Get hooked and give fishing a try on Canadian water bodies during license-free fishing days.
Fishing regulations and other rules still apply during license-free days and a National Park fishing license is required to fish in Canadian National Parks.
1. Free Fishing Days in Alberta
Family Fishing Weekends occur twice a year.
- Family Day long weekend in February – February 17-19, 2024
- The weekend following Canada Day in July – July 6 to 7, 2024
Alberta Conservation Association and Alberta Environment and Parks have stocked waterbodies across the province to create over 130 fishing opportunities.
2. Free Fishing Days in British Columbia
Once a year in June, during the annual BC’s Family Fishing Weekend.
- In June: Father’s Day Weekend – 2024 dates: The official announcement is pending.
3. Free Fishing Days in Manitoba
Twice a year.
- Louis Riel Day Weekend (February long weekend) 2024: February 17-19, 2024 (Free admission to provincial parks during the month of February)
- In June.
- 2024 dates TBA (Friday to Sunday) (and free access to Provincial Parks)
4. Free Fishing Days in New Brunswick
Family Day long weekend in February and on the first weekend of June.
Access to private waters, Crown Reserve waters and Crown Leases are still restricted. Licences will be required, however, if anglers want to retain landlocked salmon from 48 to 63 cm FL.
- Family Day long weekend in February: February 17–19, 2024
- The first weekend of June: 2024 dates: The official announcement is pending.
5. Free Fishing Days in Newfoundland and Labrador
No free days for non-residents.
Trout fishing is free for residents.
6. Free Fishing Days in Nova Scotia
Known as free sportfishing weekends.
- In February: Heritage Day Weekend (annual winter sportfishing weekend ) — February 17 to 19, 2024
- In June: June 1 & 2, 2024
The Nova Scotia Anglers’ Handbook is available online.
7. Free Fishing Days in Ontario
Four times a year: 3-day Family Day weekend in February, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekends and a full 9 days in July, which coincides with National Fishing Week.
- Family Fishing Weekend — February 17-19, 2024
Mother’s Day Weekend — May 11 & 12, 2024
Father’s Day Weekend — June 15 & 16, 2024
Family Fishing Week — June 30 – July 7, 2024
8. Free Fishing Days in Prince Edward Island
Once a year
- May long (Victoria Day) weekend.
9. Free Fishing Days in Quebec
Fête de la pêche – Once a Year
2024 Dates: The official announcement is pending.
10. Free Fishing Days in Saskatchewan
Twice a Year
- Family Day Weekend: February 17-19, 2024
- Second Weekend in July: 2024 Dates: The official announcement is pending. (July 8-9, 2023)
Best Places to Go Fishing in Saskatchewan
11. Free Fishing Days in Yukon
Once a Year in early July (around Canada Day Weekend) — 2024 Dates: The official announcement is pending. (June 30 to July 3, 2023.)
If you’re a Yukon resident, you may fish for freshwater fish without an angling licence during the annual Family Fishing Weekend.
Yukon residents fishing for salmon are still required to possess both an angling licence and a Salmon Conservation Catch Card during this period.