Ontario’s Outdoor Activities for Family Day Include Licence-Free Ice Fishing

“Family Day weekend is a great opportunity to try ice fishing for the first time, learn about safety on the ice and take part in a wide range of events being organized in communities across the province. I am looking forward to attending this family day weekend the Bridgenorth Winter Panfish Festival – the largest fishing derby and I hope to see many families out enjoying this great outdoor event.”

– Linda Jeffrey
Minister of Natural Resources

“There’s so much for families to do in Ontario all year round. I personally enjoyed ice climbing in Ancaster last Friday and encourage all families to stay and play in Ontario this family day weekend to discover why there really is no place like this.”

– Michael Chan
Minister of Tourism and Culture

“Ice fishing is great way for families to spend time together in the outdoors. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and many of our member clubs are proud to be hosting events over the weekend, and we invite anglers and non-anglers alike to find a local event and drop a line.”

– Mike Reader
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Executive Director

• Approximately 1.3 million anglers fish in Ontario each year and spend $2.5 billion in the province annually.
• Canadian residents can fish without a licence to fish in Ontario from February 19-21 and in the summer from July 2-10, 2011.
• In 2008, tourism spending in Ontario was $22 billion, and supported almost 300,000 jobs.

• Find more fun Family Day adventures for the whole family.
• Learn more about Ontario Family Fishing Weekend and find events across the province.
• Find out how to get a fishing licence.
• Review the guidelines for fishing in Ontario.
• Anglers Are Reminded to Stay Safe On The Ice