Canada Fishing Licence Cost by Province (2026)
Complete price comparison for fishing licences across all 10 provinces and 3 territories. Updated for the 2025/2026 season.
Quick Answer
Canadian fishing licence costs range from $10/year (PEI) to $42/year (Saskatchewan) for residents. Non-resident prices range from $40 (Nunavut) to $124.41 (BC tidal). Most provinces offer free fishing for seniors 65+ and children under 16.
- Cheapest: PEI at $10/year
- Most provinces: $22–$42/year for residents
- Non-resident: $40–$121 depending on province
- Seniors (65+): Free in 5 provinces, discounted in others
- Youth (under 16): Free in most provinces
2026 Fishing Licence Prices: Quick Summary
The table below shows the most common annual fishing licence price for each province. Click any province name for the full price breakdown including short-term and specialized licences.
In most Canadian provinces (including BC and Ontario), an "Annual" fishing licence expires on March 31st exactly at midnight of the following year, regardless of what month you bought it. It is NOT valid for a full 365 days from the date of purchase.
| Licence Type | Resident (Annual) | Non-Resident (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $26.57 CAD | $83.19 CAD |
| British Columbia | $41.15 CAD | $85.00 CAD |
| Alberta | $28.00 CAD | $85.00 CAD |
| Quebec | $26.73 CAD | $95.68 CAD |
| Saskatchewan | $42.00 CAD | $115.00 CAD |
| Manitoba | $27.60 CAD | $62.25 CAD |
| New Brunswick | $36.00 CAD | $173.00 CAD |
| Nova Scotia | $27.41 CAD | $34.55 CAD |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $23.00 CAD | $80.00 CAD |
| Prince Edward Island | $10.00 CAD | $10.00 CAD |
| Yukon | $17.99 CAD | $41.97 CAD |
| Northwest Territories | $11.99 CAD | $47.97 CAD |
| Nunavut | $10.00 CAD | $40.00 CAD |
Prices shown are the most common annual licence type for the 2026/2027 season. Some provinces have additional prerequisites (e.g., Ontario Outdoors Card $8.57, Alberta WiN Card $8.00). Click province name for full details.
Province-by-Province Breakdown
Ontario
Ontario is Canada's most popular fishing destination, attracting over 1.3 million licensed anglers each year. The province is home to more than 250,000 lakes and countless rivers, offering world-class fishing for walleye, bass, northern pike, lake trout, and muskellunge. Ontario's licensing system requires an Outdoors Card as a prerequisite and offers two tiers: Sport (full limits) and Conservation (reduced limits at lower cost). The province is divided into 20 Fisheries Management Zones (FMZs), each with specific regulations. CAF veterans and active military fish free.
| Licence Type | Ontario Resident | Canadian Resident | Non-Canadian Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Sport | $26.57 CAD | $55.81 CAD | $83.19 CAD |
| 3-Year Sport | $79.71 CAD | $167.43 CAD | $249.57 CAD |
| 1-Year Conservation | $15.07 CAD | $33.43 CAD | $52.71 CAD |
| 3-Year Conservation | $45.21 CAD | $100.29 CAD | $158.13 CAD |
| 1-Day Sport | $12.21 CAD | $15.21 CAD | $24.86 CAD |
| 8-Day Sport | — | — | $54.38 CAD |
| 8-Day Conservation | — | — | $31.52 CAD |
Prices shown before HST. Outdoors Card ($8.57, valid 3 years) required for most licences. Replacement Outdoors Card: $9.29.
Prerequisites
Outdoors Card: $8.57 (3 calendar years). Not required for 1-day sport fishing licence. Replacement Outdoors Card costs $9.29.
British Columbia
British Columbia offers some of Canada's most diverse fishing, from Pacific salmon and steelhead in coastal rivers to trophy lake trout and rainbow trout in interior lakes. BC is unique in requiring two separate licences: a provincial freshwater licence (managed through the new WILD system since April 2026) and a federal DFO tidal (saltwater) licence. The province is home to world-famous fishing destinations including the Fraser River, Skeena River, and the lakes of the Kamloops and Cariboo regions. 100% of freshwater licence revenue supports conservation.
