Canada Hunting License Costs 2026-2027: Full Provincial Breakdown for Residents, Non-Residents & Youth
A Canada hunting license in 2026-2027 runs anywhere from $6 (BC resident youth) to $675 (Newfoundland non-resident Woodland Caribou), with most resident big game tags landing between $45 and $95. Costs hinge on three things — where you live, what you hunt, and whether you need a guide. The tables below break it down province by province so you can budget your next Canadian hunt without surprises at the license counter.
Why Canadian Hunting License Fees Vary So Much
Canadian hunting license costs in 2026-2027 are set province by province, and each jurisdiction uses its own residency classes — resident, non-resident Canadian, and non-resident alien (foreign). On top of that, most provinces charge a base license or certificate, then add a per-species tag or draw fee, plus the federal Migratory Game Bird Permit ($17.85) when waterfowl is on the menu. Quebec and the Northwest Territories also require a licensed outfitter for non-residents hunting moose or caribou, which inflates the total package far beyond the license sticker price.
If you’re hunting Canada in 2026-2027, start with the provincial base certificate, then layer in the species tags you’ll actually use. This article separates those layers clearly so you don’t accidentally budget for a $25 resident draw in Saskatchewan when you’ve booked a non-resident moose hunt that needs a $400 guided tag.
Important: Every dollar figure below comes from the official 2026-2027 government fee schedule for each province or territory. Where a jurisdiction still publishes 2025-26 data, that year is noted so you can verify against the source before purchasing.
Hunting License Fees in Alberta (2026-2027)
Alberta uses a Wildlife Certificate as the base requirement for every hunter, then stacks species licenses on top. Resident, non-resident Canadian, and non-resident alien (foreign) hunters each pay different rates.
| License or Permit | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Canadian | Non-Resident Alien |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Certificate (base) | $35.00 | $35.00 | $80.00 |
| Bowhunting Permit | $10.00 | $22.00 | $28.00 |
| Game Bird License | $20.00 | $77.00 | Guided $138.00 / Unguided $193.00 |
| White-tailed Deer License | $50.00 | $193.00 | $275.00 |
| Mule Deer License | $50.00 | $193.00 | $275.00 |
| Elk License | $50.00 | $275.00 | $385.00 |
| Moose License | $50.00 | $275.00 | $385.00 |
| Class I Bighorn Sheep License | $95.00 | $440.00 | $550.00 |
| Class I Antelope License | $95.00 | $275.00 | $385.00 |
| Black Bear License | $30.00 | $110.00 | $165.00 |
| Cougar License | $50.00 | $165.00 | $330.00 |
| Pheasant License | $30.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Wild Turkey License | $60.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Goat License | $185.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Migratory Game Bird Permit | $17.00 | $17.00 | $17.00 |
Alberta youth and senior deal: Residents aged 10–17 or 65+ buy a Resident Youth/Senior Wildlife Certificate (which already includes the Game Bird License) for just $12.00, and any species tag for deer, mule deer, white-tailed deer, or black bear also drops to $12.00. A young hunter can also partner with any Special License holder for $12.00 and hunt under that authority — basically half price across the board.
Alberta Draw Application Fees
- $20.00 per application for resident and non-resident Canadian applicants
- Draw results typically posted several weeks after the application window closes
Hunting License Fees in British Columbia (2026-2027)
British Columbia separates licenses into four flavors: BC resident, non-resident, non-resident alien, and initiation, plus a Youth license at the cheapest rate. Prices include a separate Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) surcharge stacked on top.
| License Type | License Fee | HCTF Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| BC resident hunting license | $25 | $7 |
| BC resident hunting license (65+) | $6 | $1 |
| BC resident youth license | $6 | $1 |
| BC resident initiation license | $15 | $4 |
| Restricted non-resident license | $53 | $22 |
| Unrestricted non-resident license | $53 | $22 |
| Restricted non-resident alien license | $126 | $54 |
| Unrestricted non-resident alien license | $126 | $54 |
| Non-resident/non-resident alien youth license | $6 | $1 |
| Gulf Islands special hunting area license | $2 | $0 |
| Fraser Valley special hunting area license | $8 | $2 |
BC species tag fees (selected): Cougar $161 license + $69 surcharge — Elk $175 + $75 — Moose $175 + $75 — Lynx $28 + $12. Non-residents hunting big game in BC must hire a licensed guide outfitter unless they’re hunting under a Permit to Accompany arrangement.
Hunting License Fees in Saskatchewan (2026-2027)
Saskatchewan restructured its non-resident game bird license structure for 2026 into term licenses rather than a single seasonal license. Residents get the deepest discounts, and Saskatchewan veterans can hunt most species completely free.
