Canada Fishing Licence Cost by Province (2026)

There is no single Canada-wide fishing licence or fishing license cost. Compare the province or territory first, then check whether residency, trip length, cards, certificates, salmon, tidal water, or parks change the total.

Updated August 17, 2026 13 provinces and territories

A 2026 fishing licence in Canada does not have one national price. As quick annual examples, Alberta lists $30 resident and $87 non-Canadian before GST, Ontario lists 1-year Sport at $26.57 resident and $83.19 non-Canadian before HST, and B.C. lists freshwater at $41.15 resident and $91.44 non-Canadian before tax.

  • There is no single recreational fishing licence that covers all of Canada
  • Compare resident and visitor planning points before you narrow the trip by age, duration, or permit type
  • The calculator is helpful once the province and residency class are known
  • Check province details for short-term products, age exemptions, and checkout details
  • Do not treat a basic freshwater price as the full total for salmon, tidal, park, or special-area trips

Fishing Licence Cost by Province: 2026 Price Table

The fast national view is most useful when you are comparing provinces before choosing a shorter product, visitor class, salmon licence, tidal licence, park permit, card, or certificate. If one destination is already clear, open the province pages or the non-resident guide for the local checkout details.

Resident annual examples

Ontario $26.57 Sport, Alberta $30, B.C. $41.15

These are basic annual planning points. Ontario and B.C. prices are before tax; Alberta is before GST.

Visitor annual examples

Manitoba $72.45, Ontario $83.19, Saskatchewan $115 plus certificate

Visitor pricing depends on the province, residency class, licence length, tax basis, and extra certificate or card rules.

Short trips

One-day and multi-day products can be cheaper

Check the province row before buying an annual licence for a short visit, especially in Ontario, B.C., Manitoba, Saskatchewan, NWT, Nunavut, or Yukon.

Licence Type Resident annual exampleVisitor annual exampleWhat can change the total
Ontario freshwater $26.57 1-year Sport $83.19 non-Canadian 1-year Sport Before HST; Outdoors Card can add cost
British Columbia freshwater $41.15 annual freshwater $91.44 non-Canadian annual freshwater Before tax; stamps can add cost
Alberta $30 annual sportfishing $87 non-Canadian annual sportfishing Before GST; WiN setup may apply
Quebec non-salmon $26.73 annual under 65 $95.68 annual non-resident Taxes and wildlife contribution included
Saskatchewan $42 annual + $21 certificate $115 annual + $21 certificate Habitat Certificate shown separately
Manitoba $29.40 annual angling $72.45 non-Canadian annual angling Check final eLicensing total
New Brunswick $23 angling season $64 angling season Outdoors Card number first
Nova Scotia $27.41 general season $34.55 visitor general season General licence only; salmon is separate
Newfoundland and Labrador $23 resident salmon $80 non-resident salmon / $12 trout Special-case salmon/trout basis; vendor fee and HST extra
Prince Edward Island $10 annual line plus age-based WCF path $10 annual line plus age-based WCF path Special-case WCF basis; HST and courtesy rules can change checkout
Yukon $18.47 season Yukon or Alaska resident $43.11 season non-resident alien GST basis depends on checkout
Northwest Territories $12.31 season NWT resident $49.27 season non-resident Before GST
Nunavut $11.99 season $49.27 season / $36.95 3-day Before GST; local seller or lodge setup matters

These are broad planning points, not every short-term or special-species product. Tax treatment and required add-ons vary, so check the province row before using the number as a checkout total.

The table follows each jurisdiction's published fee basis. Some prices are before GST, HST, vendor fees, or other checkout charges; Quebec lists its non-salmon prices with taxes and the wildlife foundation contribution included. PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador are special-case rows because the useful planning point depends on WCF, salmon, trout, vendor fee, or HST details.

Canada map showing a resident fishing licence cost snapshot by province and territory
Base-licence snapshot across Canada. Check the table above for resident and visitor planning points.

National Cost Split

Most anglers come here with one of a few planning questions: national price comparison, quick estimate, province detail, visitor cost, park, tidal, salmon, or portal. The table above gives the broad comparison before the trip narrows into a local rule, visitor product, special permit, or checkout detail.

