Canada is an epic destination for spearfishing, offering pristine coastal waters, abundant fish, and incredible underwater scenery. From British Columbia’s Pacific coastlines to the Atlantic waters of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, spearfishers can target salmon, halibut, cod, lingcod, and more. This guide highlights the 25 best spearfishing destinations in Canada for 2026, with details on why they’re worth visiting, safety tips, types of fish, and adventure opportunities.
1. Vancouver, British Columbia
Why Go: Vancouver offers access to deep Pacific waters ideal for spearfishing salmon, halibut, and lingcod. Its offshore channels and inlets provide clear visibility and diverse underwater terrain, perfect for both beginners and experienced spearfishers. Combine underwater adventure with coastal hiking, wildlife spotting, and world-class marinas for a complete experience.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Downtown Vancouver, West Vancouver
🗓 Best Time: May–October
🌍 Known For: Salmon, halibut, lingcod
🔑 Key Features: Clear offshore waters, rocky reefs, tidal currents
⚠️ Challenges: Cold water; strong currents
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Burrard Inlet, Strait of Georgia, Howe Sound
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, coastal exploration
2. Victoria, British Columbia
Why Go: Victoria’s surrounding waters are perfect for spearfishing salmon and halibut. Rocky reefs, kelp forests, and calm bays make for ideal hunting grounds. Anglers can pair spearfishing with kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring historic harbors, creating a full coastal adventure.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Inner Harbour, Oak Bay
🗓 Best Time: May–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, halibut, lingcod
🔑 Key Features: Kelp forests, rocky reefs, calm inlets
⚠️ Challenges: Seasonal boat traffic; tide-dependent
🎒 Ideal For: All skill levels
🎣 Where to Fish: Juan de Fuca Strait, Saanich Inlet, Gulf Islands
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, kayaking
3. Tofino, British Columbia
Why Go: Tofino’s offshore channels and kelp forests provide ideal habitats for halibut, salmon, and lingcod. The area’s pristine waters and rocky shorelines make spearfishing both challenging and rewarding. Combine fishing with hiking, surfing, and wildlife viewing for a complete Pacific adventure.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Tofino town center, Long Beach area
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Halibut, salmon, lingcod
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, kelp forests, clear waters
⚠️ Challenges: Rough seas possible; cold water
🎒 Ideal For: Intermediate and advanced spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Clayoquot Sound, Barkley Sound, offshore Pacific waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, wildlife spotting
4. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Why Go: Haida Gwaii’s remote archipelago is rich in cod, salmon, and halibut. Clear waters, rocky reefs, and kelp forests create perfect conditions for spearfishing. The combination of adventure, cultural exploration, and wildlife makes it one of Canada’s most immersive spearfishing destinations.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Queen Charlotte, Masset
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, salmon
🔑 Key Features: Remote offshore waters, kelp forests, rocky reefs
⚠️ Challenges: Remote access; ferry required
🎒 Ideal For: Experienced spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Offshore channels, coastal bays, Pacific waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, kayaking, wildlife spotting
5. Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Why Go: Prince Rupert’s fjords, channels, and offshore waters are perfect for salmon, halibut, and lingcod. Its clear channels and abundant marine life make spearfishing both productive and scenic. Pair with whale watching, coastal hiking, and photography for a full outdoor adventure.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Downtown Prince Rupert, local lodges
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, halibut, lingcod
🔑 Key Features: Fjords, offshore channels, abundant marine life
⚠️ Challenges: Strong currents; rough waters
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Skeena River estuary, offshore channels
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, whale watching
6. St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: St. John’s offers Atlantic cod, tuna, and halibut in deep offshore waters. Rocky reefs and kelp beds provide excellent hunting grounds for spearfishers. Combine fishing with iceberg spotting, hiking, and cultural exploration for a full Atlantic adventure.
