The best way to celebrate Canada Day and National Fishing Week

Canada has the world’s best fishing (and hunting, too). Canada is the greatest country on the planet. Two undeniable statements, and two reasons to celebrate—both in the same fun-filled week!

Along with epic Canada 150 celebrations all across this great land, July 1 to 9 is also National Fishing Week. It’s a time when we encourage all Canadians—from first-time fishermen to die-hard anglers—to embrace and enjoy our spectacular outdoors.

That means there’s no better way to celebrate Canada Day and the start of National Fishing Week than hitting the water with friends and family. While you’re at it, take along your cameras to record those special memories (and giant fish!) Then submit those pictures to our 7th Annual Outdoor Canada Photo Contest. Who knows, you just might have an extra reason to celebrate by seeing your picture published in Outdoor Canada magazine—not to mention winning a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card or one of our other great prizes.

As Outdoor Canada readers know, fishing offers Canadians an opportunity to take in our vast landscape, seek a little serenity, enjoy a getaway with family and friends, and experience a heart-pounding adventure on the water. From coast to coast to coast, we’ve got it all.

As the narrator in the National Fishing Week video below says, “As Canadians, fishing runs through our veins.” Watch it, then just try to stay on the couch this weekend. The odds are, you’ll soon be hatching a plan to wet a line in one of our one million lakes, rivers or streams (not to mention our three oceans). Tight lines, everyone, and happy Canada Day!

This July’s National Fishing Week is also the perfect time to introduce new anglers (of any age) to the wonders of the outdoors. That’s because several provinces are offering license-free fishing this week, to make it even easier for novices (or just those who might have taken a hiatus) to get out on the water. Provinces participating in license-free days include:

• Alberta’s Family Fishing Days, July 8 – 9
• Saskatchewan’s Free Fishing Weekend, July 8 – 9
• Ontario’s Family Fishing Week, July 1 – 9
• Yukon’s Free Fishing Weekend, June 30 – July 3

Though please remember, that “license-free” doesn’t mean “regulation free.” In all participating jurisdictions, rules governing catch limits, open or closed seasons and most other regs are still in effect. For more, see National Fishing Week’s regulations page to check the rules in your area, and visit your provincial government website.

National Fishing Week, by the way, is supported by Catch Fishing, a national program dedicated to encouraging Canadians to get outdoors and enjoy our angling heritage throughout the year. It is supported by federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as hundreds of organizations and businesses that work hard to ensure sustainable fishing opportunities while safeguarding fish populations everywhere.