Fishing Licence Information
Ontario and Canadian residents MUST have an Outdoors Card to purchase a fishing licence. **This card is not a license--You MUST purchase a tag and affix it to the Outdoors Card**

YOU DO NOT NEED AN OUTDOORS CARD OR FISHING LICENCE TAGS IF:

1. You are a Resident of Canada who is under 18 years of age or 65 years of age or older, and are in possession of your Birth Certificate.


2. Your are a Disabled Canadian resident and you are either eligible for, or in possession of either a Canadian National Institute for the Blind National Identity Card; OR an Ontario Ministry of Transportation disabled person parking permit.


3. You are a Canadian resident with intellectual, neurological or psychological impairments or developmental disabilities and are in possession of your Birth Certificate, AND, require the direct assistance of and are accompanied by another person while fishing for reasons of needing assistance with the act of fishing as defined by the Fisheries Act ; OR lacking the intellectual capacity to comprehend the regulations pertaining to fishing.

Those who qualify to fish without purchasing a fishing licence as indicated above, may fish with the same catch and possession limits as holders of a Sport Fishing Licence Tag . Additionally, you have the same responsibilities as those who have purchased an Outdoors Card and Fishing Licence tag and must abide by all regulations.

ONTARIO RESIDENTS

A resident of Ontario is defined as a person whose primary residence is in Ontario and who has lived in Ontario for a period of at least six months during the 12 months immediately before applying for a licence or using a licence.

CANADIAN RESIDENTS (OUTSIDE OF ONTARIO)

A resident of Canada is defined as a person whose primary residence is in Canada and who has lived in Canada for a period of at least six months during the 12 months immediately before applying for a licence or using a licence.

NON-RESIDENTS (PERSONS LIVING OUTSIDE OF CANADA)

Anyone who is not an Ontario resident or Canadian resident under the above rules is considered a non-resident and must purchase a Non-Resident Sport Fishing Licence. As of Janurary 1, 2009, Ontario will be introducing a non-resident Outdoors Card which will be required to purchase an Ontario fishing licence. Non-residents under 18 may angle without a licence if accompanied by a licensed family member. Any fish caught will legally be part of the catch and possession limit of the person who holds the licence.

Licence Types and Prices

For conservation reasons, fishing laws limit the number of fish an angler may catch or possess. The number depends on the type of licence the angler holds, the fish species, where the fish is caught and, in some cases, the size of the fish.

SPORT FISHING LICENCE TAG

With a Resident Sport Fishing Licence Tag affixed to the Outdoors Card, the angler is eligible to catch and possess fish as specified beside the "S" on the Seasons and Limits Table . The Resident Sport Fishing Licence Tag is for anglers who wish to have full catch and possession fishing privileges.

CONSERVATION FISHING LICENCE TAG

With a Resident Conservation Fishing Licence Tag affixed to the Outdoors Card, the angler observes a catch and possession limit that is lower (in most cases), than that of a Resident Sport Fishing Licence Tag holder. Catch and possession limits are specified on the Seasons and Limits Tables . The limit for the angler with a Conservation licence is indicated with a "C". The Resident Conservation Fishing Licence Tag is ideal for the angler who wishes to live release a majority of the fish caught, or in the case of certain species, all of the fish caught. The holder of a Resident Conservation Fishing Licence Tag must quickly and carefully live release all fish of the following species: Muskellunge; Atlantic Salmon, Sturgeon and Aurora Trout.

RESIDENT FISHING LICENCE TAG FEES

Outdoors Card Only (valid for 3 years)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.00
Annual Sport Fishing Licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Annual Conservation Fishing Licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27.25
1-Year Sport Fishing Licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.25
1-Year Conservation Licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.00
1-Day Fishing Licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11.00
Temporary Sport Fishing Tag** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $33.25
Temporary Conservation Licence Tag** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23.00
*The Outdoors Card is not a license--You MUST purchase and affix a licence TAG
**This fee includes Outdoors Card application

NON-RESIDENT FISHING LICENCE FEES (Persons Living outside of Canada)

(prices include applicable taxes)
Outdoors Card Only (valid for 3 years)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.00
1-Year Sport Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $68.00
1-Year Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41.75
8-Day Sport Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$43.50
8-Day Conservation Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.25
Great lakes 1-Day Fishing** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18.25
Organized Camp***. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.92
*The Outdoors Card is not a license--You MUST purchase and affix a licence TAG
**This licence pertains ONLY to fishing on Great lakes and Connecting Waters
***This licence fee is per child staying at an organized camp

Questions?

Fishing questions can be directed to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources general inquiry telephone line at 1-800-667-1940.