📍 Location: Newfoundland & Labrador
🏨 Where to Stay: Downtown St. John’s, Quidi Vidi
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, tuna
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, kelp beds, rocky reefs
⚠️ Challenges: Cold waters; rough seas
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Grand Banks, Conception Bay, Trinity Bay
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, iceberg spotting
7. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Why Go: Halifax provides access to cod, mackerel, and tuna in offshore waters. Rocky reefs, kelp forests, and channels make spearfishing productive and scenic. Combine fishing with whale watching, hiking, and exploring historic coastal towns for a complete ocean adventure.
📍 Location: Nova Scotia
🏨 Where to Stay: Downtown Halifax, Dartmouth
🗓 Best Time: June–October
🌍 Known For: Tuna, cod, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore reefs, kelp forests, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Open ocean conditions; weather can change quickly
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Halifax Harbor, Bay of Fundy, offshore Atlantic waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, coastal exploration
8. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Gros Morne’s fjords and offshore channels provide perfect spearfishing for cod, halibut, and mackerel. Clear waters, rocky reefs, and underwater kelp forests make hunting both challenging and rewarding. Anglers can also combine spearfishing with hiking the dramatic Tablelands, kayaking, and wildlife photography for a multi-dimensional adventure.
📍 Location: Newfoundland & Labrador
🏨 Where to Stay: Rocky Harbour, Norris Point
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Fjords, offshore channels, kelp forests
⚠️ Challenges: Weather changes; strong currents
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Bonne Bay, Western Brook Pond inlet, offshore waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, kayaking, coastal hiking
9. Fogo Island, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Fogo Island offers pristine waters for cod, halibut, and Atlantic salmon. Its harbors, offshore channels, and abundant kelp beds make it perfect for spearfishing. Combine fishing with exploring fishing villages, hiking coastal trails, and cultural immersion for a complete maritime adventure.
📍 Location: Newfoundland & Labrador
🏨 Where to Stay: Fogo Island Inn, local guesthouses
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, salmon
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, harbors, kelp forests
⚠️ Challenges: Remote location; rough seas possible
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Atlantic offshore waters, Fogo Island harbors
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, kayaking, cultural tours
10. Bonavista Peninsula, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Bonavista Peninsula provides excellent offshore waters for cod, halibut, and tuna. Rocky coastlines, kelp beds, and offshore channels create ideal spearfishing conditions. Pair fishing with exploring historic villages, lighthouses, and coastal cliffs for a full adventure experience.
📍 Location: Newfoundland & Labrador
🏨 Where to Stay: Bonavista, Trinity
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, tuna
🔑 Key Features: Offshore reefs, kelp forests, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Open ocean conditions; remote location
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Bonavista Bay, Trinity Bay, offshore Atlantic waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, coastal hiking
11. Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick/Nova Scotia
Why Go: The Bay of Fundy’s dramatic tides and deep channels are rich with cod, halibut, and mackerel. Spearfishers benefit from diverse underwater terrain and clear tidal waters. Pair fishing with whale watching, kayaking, and exploring historic lighthouses for a full coastal adventure.
📍 Location: New Brunswick/Nova Scotia
🏨 Where to Stay: Saint John, Digby, Moncton
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Tidal channels, offshore reefs, guided tours
⚠️ Challenges: Strong tides; boating experience recommended
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Fundy waters, Saint John River estuary, Digby Channel
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, kayaking, whale watching
12. Magdalen Islands, Quebec
Why Go: The Magdalen Islands are perfect for tuna, cod, and mackerel spearfishing. Offshore channels and rocky reefs offer clear visibility and abundant fish. Combine underwater adventure with hiking dunes, cycling trails, and exploring island culture for a complete experience.
📍 Location: Quebec
🏨 Where to Stay: Cap-aux-Meules, Havre-Aubert
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Tuna, cod, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore reefs, kelp forests, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Remote access; weather-dependent
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Atlantic channels, Cap-aux-Meules offshore waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, island exploration
13. Saguenay Fjord, Quebec
Why Go: The Saguenay Fjord provides deep channels for salmon and cod spearfishing. Dramatic cliffs and clear fjord waters make it visually stunning. Pair spearfishing with wildlife spotting, kayaking, and fjord hiking for a complete adventure.
