If you smoke du Maurier cigarettes, Players, or Vogue, you already know what a carton costs at the counter. These are Canada’s best-known commercial brands, and they carry a price tag to match: heavy federal and provincial tobacco tax baked into every pack. This guide lays out the estimated retail prices for each brand, explains what drives those costs, and shows you which factory-direct native cigarettes deliver the same full-flavour or light experience for a fraction of the money.
Smokeway does not carry du Maurier, Players, or Vogue. What we do carry is a full range of native cigarettes made factory-direct on First Nations land and shipped across Canada – same 25-cigarette packs, same smooth draw, without the retail markup.
Quick answer: what you need to know
- du Maurier, Players and Vogue are commercial brands taxed at the full federal and provincial rate – estimated $16 to $22 per pack at retail.
- A native carton (8 packs, 200 cigarettes) runs $34.95 to $36.95 factory-direct, versus roughly $130 to $175 for a commercial carton at retail prices.
- Native packs hold 25 cigarettes each, the standard Canadian king-size format.
- The closest native matches by profile: Canadian and Canadian Classics for full flavour; Putter’s Light, Rolled Gold Lights and Nexus Lights for the lighter end.
- Free shipping on orders over $139; every order ships to every province and territory.
du Maurier, Players and Vogue: what they are and what they cost
du Maurier is Canada’s top-selling cigarette brand, owned by BAT (British American Tobacco). It comes in a range of strengths: du Maurier Regular, du Maurier Special Mild, du Maurier Distinct, and du Maurier Signature among others. It is sold in the standard Canadian 25-cigarette pack. At most retail outlets – gas stations, convenience stores, pharmacies that still stock tobacco – a single pack of du Maurier lands somewhere between $16 and $22 depending on province. Ontario and Quebec tend to sit at the lower end of that band; British Columbia and the territories push toward the top.
Players (officially John Player Special) is the other long-running Canadian name from Imperial Tobacco. Players Navy Cut Regular and Players Light are the familiar SKUs. Retail prices track closely with du Maurier – expect similar figures in the $16 to $21 per pack range, again varying by province.
Vogue is a slim-format cigarette, also from BAT, aimed at smokers who prefer a thinner draw. Vogue Bleue and Vogue Lilas are the core lines in Canada. Slims carry a modest premium at retail, sometimes landing a dollar or two above equivalent king-size packs in the same province.
None of these brands are available on smokeway.co. They are sold through licensed tobacco retailers only, and their price is set partly by brand, partly by distributor margin, and largely by tax.
Why Canadian cigarette prices are so high
The bulk of what you pay at the counter is not the cigarette itself – it is tax. Canada applies a federal excise duty on tobacco and a provincial tobacco tax on top of that, and the combined load varies widely by province. GST applies to the after-tax price as well, so tax compounds on tax.
Here’s a rough look at how costs stack up:
| Cost component | Estimated share of a $18 pack |
|---|---|
| Federal excise duty | ~$5.50 to $6.00 |
| Provincial tobacco tax | ~$4.00 to $8.00 (varies by province) |
| GST (5%) | ~$0.85 to $1.05 |
| Manufacturer, distributor and retailer margin | ~$3.00 to $5.00 |
Provincial rates range from a low around $0.18 per cigarette in some Atlantic provinces to over $0.35 in British Columbia and $0.32 in Ontario. High-tax provinces push a 25-pack toward $20 or above for any major commercial brand.
Native cigarettes manufactured on First Nations land and sold under First Nations licensing structures operate under a different tax framework, which is why the factory-direct price looks so different. The cigarette itself is not cheaper to make. What changes is the tax treatment on qualifying sales.
Estimated du Maurier, Players and Vogue retail prices by province (2026)
These are estimates based on public reports and retailer surveys. Actual prices shift with provincial tax updates and retailer pricing. Use them as a rough planning guide, not a guarantee.
| Province | du Maurier (est. per pack) | Players (est. per pack) | Vogue (est. per pack) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $17 – $19 | $16 – $18 | $18 – $20 |
| Quebec | $16 – $18 | $16 – $18 | $17 – $20 |
| British Columbia | $19 – $22 | $19 – $21 | $20 – $23 |
| Alberta | $17 – $20 | $17 – $20 | $18 – $21 |
| Manitoba | $18 – $21 | $18 – $20 | $19 – $22 |
| Saskatchewan | $17 – $20 | $17 – $19 | $18 – $21 |
| Atlantic provinces | $16 – $20 | $15 – $19 | $17 – $21 |
A pack-a-day smoker going through one 25-pack daily spends roughly $500 to $670 per month at these retail price levels, depending on province.
How native cigarettes compare on price
Factory-direct native cartons from Smokeway run $34.95 to $36.95 per carton. That is 200 cigarettes (8 packs of 25). For the same 200 cigarettes at the retail prices above, you are looking at $130 to $175 or more, province depending.
| Native (factory-direct) | du Maurier / Players (retail estimate) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | 25 cigarettes | 25 cigarettes |
| Carton | 8 packs / 200 cigarettes | 8 packs / 200 cigarettes |
| Price per carton | $34.95 – $36.95 | ~$130 – $175 est. |
| Price per cigarette | ~$0.17 – $0.18 | ~$0.65 – $0.88 est. |
| Where you buy | Online, shipped to your door | Gas station / convenience store |
The format is the same. Both are king-size 25s in an 8-pack carton. The difference is the tax load and the distribution chain – and that gap runs to several hundred dollars a month for a regular smoker.