For more information on how and where to apply for an Ontario Outdoors Card, call 1-800-387-7011 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00pm (EST)

For more information go to www.outdoorscard.mnr.gov.on.ca

Hunting Licence Information

ONTARIO RESIDENTS

A resident of Ontario is defined as a person whose primary residence is in Ontario, and who has lived in Ontario for a period of at least six months during the previous 12 months prior to applying for a licence. To hunt in Ontario, residents must have the hunting version Ontario Outdoors Card. The hunting version Outdoors Card or Temporary Hunting version Outdoors Card is the only card that provides an Ontario resident with hunting privileges. The hunting version Outdoors Card also provides fishing privileges, once a fishing licence tag is affixed. Residents and non-residents must be 16 years of age or older to be eligible for a licence. Residents may obtain a licence at 15 years of age with written consent from both parents (one parent if not living with both parents) or a legal guardian. THE ONTARIO OUTDOORS CARD IS NOT A LICENCE. A valid licence consists of an Outdoors Card plus the required hunting licence tags and any applicable paper hunting licenses and game seals and/or validation tags. The only exception is the Ontario resident Hunter Apprentice hunting with a licensed Mentor. The Hunter Apprentice must carry an Ontario-issued Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Card. The mentor must have a Hunting Version Outdoors Card and all applicable licences and the licence must be valid for the species or group of species you are hunting. You must carry the licence and any validation tags with you while hunting (and fishing).

NON RESIDENTS

Non-residents of Ontario must present one of the following to obtain a non-resident licence to hunt in Ontario.

• An Ontario non-resident's hunting licence issued to you after January 1, 1968; or,
  
• A hunting licence issued to you by a competent authority in any jurisdiction as a resident of that jurisdiction after January 1, 1968; or,
  
• An Ontario Hunting Licence Examination Certificate issued to you after January 1, 1968; or
  
• An Ontario Hunting Licence Verification Certificate showing that you were issued an Ontario licence to hunt, or passed the Hunting Licence Examination; or,
  
• A certificate, issued to you after January 1, 1968, by a competent authority in any jurisdiction, giving you permission to purchase a resident's hunting licence in that jurisdiction.

Hunting and licensing regulations are subject to change.

Provincial hunting and licensing regulations are subject to change. Please consult the current year's Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary for the most up-to-date information. The summary is available at
www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/pubs/pubmenu.html or by phoning 1-800- 667-1940.

Hunting questions can be directed to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources general inquiry telephone line at 1-800-667-1940.

For more information on how and where to apply for an Ontario Outdoors Card, call 1-800-387-7011 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00pm (EST)

Here's a collection of facts, laws and useful tips that will help you get the most out of your trip.

AUTOMOBILES

Documents… A valid driver's licence from any country is good in Ontario for 3 months. If you're driving across the border, bring the vehicle registration forms and a free Canadian Non- Resident Insurance Card from your insurance agent, or the policy itself. Minimum liability insurance in Ontario is $200,000. If you're driving a borrowed car, also bring a letter of permission signed by the owner. If you're driving a rented car, include a copy of the rental contract.

Services… The Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) are responsible for the highways and other areas including the inland lakes and waterways not served by municipal police forces. First aid stations are clearly posted along the highways. Information on the condition of any highway in the province is available all year from the Ministry of Transportation's regional toll-free numbers listed on the Ontario Official Road Map or by calling 1-800- 268-4686.

Restrictions… Ontario law requires every person in a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt or use a child safety seat. Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight, weighing 18 kgor more but less than 36 kg (40-80 lbs) and who stands less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.

A child can start using a seat belt alone once any of the following critieria is met:

Child is 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall,

Infants under 9 kg (20 lbs) must be secured in a rear-facing infant care seat. Toddlers 9-18 kg (20 - 40 lbs) who are about a year old and can also pull themselves unassisted to a standing position should travel in a forward-facing child care seat secured by both a seat belt (or LATCH/UAS system) and a tether strap, attached to an anchor bolted into the vehicle's frame.

Windshields and side-front windows must allow a clear view of the vehicle's interior. Studded tires are forbidden on Ontario highways.

Radar Warning Devices… The use or transport of radar detection devices is illegal. Ontario police may confiscate such devices, and fine you as well.

Car Rentals… Automobile rentals are available at our international airports and in many of our towns and cities. The minimum age varies from 21 to 25. Most companies require a credit card to rent a vehicle.

TRAINS

Via Rail links most of the major cities in the province and connects with Amtrak and other U.S. rail lines at many border crossings.

Northern Ontario offers scenic excursions… The Algoma Central Railway offers a tour of the Agawa Canyon north of Sault Ste. Marie. The Ontario Northland Railway will take you from Cochrane to the coast of James Bay on the Polar Bear Express. For details, contact your travel agent.

AIRLINES

Easy Accessibility… The north is easily accessible by air. Convenient connections can be made to the north from Toronto. Once in the north a network of regional carriers can take you to small centres. For more information call your travel agent.

