- Filter by licence type — Toggle between resident and non-resident pricing to see the chart adjust automatically.
- Compare visually — Taller bars represent more expensive provinces. Look for the shortest bars to find the most affordable options.
- Consider the full picture — The chart shows base licence fees only. Some provinces charge additional fees or stamps not reflected in the base price. Check the Cost Calculator for the complete cost.
Cost Comparison Chart
Visual comparison of fishing licence costs across all provinces. Sort by licence type and residency.
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Why Fishing Licence Costs Differ Across Canada
The price of a fishing licence in Canada is set independently by each province and territory based on the cost of managing its fisheries. Provinces with large-scale stocking programs, extensive conservation efforts, or complex enforcement needs tend to charge higher fees. British Columbia, for instance, uses licence revenue to fund salmon conservation and habitat restoration — and requires an additional Salmon Conservation Stamp for anglers who retain salmon.
Non-resident pricing is universally higher than resident pricing because visitors benefit from locally funded fishery resources without contributing through provincial taxes. This is standard practice not only across Canada but worldwide. The gap between resident and non-resident prices varies significantly: some provinces charge a modest premium, while others charge five times the resident rate for annual licences. For certain provinces, short-term licences (1-day or 3-day) can be more economical than an annual licence for non-residents visiting briefly.
Keep in mind that the base licence fee isn't always the final cost. Some provinces require supplementary purchases — Ontario's Outdoors Card, Alberta's WiN Card (plus GST), Saskatchewan's new Angling Habitat Certificate, or BC's various stamps and surcharges. Our Cost Calculator includes these additional fees for a more accurate total estimate.
How to Read This Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do fishing licence costs vary so much between provinces?
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.
Are non-resident licences always more expensive?
Yes — in every province, non-resident fishing licences cost more than resident licences. This is standard practice 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.
Do licence prices change every year?
Most provinces review and adjust fees periodically — some annually, others every few years. Ontario follows a calendar-year licence period (January 1 – December 31), while BC, Alberta, and most other provinces use an April 1 – March 31 licence year. We verify and update all prices each season.
Do any provinces charge tax on fishing licences?
Tax treatment varies. Alberta charges GST on all fishing licences and related fees (WiN Card, stamps). Ontario adds HST to licence purchases. Some provinces include taxes in the listed price, while others add them at checkout. Saskatchewan's new Angling Habitat Certificate ($20 annual or $5 daily) is also subject to applicable taxes. Always check the final checkout price on the official provincial purchasing portal.
Last updated: March 2026. Tax may apply in some provinces.