Finding your native match: full flavour
If you smoke du Maurier Regular or Players Navy Cut Regular, you are looking for a confident, full-bodied draw with a clean finish. The native brands that match that profile most closely are:
Canadian Cigarettes – full flavour pick
Canadian Full Flavour is the most direct comparison to a standard du Maurier or Players Regular. It delivers a rich, full-bodied smoke with good draw resistance, clean burn and consistent flavour across the carton. It comes in at $34.95 a carton (200 cigarettes) and is one of our best-sellers for smokers switching from major commercial brands. Browse full-flavour cigarettes to see the full lineup.
Canadian Classics – original profile
Canadian Classics Original (Red) is slightly smoother than Canadian Full, with a rounded flavour that sits between a standard and a mild. Smokers who find du Maurier Regular a touch heavy but don’t want to drop to a Light often land here. Also $34.95 a carton.
Rolled Gold – full flavour
Rolled Gold Full Flavour is the premium end of the native full-flavour range at $36.95 a carton. Deeper flavour, slightly slower burn – worth the extra two dollars if you’re used to a premium commercial brand and want a richer native equivalent.
Finding your native match: light cigarettes
If you smoke du Maurier Special Mild, du Maurier Distinct, Players Light, or Vogue, you’re on the lighter end. Vogue’s slim format doesn’t have a direct native equivalent, but the draw profile and nicotine delivery can be matched reasonably well with native lights.
Putter’s Light
Putter’s Light is the lightest, smoothest draw in the native range. Very clean, low irritation, good for the smoker who finds regular king-size too strong. At $34.95 a carton it is one of the best-value picks on the site. If you were on du Maurier Special Mild or Vogue, start here.
Nexus Lights
Nexus Lights sits in the same price bracket ($34.95) and gives you a slightly more present flavour than Putter’s while staying well on the lighter side. A solid match for Players Light smokers who want a bit more taste without crossing back into full flavour.
Canadian Classics Silver
Canadian Classics Silver is the light version of Canadian Classics Original – same consistent quality, dialled back strength. Good middle ground if you want a brand with a familiar profile and a light blend. $34.95 a carton. See all light cigarettes in one place.
Commercial brand vs native match: quick reference
| Commercial brand | Profile | Est. retail price (per carton) | Closest native match | Native price (per carton) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| du Maurier Regular | Full flavour | ~$135 – $175 est. | Canadian Full Flavour | $34.95 |
| du Maurier Special Mild | Light | ~$135 – $175 est. | Putter’s Light | $34.95 |
| du Maurier Distinct | Extra light | ~$135 – $175 est. | Canadian Classics Silver | $34.95 |
| Players Navy Cut Regular | Full flavour | ~$130 – $168 est. | Canadian Classics Original | $34.95 |
| Players Light | Light | ~$130 – $168 est. | Nexus Lights | $34.95 |
| Vogue Bleue / Lilas | Slim / light | ~$140 – $180 est. | Putter’s Light | $34.95 |
Retail carton estimates are based on 8 x single-pack retail prices and should be treated as a planning guide only. Native prices are current Smokeway prices as of May 2026.
What to expect from the switch
Switching from a commercial brand you’ve smoked for years is not complicated, but it helps to know what changes and what doesn’t.
What stays the same: King-size 25 cigarettes per pack. Eight packs per carton. A hard-pack format. Filter cigarette draw. Tobacco flavour in line with the strength you choose.
What’s different: The taste profile will not be identical to du Maurier or Players – native brands have their own tobacco blends. Most smokers who make the switch find a native equivalent they prefer within one or two cartons. The price drop is immediate.
How to find your match faster: Pick based on strength first – full flavour if you smoke a red or a regular, light if you smoke a silver, mild or slim. Don’t try to replicate a specific flavour note in the first carton; just match the draw weight. From there you can dial in the exact blend that suits you.
How to buy native cigarettes from Smokeway
Every order ships factory-direct. There is no distributor in the middle, no retailer markup, and no gas station price.
- Browse by brand at our brands hub or by category at cigarettes.
- Choose your strength: full flavour or light.
- Add cartons to your order. Two or three cartons clears the free shipping threshold at $139 and keeps you stocked for a few weeks.
- We ship via Canada Post, UPS or Purolator – see full details on our cigarette delivery page.
Most orders arrive within two to five business days, depending on your province. Every carton is factory-sealed and ships fresh.
Native cigarette product picks
Full-flavour native cigarettes
Canadian Full Flavour – $34.95/carton. Rich, full-bodied, consistent. The go-to for smokers coming off du Maurier Regular or Players Navy Cut.
Canadian Classics Original – $34.95/carton. Smooth and rounded. Slightly less intense than Canadian Full – a good choice if du Maurier felt like exactly the right amount, or even a bit much some days.
