What Are Free Fishing Days?
Free fishing days (also called Family Fishing Weekends or licence-free events) are special periods when Canadian residents — and in some provinces, visitors too — can fish without purchasing a fishing licence. These events are designed to introduce new anglers to the sport, encourage family participation, and celebrate Canada's fishing heritage.
Every province and territory in Canada offers at least one free fishing event per year. Most schedule them around holidays like Family Day (February), Mother's Day (May), Father's Day (June), or Canada Day (July). Some provinces offer multiple events throughout the year.
Important: While the licence requirement is waived during these events, all other fishing regulations remain in full effect. This includes catch limits (typically Conservation licence limits), size restrictions, seasonal closures, gear restrictions, and species-specific rules. You must still carry government-issued identification while fishing.
Ontario — 4 Free Fishing Events
Ontario leads the country with four separate free fishing events in 2026, offering Canadian residents the most licence-free opportunities of any province:
Family Fishing Weekend: February 14–16, 2026 (includes Family Day Monday). Mother's Day Weekend: May 9–10, 2026. Father's Day Weekend: June 20–21, 2026. Family Fishing Week: June 27 – July 5, 2026 (9 days — the longest free fishing event in Canada, timed around Canada Day).
Ontario's free fishing events are open to Canadian residents only. Non-Canadian visitors (including Americans) still need a valid non-resident fishing licence. During free fishing events, Conservation licence catch limits apply. The Outdoors Card is not required. Ontario's TackleShare program provides free loans of fishing rods and reels at provincial parks, conservation authorities, and libraries during these events.
British Columbia — Father's Day Weekend
Family Fishing Weekend: June 19–21, 2026 (Father's Day weekend).
BC's free fishing event allows all Canadian residents to fish in most freshwater lakes and non-tidal (non-saltwater) streams without a licence. For tidal waters (ocean fishing), fishing licences are also waived for most species during this period, but a free 3-day licence is still required if you want to fish for salmon, halibut, or lingcod.
All fisheries regulations and closures remain in effect during the event. Provincial parks are included but national parks are not — you still need a Parks Canada fishing permit to fish in Banff, Jasper, and other national parks.
Alberta — 2 Family Fishing Weekends
Alberta offers two Family Fishing Weekends in 2026: February 14–16, 2026 (Family Day weekend) and July 11–12, 2026 (summer).
Both residents and visitors can fish without a sportfishing licence during these events. A WiN Card is not required. All other fishing regulations, including catch limits, size restrictions, and closures, still apply. National parks (Banff, Jasper, Waterton Lakes) require a separate Parks Canada fishing permit regardless of provincial free fishing events.
Saskatchewan — 2 Free Fishing Weekends
Saskatchewan offers two free fishing weekends that are open to both residents and visitors: July 12–13, 2025 (summer) and February 14–16, 2026 (winter/ice fishing).
During these events, anyone can fish in provincial waterbodies without a licence. National parks (Prince Albert National Park) still require a Parks Canada fishing permit. All fishing regulations remain in effect, including catch limits and seasonal closures. This is a great opportunity for American visitors near the border to try Saskatchewan's excellent walleye and pike fishing.
Quebec — Fête de la pêche
Fête de la pêche: June 5–7, 2026 (celebrating its 26th edition).
Quebec's annual free fishing weekend allows all Quebec residents to fish without a licence for three days. The event aims to introduce people to fishing in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Exception: Atlantic salmon fishing is excluded — a salmon licence is still required regardless of the free fishing event.
All other sport fishing regulations, including catch limits, size restrictions, and closed zones, remain in effect during the Fête de la pêche. Some outfitters and ZECs (controlled harvesting zones) may offer special promotions during this weekend.
Manitoba — Winter & Summer Events
Winter Family Fishing Weekend: February 14–16, 2026. Manitoba's winter free fishing event is open to all — residents and visitors. No angling licence is required in provincial waterbodies, but national parks (Riding Mountain) still require a Parks Canada permit.
Manitoba typically also offers a summer free fishing weekend in June, timed around Father's Day. The 2025 dates were June 6–8; 2026 dates have yet to be formally announced. Check the Manitoba Fish and Wildlife website closer to the date.
Manitoba's winter event is especially popular for ice fishing — the province has excellent lakes for walleye, perch, and pike within easy driving distance of Winnipeg.
Atlantic Provinces
Nova Scotia: Two free sportfishing weekends — February 14–16, 2026 (Heritage Day Weekend) and June 6–7, 2026. Open to both residents and non-residents.
New Brunswick: "Fish NB Days" — February 14–16, 2026 (Family Day long weekend) and June 6–7, 2026. Open to residents and non-residents. An angling licence is not required during these periods, but all regulations apply.
Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island: These provinces typically offer free fishing events during Family Day weekend (February) and/or Canada Day weekend. Check the provincial wildlife websites for confirmed 2026 dates.
Note for Atlantic salmon: In several Atlantic provinces, salmon fishing may be excluded from free fishing events or require a separate permit. Always check the specific province's announcement for salmon-related restrictions.
Rules That Still Apply During Free Fishing Days
Even though the licence requirement is waived, every other fishing regulation remains in effect. Here's a checklist of rules you must still follow during free fishing events:
Catch limits: Conservation licence limits typically apply. Do not exceed daily or possession limits for any species. Size restrictions: Minimum and maximum size limits (including slot limits) are enforced. Seasonal closures: Some waters or species may be closed to fishing regardless of the free event. Gear restrictions: Barbless hooks may be required in some waters; lead tackle is banned in national parks.
Identification: Carry government-issued photo ID showing your name and date of birth. This serves as your proof of eligibility. National parks: Provincial free fishing events do NOT apply to national parks. You still need a Parks Canada fishing permit ($15.00/day or $51.25/annual).