Learn to Fish in Ontario’s Cottage Country

By Kate

June 9, 2025

Celebrate the start to summer with family by learning everything you need to know about angling in Ontario, from the rules and regulations to how to use all the gear!

For generations, learning how to fish is a rite of passage for everyone who grows up around lakes and rivers. But the rising popularity of sustainabile living means urban dwellers are also looking for opportunities to discover more about one of the oldest actitivities known to humankind.

This Soltice weekend, everyone is invited to Learn to Fish in one of two locations through the exceptional educational training program offered by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). Perfect for families and adults of all ages, don’t miss the chance to be guided by MNR experts!

About the sessions:

Each session is a fun and engaging 2–hour free program that combines a 1-hour practical teaching session with 1-hour of supervised, hands-on fishing.

Key things to note:

Children under the age of 18 must be registered by and accompanied on site by an adult
All required fishing equipment will be provided
We recommend that participants bring appropriate sun protection including a sun hat
Participants are not required to have a fishing licence as they are deemed a one day
conservation fishing licence (all participants must follow all Ontario fishing regulations)
Participants will be standing for most of the session, but are welcome to bring a fold up chair if you think you’ll need to sit for a bit
The event runs rain or shine – that’s fishin’ for ya!

(Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your Learn to Fish event to confirm your registration.)

Registration is required for the MNR’s FREE Learn to Fish program. Choose from one of two dates and locations, and one of two time slots at each.

LOCATION 1
BRACEBRIDGE, MUSKOKA, ONTARIO
Bracebridge Bay Park, 39 Wharf Road (next to the in-town waterfalls!)
DATE: Saturday, June 21, 2025
TIMES: 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm

TO REGISTER FOR A BRACEBRIDGE SESSION, CLICK HERE

LOCATION 2
PARRY SOUND, ONTARIO
Seguin River Parkette, 20 McIasaac Way (great view of the Trestle Bridge!)
DATE: Sunday, June 22, 2025
TIMES: 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm

TO REGISTER FOR A PARRY SOUND SESSION, CLICK HERE

*Parry Sound Harbour from the fire tower at Tower Hill*

Heading to the Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival in Gravenhurst, Muskoka on July 18 & 19? Check out the Learn to Fish sessions that will be running on Gull Lake during the event. For details, CLICK HERE.

Once you’ve learned to fish, be sure to take advantage of License Free Fishing in Ontario during Family Fishing Week, June 28-July 6, 2025 (license free weekends take place each year over Family Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day too).