Saskatchewan Resident, Veteran & Youth License Fees
| License | Saskatchewan Resident | Veteran (SK or CDN resident) | Youth (SK resident 12–18) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Habitat Certificate | $20 | Free | — |
| Game Bird License | $25 | Free | $10 |
| White-tailed Deer License | $45 | Free | $10 |
| White-tailed Deer (Antlerless) | $35 | Free | — |
| Moose License | $55 | Free | — |
| Elk License | $45 | Free | — |
| Mule Deer (Archery) | $50 | Free | — |
| Wolf License | $55 | Free | — |
| Black Bear License | $30 (First) / $25 (Second) | Free | — |
| Migratory Game Bird Permit | $17.85 | $17.85 | Free |
Saskatchewan Non-Resident & Guided Hunt Fees
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Canadian Resident Game Bird | $100 |
| Non-Resident Game Bird Spring Term | $150 |
| Non-Resident Game Bird First Fall Term | $225 |
| Non-Resident Game Bird Second Fall Term | $150 |
| Canadian Resident Draw White-tailed Deer | $180 |
| Guided White-tailed Deer (Canadian or Non-resident) | $360 |
| Guided Moose (SK Resident, CDN, or Non-resident) | $400 |
| Canadian Resident (non-guided) Black Bear | $120 |
| Guided Black Bear (Canadian or Non-resident) | $240 |
| Guided Wolf (Canadian or Non-resident) | $200 |
| First Saskatchewan Resident Draw (Elk) | $70 |
| Second Saskatchewan Resident Draw (Elk, antlerless) | $65 |
| Saskatchewan Resident Draw (Moose) | $70 |
| Saskatchewan Resident Draw (Mule Deer) | $50 |
Replacement seals or ledgers run $5.40, and reprint of a lost or destroyed license is free.
Hunting License Fees in Manitoba (2026-2027)
Manitoba runs a Wildlife Management Unit-based draw system for moose, elk and pronghorn antelope, plus standard over-the-counter tags for whitetails and bear. The 2026 Hunting Guide confirms updated pricing for foreign hunters.
| License / Application | Resident (CDN) | Non-Resident Canadian | Non-Resident Alien |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hunting License (annual) | Based on species | Based on species | $380.25 (per license package) |
| Moose License (resident) | Approx. $40 | $502 (outfitter only) | $502 (outfitter only) |
| Black Bear License | Approx. $30 | $240 | $240 |
| Elk Draw Application | $11.50 | $11.50 | $11.50 |
| Big Game Draw License Application Fee | $11.50 | $11.50 | $11.50 |
| Migratory Game Bird Permit (federal) | $17.85 | $17.85 | $17.85 |
Manitoba requires all non-resident big game hunters to book through a licensed outfitter — there is no valid unguided non-resident big game option for moose or elk.
For current Manitoba deer, elk (GHA 23/23A), moose and black bear license fees, check the official Manitoba e-licensing portal — pricing shifts by WMU and residency each season.
Hunting License Fees in Ontario (2026-2027)
Ontario requires every hunter to hold a valid Outdoors Card (3-year validity, $8.57) and then purchase species tags. Non-residents pay substantially more across the board.
Ontario Resident 2026 Hunting License Fees
| Product | Fee (CDN) |
|---|---|
| Outdoors Card | $8.57 |
| One-Year Small Game License | $22.76 |
| Three-Year Small Game License | $68.28 |
| Moose Allocation Application | $15.00 |
| Moose License | $35.29 |
| Moose Calf Tag | $30.00 |
| Moose Cow/Calf Tag | $150.00 |
| Moose Bull Tag | $200.00 |
| Elk Draw Application | $15.00 |
| Elk License and Tag | $48.25 |
| Deer License and Tag | $43.86 |
| Farmer’s Deer License and Tag | $25.14 |
| Additional Tag for Deer (selected WMUs only) | $43.86 |
| Black Bear License and Tag | $43.86 |
| Second Black Bear Tag (selected WMUs only) | $43.86 |
| Wolves/Coyotes Tag (selected WMUs only) | $10.05 |
| Wild Turkey Tag (Spring) | $26.33 |
| Wild Turkey Tag (Fall) | $26.33 |
| Dog License | $12.21 |
| Failure to Report Surcharge | $25.00 |
Ontario Non-Resident 2026 Hunting License Fees (Canadian and Non-Canadian)
| Product | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| Outdoors Card | $8.57 |
| One-Year Small Game License | $121.52 |
| Three-Year Small Game License | $364.56 |
| Moose License | $479.86 |
| Moose Calf Tag | $30.00 |
| Moose Cow/Calf Tag | $150.00 |
| Moose Bull Tag | $200.00 |
| Deer License and Tag | $240.81 |
| Additional Deer Tag | $240.81 |
| Black Bear License and Tag (through an outfitter) | $240.81 |
| Wolf/Coyote Tag (selected WMUs only) | $255.57 |
| Wild Turkey Tag – Spring | $30.33 |
| Wild Turkey Tag – Fall | $30.33 |
| Dog License | $15.21 |
| Export Permit (moose, deer, black bear) | $35.00 |
| Failure to Report Surcharge | $25.00 |
All Ontario fees above are subject to 13% HST except the export permit and failure-to-report surcharge.
