There’s no two ways about it. Canada is the ultimate fishing destination. No angler can resist the Great White North’s raw nature, vibrant underwater world, and endless angling opportunities. The only question is, which spot should you choose this year?

From Salmon and Trout to Halibut and Tuna, there are fisheries that cater to every type of angler. With that in mind, we’ve carefully selected the 10 best fishing destinations in Canada for 2025 and found a corner for everyone. Let’s take a look at the picks together.
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is probably one of the first cities that comes to mind when you think of visiting Canada. But is it your first choice for angling? If it isn’t your go-to fishing destination, we’re here to change that. Let us reintroduce you to Toronto, one of the most populous cities in North America – and a budding Canadian fishery.

This cosmopolis is home to soaring skyscrapers, architectural masterpieces, culinary delights, inspiring art exhibits, and fairytale castles. In other words, Toronto has many attractions. But you already knew that. The lesser-known fact is that it also has numerous green spaces, car-free havens, and outdoor activities – with fishing being the most popular!
Sitting on the shores of the legendary Lake Ontario, Toronto is nothing short of a premier fishery. Not only does the city guarantee incredible angling at its doorstep, but it also promises year-round fishing opportunities. Add world-renowned species such as Walleye, Salmon, Bass, Crappie, Pike, Perch, and Trout to that, and it becomes clear why we picked Toronto as one of the top fishing destinations in Canada – and why you should choose it, too.
Québec City, Quebec
Downtown fishing doesn’t sound promising, right? Well, think again! The Great White North’s urban areas boast premier fisheries in abundance. And the following metropolis is a living testament to this. If you choose Québec City as your angling HQ this year, you’ll enjoy the perks of casting without having to leave the comfort of the city. Here’s how…

Québec City lies on the St. Lawrence River, the country’s lifeblood. Besides being deeply woven into the nation’s culture and history, the river is also a vital artery connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. As such, it’s brimming with game fish, including Bass, Walleye, Perch, Sturgeon, Muskellunge, and Pike. But that’s not all. Nearby ponds and streams cement Québec City’s place on this list, offering species such as Brook and Rainbow Trout.
There’s no dilemma about Québec City being an excellent fishing destination. And there’s even less doubt about what to do here once you fish your heart out… Explore the city, of course! From Old Québec – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to Montmorency Falls, you’ll be in for a treat in the capital of French Canada.
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Looking for a change of scenery? Head to Nanaimo to make unique memories on Vancouver Island. Nanaimo is nicknamed “Hub City” due to its fan-shaped street pattern. But it might have easily earned that moniker due to being an exceptional fishing and recreational hub – because that’s exactly what Nanaimo is!

Salmon aficionados, brace yourselves for a world-class, year-round angling playground. That’s right – Nanaimo boasts an uninterrupted Salmon fishing season. There are prized catches whenever you visit, with Chinook, Coho, Chum, Sockeye, and Pink Salmon completing the lineup. Those interested in Trout, Halibut, and Dungeness Crab can rejoice, too, as they all swim nearby.
If that impressed you, just wait to see what else awaits you here. Nanaimo is the best place to snorkel with the harbour seals on the island! It’s also one of the most rewarding spots in Canada to go whale watching. As for land-based experiences, don’t miss out on the Nanaimo Bar Trail. Embark on a dessert treasure hunt throughout the city and see what it’s all about.
Ucluelet, British Columbia
You can’t leave Vancouver Island without stopping by Ucluelet. But what’s so special about it? Is it the breathtaking view of the rugged coastline, the unparalleled beauty of secluded beaches, parks, or diverse wildlife? What about its jovial hospitality and tight-knit community? The answer is: all of it! Plus, stellar fishing, of course.

Tapping into the Pacific Ocean and Barkley Sound, Ucluelet is blessed with prolific waters. In other words, you won’t lack trophies when fishing here. If you’re not chasing Tyee or Coho Salmon, you’ll certainly be after bottom dwellers such as Halibut, Rockfish, and Lingcod.
We weren’t exaggerating when we were swooning over Ucluelet’s charm. If anything, we were probably selling it short. After a full day out on the water, you can go sun-soaking on one of the town’s beaches, explore the nearby Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, or conquer the Wild Pacific Trail. Let us know afterwards if we’re right to be obsessed with Ucluelet! Last but not least, you simply have to experience the local cordiality firsthand in the numerous family-owned cafés, bakeries, and artisan shops.
Calgary, Alberta
Moving from British Columbia to the neighbouring province of Alberta, you’ll come across your next getaway location – Calgary. Calgary is a city that proudly acclaims that it’s clean, green, sun-kissed, and fish-abundant. This ranks it high on our fishing destinations in Canada list – and it should be on your bucket list, too!

Situated only an hour’s drive from the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by 8,000 hectares of parkland, Calgary is a match made in heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is also home to Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site tailored for hiking, biking, camping, fishing, canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing, and ice-climbing. Impressive, right?
But there’s more. Calgary hosts one of Canada’s most iconic events honouring Western culture and heritage – The Calgary Stampede. This 10-day celebration features everything from rodeo competitions to chuckwagon races, and it’s a must-see attraction.
As for must-fish hotspots, the Bow River is unmatched. This glacier-fed river runs through the city and is a direct gateway to unforgettable fly fishing. Outdoor Canada even voted it the third all-time fishery for Brown and Rainbow Trout!
Dauphin Lake, Manitoba
Next up, we present you a location you probably didn’t expect – Manitoba‘s Dauphin Lake. This isn’t an unlikely candidate due to the lack of fishing opportunities… Far from it, actually. However, we featured it on last year’s list of top fishing destinations in Canada and we don’t usually like repeating ourselves. We do sometimes make exceptions, though!

