With literally thousands of lakes and rivers and a healthy wildlife population, hunting and fishing in Canada is a world-class activity.

Fishing and hunting permits are handled provincially and, therefore, each province has its own rules and regulations regarding these permits. Hunting regulations are usually much more rigid and may require a great deal of research and planning before heading out on any hunting expedition.

Fishing
As a general rule, fishing licences are required by anyone over the age of 16. Permits are usually not required for children under 16 or seniors over 65 years of age, but these exceptions almost always require that these non-licenced individuals be accompanied by someone with a valid licence. Other restrictions may be in place as well.

	Fishing in the Sunset

Permits can be purchased on an annual basis, or sometimes in smaller increments ranging from one to eight days (depending on the province). Some provinces require that anyone applying for a fishing or hunting licence have an additional 'outdoor' licence (this name changes depending on the province).

Hunting

Each province requires that hunters have a hunting license. Licences vary depending on the season and are strictly controlled and enforced for conservation purposes.

In all cases, illegal hunting and fishing comes with high penalties; in severe cases penalties can exceed $100,000 and may be accompanied by prison time. Please refer to individual Fishing and Wildlife departments in each province to determine the appropriate fees and regulations associated with fishing and hunting licences. Report a Poacher programs are in place in every province and individuals who witness poaching and report them are often rewarded. Information changes regularly and it is important to refer to these departments often for updated reports. For information regarding Fishing and Hunting Licences please refer to each province:

British Columbia

Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection - Fish and Wildlife

Alberta

Sustainable Resource Development

Hunting

Fishing

Alberta Oudoorsmen Magazine - Hunting and Fishing Guides

Manitoba

Manitoba Conservation

Fishing

Hunting

Ontario

Ministry of Natural Resources

Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories Resources Wildlife and Economic Development

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Environment

Quebec

Quebec Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Parks

New Brunswick

New Brunswick Fish and Wildlife

Fishing (PDF)

Hunting (PDF)

Nova Scotia

Department of Natural Resources

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island Nature, Animals and Plants

Fishing

Hunting

Newfoundland

Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Yukon

Yukon Department of Environment

Nunavut

Nunavut Tourism - Fishing and Hunting