| Licence Type | BC Resident | Non-Resident Canadian | Non-Resident Alien |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Basic (Freshwater) | $41.15 CAD | $55.00 CAD | $85.00 CAD |
| 8-Day (Freshwater) | $21.00 CAD | $36.00 CAD | $50.00 CAD |
| Senior Annual (65+, Freshwater) | $5.71 CAD | — | — |
| Annual Tidal (DFO) | $25.18 CAD | $25.18 CAD | $121.14 CAD |
| 5-Day Tidal | $19.19 CAD | $19.19 CAD | $37.18 CAD |
| 3-Day Tidal | $13.19 CAD | $13.19 CAD | $22.78 CAD |
| 1-Day Tidal | $6.29 CAD | $6.29 CAD | $8.39 CAD |
| Salmon Conservation Stamp (Tidal) | $7.19 CAD | $7.19 CAD | $7.19 CAD |
Freshwater prices via WILD system (effective April 1, 2026). Non-resident freshwater prices are approximate and carried over from previous season. Tidal (saltwater) prices set by DFO and purchased via NRLS. Conservation Surcharge Stamps may apply for steelhead and salmon in freshwater.
Prerequisites
Fish & Wildlife ID (FWID): $0.00 (Permanent). Free permanent ID required since April 1, 2026. Replaces the old Angler Number. Starting April 1, 2026, your FWID + photo ID serves as proof of licence for basic, classified waters, and white sturgeon licences.
Alberta
Alberta is renowned for its world-class trout fishing in the Rocky Mountain foothills and diverse prairie fishing for walleye, northern pike, and perch. The province requires a Wildlife Identification Number (WiN Card) as a prerequisite for licence purchase, available through the MyWild Alberta (AlbertaRELM) online portal. Alberta stands out for its veteran-friendly policies, offering free fishing licences to Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans. Walleye fishing is managed through a unique draw-based Special Harvest Licence system.
| Licence Type | Alberta Resident | Canadian Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $28.00 CAD | $60.00 CAD | $85.00 CAD |
| 7-Day | — | $41.00 CAD | $55.00 CAD |
| 1-Day | — | $25.00 CAD | $27.00 CAD |
Prices do not include GST. WiN Card fee ($8.00+GST) required for first-time purchasers. Special Walleye Harvest Licence available through draw ($5 application + $11 licence, +GST).
Prerequisites
Wildlife Identification Number (WiN Card): $8.00 (Permanent). One-time $8.00 fee (+GST) for first-time applicants. $2.00 discount if activated online at AlbertaRELM.com. WiN card never expires once activated.
Quebec
Quebec offers exceptional fishing across its vast territory, from the renowned salmon rivers of the Gaspé Peninsula to walleye and northern pike in the Shield lakes. The province has a unique ZEC (controlled harvesting zone) system and requires a separate, higher-cost licence for Atlantic salmon fishing. Quebec's licensing portal is available in both French and English, reflecting the province's bilingual character. All prices include taxes and a contribution to the Fondation de la Faune du Québec.
| Licence Type | Resident (<65) | Resident (65+) | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual (Sport, non-salmon) | $26.73 CAD | $21.21 CAD | $95.68 CAD |
| 7-Day | — | — | $57.67 CAD |
| 3-Day | $15.30 CAD | — | $38.36 CAD |
| 1-Day | — | — | $20.17 CAD |
| Annual (Salmon) | $58.65 CAD | — | $188.15 CAD |
| 3-Day (Salmon) | $25.56 CAD | — | $50.13 CAD |
| Annual (Salmon, release required) | $25.56 CAD | — | $50.13 CAD |
Prices include all taxes and a contribution to the Fondation de la Faune du Québec. Atlantic salmon licence is separate and higher-cost. Must carry licence and government-issued photo ID while fishing.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is a premier destination for walleye and northern pike fishing, with over 100,000 lakes and rivers across the province. The 2026-27 season introduces a new Angling Habitat Certificate requirement on top of the regular fishing licence. Saskatchewan's HAL (Hunt and Licence) online portal makes purchasing convenient for both residents and visitors. CAF veterans fish free.
| Licence Type | Saskatchewan Resident | Canadian Resident | Non-Canadian Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $42.00 CAD | $86.00 CAD | $115.00 CAD |
| 3-Day | $21.00 CAD | $46.00 CAD | $57.00 CAD |
| 1-Day | $15.00 CAD | $23.00 CAD | $28.00 CAD |
2026-27 season requires additional Angling Habitat Certificate ($20/year or $5/day). Saskatchewan and Canadian resident CAF veterans fish free.
Prerequisites
Angling Habitat Certificate: $20.00 (1 year). New for 2026-27 season. Annual certificate: $20, daily: $5. Funds habitat conservation. Exempt: youth <16 and seniors 65+. If you also hold an annual hunting licence, only one certificate is needed.