Dauphin Lake is famous for its trophy-sized Walleye and ice-fishing, making it a go-to winter fishery. So, if a frozen lake gets your blood pumping and your palms itching for a feisty face-off, Dauphin Lake is a no-brainer for you. Walleye aren’t the only opponents you can clash with here, mind you. Pike, Perch, Sauger, and Freshwater Drum are waiting for you to test your skills against them, too.
You can also fish in summer, but the hottest season of the year opens a whole new set of watersports, ranging from swimming, biking, and hiking to kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Reserve your spot in one of the several campgrounds along the lake, and you’ll have the best summer of your life.
Fort Frances, Ontario
For the following fishing destination, we’re going back to Ontario. This time, we decided to focus on a Bass hotspot. Meet Fort Frances, a town cozily nestled on the Rainy River. This 220-kilometre-long river, separating Ontario from Minnesota, is a highly valued fishery in both Canada and the United States. Already sounds good, doesn’t it?

Fishing out of Fort Frances is actually more than good, it’s excellent. Not only will you have the river at your disposal, but you’ll also have legendary Rainy Lake to wet your line in. This means that you’ll never go home empty-handed. Brace yourself for full coolers and sore arms because Fort Frances has Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass galore.
Don’t take our word for it! Let the Canadian Bass Championship speak for us. Fort Frances has been the Bass tournament host for 30 years! That’s right, this seemingly quiet town is a buzzing Bass corner. Should you crave more attractions, check out the town’s historical landmarks and outdoor possibilities.
Kingston, Ontario
As we slowly but surely get closer to the end of this year’s list of the best fishing destinations in Canada fishing, we have a couple of absolute gems for you. The first jewel in this collection is Kingston. Back in the 1840s, this royal city enjoyed the title of Canada’s first capital thanks to its strategic position. Today, due to its location again, we crown Kingston as Canada’s fishing capital.

Big names like the St. Lawrence River, Cataraqui River, Collins Bay, Bay of Quinta, Loughborough Lake, and Lake Ontario surround Kingston. Kingston can’t be anything but an angling nobility with these mighty bodies of water under its roof! In other words, several freshwater aristocrats are waiting for you here – Crappie, Perch, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Lake Trout, Pike, and Walleye.
By now, you’ve probably realized that one fishing weekend won’t do Kingston justice. If you want to spend quality time here, consider staying longer. Make sure you have enough room to conquer the waters and explore the city on foot. With Kingston deeply rooted in the history of Canada, it would be a shame to leave without seeing everything the town has to offer.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Next in line for the throne is Prince Edward Island‘s heir – Charlottetown. “Her Majesty” has rightfully earned her place on Canada’s fishing destinations list as a thriving fishing hub. With a rich maritime tradition, first-class charters, world-famous species, and freshwater and saltwater angling opportunities, Charlottetown is easily a leading spot in angling circles.

Be it fly casting on the river or deep sea fishing far offshore, Charlottetown’s got you covered. Each year, anglers flock in great numbers to Prince Edward Island for battles of epic proportions with Bluefin Tuna. So, if you’re a passionate big game angler, you’ll be in for a treat here. However, even if you’re a freshwater fan, you’ll be well taken care of because Charlottetown is a heavenly Trout fishery, too.
As PEI’s capital city, Charlottetown has a lot in store for every visitor. Choosing what to do here besides fishing might be a challenging task because the list of events for this year is jaw-dropping. The must-see festival, however, is the PEI International Shellfish Festival. Shellfishing put PEI on the world’s culinary map, and this one-day event will show you why. Bon appetite!
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
With this location, we’ve reached the end of this year’s list of Canada’s top fishing destinations. But fret not – we saved the best for last! As your final refuge, we recommend picking St. Andrews – “New Brunswick’s signature resort community.” Officially known as St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, this charming town is an ideal vacation getaway for fishing enthusiasts and those who want to unwind by the water.

St. Andrews is dotted with freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. Naturally, the place is teeming with game fish. You just have to choose your opponent. Should you opt for freshwater rivals, you’ll be faced with relentless Trout. If you feel bold and decide to go wild on the local saltwater favourites, get ready to clash with Cod, Haddock, Pollock, and Striped Bass.
Speaking of saltwater sweethearts, whales are the ultimate gentle giants and the most beloved marine creatures in town. Obviously, whale watching and cruises are must-do activities here. But they’re not the only ones. The town was designated a National Historic Site, so you’re bound to find something that will catch your eye. But if unwinding is what you seek, we recommend Kingsbrae Garden, an award-winning horticultural masterpiece, or Ministers Island, a 500-acre beauty. Thank us later.
Canada Fishing: As Good as It Gets

Canada is so rich in fishing destinations that it’s impossible to mention them all. We aren’t exaggerating. Canada is truly a paradise for outdoor recreation, with fishing at the top of the list. But we tried to pick a gem for every type of angler, so hopefully, you’ll find your match.
However, if you crave more fishing spots throughout Canada, take a look at our destination suggestions from the previous years.
Did you find your next fishing destination in Canada? What corner did you pick? Have you ever fished before in the Great White North? If you have tips and tricks on where and how to catch a trophy fish in Canada, hit the comment button below and share it with your fellow anglers!