📊 Cost Comparison Chart

Each province independently sets its licence fees based on factors like fishery management costs, conservation programs, stocking programs, and enforcement budgets. Provinces with extensive stocking or endangered species programs (like BC's salmon conservation) tend to have higher fees or require additional stamps.

Yes — in every province, non-resident fishing licences cost more than resident licences. This is common across countries worldwide, as licence revenue funds local fishery management. The markup varies: some provinces charge 2–3× the resident price while others charge 5× or more for an annual licence. Use the chart above to compare resident vs non-resident pricing province by province.

Most provinces review and adjust fees periodically — some annually, others every few years. Ontario typically adjusts fees at the start of each calendar year, while BC and Alberta update at the start of their April 1 licence year. We verify and update all prices each season. For detailed breakdowns, visit the Cost Calculator.