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Celebrate Family Day with Free Fishing and Winter Fun on Lake Simcoe
Family Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to get outside, embrace the season, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend the long weekend, there’s something special happening across Ontario—free fishing!
No License Needed – Free Fishing in Ontario
From February 15 to 17, 2024, the Ontario government is offering free fishing, meaning you can drop a line in without a license! It’s a fantastic opportunity for both seasoned anglers and beginners to experience the joy of ice fishing. If you’ve never tried it before, this is your chance to step onto the ice, set up a line, and maybe even reel in a catch.
What You Need to Know:
No registration is required. Simply grab your gear and head out to the water!
Carry government-issued ID. Anglers must have identification that includes their name and date of birth.
Follow conservation limits. While a license isn’t needed, all fishing regulations, including size restrictions and catch limits, must be followed. (Some guidelines are posted below but be sure to confirm.)
Lake Simcoe: A Winter Wonderland
Many communities around Lake Simcoe have fully embraced winter, transforming the frozen lake into a hub of activity. If you head out, you’ll find pop-up fishing villages, complete with cozy ice huts, laughter filling the air, and families enjoying the simple pleasure of being outdoors. Ice fishing isn’t just about the fish—it’s about the experience: the crisp air, the camaraderie, and the thrill of pulling a catch through the ice.
More Ways to Enjoy Family Day Weekend
Beyond fishing, Lake Simcoe offers plenty of winter fun:
Skating & Ice Trails – Some local parks and towns have scenic skating paths that wind through snow-covered landscapes.
Snowshoeing & Hiking – Many trails in the York-Simcoe area are open for a peaceful winter trek.
Community Events – Check with your local municipality for special Family Day festivities, from outdoor bonfires to winter festivals.
Some examples of fun community events happening:
Friday Harbour Resort
Location: Innisfil, Ontario
Details: Friday Harbour offers a "Skate Escape" experience with an expanded rink, as well as rentals for fat bikes, snowshoes, and cross-country skis. After skating, visitors can enjoy comfort food at Chalet Bites or seasonal beverages at the Après Skate Lounge.
Heritage Park Pond
Location: Barrie, Ontario
Details: Situated at 5 Simcoe Street, this outdoor rink offers a picturesque setting for skating enthusiasts.
Interesting in Ice Fishing but don’t own a fishing hut? Not to worry, here are some great rental options all AROUND the lake!
Fish Simcoe Hardwater Outfitters
Innisfil, Canada
Offers all-inclusive ice fishing experiences with heated huts, equipment rentals, and additional amenities like pizza delivery. Conveniently located for anglers from the GTA.
Churchill, Canada
Provides full-service ice hut rentals on the west side of Cook's Bay, offering both day huts and overnight sleepers.
Keswick, Canada
Located near Snake Island, offering insulated and heated huts suitable for groups of four to six. Caters to families, occasional, and avid anglers.
Pefferlaw, Canada
Provides access to heated huts, bait, and transportation to the fishing spots. Known for their accommodating service.
Port Bolster, Canada
Offers heated ice huts, transportation to and from the fishing grounds, and bait. Known for their friendly service and well-maintained facilities.
Beaverton, Canada
Offers ice fishing experiences targeting Perch, Herring, and Whitefish. Provides transportation to heated huts, live bait, and accommodations in nearby cottages.
Brechin Point Ice Hut Rentals Inc.
Brechin, Canada
Offers 8x8 heated huts accommodating up to 4 people, as well as 8x14 bungalows equipped with BBQs for overnight stays. Services include transportation to and from the huts, propane cook stoves, tip-up stands, buckets, and a scoop of minnows.
Orillia, Canada
Offers ice fishing hut rentals targeting perch, whitefish, and lake trout. Provides a comprehensive ice fishing experience in the Orillia area.
Bundle Up & Get Out There!
No matter how you choose to spend the long weekend, take advantage of this chance to connect with family and friends while enjoying everything winter has to offer. Lake Simcoe is alive with winter spirit—so why not be part of it?
Happy Family Day! ❄️🎣
Fishing Limits for Lake Simcoe
If you plan to take advantage of the free fishing weekend, make sure you know the conservation limits:
Yellow Perch:
Sport Fishing License: Daily limit of 50; possession limit of 100.
Conservation License: Daily limit of 25; possession limit of 50.
Lake Whitefish:
Sport Fishing License: Daily limit and possession limit of 2.
Conservation License: Daily limit and possession limit of 1.
Lake Trout:
Sport Fishing License: Daily limit and possession limit of 2.
Conservation License: Daily limit and possession limit of 1.
Lake Herring (Cisco): Closed all year; possession is prohibited.
Muskellunge: Closed all year; possession is prohibited.