The best family fishing festivals in Quebec: the Fishing Festival (free, no license for residents), the Provincial Fishing Games for ages 12-16 and the "Pêche en herbe" introductory days. Why to start as a family and how to take part.
Fishing is one of the finest activities to share as a family in Quebec, and several festivals and introductory days make that first cast easy, free and stress-free. You don't need to be an expert: these events are built to welcome beginners, lend gear and guide children step by step. For an overview of every date on the calendar, see our guide to tournaments and events.
In this article we cover the three big family highlights: the Fishing Festival, the FÉDÉCP Provincial Fishing Games for youth, and the "Pêche en herbe" introductory days. You'll learn why they're perfect for starting out and, above all, how to take part.
The Fishing Festival: a weekend to try it all
The Fishing Festival takes place every year on the first full weekend of June (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). It's the ideal time to introduce the whole family because, during those three days, Quebec residents can fish without a license — an official exception provided by the government. The usual regulations (catch limits, sizes, zones) still apply.
Across the province, organizations, parks, outfitters and associations run free introductory activities: loaner rods, demonstrations, stocked waters to maximize bites, and guidance from monitors. It's often the very first time a child feels a fish on the line, and that early success makes them want to do it again.
Because everything is provided and supervised, the Fishing Festival is the perfect occasion for parents who have never fished themselves. There's nothing to buy or prepare: just find an activity near you and show up. Many sites welcome families without a reservation.
The Provincial Fishing Games: for youth aged 12 to 16
Organized by the FÉDÉCP (Quebec Federation of Hunters and Anglers), the Provincial Fishing Games are aimed at young people aged 12 to 16. It's a gathering focused on learning, safety and fun, where participants sharpen their techniques, discover different fishing methods and meet other young enthusiasts.
The spirit is educational before competitive: youth learn to rig a line, identify species, handle a fish with respect and practice responsible fishing. For a family whose teen is already hooked on fishing, it's a great way to take the next step and meet a welcoming community. Ask the FÉDÉCP or your regional association about this year's registration details.
"Pêche en herbe": introducing younger children
The "Pêche en herbe" program, also run by the FÉDÉCP and its partners, offers introductory days for children, usually around ages 9 to 12. Each child learns the basics — safety, respect for the resource, simple techniques — and often leaves with a "Pêche en herbe" certificate that lets them fish legally up to a certain age.
These days take place in a safe, playful setting with gear provided and qualified monitors. It's the ideal warm-up before a first real family outing. To extend the experience at home, discover our family fishing guide, packed with kid-friendly tips, and check the next dates for the Fishing Festival and events.
Why these events are perfect for beginners
These gatherings remove every classic beginner obstacle:
- No cost for the Fishing Festival and the gear loaned on site.
- No license required for residents during the Fishing Festival.
- Guidance from monitors who demonstrate every move.
- Waters chosen so fish bite, which keeps kids motivated.
- A safe setting where good practices are learned from the start.
In a few hours, a family goes from "we know nothing" to "we caught our first fish together" — a lasting memory that often sparks a lifelong passion.
How to take part
- Spot the date: the Fishing Festival falls on the first weekend of June; "Pêche en herbe" days and the Games run mostly from late spring through summer.
- Find an activity near you through the government's events portal, the FÉDÉCP or regional associations.
- Check whether you need to register: many sites are drop-in, others require sign-up.
- Show up with the kids — gear and supervision are provided in most cases.
Remember that even outside these days, the license is free for those under 18 under the supervision of a licensed adult. And to go further in your discovery of Quebec fishing, dive into our complete guide.