License Costs & Official Links
Prices shown are approximate annual resident rates for 2025–2026. Non-resident rates are typically 2–4× higher. Always verify current pricing at the official portal.
| Province / Territory | Resident (approx.) | Non-Resident (approx.) | Season | Buy Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $26 Sport / $11 Conservation | $52 | Year-round (species restrictions apply) | ontario.ca ↗ |
| British Columbia | $36 Basic / $55 Sport | $120+ | Year-round (varies by species & region) | fish.gov.bc.ca ↗ |
| Alberta | $28 | $73 | Year-round | myhunting.alberta.ca ↗ |
| Quebec | $28–$45 (varies by zone) | $85+ | May–March (species-dependent) | mffp.gouv.qc.ca ↗ |
| Manitoba | $30 | $75 | May–March | gov.mb.ca ↗ |
| Saskatchewan | $32 | $90 | Year-round | licence.sask.ca ↗ |
| Nova Scotia | $27 | $59 | April–March | novascotia.ca ↗ |
| New Brunswick | $25 | $60 | April–February | gnb.ca ↗ |
| Prince Edward Island | $18 | $50 | April–October | princeedwardisland.ca ↗ |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $27 | $65 | Year-round (season dates vary) | gov.nl.ca ↗ |
| Northwest Territories | $20 | $60 | Year-round | enr.gov.nt.ca ↗ |
| Yukon | $12–$35 (varies by type) | $60 | Year-round | env.gov.yk.ca ↗ |
| Nunavut | Free for residents | $100 | Year-round | gov.nu.ca ↗ |
* Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always verify at the official provincial portal before purchasing. Non-resident prices shown are for annual sport licenses.
Where to Buy Your License
Most Canadian fishing licenses can be purchased online in under 5 minutes or at thousands of retail locations across the country.
Provincial Website (Recommended)
The fastest option. Each province has an online licensing portal. Your license is emailed instantly. Works on mobile. Keep a screenshot as backup.
Canadian Tire
Available at most Canadian Tire locations across Canada. Staff can help you choose the right license type. You'll get a printed copy immediately.
Local Tackle & Bait Shops
Authorized to sell licenses in most provinces. Bonus: staff are local experts who can tell you exactly what's biting and where to go.
Walmart & Sport Chek
Many Walmart sporting goods sections and Sport Chek stores sell provincial fishing licenses at the service desk.
Service Ontario / Provincial Offices
Government service offices can issue licenses for Ontario and some other provinces. Best if you need help with a complex situation or multi-year license.
iSportsman & Province Apps
Several provinces now have mobile apps. BC's iSportsman app is widely used. Check your province's wildlife website for app availability.
Types of Fishing Licenses
Most provinces offer multiple license tiers. Choosing the right one saves money and ensures you're fishing legally.
🎣 Sport (Full) License
- Maximum daily bag limits for all species
- Required for competitive fishing events
- Most common choice for regular anglers
- Covers open-water and ice fishing
- Best value for anglers who fish often
🌿 Conservation License (Ontario)
- Lower cost than Sport license (~50% less)
- Reduced daily bag limits per species
- Great for casual or catch-and-release anglers
- Same geographic coverage as Sport
- Environmentally conscious choice
📅 Multi-Year License
- Available in some provinces (3–5 year options)
- Saves 10–20% vs annual renewal
- Convenient — no annual reminder needed
- Check if your province offers this option
- Must still follow current season regulations
🌊 Combination Licenses
- Freshwater + saltwater in one license (BC)
- Some provinces bundle hunting + fishing
- Often discounted vs buying separately
- Especially useful in coastal provinces
- Ask about combo deals at point of purchase
👶 Youth & Seniors
- Under 16: free in most provinces
- Seniors (65+): discounted in many provinces
- Ontario: free licenses for residents 65+
- Youth programs in BC, Alberta, and Quebec
- Encourages new and returning anglers
🛂 Non-Resident & Tourist
- Required for all non-Canadian residents
- 3-day and 7-day short-term options available
- Typically 2–4× the resident price
- Same rules and bag limits as residents
- Some outfitters include license in packages
License FAQ
Yes. Anyone aged 16 or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Canadian provincial or territorial waters. Fishing without a license is illegal and can result in fines of $100–$1,000+, depending on the province.
Resident annual licenses range from $11 (Ontario Conservation) to $55 (BC Sport). Non-resident licenses range from $50 (PEI) to over $120 (BC). Most provinces also offer cheaper short-term options (3-day, 7-day) for occasional anglers.
No. Each province issues its own license valid only within that province's boundaries. If you plan to fish in multiple provinces, you need a separate license for each. However, keep your Ontario license — you won't need a non-resident Quebec license; you'll just buy the regular Quebec resident or non-resident license.
Yes, in most provinces a standard annual fishing license covers both open-water and ice fishing for the entire season period. However, some species (like salmon or certain trout) may require additional stamps or tags. Always check the specific regulations for the species you're targeting.
Indigenous Peoples in Canada have constitutional rights to fish for food, social, and ceremonial purposes under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. These rights vary by First Nation, Treaty, and location. Commercial licenses may still be required for selling fish. Contact your band council or DFO regional office for guidance specific to your community.
Always carry your fishing license (printed or digital on your phone), valid government ID, and knowledge of current regulations including size and bag limits for the water you're fishing. Conservation officers can check at any time, and ignorance of the rules is not a valid defense.
Ready to start fishing?
Browse top fishing spots across Canada's major cities — all with local gear store links and species guides.