Non-Resident Fishing Licence in Canada (2026)
Everything Americans, international tourists, and out-of-province Canadians need to know to get licenced before hitting the water.
The 30-Second Survival Checklist
Visiting from the US or another province? Read this before you pack your gear:
- 1
Buy it online right now. Do not wait until you hit the border or a local bait shop. Buy it on your smartphone before you leave home.
- 2
There is no "Canada" licence. You must buy a specific licence for the exact province you are fishing in. Crossing the border into another province? You need a second licence.
- 3
Save the PDF offline. Take a screenshot or save the PDF to your phone's files. The Canadian wilderness has notorious dead zones for American cell plans.
Quick Answer
Each Canadian province issues its own non-resident fishing licence. There is no national licence. Most provinces offer online purchase so you can buy before your trip. Prices range from $40 to $121 per year. You also need a separate Parks Canada permit for national parks.
- No national licence — buy from each province individually
- Online purchase available in most provinces
- Annual prices: $40 (Nunavut) to $85 (BC/AB non-Canadian)
- Short-term options available (1-day, 3-day, 8-day)
- National parks require separate Parks Canada permit
Canada has a dual licensing system. Provincial licences cover freshwater. In BC and Atlantic provinces, saltwater fishing requires a separate federal DFO tidal licence. If you plan to fish in a national park, you need a third licence (Parks Canada). Read our Federal vs Provincial guide for details.
Non-Resident Prices by Province
Compare non-resident fishing licence prices across all provinces and territories.
| Licence Type | Annual | Short-Term |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $83.19 CAD | $249.57 CAD |
| British Columbia | $85.00 CAD | $50.00 CAD |
| Alberta | $85.00 CAD | $55.00 CAD |
| Quebec | $95.68 CAD | $57.67 CAD |
| Saskatchewan | $115.00 CAD | $57.00 CAD |
| Manitoba | $62.25 CAD | $24.45 CAD |
| New Brunswick | $173.00 CAD | $100.00 CAD |
| Nova Scotia | $34.55 CAD | $15.00 CAD |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $80.00 CAD | $80.00 CAD |
| Prince Edward Island | $10.00 CAD | $20.00 CAD |
| Yukon | $41.97 CAD | $23.98 CAD |
| Northwest Territories | $47.97 CAD | $35.98 CAD |
| Nunavut | $40.00 CAD | $30.00 CAD |
Short-term licences vary: Ontario offers 1-Day and 8-Day; BC offers 1/3/5/8-Day; most provinces offer 3-Day and 7-Day options. Click province name for full breakdown.
In Canada, an "Annual" fishing licence is almost never valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. For most provinces (including BC and Ontario), all annual licences expire on March 31st exactly at midnight. If you buy an annual licence in February for a family spring break trip, it expires in a few weeks!
How to Buy Before Your Trip
Decide Where You Are Fishing
Identify which province(s) you will fish in. If crossing provinces, you need a separate licence for each.
Check Freshwater vs Saltwater
If fishing in saltwater (BC coast, Atlantic provinces), you also need a DFO tidal licence — separate from the provincial freshwater licence.
Buy Online Before Crossing the Border
Most provinces allow online purchase. Visit our Buy Online guide for direct links to all provincial portals.
Print or Save Your Licence
Most provinces issue electronic licences instantly. Take a screenshot or save the PDF to your phone right then and there. Carry it while fishing — conservation officers will check.
Backup: Buying In-Person
If you prefer not to buy online, you can use your US passport or driver's license to buy a physical licence at most Canadian Tire stores, local gas stations, and tackle shops near the border.
US-Canada Border Restrictions (Bait & Gear)
Don't try to sneak your leftover worms across the border in dirt. Border agents check coolers regularly, and they will confiscate them to stop invasive species from entering Canada. Just grab your bait at a Canadian gas station or tackle shop near the lake.
- Nightcrawlers/Earthworms: Generally allowed IF packed in artificial bedding (not soil).
- Firewood: Do not bring firewood across the border. Buy it locally to prevent insect spread.
- Boat Cleaning: Ensure your boat is completely drained, cleaned, and dried before crossing the border to prevent transferring aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels.
What Americans Should Know
Border Crossings and Customs
When crossing the US-Canada border, declare any fishing equipment. You do not need to show your fishing licence at the border, but you must have it while fishing. Border agents may ask about the purpose of your trip. If bringing fish back to the US, ensure you comply with both Canadian export limits and US import regulations.
Two-Tier Non-Resident Pricing
Several provinces (Alberta, BC, Ontario) have different pricing for Canadian non-residents vs non-Canadian non-residents. Canadian non-residents (e.g., an Ontario resident fishing in Alberta) typically pay less than international visitors. Check the specific province page for your correct price category.
Popular Cross-Border Fishing Destinations
Popular destinations for American anglers include Niagara Falls (Ontario), Vancouver (BC), and the Boundary Waters (Ontario/Manitoba). Each requires the appropriate provincial licence. See our Guide for Americans for detailed planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my kids need a fishing licence if we are visiting from the US?
Generally, no, if they are under 16 (or under 18 in Ontario). Non-resident children can usually fish for free without their own licence, but they MUST be accompanied by a licenced adult. Any fish they catch will count against that adult's limit. Read our Age Requirements guide for a province-by-province breakdown.
Can Americans fish in Canada?
Yes. Americans can fish in Canada with a valid non-resident fishing licence. Each province and territory issues its own licence, so you need the licence for the province where you plan to fish. Most provinces offer online purchase so you can buy before crossing the border.
How much does a non-resident fishing licence cost in Canada?
Non-resident annual fishing licence costs vary by province and your country of residence. Some provinces distinguish between Canadian non-residents and non-Canadian non-residents. For example, Alberta charges $60 for Canadians and $85 for non-Canadians. Ontario charges $83.19 for non-Canadians. BC freshwater is $85 for non-Canadian residents. Short-term licences are available in most provinces. The federal DFO tidal licence is an additional $124.41/year for non-residents.
Can I buy a Canadian fishing licence online before my trip?
Yes. Most provinces offer online licence purchasing. You can buy before crossing the border. Ontario uses huntandfishontario.com, BC uses wild.gov.bc.ca, and most other provinces have online portals. See our Buy Online guide for all links.
Do I need a fishing licence for every province?
Yes. Canadian fishing licences are province-specific. If you plan to fish in Ontario and then drive to Quebec, you need separate licences for each province. There is no national licence.
Do I need a passport to buy a fishing licence?
No, a passport is not required to purchase a fishing licence. A valid government-issued ID (like a US driver's license) is sufficient. However, you do need a passport to cross the border into Canada.
Can I fish in Canadian National Parks with a provincial licence?
No. National Parks (like Banff or Jasper) require a separate Parks Canada fishing permit. Provincial licences are not valid within park boundaries.
Can I pay in US Dollars?
Online portal purchases will be charged in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and converted by your credit card company at the current exchange rate. If buying in person at a Canadian bait shop or lodge, they may accept USD but often at a less favorable exchange rate.