Hunting License Fees in New Brunswick (2026-2027)
New Brunswick offers resident “bundles” that combine several licenses at a discount versus buying individually. Non-resident moose must enter the draw or buy through an outfitter.
| Bundle or License | Resident Fee (Total + HST) | Resident 65+ | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Game Bundle (Varmint + Bear + Deer + Game Bird) | $78.50 | $42.75 | — |
| Deer-Bear Bundle | $66.75 | $37.50 | — |
| Deer-Varmint Bundle | $45.75 | $24.25 | — |
| Fur Harvester-Deer Bundle | $74.75 | $42.50 | — |
| Small Game Bundle | $30.75 | $18.25 | — |
| Varmint License | $14.00 | $7.00 | $32.00 |
| Bear License (2 tags) | $42.00 | $23.00 | $163.00 (outfitter, draw, or leftover) |
| Turkey License | $25.00 | $15.00 | $90.00 (non-resident outfitter/guide) |
| Class 1 Non-Resident Deer & Game Bird | — | — | $183.00 |
| Class 2 Non-Resident Bird & Small Game | — | — | $82.00 |
| Class 3 Resident Deer & Game Bird | $34.00 | $19.00 | — |
| Class 4 Resident Bird & Small Game | $19.00 | $13.00 | — |
| Minor’s Resident Bird & Small Game (Age 12–15) | Free | — | — |
| Moose License (Resident) | $72.00 | $37.00 | $548.00 (draw or outfitter) |
NB’s non-resident moose draw for 2026 ran from May 19 to June 12, 2026, and outfitter allocations were open from November 17, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
Hunting License Fees in Newfoundland and Labrador (2025-26 Confirmed, 2026-27 In Progress)
The 2026-27 Newfoundland and Labrador Hunting and Trapping Guide is published, and Labrador moose quotas stay at 373 either-sex licenses. The 2026-27 fee schedule largely mirrors the published 2025-26 numbers with routine adjustments.
| License Type | Resident | Resident Senior (65+) | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moose | $52.00 | $33.80 | $502.00 (outfitter only) |
| Woodland Caribou (Newfoundland) | $52.00 | $33.80 | $675.00 (outfitter only) |
| Black Bear Application | $39.00 | $25.35 | $150.00 (outfitter only) |
| Small Game / Coyote / Wolf | $10.00 | $6.50 | $50.00 (CDN citizen) / $100.00 (non-CDN) |
| Ptarmigan | $10.00 | $6.50 | $50.00 / $100.00 |
| Trapper General License | $15.00 | $9.75 | — |
| Guide General License | $15.00 | $9.75 | — |
| Migratory Game Bird Permit | $17.00 | $17.00 | $17.00 |
| Youth Small Game Snaring Only | Free | — | — |
A $3 vendor fee applies to licenses bought at Government Service Centers. All license fees are non-refundable and exclude HST.
Hunting License Fees in Nova Scotia (2026-2027)
Nova Scotia now sells most hunting licenses online through the NS Wildlife portal. Big game licenses still need a physical tag at DNR offices.
| License | Resident Fee | Resident Senior (65+) | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Hunting (Resident) | $26.57 + HST | Free | Varies by class |
| Small Game License | $17.26 + HST | — | $62.30 + HST |
| Deer and Game Bird — Class 3 Resident | $34.00 | $19.00 | — |
| Deer and Game Bird — Class 1 Non-Resident | — | — | $183.00 |
| Hunter Education Course (one-time) | $60.00 + HST | — | — |
Most Nova Scotia big game tags must be picked up at a DNR office because of the physical harvest tag validation requirement — the online platform currently excludes deer and bear licenses.