Manitoba
Manitoba offers affordable fishing licences and exceptional angling opportunities, from giant channel catfish on the Red River to trophy walleye on Lake Winnipeg. The province features both summer and winter free family fishing weekends where no licence is required, making it especially welcoming for families and newcomers to the sport. CAF veterans and active military fish free.
| Licence Type | Manitoba Resident | Canadian Resident | Non-Canadian Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $27.60 CAD | $42.30 CAD | $62.25 CAD |
| 1-Day | $12.90 CAD | $17.10 CAD | $24.45 CAD |
Prices do not include GST or administration fees. Annual licence valid May 1 to April 30.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's premier Atlantic salmon destinations, home to the world-famous Miramichi River. The province uses a unique 10-class licensing system that separates salmon fishing from general angling, with different classes for residents and non-residents. An NB Outdoors Card (free) is required before purchasing any licence. Mandatory hook and release is in effect for sea-run Atlantic salmon on all NB waters.
| Licence Type | Resident (16-64) | Resident (65+ or 10-15) | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon Season (Class 1/7) | $36.00 CAD | $20.00 CAD | $173.00 CAD |
| Salmon 7-Day (Class 2) | — | — | $100.00 CAD |
| Salmon 3-Day (Class 3) | — | — | $53.00 CAD |
| General Season (Class 4/9) | $23.00 CAD | — | $64.00 CAD |
| General Season (65+, Class 10) | — | $15.00 CAD | — |
| General 7-Day (Class 5) | — | — | $41.00 CAD |
| General 3-Day (Class 6) | — | — | $30.00 CAD |
Prices include fish stocking fee and NB Wildlife Trust Fund conservation fee. Tax not included. Classes 1-3: non-resident salmon. Classes 4-6: non-resident general. Class 7: resident salmon (16-64). Class 8: resident salmon (65+ or 10-15). Class 9: resident general. Class 10: resident general (65+).
Prerequisites
NB Outdoors Card: $0.00 (Permanent). Free permanent ID card required for all licence purchases. Register online, at authorized vendors, or at Service New Brunswick. Outdoors Card number needed to purchase, but physical card not required to carry while fishing.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia offers diverse fishing from brook trout in inland streams to world-famous bluefin tuna offshore. Uniquely, most saltwater fishing requires no provincial licence (except for salmon). The province operates a mandatory catch-and-release fishery for Atlantic salmon. Seniors 65+ benefit from a significantly reduced licence fee of $6.74. The Winter Sportfishing Weekend lets anglers fish select stocked lakes for free.
| Licence Type | Resident (16-64) | Resident (65+) | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasonal General Fishing | $27.41 CAD | $6.74 CAD | $34.55 CAD |
| Salmon Licence (add-on) | $15.00 CAD | $15.00 CAD | $15.00 CAD |
| Persons with Disability | $0.00 CAD | $0.00 CAD | $0.00 CAD |
General licence covers most freshwater species. Salmon requires additional licence ($15.00, includes $5.91 Sportfish Habitat Program surcharge). Persons with a qualifying disability may receive a free licence.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Newfoundland & Labrador offers world-class Atlantic salmon fishing and abundant brook trout across thousands of rivers and ponds. The province has a simple licensing system that separates salmon and trout, with generous family licence options that cover all children under 18 at no extra cost. NL residents do not need a licence to fish for trout.
| Licence Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon (Individual) | $23.00 CAD | $80.00 CAD |
| Salmon (Family) | $23.00 CAD | $80.00 CAD |
| Trout (Individual) | — | $12.00 CAD |
| Trout (Family) | — | $12.00 CAD |
| Senior Salmon (65+) | $14.95 CAD | — |
Add $3.00 vendor processing fee + HST per licence. Residents do not need a licence to fish for trout — only non-residents require a trout licence.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island offers the most affordable fishing licence in Canada at just $10 per year. The province is known for excellent brook trout fishing in its rivers and streams, and deep-sea fishing for bluefin tuna. PEI's Courtesy Licence program provides free licences to youth (16-18) and seniors (60+), and CAF members and veterans fish free with WCF exemption. A Free Family Fishing Weekend is held annually.
| Licence Type | All Anglers (16+) |
|---|---|
| Annual Licence | $10.00 CAD |
| Wildlife Conservation Fund (16-64) | $20.00 CAD |
| Wildlife Conservation Fund (65+) | $13.00 CAD |
| Family 5-Day | $5.00 CAD |
| Family 5-Day WCF | $5.00 CAD |
| Courtesy Licence (16-18 or 60+) | $0.00 CAD |
All prices subject to HST. Wildlife Conservation Fund contribution required in addition to licence. Active CAF members and veterans receive free licence and WCF exemption. Saltwater fishing generally does not require a licence.