📍 Location: Quebec
🏨 Where to Stay: Tadoussac, Saguenay
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, cod, fjord scenery
🔑 Key Features: Deep fjords, kelp forests, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Tides and currents; guided trips recommended
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Saguenay River, St. Lawrence Fjord
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, wildlife spotting
14. Vancouver Island – West Coast, British Columbia
Why Go: The west coast of Vancouver Island is rich in salmon, halibut, and lingcod. Offshore channels, kelp forests, and rocky reefs create excellent spearfishing conditions. Combine fishing with hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing for a full coastal adventure.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Tofino, Ucluelet
🗓 Best Time: May–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, halibut, lingcod
🔑 Key Features: Offshore waters, kelp forests, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Rough offshore waters; weather-dependent
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Clayoquot Sound, Barkley Sound, Pacific channels
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, kayaking, wildlife viewing
15. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Why Go: Haida Gwaii offers cod, halibut, and salmon in offshore channels and kelp forests. Remote islands, abundant marine life, and cultural experiences create a truly immersive spearfishing adventure.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Queen Charlotte, Masset
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, salmon
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, kelp forests, remote islands
⚠️ Challenges: Remote access; ferry required
🎒 Ideal For: Experienced spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Offshore channels, coastal bays, Pacific waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, kayaking, cultural tours
16. Corner Brook Offshore, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Corner Brook provides excellent cod, halibut, and mackerel fishing in deep channels. Offshore reefs, kelp forests, and iceberg sightings create memorable spearfishing experiences. Combine trips with kayaking and coastal hiking for a full Atlantic adventure.
📍 Location: Newfoundland & Labrador
🏨 Where to Stay: Corner Brook downtown, Humber Valley
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, kelp beds, iceberg spotting
⚠️ Challenges: Rough waters; weather-dependent
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Bay of Islands, Humber Arm, Gulf of St. Lawrence
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, kayaking, iceberg spotting
17. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Why Go: PEI’s coastal waters are calm, perfect for spearfishing salmon, mackerel, and haddock. Combine spearfishing with beach exploration, lighthouses, and local villages for a relaxed maritime adventure.
📍 Location: Prince Edward Island
🏨 Where to Stay: Charlottetown, Victoria-by-the-Sea
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, mackerel, haddock
🔑 Key Features: Calm waters, small boat access, guided tours
⚠️ Challenges: Open water trips require experience; limited accommodations
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Hillsborough Bay, Northumberland Strait
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, coastal exploration
18. Halifax Offshore, Nova Scotia
Why Go: Halifax’s Atlantic waters provide tuna, cod, and mackerel. Offshore reefs and kelp forests make spearfishing productive. Pair fishing with whale watching, coastal hiking, and historic town exploration for a complete adventure.
📍 Location: Nova Scotia
🏨 Where to Stay: Downtown Halifax, Dartmouth
🗓 Best Time: June–October
🌍 Known For: Tuna, cod, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore reefs, kelp forests, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Open ocean conditions; weather can change quickly
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Halifax Harbor, Bay of Fundy, offshore Atlantic waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, whale watching, coastal exploration
19. Quebec City Offshore / Gaspé Peninsula
Why Go: The Gulf of St. Lawrence near Quebec City is rich with cod, tuna, and mackerel. Offshore channels and kelp beds provide ideal spearfishing spots. The rugged coastline adds scenic beauty to every dive.
📍 Location: Quebec
🏨 Where to Stay: Quebec City, Gaspé town
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, tuna, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore reefs, kelp forests, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Rough ocean conditions
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Gulf of St. Lawrence, Percé, Forillon National Park
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, coastal exploration
20. Saguenay Fjord – Deep Channels, Quebec
Why Go: Saguenay Fjord provides prime salmon and cod spearfishing in deep fjord channels. Dramatic cliffs and wildlife create a visually stunning adventure.
