Try Ice Fishing on Ontario Family Day Weekend

Give ice fishing a try this Family Day Weekend (February 17-19, 2018) and experience the thrill of yelling “fish on!”

Ontario Family Fishing Events is a province-wide initiative that allows Canadian residents to fish Ontario waters without having to carry the usual mandatory fishing outdoors card. The Family Day Weekend is one of two seasonal times when the Ontario government designates fishing as license-free (the other time is in July).

Ice fishing with family and friends is a unique way to enjoy Ontario’s stunning natural landscape in winter. Instead of swimming in the renowned waters of the Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, Muskoka and Parry Sound, you can walk or sled across them to find the perfect fishing hole. Take your folding chair or a wind shield, a thermos full of something warm to drink, park yourself on the ice – and look back at the incredible vistas of the shoreline.  You’ll see cottage country from a whole new perspective!

Never fished before but would like to try? Check out this helpful info on getting started. Or contact a local bait shop to get gear and advice on the best spots to try (and always inquire of people in-the-know about the ice conditions before heading out).  Some area accommodations also offer ice fishing opportunities so be sure to inquire when you call. Already have your own gear but want to introduce friends and family to your passion? Consider renting an ice hut to keep everyone warm.

Ice fishing is winter’s heavy-hitter outdoor activity when it comes to bonding with friends and family. There’s something special about the time in between hooking fish that is just as memorable as catching a big one.

This Family Day Weekend, give ice fishing a try in the Explorers’ Edge region of Ontario. 

To play your getaway to Explorers’ Edge, click here. For accommodations ideas, click here. For more information on ice fishing in the region, visit the Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, Muskoka and Parry Sound.