Cost Question What To Compare What To Do Next
Ask how much is a fishing license or licence in Canada There is no single Canada-wide price. Compare the province or territory first, then check resident, visitor, and short-trip choices. Check province details
Find the fishing licence cost by province Start with the annual resident and non-resident lines in the national table. Check province list
Check a 2026 price before buying Start with the table for province comparison; the calculator is quicker once the province and residency are clear. Start the quick cost calculator
Look up Ontario fishing licence cost 2026 The Ontario row is the first price check, but the Outdoors Card and licence class can still change the total. Check Ontario cost
Look up Quebec fishing licence price The province row gives the broad comparison point before visitor, salmon, or handbook details. Check Quebec cost
Estimate a short visitor trip or Canada fishing license non resident cost The main annual table is only a starting point. Check non-resident rules
Ask how much a Canadian fishing licence costs for an American There is no one American price. Compare the province, visitor class, and trip length. Plan an American visitor trip
Budget for coastal, salmon, or park fishing Do not stop at the basic freshwater table. Check federal and park permits

Choose The Right Cost Check

A Canada-wide price table is useful only when it matches the question. It works well for national comparison; the calculator, province details, visitor guide, special-permit check, portal, or no-licence risk check can help once the trip details are clearer.

Question or situation Next step Why
National annual price comparison Compare the national annual rows above The table is best for comparing broad resident and visitor annual costs across Canada.
Quick calculator or estimate Start the cost calculator The calculator works best after the province and residency are known and you want a faster estimate.
Province-specific cost, card, certificate, or prerequisite Check province details Local details matter when a card, certificate, short product, exemption, or checkout step changes the total.
Visitor, American, or short-trip cost Check non-resident rules or check the American visitor guide These are better when residency, border timing, or a short licence changes the price more than the annual table shows.
Park, salmon, tidal, or federal permit cost Compare federal and provincial permits, then check national parks or Parks Canada permits These are better when the trip is outside ordinary inland freshwater licensing.
Age, exemption, proof, or fine-risk cost Check age rules or estimate fine risk These are better when the cost question is really about who needs a licence, missing proof, or the risk of fishing without the right product.
Official portal after price, water type, and licence length are clear Check the official portal links The official portal links are most useful after you know the province, water type, residency class, and licence length.

What Changes The Real Total

If you want the number you are likely to pay at checkout, these are the parts of the decision that matter as much as the base annual fee.

Factor How It Changes Cost Common Example
Province or territory Canada does not sell one recreational fishing licence for every province. Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, Yukon, Nunavut, and every other province or territory use their own system.
Prerequisite cards or certificates A province can add one more required step before the main licence is even useful. Ontario Outdoors Card, Alberta WiN, and Saskatchewan habitat certificate.
Resident status Many provinces publish different rates for local residents, Canadian non-residents, and non-Canadian visitors. The same province can look affordable for residents and much less so for tourists.
Licence year Annual products are often fixed to a local season rather than the day you buy them. Late-season checkout can offer less value than the advertised annual fee suggests.
Special waters and species A basic freshwater product does not always cover tidal, salmon, or national park fishing. Check federal, salmon, or parks requirements if the trip is not a standard inland freshwater trip.
Trip length A short-term licence can be the better buy on a one-day or one-week trip. Check local short-term products when you are only fishing for a short visit.

Fishing Licence Costs Province by Province

Check province details when you need the shorter products, exemption rules, or special licence notes that sit behind the fee table.

Ontario fishing licence cost for residents and visitors

Ontario details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps.

Licence Type Ontario ResidentCanadian ResidentNon-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

Ontario details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps. Prices shown before HST. Outdoors Card ($8.57, valid 3 years) required for most licences. Replacement Outdoors Card: $9.29.

Check Ontario fishing licence cost for residents and visitors

British Columbia freshwater fishing licence cost

British Columbia details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps.

Licence Type ResidentCanadian non-residentNon-Canadian
Annual Freshwater $41.15 CAD $62.87 CAD $91.44 CAD
8-Day Freshwater $22.86 CAD $41.15 CAD $57.14 CAD
1-Day Freshwater $11.43 CAD $22.86 CAD $22.86 CAD
Annual Tidal (DFO, age 16-64) $25.86 CAD $25.86 CAD $124.41 CAD
5-Day Tidal (DFO) $19.70 CAD $19.70 CAD $38.18 CAD
3-Day Tidal (DFO) $13.54 CAD $13.54 CAD $23.40 CAD
1-Day Tidal (DFO) $6.46 CAD $6.46 CAD $8.62 CAD
Tidal Salmon Conservation Stamp $7.39 CAD $7.39 CAD $7.39 CAD

British Columbia details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps. Freshwater and tidal prices shown here are before tax. Freshwater rows use the B.C. resident, Canadian non-resident, and non-Canadian categories. DFO tidal rows use Canadian resident and DFO non-resident pricing. B.C. residents aged 65 or older can buy the annual freshwater basic licence for $5.71. Residents approved under the fee reduction program can buy the annual freshwater basic licence for $1.14. Non-tidal salmon retention, steelhead fishing, white sturgeon fishing, and Classified Waters can require additional provincial products.

