Province offering free fishing across Ontario from June 27 to July 5
June 24, 2026
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TORONTO — To celebrate Canada Day and encourage more people to enjoy Ontario’s world-class outdoors, Canadian residents can fish for free across the province from June 27 to July 5 without purchasing a fishing licence or Outdoors Card.
“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,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “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.”
Recreational fishing is a key part of Ontario’s economy, supporting local tourism and jobs in communities across the province. Free fishing opportunities like Canada Day week provide a chance for people to learn more about fishing on Ontario’s lakes and rivers.
For families participating in free fishing from June 27 to July 5, all conservation licence catch and size limits, fishing sanctuaries and other fishing regulations still apply.
Quick Facts
- Canadian residents participating in free fishing periods must carry identification issued by the provincial or federal government, showing their name and date of birth.
- For beginners, Ontario offers loans of rods and reels for free through the TackleShare program, in person Learn to Fish programs as well as an online Learn to Fish Guide to help new anglers get started.
- 1.16 million anglers spend $2.4 billion per year on recreational fishing in Ontario.
- Outside of free fishing periods, most people between the ages of 18 and 64 must have an Outdoors Card and a licence to fish. All veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario can enjoy free recreational fishing in the province, whenever and wherever fishing is allowed.
- Ontario fishing licences can be purchased online at HuntAndFishOntario.com. If buying online, always look for the Ontario logo. Licences can also be purchased in person at participating ServiceOntario or authorized licence issuer locations.
Additional Resources
- Learn more about free family fishing
- How to get an Outdoors Card and licence summary
- Fishing in Ontario
- Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary
Related Topics
Business and economy
Information about Ontario’s economy and how to do business here. Includes economic development opportunities, research funding, tax credits for business and the Ontario Budget. Learn more
Recreation and tourism
Learn about hunting and fishing, provincial parks, festivals and events, and visiting Ontario. Learn more
Rural, agriculture and north
Information about Northern Ontario, agriculture and local food. Learn about funding programs that support rural, northern and Indigenous communities. Learn more