Yukon
The Yukon offers true wilderness fishing in some of Canada's most remote and pristine waters. Famous for Arctic grayling, lake trout, and northern pike, the territory extends resident pricing to Alaska residents through a reciprocal agreement. Salmon Conservation Catch Cards are required (and not free) for tracking catches along the Yukon River system. Note: Chinook salmon fishing is currently suspended under a 7-year Canada-US conservation agreement.
| Licence Type | Yukon/Alaska Resident | Canadian Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | $17.99 CAD | $29.98 CAD | $41.97 CAD |
| 6-Day | — | $17.99 CAD | $23.98 CAD |
| 1-Day | — | $11.99 CAD | $11.99 CAD |
| Salmon Catch Card (Season) | $11.99 CAD | $17.99 CAD | $23.98 CAD |
| Salmon Catch Card (6-Day) | — | $11.99 CAD | $17.99 CAD |
| Salmon Catch Card (1-Day) | — | $5.99 CAD | $5.99 CAD |
Salmon fishing requires an additional Salmon Conservation Catch Card (not free — prices vary by residency). Catch Card valid April 1 to November 30. Yukon First Nation, Tetlit Gwich'in, and Inuvialuit citizens/members may receive a free licence.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories offers remote wilderness fishing in some of the least-pressured waters in North America. Great Slave Lake produces world-record lake trout, and the territory's numerous fly-in lodges provide trophy fishing for pike, grayling, and Arctic char in pristine environments accessible only by floatplane.
| Licence Type | NWT Resident | Canadian Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | $11.99 CAD | $23.98 CAD | $47.97 CAD |
| 3-Day | $17.99 CAD | $17.99 CAD | $35.98 CAD |
| 1-Day | $11.99 CAD | $11.99 CAD | $11.99 CAD |
Prices do not include 5% GST. NWT residents can also purchase 3-day and 1-day licences at Canadian resident rates (no NWT-specific short-term classes).
Analysis: Cheapest vs Most Expensive
Most Affordable Provinces for Residents
Prince Edward Island leads as the cheapest province at just $10 per year, followed by Nunavut ($10), the Northwest Territories ($11.99), and Yukon ($17.99).
Saskatchewan Hidden Cost
While Saskatchewan's base resident licence is affordable at $42, all anglers (except those under 16 or 65+) must now purchase a mandatory $20 Angling Habitat Certificate for the 2026-27 season, bringing the effective total to $62.
Free Fishing Opportunities
Most provinces offer free fishing for youth under 16, and five provinces offer free fishing for seniors 65+ (Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon). Many provinces also host specific "Free Family Fishing" weekends throughout the year. See the complete schedule in our Free Fishing Days Guide.
The True Cost of Fishing Without a Licence
Fishing without a valid licence isn't just a slap on the wrist. Depending on the province, basic fines start around $200 to $500 (e.g., $250 under the BC Wildlife Act), plus the immediate, on-the-spot confiscation of your expensive fishing gear and catch.
Check Fine Amounts by ProvinceFrequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest fishing licence in Canada?
Prince Edward Island has the cheapest fishing licence at just $10 per year, plus a Wildlife Conservation Fund contribution. Nunavut is also very affordable at $10 for residents.
What is the most expensive fishing licence in Canada?
New Brunswick has the most expensive non-resident salmon licence at $173.00 per season. For general fishing, BC's non-resident tidal licence at $124.41 is among the highest.
Do seniors get free fishing licences in Canada?
It varies by province. Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Yukon offer free fishing for seniors (65+). Other provinces offer reduced rates. BC residents 65+ pay only $5.71.
Do kids need fishing licences in Canada?
Most provinces exempt children under 16 from licence requirements. Some provinces require children to be accompanied by a licensed adult. Ontario exempts Canadian residents under 18.
How much does a non-resident fishing licence cost in Canada?
Non-resident annual fishing licence costs range from $40 (Nunavut) to $124.41 (BC tidal). Most provinces charge $50-$95 for a non-resident annual licence. Ontario charges $83.19 for non-Canadian residents.
Is there a national fishing licence for all of Canada?
No. Canada does not have a national fishing licence. Each province and territory issues its own licence. If you plan to fish in tidal (saltwater) waters, you also need a separate federal DFO licence.