Check British Columbia freshwater fishing licence cost

Alberta fishing licence cost and WiN setup

Alberta details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps.

Licence Type ResidentCanadian non-residentNon-resident from outside Canada
Annual Sportfishing $30.00 CAD $62.00 CAD $87.00 CAD
7-Day Sportfishing Not a normal resident product $43.00 CAD $57.00 CAD
1-Day Sportfishing Not a normal resident product $27.00 CAD $29.00 CAD

Alberta details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps. Prices are before GST. A current WiN is required before purchase. Anglers under 16, Alberta residents aged 65 or older, and First Nations' Persons do not need a sportfishing licence.

Check Alberta fishing licence cost and WiN setup

Quebec fishing licence cost for short trips

Quebec details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context.

Licence Type ResidentNon-resident
Annual Sport Fishing (non-salmon, under 65) $26.73 CAD $95.68 CAD
Annual Sport Fishing (non-salmon, resident 65+) $21.21 CAD
7-Day Sport Fishing (non-salmon) $57.67 CAD
3-Day Sport Fishing $15.30 CAD $38.36 CAD
1-Day Sport Fishing $22.36 CAD
Annual Atlantic Salmon $59.76 CAD $191.72 CAD
3-Day Atlantic Salmon (small salmon only) $26.04 CAD $51.08 CAD
Atlantic Salmon (mandatory release) $26.04 CAD $51.08 CAD

Quebec details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context. Prices include taxes and the Fondation de la Faune du Quebec contribution. Quebec notes that a non-resident who wants an annual non-salmon licence pays the annual under-65 non-resident price regardless of age. Access fees in ZECs, wildlife reserves, outfitters or other special areas are separate.

Check Quebec fishing licence cost for short trips

Saskatchewan fishing licence cost and habitat certificate

Saskatchewan details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps.

Licence Type Saskatchewan residentCanadian residentNon-resident
Annual angling licence $42.00 CAD $86.00 CAD $115.00 CAD
Three-day angling licence $21.00 CAD $46.00 CAD $57.00 CAD
One-day angling licence $15.00 CAD $23.00 CAD $28.00 CAD

Saskatchewan details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps. For 2026-27, most Saskatchewan angling purchases are the licence price plus the Habitat Certificate when it applies: $21 for annual licences or $5.25 for one-day and three-day licences.

Check Saskatchewan fishing licence cost and habitat certificate

Manitoba fishing licence cost for one-day and annual trips

Manitoba details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context.

Licence Type Manitoba residentCanadian residentNon-Canadian resident
Annual angling licence $29.40 CAD $45.15 CAD $72.45 CAD
One-day angling licence $13.65 CAD $18.90 CAD $27.30 CAD

Manitoba details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context. Licence fees are listed on Manitoba eLicensing with an effective date of April 1, 2026. One-day angling licences go on sale April 1, 2026 and 2026 annual angling licences go on sale April 15, 2026.

Check Manitoba fishing licence cost for one-day and annual trips

New Brunswick fishing licence fees and Fish NB planning

New Brunswick details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps.

Licence Type ResidentCanadian non-residentNon-Canadian
Angling season licence $23.00 CAD $64.00 CAD $64.00 CAD
Angling 7-day licence $41.00 CAD $41.00 CAD
Angling 3-day licence $30.00 CAD $30.00 CAD
Salmon season licence $36.00 CAD $173.00 CAD $173.00 CAD
Salmon 7-day licence $100.00 CAD $100.00 CAD
Salmon 3-day licence $53.00 CAD $53.00 CAD

New Brunswick details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps. Get your Outdoors Card number first. The Fish & Wildlife Licensing System then shows the licence class and final purchase total that applies to your trip.

Check New Brunswick fishing licence fees and Fish NB planning

Nova Scotia fishing licence price for general and salmon trips

Nova Scotia details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context.

