Open Season
Jan. 1 to March 31 & 3rd Saturday in May to Dec. 31
Limit – Sport License
4 in your possession
Limit – Conservation License
2 in your possession
Size Restrictions
Only one greater than 18.1 inches
Open Season
Open all year
Limit – Sport License
6 in your possession
Limit – Conservation License
2 in your possession
Size Restrictions Sport License
You can keep 2 greater than 24 in. but only 1 can be greater than 33.9 in.
Size Restrictions Conservation License
You can keep 1 between 24 inches and 33.9 inches
Open Season
3rd Saturday in June to November 30
Limit – Sport License
6
Limit – Conservation License
2
Size Restrictions Sport License
No Size Restriction
Size Restrictions Conservation License
No Size Restriction
Open Season
January 1 to Sept. 1
Limit – Sport License
2 in your possession with only one greater than 15.7 inches
Limit – Conservation License
1 in your possession with none over 15.7 inches
Size Restrictions Sport License
No Size Restriction
Size Restrictions Conservation License
No Size Restriction
Open Season
Open all year
Limit – Sport License
50 in your possession
Limit – Conservation License
25 in your possession
Size Restrictions Sport License
No Size Restriction
Size Restrictions Conservation License
No Size Restriction
Ontario Pleasure Craft Operator Card: a.k.a. Boat License
Please Note: Foreign visitors with a pleasure boat in Canada will be granted a grace period of 45 consecutive days.
If you operate any power-driven vessel – even a Personal Water Craft (PWC) – you’ll be required by law to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You may choose to take a full course, a refresher course or simply challenge the test. For more information see “Regulations” below
The basic requirement is to successfully obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card accredited by Transport Canada- such as the CYA “S*P*A*R*K START” program offered by an Ontario Sailing Member Club, School, Camp or Marina Advisor.(Ontario Sailing Member Organizations)
The power boat operator will then be registered with the Canadian Yachting Association and issued a card. The operator must carry the card whenever operating a boat (much like an automobile driver’s license).
Age and power restrictions
Youth born after April 1, 1983 are NOW required to carry the card.
What if I rent a powerboat or PWC?
Currently, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is not required in order to operate a rented watercraft. Instead, it is sufficient for a renter to complete a rental safety checklist.
You may no longer Grandfather a Pleasure Craft Operator Card
Please see below for a few frequently asked questions from the Transport Canada website.
Will boaters who have previously taken a boating safety course be required to take another course or test?
Those who have taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999 will not be required to take another course or test. A copy of a certificate or a card issued at the completion of courses taken prior to April 1, 1999 will need to be carried on board the pleasure craft.
Can I exchange my certificate for a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
No. The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations cleary state that a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is a document issued to a person by the administrator of an accredited test, to a person that has passed the test. Therefore, a card cannot be issued unless an accredited test has been passed.
What should I do if I receive training prior to April 1, 1999 and my certificate does not show a completion date?
If the course provider that issued the certificate is still in existence, you can contact them to issue you a certificate showing the appropriate completion date. Otherwise, you will need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
* Sun Tan Lotion: The farther north you go, the thinner the atmosphere gets and the higher the UV index gets. With this in mind, if you are use to SPF 8 at home, then you will get the same results with SPF 15 in Espanola.
We do not provide any permits or tags for hunting and/or fishing.
Fuel for boating is available at a cost if need be.
All campers are expected to bring their own food, towels, toiletries, garbage bags, and hunting or fishing equipment.
What you are allowed to bring into Canada
You are allowed, per person, 40 ounces of alcohol or 1 case of 24 beer, 1 carton of cigarettes, up to 4 days supply of food, along with personal clothing and fishing equipment.
What you are not allowed to bring into Canada
You cannot bring into the country live bait in water, worms packed in earth, hand guns and unregistered firearms.
DUI Charges and Other Issues
Our Canadian Immigration and Visitor regulations restrict persons with convictions that would be considered criminal charges in Canada to enter Canada. If you have had a DUI (driving under the influence) charge against you, any time in the near or far past, and if it shows up on your records in the US (which can be accessed by our Customs & Immigration officers through co-operative agreements between the US and Canada) then you may be denied entry to Canada. Random checks are common.
A one-time application can be made at the Canadian border for approximately $250 Cdn., taking up to 4 hours to complete, or a permanent application for visitor entry can be made through the Canadian Embassies in the US for a lesser amount ($35 Cdn.); however, this process can take up to 16 months. Some visitors with such convictions have been successful by pre-arranging their border crossing application and carrying letters from their home police force, clergy, etc. indicating their compliance with the rules over the past few years (at least 5 years). We suggest you communicate with a Canadian Immigration office prior to your planned trip if you have such a past charge.
DO NOT BRING OPEN ALCOHOL IN THE BOAT or DRIVE THE BOAT WITH ALCOHOL IN YOUR SYSTEM
Ontario has the most strict alcohol laws in North America. If you are driving the boat and you are over .08% or have open alcohol in the boat, you will be arrested. It’s a minimum $600 fine, 10-year criminal record and a lifetime offender registration. Your driver’s license will be taken away (right then and there) for 15 months automatically. Other states and provinces will honor these charges.
Between .05% and .08% is a 3-day license suspension and a $150 fine. ZERO ALCOHOL IN YOUR BOAT OR IN YOUR BLOOD !!!!
A police officer from the Ontario Provincial Police and a game warden from the Ministry of Natural Resources do fly into remote lakes and taxi right up to your boat to check for any illegal activity whether it’s drinking in the boat or being over your fish limits. These guys are very very serious and do not show any compassion. You have been warned.
Please read the fishing regulations carefully.
Lets all have tons of fun, catch lots of fish but save your drinking for around the campfire.