FLY-IN SERVICES… The person who hires his own plane and pilot takes the crow's flight route to where all the action is. A pontoon-equipped plane can get you from city or town to the surface of a wilderness lake, where your hosts at the fly-in camp will have your guides and boats all ready to go. And if there is no scheduled commercial flight to take you from one area to another, when the spirit moves you, there are many charter services easily available. Your travel agent can arrange a whole fly-in package for you, in advance, or you can contact the people listed in this directory.

RESTRICTED CARRIERS… Many camps and lodges operate a restricted carrier float plane service to shuttle guests between the resort and a fixed jumping-off point, but the pilot is not licensed to roam the skies at will.

BOATING

Pleasure craft may enter Canada by trailer or under their own power. The required entry permit is issued by Customs at the point-of-entry. All boats powered by motors 7.5 kw (10HP) or over must be licensed and the licence number clearly indicated on both sides of the bow of the vessel. Boat licences from outside Ontario are acceptable. Overboard discharge of garbage or untreated sewage is forbidden.

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Customs and Immigration

Please follow this link to see specific information regarding crossing the Canada/US border.

Dogs and cats from the U.S. that are at least three months old need signed and dated certificates from a veterinarian verifying that they have been vaccinated against rabies within the last three years. The certificate must clearly identify the animal. If your dogs or cats are less than three months old, you do not need a certificate of rabies vaccination to enter Canada. However, the animals bust be in good health when they arrive.

For more information on bringing items across the border please visit www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/other_sites/food-e.html

Importing Firearms… Before you attempt to import a firearm or weapon, you should contact the Canada Firearms Centre for information at 1-800-731-4000 or ,www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca The following requirements apply to the importation of firearms:

• You must be at least 18 years of age.
  
• You cannot import prohibited firearms, weapons or devices, including silencers and replica firearms, switchblades and other weapons.
  
• The process for bringing ordinary hunting rifles and shotguns into Canada is relatively simple and usually involves filling in a form in advance and making a declaration at the border. Although it is possible to bring restricted firearms such as pistols and revolvers into Canada under some circumstances, you should contact the Canada Firearms Centre for specific information. You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry or they will be seized and you may be subject to arrest.:

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CURRENCY

Most Canadian establishments offer competitive exchange rates, You can also exchange your home currency at international airports, banks, trust companies and currency exchanges conveniently located at most of our travel centres at the Ontario/U.S. border. Major credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Diners Card etc., are also welcome at most Canadian establishments.

HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL SERVICES

Visitors are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home country. It is possible that your health insurance does not extend coverage outside your country of residence. If you are taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, bring an adequate supply in original bottles and copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Ontario. For further information, contact your travel agent or insurance agent.

LIQUOR

Anyone 19 or over may buy and consume liquor, wine or beer. These are available from government agencies located throughout Ontario. Licensed premises may serve alcohol from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. In Ontario it is an offence to consume alcohol in other than a residence or a licensed premise. Please note, driving motorized vehicles, including boats, while impaired is illegal in Ontario.

SALES TAX REFUNDS

Visitors from outside Canada may claim a refund of the 7% federal GST (Goods and Services Tax), on eligible purchases of a minimum $200 (before taxes), provided the goods are taken out of Canada within 60 days and the claim is made within one year of purchase. GST rebates are also available on purchases of accommodation or vacation packages that include accommodation of less than 30 days in length. Contact Revenue Canada, Visitor Rebate Program for more information or forms at (902) 432-5608 (outside Canada) or 1-800-668-4748 (within Canada) or go to www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/visitors/.

LAND USE LAWS

Ontario has two laws which clarify the responsibilities of landowners and those who use their land for recreation. The Occupier's Liability Act reduces a rural landowner's responsibility for the safety of non-paying visitors. The Trespass to Property Act designates premises where entry is prohibited without notice. Trespassers can be fined up to $2000 and ordered to pay any damages. For a free explanatory brochure, write to the Communications Branch, Ministry of the Attorney General, 720 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2K1.

CROWN LAND CAMPING

To improve the quality of experience for campers by ensuring that crowding and over-use of sites is reduced, there are some regulations about Crown or public land that you should know about. Non-residents of Canada, 18 years of age and older, are required to obtain a permit to camp on Crown Lands. This applies to the area north of the French and Mattawa rivers, from the northwestern to the northeastern borders of Ontario. These permits are available from most angling licence issuers and from Ministry Natural Resources District Offices. For further information, contact Ministry of Natural Resources District Offices. For further information, contact Ministry of Natural Resources District Offices throughout Northern Ontario.

More Outdoor Adventure Information

For more information about outdoor adventures available in Ontario, please visit www.ontariotravel.net. Click on Signature Getaways for more ideas. Visit the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership's new Northern Ontario website at www.northernontario.travel.