Hand guns are common in Canada.
But handguns must be kept secure in your home and locked. And they will randomly come to your home to inspect how you store them. If you want to target practice you must do so at a gun range. But first you have to call the RCMP an obtain an "authorization to transport". You tell them when you will be traveling to the range and I think also the route you're planning to take there.
Another difference is you're not supposed to use them for home defense. If you do, you will be charged. "If" the shooting is deemed justifiable, it means you could afford a good lawyer.