Ontario residents will be able to fish without a licence for nine days over the Canada Day holiday period.
The provincial government has announced that Canadian residents can fish for free across Ontario from Saturday, June 27th to Sunday, July 5th without purchasing a fishing licence or Outdoors Card.
The annual free fishing period is designed to encourage more people to experience Ontario’s lakes and rivers while supporting outdoor recreation, tourism, and local economies. According to the province, recreational fishing contributes approximately $2.4 billion annually to Ontario’s economy and involves more than 1.16 million anglers.
“Whether you’re a lifelong angler or casting a line for the very first time, our government is making it easier and more convenient to enjoy all that Ontario’s world-class fishing has to offer,” says Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris. “With free fishing available across the province, Canada Day week is the perfect time to get outdoors, spend time with family and friends, and create lasting memories on the water.”
While licences are not required during the free fishing period, anglers must still follow all conservation licence catch and size limits, fishing sanctuaries, and other provincial fishing regulations.
Anyone taking part must also carry government-issued identification showing their name and date of birth.
The Canada Day promotion follows the province’s Father’s Day free fishing weekend held June 20th and June 21st and marks the fourth and final free fishing opportunity scheduled for 2026.
For those new to the sport, Ontario offers several resources, including the TackleShare program, which provides free rod-and-reel loans, along with Learn to Fish programs and online educational guides.
Outside of designated free fishing periods, most Ontario residents between the ages of 18 and 64 are required to have a valid Outdoors Card and fishing licence. Veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members living in Ontario are exempt and may fish for free year-round where fishing is permitted.
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