Licence Type ResidentNon-resident
General fishing licence $27.41 CAD $34.55 CAD
Salmon licence $41.68 CAD $156.08 CAD
Salmon licence (7-day non-resident) $63.15 CAD
General fishing licence (1-day) $13.04 CAD
Salmon licence (1-day) $29.79 CAD

Nova Scotia details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context. The current provincial application pages list no-cost general and salmon licences for residents and non-residents who are 16 or 17, and for anglers 18 or older who have a disability. Licence PDFs may be printed or shown on a phone, and report cards must be returned within 7 days after the season ends.

Check Nova Scotia fishing licence price for general and salmon trips

Newfoundland and Labrador fishing licence cost

Newfoundland and Labrador details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context.

Licence Type ResidentNon-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

Newfoundland and Labrador details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context. Licence fees do not include the $3 vendor processing fee per licence or applicable HST. Newfoundland and Labrador residents do not need an inland fishery licence to angle for trout. A trout licence is not required in coastal waters.

Check Newfoundland and Labrador fishing licence cost

Prince Edward Island Fishing Licence Cost

Prince Edward Island details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps.

Licence Type ResidentCanadian non-residentNon-Canadian
Annual angling licence $10.00 CAD $10.00 CAD $10.00 CAD
WCF, ages 16 to 64 $20.00 CAD $20.00 CAD $20.00 CAD
WCF, seniors 65+ $13.00 CAD $13.00 CAD $13.00 CAD
Family five-day WCF $5.00 CAD $5.00 CAD $5.00 CAD

Prince Edward Island details show the full first-purchase total, exemption rules, and any prerequisite steps. PEI's 2026 page lists the annual angling licence at $10 plus HST and says angling licences include Wildlife Conservation Fund fees. Use the WCF line as part of the checkout-cost explanation: $20 for ages 16 to 64 and $13 for seniors 65+. Courtesy licences are issued free of charge to anglers aged 16 to 18 and 60+, and the family five-day licence becomes available May 1, 2026.

Check Prince Edward Island Fishing Licence Cost

Yukon fishing license price

Yukon details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context.

Licence Type Yukon or Alaska residentNon-resident CanadianNon-resident alien
Season fishing licence $18.47 CAD $30.79 CAD $43.11 CAD
6-day fishing licence $18.47 CAD $24.63 CAD
1-day fishing licence $12.31 CAD $12.31 CAD

Yukon details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context. The Yukon licence page lists these base fees before GST for the 2026-2027 season. Alaska residents pay the Yukon resident fee when they show a current Alaska resident sport fishing licence and government-issued photo identification. Salmon fishing also requires a separate Salmon Conservation Catch Card, and some activities in Yukon waters use their own additional licence.

Check Yukon fishing license price

Northwest Territories fishing licence cost

Northwest Territories details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context.

Licence Type NWT residentResident CanadianNon-resident
Season sport fishing licence $12.31 CAD $24.63 CAD $49.27 CAD
3-day sport fishing licence $18.47 CAD $36.95 CAD
1-day sport fishing licence $12.31 CAD $12.31 CAD

Northwest Territories details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context. Add 5% GST to NWT licence fees. Short-term licence availability and annual adjustments can change, and special validations such as Great Bear Lake may add an extra charge.

Check Northwest Territories fishing licence cost

Nunavut fishing licence cost

Nunavut details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context.

Licence Type Nunavut residentCanadian residentNon-resident
Season sport fishing licence $11.99 CAD $24.63 CAD $49.27 CAD
3-day sport fishing licence $18.47 CAD $36.95 CAD

Nunavut details add short-term options, exemptions, and local trip context. Add 5% GST to licence fees. Nunavut residents and Canadian residents over 65 still need a licence, but there is no fee. Ask the Department of Environment, a local retail seller, or your lodge where the licence will be issued.

Check Nunavut fishing licence cost

When The Price Table Is Not Enough

These pages matter more once the trip moves beyond a simple annual freshwater comparison.

Canada Cost Index 2026

Good when you want a ranking-style national price index before checking province details.

Fishing Licence Cost Calculator

Helpful once you want a quick province-and-residency estimate.

Non-Resident Licence Cost

Helpful when visitor status changes both price and the permit system.

Alberta Fishing Licence Cost

Good for Alberta licence cost, WiN setup, visitor prices, short products, or Family Fishing Weekends.

B.C. Fishing Licence Cost

Helpful when B.C. price depends on freshwater, tidal, visitor class, stamps, or FWID setup.

Ontario Outdoors Card Cost

Good when the cost question is really about Ontario card renewal or setup.

Official Portal Links

Helpful after the price question is settled and checkout is the next step.