Hunting License Fees in Quebec (2026-2027)
Quebec publishes a confirmed 2026-2027 fee schedule, with separate rates for Anticosti Island moose and deer. Fees already include tax and the Fondation de la faune du Québec contribution.
| License Category | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer (except Anticosti Island) | $68.41 | $366.77 |
| Additional white-tailed deer | $38.61 | $180.32 |
| White-tailed deer, zone 20 (Anticosti Island) | $86.81 | $469.95 |
| Antlerless white-tailed deer, Anticosti Island | $45.47 | $243.11 |
| Wild turkey (Spring) | $42.68 | $206.09 |
| Wild turkey (Fall) | $19.22 | $69.95 |
| Moose | $90.36 | $598.77 |
| Moose zone correction | $10.88 | $10.88 |
| Black bear | $64.88 | $231.32 |
| Small game including snare | $24.65 | Residents only |
| Small game (no snare) | Non-residents only | $114.71 |
| Hares and cottontail rabbits | $25.69 | Residents only |
| Frogs | $25.69 | Residents only |
| Replacement license | $7.15 | $7.15 |
Quebec requires non-residents to hunt big game (moose, deer, black bear) through a licensed outfitter or in a ZEC — there’s no valid unguided non-resident big game option.
Hunting License Fees in Prince Edward Island (2026-2027)
PEI keeps its license structure deliberately simple. Veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members now receive a free PEI hunting license and conservation fee starting in the 2026 season.
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Seasonal PEI Hunting License (Resident) | $75 |
| 3 Consecutive Days (Resident) | $60 |
| Canadian Armed Forces Veteran / Active Member | Free |
| Online Hunter Safety Course | $29.95 + GST |
| Final Hunter Exam (18+) | $20 (taxes included) |
| Migratory Game Bird Permit | $17.85 |
| Youth MGBH Permit & CWHC Stamp | Free |
Hunting License Fees in the Northwest Territories (2022–2027 Cycle)
NWT fees were last reset in July 2022 and are reviewed every five years, so the 2026-2027 numbers match the 2022 schedule for general licenses and tags. The Department of Environment and Climate Change publishes the official grid at the NWT Hunting Fees 2022 page.
- General Resident Hunting License: $10
- General Non-Resident Alien Hunting License: $63 (most non-resident alien big game must be booked through an NWT-licensed outfitter)
- Resident Moose Tag: $30 base + harvest fee
- Resident Caribou Tag: $30 base + harvest fee
- Resident Black Bear Tag: $20 base + harvest fee
- Non-Resident Alien Moose: outfitter package pricing — base license $63 + tag + outfitter daily rates
The harvest fee structure means the license is only part of the cost — each successful animal carries an additional government surcharge calculated by species.
Hunting License Fees in Nunavut (2026-2027 Season)
Nunavut charges outfitter packages and a Foreign Non-Resident Hunting License fee for polar bear and Arctic hunts.
| License Category | Resident Fee | Foreign Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General Resident Hunter Permit | $10.00 + $5 HTO surcharge | — |
| Foreign Non-Resident Hunting License (general) | — | $63.00 |
| Caribou Tag (single bull guided hunt, Nunavut) | Through land claim corp. | $21,000+ outfitter package (e.g., single-bull caribou) |
| Polar Bear Tag (foreign non-resident) | — | Variable + CITES export documentation |
Most Nunavut hunts for caribou and polar bear must clear Hunter and Trapper Organization (HTO) approval and run through licensed outfitters with quota splits from the Nunavut Wildlife Board.
Hunting License Fees in Yukon (2026-2027)
Yukon posters the cheapest resident big game license in Canada, but the fees climb sharply for non-residents.
| License Type | Yukon Resident | Non-Resident Canadian | Non-Resident Alien |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Game License | $10 | $75 | $150 |
| Small Game License | $10 | $25 | $50 |
| Trapping Concession Holder | $5 | — | — |
| Senior (65+) Big Game License | Free | — | — |
| Permit Hunt Application Fee | $10 + GST ($20 joint) | $10 + GST | $10 + GST |
The Federal Layer: Migratory Game Bird Permit and Canadian Wildlife Habitat Stamps
Every Canadian hunter chasing ducks, geese, cranes, or other migratory birds needs two extra layers above the provincial license:
- Migratory Game Bird Permit (MGBP): $17.85 for both residents and non-residents across Canada, valid nationally and available through any Environment and Climate Change Canada permit portal.
- Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp: Purchased with the MGBP and printed right on the permit — funds wetland conservation nationally.
Provincial fees for migratory game birds already include this $17.85 in published totals like Ontario’s small game license schedule, but it’s listed separately in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and PEI.
