Getting Boating and Fishing Licenses in Ontario
Before you grab your gear and head out for a day of angling adventure in Ontario, there's one little thing you need to take care of: getting your boating and fishing licenses.
Getting these cards might seem like a chore, but it's actually your ticket to a season of unforgettable moments on Ontario's stunning lakes and rivers. You must carry your licenses at all times while fishing in Ontario, or risk serious fines.
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the water is glistening, practically begging you to cast a line and see what treasures lie beneath the surface. So, let's dive into how to make sure you're all set to boat and fish legally and responsibly in this beautiful province!
Getting a boating license to go fishing in Ontario
First things first. Anyone operating a motorized boat in Ontario needs an official boating license, or Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). It’s the law.
How to get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card
You can get your license by taking a Transport Canada approved Ontario boater safety course, then challenging a multiple-choice, open-book exam. Both are offered 100% online at the National Boating Safety School, with free unlimited retries so you can get out on the water as quickly and easily as possible.
The course, exam and card can be purchased for a one-time payment of $59.95. We also offer group discounts.
As soon as you pass, you will be issued a temporary card that you can use right away. Your lifetime PCOC will be mailed to you.
Getting a fishing license in Ontario
Now that you have your boating license, you can take to the water in any type of motorized vessel used for recreational purposes, including fishing. Next, you need to get your fishing license.
There are two steps to getting a valid Ontario fishing license:
- Get an Outdoors Card.
- Get your fishing license.
Step One: Outdoors Card
The Ontario Outdoors Card is a plastic, wallet-sized identification card issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Tourists, Canadian citizens, and residents of Ontario all need one to go fishing in Ontario.
The Outdoors Card is valid for three years, and costs $8.57 + HST. It can be purchased on the Ontario Fish and Wildlife site.
You’ll need to provide the following information to get your card:
- first and last name
- date of birth
- height and eye colour
- mailing and residential address
Exceptions
If you are only going fishing for one day, you can purchase a one-day sport fishing licence (and not an Outdoor Card). Similarly, it’s also possible to purchase an 8-day fishing license.
You do not need an Outdoors Card if you are under 18 or over 65 years of age. Instead, you must carry a government-issued ID that includes your name and date of birth.
For all other situations, an Outdoors Card is required by Ontario law.
Step Two: Ontario Fishing License
Once you have your Outdoors Card, you can get your fishing license.
All your valid fishing and hunting licenses will be listed on the back of your Outdoor Card, and on your License Summary (a digital or printable document).
There are two main types of recreational fishing license in Ontario, both of which can be purchased online:
1. Sport fishing licenses: Full catch and possession fishing privileges.
2. Conservation fishing licences: An alternative to the sport fishing license, offering reduced catch and possession limits. Ideal for anglers who prefer to practice catch-and-release or those who want to keep fewer fish. Anglers must immediately release muskellunge, Atlantic salmon, and aurora trout when caught with a conservation license.
For both types of license, anglers must follow the catch and possession limits in Ontario.
The cost of a fishing license can range from $12 (one-day license) to $170 (three-year license). Details are available from the Province of Ontario website.
Exceptions
You do not need a fishing license if:
- You are under age 18 and are accompanied by someone with a valid license.
- You are a veteran or active members of the Canadian Armed Forces
- You carry an accessible parking permit issued under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
- You belong to a First Nations community and are engaged in fishing activities for food, social, or ceremonial purposes within your recognized traditional or treaty lands (proof of community membership required).
- Family Fishing Weekend (February 15–17, 2025)
- Mother’s Day Weekend
- Father’s Day Weekend
- Ontario Family Fishing Week (June 28–July 6, 2025)
Boating safety tips for fishing in Ontario
At the National Boating Safety School, boating safety is our priority. Before heading out, check out these important safety tips for fishing in Ontario:
- Wear a life jacket: Always wear a Transport Canada approved life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD).
- Boat sober: Avoid alcohol consumption while boating, and follow the law.
- Carry safety equipment: Have a first aid kit, flashlight, rope, fire extinguisher, and sound/visual signal devices on board.
- Practice sharps safety: Wear angler's gloves to protect against fish barbs, sharp scales, and teeth.
- Keep a tidy boat: Avoid trip hazards by keeping lines coiled and equipment stowed properly.
- Get trained: Take a boat safety course and obtain your proof of competency.
- Follow regulations: Familiarize yourself with the latest Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary, which is updated annually.
- Watch your environment: Be aware of underwater hazards, changing weather conditions, and other boaters.
- Use proper gear: Match your fishing gear to the fish species you're targeting and the conditions you're fishing in.
Safety first! Follow the Transport Canada approved boater safety course
Just having a fishing license won’t guarantee you a safe day out on the water. Follow the Transport Canada approved boater safety course 100% online, and learn everything you need to know to pass the boating exam and get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. A beautiful day of fishing in Ontario’s stunning lakes and rivers awaits! Register today.