From obtaining your first licence through ISED Canada to operating on the high-frequency bands, amateur radio offers a structured yet deeply personal way to engage with wireless communication.
Topics
A step-by-step overview of the Foundation and Advanced examinations administered under ISED Canada, including study resources and what each licence tier permits.
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How to locate your nearest club through Radio Amateurs of Canada, what to expect at club meetings and field days, and how ARES connects operators during emergencies.
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Propagation fundamentals, equipment selection, and operating practices for working distant stations across North America and beyond on the shortwave bands.
Read article →About the Hobby
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is a licensed radio service regulated in Canada by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Operators are permitted to transmit on designated frequency bands for personal communication, technical experimentation, and emergency communications support.
Canada has a long history of amateur radio activity. The country's unique geography — spanning six time zones and extending well into northern latitudes — shapes propagation conditions that operators encounter on the high-frequency bands. Northern lights interference, polar path anomalies, and long-path openings to Asia and Europe are part of the operating experience for many Canadian hams.
Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) serves as the national amateur radio society, representing the interests of over 70,000 licensed operators. RAC coordinates with ISED on spectrum matters, administers operating awards, and supports a network of local clubs from Victoria to St. John's.
Entry-level licence permitting operation on most amateur bands with power limits. Requires passing a written examination on radio theory, regulations, and operating practices.
Higher-tier licence with fewer power restrictions and expanded privileges. Requires a separate Advanced examination covering deeper technical content.
Canadian call signs follow ITU Region 2 conventions. Prefix blocks include VE1–VE9, VA2–VA7, VY1, and VY2, with numeric suffixes reflecting geographic regions across the country.
ARES Canada (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) organises volunteers who provide backup communication during natural disasters, power outages, and search-and-rescue operations in coordination with local authorities.