Rolled Gold Full Flavour – $36.95/carton. The premium full-flavour pick. Richer and slower-burning. Worth it if you were spending top dollar on a commercial brand and want the best native equivalent.
Light native cigarettes
Putter’s Light – $34.95/carton. Lightest, smoothest draw in the range. The closest native call for du Maurier Special Mild or Vogue smokers.
Nexus Lights – $34.95/carton. Light with more tobacco presence than Putter’s. Suits Players Light smokers who want a little more taste.
Canadian Classics Silver – $34.95/carton. The light variant of the Classics line. Reliable, consistent, well-rounded.
Key takeaways
- du Maurier, Players and Vogue are sold at retail only and carry the full federal and provincial tax load – estimated $16 to $22 per pack across most provinces.
- The same 200-cigarette carton in native runs $34.95 to $36.95 factory-direct at Smokeway.
- The format is the same: 25-cigarette king-size packs, 8 packs to a carton.
- For full flavour, start with Canadian or Canadian Classics Original. For lights, start with Putter’s Light or Nexus Lights.
- Match on strength first; flavour nuance follows in the second carton.
- Orders over $139 ship free across Canada.
Conclusion
du Maurier, Players and Vogue are good cigarettes. They’re also expensive in a way that has nothing to do with the tobacco inside them – it’s the tax layer and the retail chain on top. If you’ve been buying them out of habit rather than preference, native cigarettes give you the same king-size 25s format, a comparable draw in the strength of your choice, and a carton price that sits around a quarter of what you pay at the gas station. Browse the full native range, pick your strength, and we’ll ship it to your door.
du Maurier, Players & Vogue FAQ
Does Smokeway sell du Maurier cigarettes?
No. du Maurier is a commercial brand sold through licensed retail outlets. Smokeway sells factory-direct native cigarettes only. We do carry native alternatives that closely match the du Maurier profile – see Canadian Full Flavour for the Regular and Putter’s Light for the Special Mild.
How much does a pack of du Maurier cost in Canada?
Estimated $16 to $22 per pack depending on province, based on retail surveys and public price data. British Columbia and most of western Canada tend to land at the higher end; Quebec and some Atlantic provinces at the lower end. Prices shift with annual provincial tax updates.
How much does a carton of du Maurier cost?
A carton is 8 packs of 25, so at estimated retail prices of $16 to $22 per pack you’re looking at roughly $130 to $175 for a du Maurier carton, depending on where you buy and which province you’re in. These are estimates – actual retail prices vary.
Are Players and John Player cigarettes the same thing?
Yes. Players cigarettes in Canada are the same brand as John Player Special internationally. In Canada they are sold simply as Players. The full name “John Player Special” or “john player cigarettes” refers to the same product line – Navy Cut Regular and Players Light are the most common variants.
Is Vogue cigarettes still available in Canada?
Yes, Vogue is still sold in Canada through licensed tobacco retailers. It is a slim-format cigarette from BAT. Smokeway does not carry Vogue, but Putter’s Light is the closest native match for Vogue smokers looking for a light, smooth draw at a much lower cost per carton.
What is the best native alternative to du Maurier?
For du Maurier Regular (full flavour): Canadian Full Flavour or Canadian Classics Original. For du Maurier Special Mild: Putter’s Light. Both run $34.95 a carton factory-direct, versus the $130 to $175 estimated retail carton price for du Maurier.
Why are native cigarettes so much cheaper than du Maurier or Players?
Native cigarettes manufactured and sold under First Nations licensing on reserve land operate under a different tax framework than commercial brands sold through the standard retail chain. The tobacco itself costs similar amounts to produce – it’s the absence of full federal and provincial excise tax on qualifying sales that drives the price difference.
Do native cigarettes taste the same as du Maurier or Players?
Not identical – every tobacco blend is different. Native brands have their own recipes. What you can match is the strength and draw weight: full flavour for a Regular, light for a Mild or Slim. Most smokers who switch find a native brand they’re happy with within one or two cartons.
How do I switch from Players to a native cigarette?
Match on strength first. If you smoke Players Regular, try Canadian Full Flavour or Canadian Classics Original. If you smoke Players Light, try Nexus Lights or Canadian Classics Silver. Order one carton to start, smoke through it at your normal pace, and adjust the brand or strength on the next order if needed.
Does Smokeway ship native cigarettes across Canada?
Yes. We ship to every province and territory via Canada Post, UPS and Purolator. Orders over $139 ship free. Most orders arrive within two to five business days. See our cigarette delivery page for full details by region.
References
- Government of Canada – Excise Act, 2001 (federal tobacco excise duty framework): https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/E-14.1/
- Government of Canada, Health Canada – Tobacco products: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-concerns/tobacco.html
- Statistics Canada – Tobacco data and household spending: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/
- Government of Canada – Tobacco and Vaping Products Act: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/T-11.5/
Sandy tracks cigarette pricing, federal and provincial tobacco tax, and the native tobacco trade across all ten provinces, turning the numbers into plain-English buying advice. BCom (Economics), University of Guelph. Last reviewed May 2026.