Nowadays, it seems like everyone is promoting new smoking alternatives. A lot has changed since the introduction of the cigarette, and today, when people want to enjoy tobacco, they have plenty of options to choose from. It’s important to know what choices are out there. That’s where we come in! We’re here to explain the types of alternatives to cigarettes that exist in Canada, what IQOS really is, and where you can find it near you. So, let’s get started.

What are the kinds of cigarette alternatives available in Canada?

In Canada, there are many cigarette alternatives, including modern devices updated for today’s times and tastes.

For instance, if consumers decide they want to vape, there are two devices that can be used. First, there are e-cigarettes (also known as electronic cigarettes). These devices convert liquid into vapour that is then inhaled by the consumer. This substance contains a liquid aerosol that typically, but not always, contains nicotine and other chemical ingredients. E-cigarettes are often shaped like a long tube resembling a pen and come with a mouthpiece, a heating element, a rechargeable battery and electronic circuits.

Vaporizers, commonly known as vapes, are another alternative smoking device many people use. In fact, they are often confused with e-cigarettes, because their system is quite similar. They both have a rechargeable battery that heats a small element and then vaporizes an e-liquid in the device. However, a couple of things differentiate vaporizers from e-cigarettes. For starters, most vaporizers use a tank to hold the e-liquid rather than a cartridge, like e-cigarettes. Having a tank allows users to add additional liquid when they are running low or just want to change flavours or nicotine strength. On the contrary, an e-cigarette cartridge - once empty - must be discarded and replaced with a new one. The vape’s design is also a little larger, allowing it to offer a longer battery life than e-cigs.

For those who want an alternative to cigarettes but would still like to enjoy the taste and feel of tobacco, consider Heat-Not-Burn products (also known as HNB). These alternatives to smoking operate with both an open and closed “vape” system and are known to produce nicotine-containing emissions, through battery-powered systems that heat tobacco and only tobacco.

What is IQOS?

IQOS is the only alternative smoking device that’s classified under the HNB category in Canada and is the leading product in the category globally. Backed by years of scientific research and technological experts, our devices provide legal age smokers with real tobacco taste and satisfaction that is not available with other cigarette alternatives. Designed with a unique HeatControl™ Technology, it monitors and controls the temperature of the IQOS heating blade, heating tobacco up to 350°C, without burning it or requiring a flame.

Compared to traditional cigarettes that burn tobacco at an 800°C temperature, IQOS heats up pure tobacco sticks uniquely used with the IQOS device, called HEETS. Our HEETS contain only the finest tobacco leaves and come in a variety of blends such as TEAK, ELM, OAK, CYPRESS and BIRCH, depending on your province. They all have unique tobacco flavour profiles and range from robust to mellow, so you can enjoy the best experience out there. Find out which HEETS flavour is right for you here. Only with IQOS can you have a sensory tobacco experience without the cigarette smoke.

IQOS provides many other benefits that trump classic cigarettes. First, there’s no fire involved, so you won’t need to clean up any ash. This also means that there are no burning hazards for you or those around you. You can just enjoy your nicotine moment without any worries or distractions.

Another advantage is that a quickly dissipating aerosol replaces overpowering, harmful smoke associated with traditional cigarettes, while still maintaining that true tobacco taste. You can enjoy smoke-free air wherever you decide to use IQOS, so it won’t be a bother to those around you. IQOS doesn’t leave a trace of potentially offensive tobacco smell - and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

A third advantage IQOS has over cigarettes is that there’s no smoke smell. This means no more wondering how you’ll cover-up the cigarette odour on your hair or clothing! You can finally put that travel-size cologne or perfume of yours away — you won’t need it when you’re using IQOS.

Where can I buy IQOS in Canada?

Shopping at our online IQOS Shop is possible 24/7 and everything you need can be delivered right at your doorstep. IQOS also has Q-Lab Boutiques (retail locations dedicated to everything IQOS) in the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario, located in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, and can be found in certified retail outlets across Canada. If you want to shop in-store, we have a handy store locator that can help direct you to the nearest IQOS Q-Lab Boutique or retail outlet.