📍 Location: Quebec
🏨 Where to Stay: Tadoussac, Saguenay
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, cod, fjord scenery
🔑 Key Features: Deep fjords, kelp forests, wildlife
⚠️ Challenges: Strong currents; guided trips recommended
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Saguenay River, St. Lawrence Fjord
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, wildlife spotting
21. Bay of Islands, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Bay of Islands offers cod, halibut, and mackerel in offshore channels. Rocky reefs and kelp forests make spearfishing productive and scenic. Combine with kayaking, coastal hiking, and iceberg spotting for a full Atlantic adventure.
📍 Location: Newfoundland & Labrador
🏨 Where to Stay: Corner Brook, Bay of Islands
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, kelp forests, iceberg sightings
⚠️ Challenges: Rough waters; weather-dependent
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Bay of Islands, Humber Arm, Gulf of St. Lawrence
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, kayaking, iceberg spotting
22. Trinity Bay, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Trinity Bay offers halibut, cod, and mackerel spearfishing. Offshore channels, reefs, and kelp beds create ideal conditions. Combine fishing with coastal hiking, photography, and village exploration for a complete experience.
📍 Location: Newfoundland & Labrador
🏨 Where to Stay: Trinity, Bonavista
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore reefs, kelp forests, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Remote areas; rough seas possible
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Trinity Bay, offshore channels
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, hiking
23. Percé, Quebec
Why Go: Percé is ideal for cod, mackerel, and halibut. Offshore channels, kelp beds, and clear waters make spearfishing productive. Combine with exploring the famous Percé Rock, hiking, and coastal photography for a full adventure.
📍 Location: Quebec
🏨 Where to Stay: Percé, Gaspé
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, reefs, guided tours
⚠️ Challenges: Ocean conditions; guided trips recommended
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Gulf of St. Lawrence, Percé offshore waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, hiking, photography
24. St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Why Go: St. Andrews offers cod, mackerel, and halibut in calm bays and offshore channels. Rocky reefs, kelp beds, and guided charters provide ideal spearfishing conditions. Combine with kayaking, coastal exploration, and cultural sites for a complete adventure.
📍 Location: New Brunswick
🏨 Where to Stay: St. Andrews, Chamcook
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, kelp forests, guided trips
⚠️ Challenges: Open water requires skill
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Bay of Fundy, offshore channels
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, kayaking, sightseeing
25. Digby, Nova Scotia
Why Go: Digby’s waters are rich with cod, mackerel, and halibut. Rocky reefs and kelp beds provide excellent spearfishing conditions. Combine underwater adventure with coastal hiking, whale watching, and seafood exploration for a full Atlantic experience.
📍 Location: Nova Scotia
🏨 Where to Stay: Digby, Bear River
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore reefs, kelp beds, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Open water; weather-dependent
🎒 Ideal For: All spearfishers
🎣 Where to Fish: Bay of Fundy, Digby Channel
🌊 Types of Adventures: Spearfishing, freediving, coastal exploration, whale watching
Conclusion
Canada offers some of the most diverse and scenic spearfishing opportunities in the world. From Pacific salmon and halibut waters in British Columbia to the rich cod and tuna grounds of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, every destination combines productive fishing with adventure, wildlife, and stunning coastal landscapes. By planning trips during peak seasons, using local guides, and exploring nearby activities, spearfishers can experience unforgettable Canadian underwater adventures in 2026.
FAQ
Q1: What are the best spearfishing destinations in Canada?
A: British Columbia’s Vancouver, Tofino, Haida Gwaii, and Atlantic locations like St. John’s, Bay of Fundy, and Fogo Island.
Q2: What species are most common for spearfishing in Canada?
A: Salmon, halibut, lingcod, cod, tuna, mackerel, haddock.
Q3: When is the best season?
A: May–September for most areas; northern waters are best June–August.
Q4: Are guided charters necessary?
A: Highly recommended for safety, local knowledge, and access to productive spots.
Q5: What other activities can be combined with spearfishing?
A: Kayaking, freediving, hiking, whale watching, iceberg spotting, and coastal exploration.
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