Light cigarettes have always held a steadfast place in the hearts of Canadian smokers, and for good reason. Light cigarettes are ventilated or filter cigarettes that reduce harshness, tar, and offer lower nicotine levels. They offer a great choice for smokers who want to cut back or appreciate a gentler touch. Many Canadians wonder, what are the lightest cigarettes in Canada, and where can I buy them? For those who want the least harsh option, ultra-light cigarettes present a fabulous option. In this article, we will explore what the lightest cigarettes in Canada are, how to spot them in the store, and options to purchase directly online from Cigarette Express.
Why are More Canadians Switching to Light Cigarettes?
In recent years, a growing number of Canadians have been switching to light cigarettes, reflecting broader shifts in national smoking habits and attitudes toward tobacco use. According to the most recent data from the Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey, the overall prevalence of cigarette smoking among Canadians aged 15 and older is hovering around 11%, with daily smoking rates declining steadily over the past decade. This trend follows a long-term decline in smoking across age groups compared to several decades ago, when approximately half of Canadians smoked regularly. As public awareness of health concerns and the desire for less harsh smoking experiences increases, many current smokers are choosing lighter-bodied cigarettes that offer a smoother draw and reduced throat impact. Light cigarettes provide a gentler flavor profile with a milder nicotine delivery — features that appeal to everyday smokers looking for comfort and consistency without abandoning tobacco altogether. By aligning with these evolving smoker preferences, light cigarettes have carved out a growing niche within an overall reduced-smoking landscape in Canada. The lightest cigarettes, also known as ultra-light cigarettes, are also becoming a product that Canadians seek to cut back on their consumption.
What is the Lightest Cigarette in Canada?
The lightest cigarettes on the Canadian market are typically those labeled Silver or Blue, which are engineered to deliver a milder smoking experience through highly ventilated filters, lighter tobacco blends, and thinner paper. These design elements reduce machine-measured tar and nicotine yields, though real-world exposure can vary depending on smoking behavior. Historically, ultra-light cigarettes gained popularity in the late 20th century as smokers looked for smoother alternatives to full-flavour brands, particularly during periods of increased health awareness. However, research later showed that these products did not meaningfully reduce health risks, resulting in Health Canada and other regulators prohibiting strength-implying descriptors. Today, the “lightest” cigarettes in Canada focus on smoothness and reduced harshness, rather than health claims, offering a gentler draw for smokers who prefer a less intense experience without implying reduced harm
How to Look for Lightest Cigarettes in Canada
Ultra light cigarettes, as the name suggests, are the lightest cigarettes you can legally buy in Canada. Though finding ultra light cigarettes in stores proves to be more difficult these days, due to labeling restrictions that prevent cigarette brands from using the term “extra light” or “ultra light.”
Typically, in Canada, light cigarettes are distinguished by color terms. The words “Silver” or “Blue” are often used in place of the word “light” to describe light cigarettes. If you’d like to buy the lightest cigarettes, go for options that say “Silver” or “Blue”, “Platinum” or “Smooth”. For example:
Former Ultralight Cigarette Names vs. Current Labels in Canada
| Brand | Former Label | Current Label(s) | What the New Name Indicates |
| Du Maurier | Du Maurier Ultralight | Du Maurier Blue, Du Maurier Silver, Du Maurier Distinct | “Blue” and “Silver” typically signal a lighter strength with a smoother draw. |
| Player’s | Player’s Ultralight | Player’s Smooth Blue, Player’s Silver | These variants are positioned as lower tar and nicotine options within the brand. |
| Export A | Export A Ultralight | Export A Smooth, Export A Silver | “Silver” and “Smooth” generally represent the ultra-light equivalent. |
| Canadian Classics | Canadian Classics Ultralight | Canadian Classics Ultra Blue, Canadian Classics Silver | Pack colour and naming indicate a lighter, more mellow smoking experience. |
| Benson & Hedges | B&H Ultralight | B&H Silver, B&H Platinum, B&H Blue | Metallic tones and blue packaging are used to signal lighter intensity. |
Options: Lightest Cigarettes in Canada
Light cigarettes are carried by most retailers that sell smokes. Simply look for the blue or silver label, or ask a staff member. If you’re looking for ultra-light cigarettes or the lightest cigarettes, another option you could look at is buying light cigarettes online. Native retailers like Cigarette Express often distribute ultra light and light cigarettes with more distinct labeling. Some ultra-light cigarette brands available through these channels are:
Canadian Ultra Lights
The lightest, least harsh option from the popular Canadian lineup. Offers superior filtration, minimal tar, and reduced nicotine content. Enjoy smooth, delicious premium tobacco blend without the usual harshness.
Canadian Classics Ultra Blue
Extra-smooth and ultra-light, Canadian Classics Ultra blue offers a refined, mellow smoking experience. Produced by Rothmans, Benson & Hedges.
You can purchase ultra-light cigarettes directly from Cigarette Express for guaranteed stock, lowest prices, and fast shipping to your door!
Are Ultra Light Cigarettes Healthier?
Despite widespread belief, ultra-light and light cigarettes are not healthier or safer than regular cigarettes. These products were once marketed as lower-tar or milder alternatives, but extensive research has shown that they do not reduce the health risks associated with smoking. Scientific evidence indicates that smokers of light and ultra-light cigarettes often compensate by inhaling deeper, taking more frequent puffs, or smoking more cigarettes to satisfy nicotine cravings, resulting in tar and nicotine exposure that can be just as high as with regular cigarettes. In fact, light and ultralight brands do not significantly reduce the delivery of toxic and carcinogenic substances, and machine-measured “low tar” ratings do not accurately reflect actual human smoking patterns. As a result, health authorities note that there is no meaningful difference in disease risk between light/ultra-light and full-flavour cigarettes, and all cigarette smoke carries harmful chemicals that contribute to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness. Always smoke at your own risk.
Want to Smoke Lighter? Try Ultra Light Cigarettes from Cigarette Express
If your goal this year is to cut back on smoking full-flavor cigarettes, make ultra light cigarettes your next pick. Due to labeling restrictions, it may be harder to identify and differentiate between light cigarettes and ultra light cigarettes at the store. The best way to guarantee you’re getting the lightest cigarettes is to shop online from Cigarette Express. We’re stocked up on classics like Canadian Ultra Lights and Canadian Classics Ultra Blue. Satisfy your tobacco craving without going full speed. Enjoy satisfying premium tobacco blends with reduced throat harshness and tar.