Get hooked and give fishing a try on Canadian water bodies during license-free fishing days.
Credit: Jed Owen/ Unsplash
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 14-16, 2026
- The second Saturday and Sunday of July, unless July 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case the first Saturday and Sunday of July – July 11-12, 2026
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 – June 12 – 14, 2026
3. Free Fishing Days in Manitoba
Twice a year.
- In February: February 20-22, 2027 (Free admission to provincial parks during the month of February)
- In June.
- June 12-14, 2026
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 is still restricted.
- Family Day long weekend in February: February 14-16, 2026
- The first weekend of June: June 6-7, 2026
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 14 – 16, 2026.
- In June: June 6-7, 2026
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 14 – 16, 2026
Mother’s Day Weekend — May 9 & 10, 2026
Father’s Day Weekend — June 20 & 21, 2026
Family Fishing Week — June 27 – July 5, 2026
8. Free Fishing Days in Prince Edward Island
Once a year
- May long (Victoria Day) weekend. – May 15 to 18, 2026
9. Free Fishing Days in Quebec
Fête de la pêche – Once a Year
- Early June – every Friday, Saturday and Sunday following the first Thursday in June.
2026 Dates: June 5 to 7, 2026
10. Free Fishing Days in Saskatchewan
Twice a Year
- Family Day Weekend: February 12-14, 2027
- Second Weekend in July: July 11-12, 2026
Best Places to Go Fishing in Saskatchewan
11. Free Fishing Days in Yukon
Once a Year in early July (around Canada Day Weekend) — 2026 Dates: TBA
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 an angling licence and a Salmon Conservation Catch Card during this period.