Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Smith was raised by his father after his parents divorced. He attended the University of Calgary for a year and a half and then enrolled in the performing arts program at Mount Royal University. He began his acting career with a leading role in Destiny Ridge in 1993. In Stargate: Atlantis, Smith appeared in 29 episodes as the recurring character Major Evan Lorne. He also appeared in two episodes of Stargate SG-1 (the episodes “Enemy Mine” in Season 7 and “The Road Not Taken” in Season 10) as Major Lorne.

He has also guest-starred in numerous television shows including Supernatural, Smallville, Sanctuary, Tru Calling, Battlestar Galactica, Outer Limits, Human Target, and The Twilight Zone. He had a recurring role as Deputy Andy on Syfy’s Eureka. Smith co-stars with Felicia Day in the 2012 SyFy film adaptation Red: Werewolf Hunter, which tells the modern dark story of Red Riding Hood. He also had a starring role in SyFy movie Metal Shifters in 2010.