Hunting & Fishing Seasons and Licences in Canada: A Province-by-Province Guide

Canadian hunting and fishing gear flat lay — topographic map, compass, fly reel, knife, shotgun shells and leather gloves on a dark wood table

Planning a hunting or fishing trip in Canada means navigating a different set of rules in every province and territory. To make it simple, we have gathered the official seasons, licence portals and regulation guides for all 13 provinces and territories in one place, with direct links to each government source. Bookmark this page — it is the fastest way to find the rules wherever you fish or hunt in Canada.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and links to each official government source. Hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, bag limits and licence fees change regularly and vary by waterbody, zone and species. Always confirm the current rules with the official provincial, territorial or federal authority before you head out. Last reviewed: 2026.

How hunting and fishing licensing works in Canada

Two levels of government regulate the outdoors in Canada:

  • Provinces and territories manage hunting and freshwater (inland) fishing — they set the seasons, bag limits, zones and licences. This is what most anglers and hunters deal with.
  • The federal government, through Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), manages tidal/saltwater fishing and salmon. If you fish the ocean or for salmon, you also need to follow DFO rules.

You almost always need a valid licence before you fish or hunt, and you must carry it (digital or printed) along with photo ID while in the field.

When are the seasons? The general rhythm

Exact dates differ by province, zone and species, but the broad pattern across most of Canada looks like this:

  • Open-water fishing: spring through fall, with many provinces opening in May.
  • Ice fishing: winter, where conditions and regulations allow.
  • Big-game hunting (deer, moose, elk): primarily autumn, often September through December, with archery seasons typically opening before firearms.
  • Waterfowl and upland birds: fall, with migratory bird seasons set within federal frameworks.

Always confirm exact opening and closing dates in your province's official guide below — many waterbodies and wildlife management units have their own specific rules.

Official seasons & licences by province and territory

Province / Territory Fishing Hunting
Ontario Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
Quebec Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
British Columbia Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
Alberta Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
Saskatchewan Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
Manitoba Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
Nova Scotia Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
New Brunswick Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
Prince Edward Island Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
Newfoundland & Labrador Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
Yukon Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
Northwest Territories Official fishing regs Official hunting regs
Nunavut Official fishing regs Official hunting regs

Saltwater / salmon (all coasts): Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Gear up for the season

Once you know your season and have your licence, the next step is the right equipment. A few starting points from our guides and collections:

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to fish or hunt in Canada?

In almost all cases, yes. Hunting and freshwater fishing are regulated by each province or territory, and you must hold a valid provincial licence. Saltwater/tidal fishing and salmon are regulated federally by DFO. Always buy your licence before you go.

Who sets hunting and fishing seasons in Canada?

Provinces and territories set hunting and freshwater fishing seasons, bag limits and licence rules, published in annual or biennial regulation guides. Tidal fishing and salmon are managed by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

When does fishing season open in Canada?

It varies by province and zone. Open-water fishing generally runs spring through fall, with many provinces opening in May, while ice fishing takes place in winter where permitted. Check your province's official regulations for exact dates.

Do hunting and fishing licences expire?

Most annual licences run on a set licence year, commonly April 1 to March 31. Short one-day and multi-day fishing licences are also widely available. Confirm validity dates when you buy.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and links to each official government source. Hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, bag limits and licence fees change regularly and vary by waterbody, zone and species. Always confirm the current rules with the official provincial, territorial or federal authority before you head out. Last reviewed: 2026.