ($50/carton) or Nexus Full Flavour ($50/carton) at ClassicSmokes.ca.

What Happened to Menthol and Flavoured Cigarettes?

Menthol and flavoured cigarettes were banned from retail sale in Canada on October 2, 2017. According to Health Canada’s amendment to the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, all cigarettes with characterizing flavours (including menthol) are prohibited from retail distribution across all Canadian provinces. The ban covers convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and duty-free shops.

Native menthol and flavoured cigarette brands remain available through online retailers and reserve smoke shops. Pop N Smoke offers 7 flavours including Menthol at $54/carton. Playfares Menthol and BB Menthol provide dedicated menthol options at $50/carton. Prime Time offers 6 dessert and fruit flavours at $60/carton.

How to Choose the Right Cigarette Type

Cigarette selection depends on 4 factors: strength preference, flavour preference, format preference, and budget. The guide below matches smoker profiles to specific brands and types available at ClassicSmokes.ca.

New smokers or light preference: Playfares Ultra Light ($50/carton) or Canadian Ultra Light ($44-$50/carton). Mildest draw with minimal throat hit.

Everyday light smokers: Putters Light, DKs Light, or BB Light (all $50/carton, $44 bulk). Smooth, balanced, comfortable for all-day smoking.

Bold flavour seekers: Putters Full, DKs Full, or Nexus Full (all $50/carton, $44 bulk). Rich tobacco taste with firm draw.

Menthol lovers: Pop N Smoke Menthol ($54/carton), Playfares Menthol ($50/carton), or BB Menthol ($50/carton). Cool mint finish.

Flavour enthusiasts: Pop N Smoke ($54/carton, 7 fruit flavours) or Prime Time ($60/carton, 6 dessert flavours). Crush capsule or infused tobacco flavour.

Budget priority: Discount brand at $44/carton or any value brand at $50/carton ($44 bulk). Rolled Gold, Putters, DKs, BB, and Nexus all share the lowest pricing tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cigarettes are sold in Canada?

Canada sells 5 types: Ultra Light, Light, Medium, Full Flavour, and Flavoured. Formats include King Size (25 per pack), Regular (20 per pack), and Slim (20 per pack). Both retail and native brands are available across these types.

What are the brands of smokes in Canada?

Retail brands: Du Maurier, Marlboro, Export A, Player’s, Canadian Classics, Number 7, Pall Mall. Native brands: Putters, DKs, BB, Nexus, Rolled Gold, Dumont, Playfares, Pop N Smoke, Prime Time. Native brands cost $50/carton vs $130-$200 retail.

What are Canadian Lights cigarettes?

Canadian Light is a native cigarette brand sold in Light and Full Flavour at $44-$50/carton. The term also refers to any light-strength cigarette in Canada. 10+ light variants are available at ClassicSmokes.ca from $50/carton.

Is Marlboro sold in Canada?

Marlboro Red (full) and Marlboro Gold (light) are sold in Canada. Retail price: $19-$21/pack. ClassicSmokes.ca sells Marlboro at $59.99/carton (10 packs of 20). Marlboro is the only international premium brand available through online native retailers.

What Export A types are available?

Export A produces 4 variants: Full Flavour (Green), Light (Blue), Ultra Light (Silver), and Medium (Gold). Export A is sold at retail stores only at $17-$20/pack. Native alternatives with comparable strength are available online from $50/carton.

Are flavoured cigarettes legal in Canada?

Flavoured cigarettes are banned from retail sale since 2017. Native flavoured brands (Pop N Smoke, Prime Time) are manufactured on First Nations reserves and sold through online retailers. Pop N Smoke offers 7 flavours at $54/carton. Prime Time offers 6 flavours at $60/carton.

What is the cheapest cigarette type in Canada?

Native value brands at $50/carton ($44 bulk) are the cheapest: Putters, DKs, BB, Nexus, and Rolled Gold in both Light and Full Flavour. Retail budget brands (Pall Mall, Number 7) cost $13-$16/pack ($120-$150/carton). Native online is 60-70% cheaper than retail.

What are slim cigarettes in Canada?

Slim cigarettes measure 17mm circumference vs 25mm for regular King Size. Retail slim brands: Vogue, Du Maurier Distinct, Matinee. Slim brands are not available from native online retailers. Playfares Ultra Light at $50/carton delivers a similarly mild experience in King Size format.

Explore all cigarette types and brands at Canada’s lowest prices. ClassicSmokes.ca carries 15+ brands from $50/carton ($44 bulk). Light, Full, Menthol, Flavoured. Free shipping over $250. Browse All Types →