Prince Edward Island Fishing Licence (2026)
Complete guide to Prince Edward Island fishing licence costs in 2026. At just $10, PEI has Canada's cheapest fishing licence. Learn about courtesy licences and the Wildlife Conservation Fund.
Quick Answer
A Prince Edward Island fishing licence costs $10.00 for residents. Children under 16 fish free on PEI. Youth under 16 are also exempt from the Wildlife Conservation Fund. Purchase online at PEI Angling Licence.
Overview
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 Prices
Current prices for Prince Edward Island fishing licences (April 1 to March 31).
| 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.
Age Exemptions
Youth (Under 16)
Children under 16 fish free on PEI. Youth under 16 are also exempt from the Wildlife Conservation Fund.
Seniors (60+)
PEI residents aged 60+ or youth 16-18 qualify for a free Courtesy Licence. Seniors 65+ pay a reduced WCF of $13 (vs $20).
How to Get Your Prince Edward Island Fishing Licence
Purchase Online or In Person
Buy online at princeedwardisland.ca or at authorized retailers. Online sales begin April each year.
Pay Wildlife Conservation Fund
In addition to your $10 licence, pay the Wildlife Conservation Fund contribution ($20 for ages 16-64, $13 for 65+). CAF members and veterans are exempt.
Consider Family 5-Day
Visiting for a short trip? The Family 5-Day licence is just $5 (+$5 WCF) and covers the licence holder, spouse, and dependants for five consecutive days.
Carry Your Licence
Carry your licence while fishing. PEI conservation officers may request to see it.
Canada's Most Affordable Fishing Licence
At just $10 per year (plus the Wildlife Conservation Fund), PEI offers the most affordable provincial fishing licence in Canada. The low cost, combined with the Courtesy Licence for youth 16-18 and seniors 60+, makes PEI one of the most accessible provinces for recreational fishing.
Courtesy Licence Program
PEI offers a unique Courtesy Licence — a free fishing licence available to residents aged 16-18 and 60 and older. Active Canadian Forces members and veterans also receive courtesy licences. The Courtesy Licence still requires a Wildlife Conservation Fund contribution but waives the $10 licence fee. CAF members and veterans are exempt from the WCF as well.
Free Family Fishing Weekend
PEI hosts an annual Free Family Fishing Weekend, typically held in May. During this weekend, angling licences are not required, though all other fishing regulations must be followed. This is a great opportunity for families to try fishing on the island.
2026 Regulation Updates
- 2026 PEI Angling Guide effective April 1.
- Online licence sales begin April 2026.
- Courtesy Licence program continues for youth (16-18) and seniors (60+).
- Free Family Fishing Weekend (typically May).
- Active CAF members and veterans: free licence + WCF exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a PEI fishing licence cost?
A PEI fishing licence costs $10 per year, plus a Wildlife Conservation Fund contribution of $20 (ages 16-64) or $13 (65+), plus HST. Youth 16-18 and residents 60+ can get a free Courtesy Licence. CAF members and veterans get free licence and WCF exemption.
Is PEI the cheapest province for fishing?
Yes. At $10 per year, PEI has the lowest base fishing licence cost of any Canadian province.
What is the PEI Courtesy Licence?
The Courtesy Licence is a free fishing licence available to PEI residents aged 16-18 and 60 and older, as well as active CAF members and veterans. You still need to pay the Wildlife Conservation Fund contribution (unless you are CAF/veteran).
Is there a free fishing weekend on PEI?
Yes. PEI hosts an annual Free Family Fishing Weekend, usually in May. No licence is required during this event, but all other fishing regulations apply.
What can I catch on PEI?
PEI offers brook trout (the most popular target), rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon in its rivers and streams. Deep-sea fishing charters target bluefin tuna, mackerel, and cod. Saltwater fishing generally does not require a provincial licence.
Can I buy a PEI fishing licence online?
Yes. Visit princeedwardisland.ca to purchase online. Online sales typically begin in April each year.