Federal vs Provincial Costs

Important when tidal waters, salmon products, or national parks change the normal cost.

Fishing Licence for Americans

Good when the price question is part of a U.S. visitor or border-crossing trip.

National Parks Fishing Permit

Helpful when Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, or another park changes the normal licence cost.

Ontario Fishing Licence Cost

Good when the price question includes Outdoors Card, one-day Sport licence, or Sport versus Conservation pricing.

Parks Canada Fishing Permit

Helpful when Banff, Jasper, Yoho, or Kootenay changes the normal licence cost.

Quebec Fishing Licence Cost

Good when Quebec cost planning starts with the broad licence family, online buying, zones, salmon, or visitor next steps.

Yukon Visitor Licence Cost

Helpful when Yukon price planning includes short products, salmon cards, Alaska resident pricing, or park permits.

Yukon Licence Setup

Helpful before the visitor price page when the trip still needs the broad Yukon licence setup.

PEI Fishing Licence Cost

Good when PEI price planning depends on the WCF fee, courtesy licences, freshwater products, or the family five-day licence.

PEI Licence Setup

Helpful for PEI licence setup before the price question turns into WCF, trout season, saltwater, age, or family licence details.

Manitoba Fishing Licence Cost

Good when Manitoba cost planning depends on one-day versus annual, residency class, eLicensing, or Anglers Guide next steps.

Saskatchewan Fishing Licence Cost

Good when HAL setup, one-day, three-day, annual, visitor status, or the Habitat Certificate may change the checkout total.

Saskatchewan Season and Certificate

Helpful when Saskatchewan price planning depends on zone dates and the Habitat Certificate.

Nova Scotia Licence Price

Helpful when Nova Scotia price planning includes one-day trips, senior rules, salmon, report cards, or handbook details.

NWT Visitor Licence Cost

Helpful when the cost question includes 1-day or 3-day licences, Great Bear Lake, ISR validation, or park boundaries.

PEI Trout Season and Licence

Helpful when PEI price planning depends on trout season, Free Family Fishing Weekend, or freshwater versus saltwater.

New Brunswick Licence Price

Good when New Brunswick price planning depends on Fish NB Days, Outdoors Card setup, salmon, season, or guide-required waters.

New Brunswick Licence Setup

Helpful when New Brunswick price planning still needs the Outdoors Card, Fish NB, salmon, tidal, visitor, or guide-required water details.

Manitoba Anglers Guide 2026

Helpful when Manitoba cost planning also depends on the current guide, PDF, schedule, or local rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a fishing licence in Canada in 2026?

There is no single Canada-wide fishing licence price. The cost depends on the province or territory, resident status, trip length, and whether the trip involves extra products such as cards, certificates, salmon, tidal water, or parks.

Does the cheapest annual fee always mean the cheapest trip?

No. A low advertised fee can still turn into a higher first-purchase total once prerequisites, special permits, or trip-specific products are added.

Why can two provinces with similar annual prices cost different amounts to start?

Because the licence line is not always the whole checkout. Cards, certificates, fixed licence years, and special-water products can change the real total.

Does the national table include tidal, salmon, and national park permits in full?

No. The national table is mainly for freshwater price comparison. Coastal, salmon, and park trips often need extra products outside the base table.

How much is a Canadian fishing licence for an American?

There is no single American visitor price. U.S. anglers usually pay the non-resident or non-Canadian visitor rate for the province, territory, tidal fishery, or national park where they fish. Compare the province first, then choose the trip length.

Are national park fishing permit fees included in the province table?

No. National park waters use Parks Canada permits, and those permits are separate from the normal provincial freshwater licence table.

Do youth and seniors pay the same everywhere?

No. Age exemptions and reduced rates vary sharply by province and by residency status.

Is there one fishing licence for all Canada?

No. Recreational fishing licences are issued by each province or territory, and some trips also use federal or Parks Canada permit systems.

Should I start here or the cost calculator?

Compare provinces first when the destination is still open. Once the province and residency class are known, the calculator is faster for a quick estimate.

Where should I check Ontario fishing licence cost for 2026?

For Ontario, check the dedicated cost guide when the trip depends on the Outdoors Card, one-day licence, Sport versus Conservation choice, or FMZ timing.

Why do Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick price questions need local details?

Those price questions often depend on short-term visitor products, salmon options, local guides or handbooks, and buying steps that do not fit cleanly into one national fee table. For Quebec visitor price, 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, salmon, zone, or ZEC details, check the Quebec non-resident guide.