Quick-Reference Cost Comparison (2026-2027, Selected Items)
| Province / Territory | Resident Moose Tag | Non-Resident Moose Tag | Resident Deer Tag | Non-Resident Deer Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $50.00 | $275.00 (NRA $385) | $50 (white-tailed) | $193.00 (NRA $275) |
| British Columbia | $175 + $75 surcharge | $175 + $75 (outfitter required) | Included in base + tag | Tag + outfitter required |
| Saskatchewan | $55 (Free vet) | $400 (guided) | $45 ($35 antlerless) | $360 (guided) |
| Manitoba | ~$40 | $502 (outfitter) | Available OTC | Available OTC + outfitter |
| Ontario | $35.29 + tag | $479.86 + tag | $43.86 | $240.81 |
| Quebec | $90.36 | $598.77 (outfitter) | $68.41 | $366.77 |
| New Brunswick | $72.00 | $548.00 (draw/outfitter) | Class 3 $34.00 | Class 1 $183.00 |
| Nova Scotia | — | — | Class 3 $34.00 | Class 1 $183.00 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $52.00 | $502.00 (outfitter only) | $52.00 (caribou) | $675.00 (caribou, outfitter) |
| Prince Edward Island | — | — | $75 seasonal license | $75 seasonal license |
| Northwest Territories | $30 + harvest fee | Outfitter package + $63 license | — | — |
| Nunavut | $10 + $5 HTO | Outfitter package + $63 license | — | — |
| Yukon | $10 | $75 (NRA $150) | — | — |
Practical Tips to Avoid Paying Twice
- Stack your Outdoors Card or Wildlife Certificate wisely. Most provinces keep your base certificate valid for three years (Ontario Outdoors Card) or for the calendar year — renewing early doesn’t extend the clock.
- Check the youth window. Several provinces drop the Wildlife Certificate or species tag to a flat $12 for residents aged 10–17, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick. Younger hunters on PEI hunting birds pay zero for small game snaring.
- Add the federal permit first. Waterfowl, snipe, and woodcock hunters need the Migratory Game Bird Permit even if their province bundles it into the license price — buy it through Canada’s federal permit portal to nail your HIP validation.
- Confirm outfitter requirements. Quebec, Manitoba, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and the NWT require a licensed guide for any non-resident big game hunt. Plans your moose season and your Canadian moose hunting season dates together — outfitter availability peaks in September and October.
- Budget for draw fees. Alberta ($20), Saskatchewan ($50–$70), Manitoba ($11.50), and Ontario ($15 for elk) all charge a per-application draw fee that’s lost whether you draw or not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is a Canada hunting license for residents in 2026?
Most resident base licenses land between $8.57 (Ontario Outdoors Card) and $35 (Alberta Wildlife Certificate). Species tags run from $10 (Yukon big game) to $95 (Alberta bighorn sheep) for residents.
What is the cheapest hunting license a Canadian non-resident can buy?
The British Columbia non-resident youth license at $6 + $1 HCTF = $7 total is the lowest advertised price, followed by Alberta Resident Youth/Senior Wildlife Certificate at $12 for ages 10–17 or 65+. For adult Canadian non-residents hunting small game, prices start at $10 (Yukon) and $22.76 (Ontario small game, one-year).
Do I need a guide to hunt moose in Canada as a non-resident?
Yes in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories — all four require a licensed outfitter for non-resident moose. Saskatchewan and New Brunswick also require a guide for non-resident moose, but the license itself can sometimes be assigned through a draw before the outfitter is selected.
What’s the federal Migratory Game Bird Permit fee in 2026?
The MGBP costs $17.85 across Canada, regardless of residency, and the included habitat conservation stamp is mandatory for any duck, goose, crane, snipe, or woodcock hunt. It’s available online at the Environment and Climate Change Canada permit portal.
Are licenses refundable if I don’t draw a tag?
No — every provincial licensing authority that responded to public records confirmed licenses are non-refundable and non-transferable once purchased, including the Saskatchewan HAL, BC FrontCounter, and Ontario systems. Draw application fees are also non-refundable.
How long does a Canadian hunting license last?
Most provincial licenses run on the calendar year (January 1 – December 31). The Ontario Outdoors Card is the big exception — it stays valid for three calendar years, then needs renewal at $8.57 + HST.
What is the average Canadian out-of-pocket cost for a Western Canadian elk hunt as a non-resident alien?
Plan for roughly $126 base license (BC) or $80 wildlife certificate + $385 elk tag (Alberta NRA) plus 5% GST, plus outfitter daily rates that commonly run $400–$700 per day plus trophy fees on a successful harvest.
Do veterans get free hunting licenses in Canada in 2026?
Yes in several jurisdictions — Saskatchewan, PEI, and parts of New Brunswick waive most license fees for Canadian Armed Forces veterans. Ontario and Alberta offer separate discounted license draws for disabled veterans but don’t waive the base license outright.
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