Your Complete Guide to
Canadian Fishing Licences
Compare prices, buy online, and understand regulations across all 10 provinces and 3 territories. Official data from provincial Fish & Wildlife agencies.
Quick Answer
Every Canadian province and territory requires a fishing licence for recreational fishing. There is no national licence — each province issues its own. Prices range from $10 to $42 per year for residents. Non-residents pay $40 to $121. Most provinces offer online purchase.
- 13 separate licence systems (10 provinces + 3 territories)
- No national licence exists
- Most provinces: free for youth under 16 and seniors 65+
- BC 2026: New WILD system replaces old portal April 1
Fishing Licences by Province & Territory
Click on a province or territory to see pricing, regulations, and how to buy your licence online.
Click a province or territory for details
Essential Guides
Everything you need to know about fishing licences in Canada — from costs to regulations.
Cost by Province
Compare fishing licence prices across all provinces and territories.
Non-Resident Guide
Complete guide for Americans, tourists, and international visitors.
Federal vs Provincial
Canada's unique dual licensing system explained.
Buy Online
Direct links to all official provincial online portals.
Fishing for Americans
Everything U.S. visitors need to know about fishing in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing licence in Canada?
Yes. Anyone over 16 (in most provinces) needs a valid fishing licence to fish recreationally in Canada. Each province and territory issues its own licence. Some provinces also exempt seniors 65+.
How much does a fishing licence cost in Canada?
Fishing licence costs vary by province, ranging from $10/year (PEI) to $42/year (Saskatchewan) for residents. Non-resident prices range from $40 to $121. Visit our cost by province page for a full comparison.
Can Americans fish in Canada?
Yes. Americans can purchase a non-resident fishing licence from the province where they plan to fish. Most provinces offer online purchase so you can buy before crossing the border.
Is there a national fishing licence for all of Canada?
No. There is no national fishing licence. Each province and territory issues its own licence. If you plan to fish in saltwater, you also need a separate federal DFO tidal licence.