Canada is a world-class destination for deep sea fishing, offering coastal waters teeming with salmon, halibut, cod, and more. From the Pacific coastlines of British Columbia to the Atlantic waters of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, anglers can enjoy diverse fishing environments, dramatic landscapes, and expert-guided charters. This guide highlights the 25 best deep sea fishing destinations in Canada for 2026, including information on safety, best time to fish, types of fish, and adventure opportunities.
1. Vancouver, British Columbia
Why Go: Vancouver provides access to some of Canada’s richest Pacific waters. Deep channels, offshore currents, and inlets create perfect habitats for salmon, halibut, and lingcod. Anglers can enjoy trolling, bottom fishing, and offshore charters while taking in the stunning backdrop of coastal mountains and islands. Vancouver combines world-class fishing with city amenities, restaurants, and marinas for a full fishing adventure.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Downtown Vancouver, West Vancouver
🗓 Best Time: May–October
🌍 Known For: Salmon, halibut, lingcod
🔑 Key Features: Deep offshore waters, professional charters, scenic coastline
⚠️ Challenges: Weather can change quickly; advanced bookings recommended
🎒 Ideal For: Beginner and experienced anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Burrard Inlet, Strait of Georgia, Howe Sound
🌊 Types of Adventures: Deep water trolling, bottom fishing, offshore charters, coastal exploration
2. Victoria, British Columbia
Why Go: Victoria is a prime location for salmon and halibut, with deep channels perfect for trolling and offshore charters. Lingcod and rockfish thrive in the area’s offshore waters. Fishing here can be combined with sightseeing, historic harbors, lighthouses, and coastal parks, offering a well-rounded adventure for any angler.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Inner Harbour, Oak Bay
🗓 Best Time: May–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, halibut, lingcod
🔑 Key Features: Protected waters, guided charters, calm channels
⚠️ Challenges: Ocean conditions vary; high season is busy
🎒 Ideal For: All skill levels
🎣 Where to Fish: Juan de Fuca Strait, Saanich Inlet, Gulf Islands channels
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, deep water fishing, guided charters, coastal sightseeing
3. Tofino, British Columbia
Why Go: Tofino is known for salmon, halibut, and bottom fish. Sheltered bays, deep offshore channels, and the Pacific coastline provide excellent conditions for trolling and bottom fishing. Anglers can also enjoy kayaking, wildlife viewing, and coastal hiking, making Tofino a complete adventure fishing destination.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Tofino town center, Long Beach area
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, halibut, lingcod, bottom fish
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, sheltered bays, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Rougher offshore waters; weather can change rapidly
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Clayoquot Sound, Barkley Sound, offshore Pacific waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Deep water trolling, bottom fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing
4. Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Why Go: Prince Rupert is a hotspot for salmon and halibut. Deep fjords and offshore channels offer excellent trolling and bottom fishing. The combination of scenic coastal landscapes, wildlife sightings, and productive fishing waters makes Prince Rupert a must-visit destination for any angler seeking both adventure and abundant catches.
📍 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, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Remote location; ocean conditions can be challenging
🎒 Ideal For: All skill levels
🎣 Where to Fish: Skeena River estuary, offshore channels, coastal inlets
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, bottom fishing, guided wilderness charters
5. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Why Go: Halifax provides access to the rich waters of the Atlantic, including tuna, cod, and mackerel. Offshore channels are ideal for trolling, deep water fishing, and guided charters. Anglers can also combine trips with whale watching, coastal hiking, and exploring historic Nova Scotia towns.
📍 Location: Nova Scotia
🏨 Where to Stay: Downtown Halifax, Dartmouth
🗓 Best Time: June–October
🌍 Known For: Tuna, cod, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, guided charters, scenic coastline
⚠️ Challenges: Open ocean conditions; seasonal availability
🎒 Ideal For: Beginner and experienced anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Halifax Harbor, Bay of Fundy, offshore Atlantic waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Deep water trolling, bottom fishing, coastal exploration
6. St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: St. John’s offers cod, tuna, and halibut fishing in offshore channels and deep waters. Icebergs, seabirds, and rugged Atlantic coastlines create a memorable backdrop for every fishing trip. Guided charters ensure access to the most productive spots, making it perfect for a full deep sea adventure.
📍 Location: Newfoundland & Labrador
🏨 Where to Stay: Downtown St. John’s, Quidi Vidi
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, tuna, halibut
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, iceberg sightings, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Open ocean conditions; rough seas possible
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Grand Banks, Conception Bay, Trinity Bay
🌊 Types of Adventures: Deep water trolling, bottom fishing, coastal exploration
7. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Why Go: PEI’s coastal waters offer salmon, mackerel, and haddock in calm bays and offshore channels. Anglers can combine fishing with exploring lighthouses, coastal trails, and charming fishing villages, creating a well-rounded maritime adventure.
📍 Location: Prince Edward Island
🏨 Where to Stay: Charlottetown downtown, Victoria-by-the-Sea
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, mackerel, haddock
🔑 Key Features: Calm waters, small boat fishing, guided tours
⚠️ Challenges: Open ocean trips require experience; limited accommodations
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Hillsborough Bay, Northumberland Strait
🌊 Types of Adventures: Small boat trolling, guided charters, coastal exploration
8. Quebec City / Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec
Why Go: The Gulf of St. Lawrence is rich with cod, tuna, and mackerel. Offshore channels and coastal inlets allow trolling and guided fishing trips. The Gaspé Peninsula also offers scenic cliffs, lighthouses, and hiking opportunities, making it a complete fishing and adventure destination.
📍 Location: Quebec
🏨 Where to Stay: Quebec City, Gaspé town
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, tuna, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Gulf channels, guided charters, scenic coasts
⚠️ Challenges: Ocean conditions can be rough
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Gulf of St. Lawrence, Percé, Forillon National Park
🌊 Types of Adventures: Deep water trolling, bottom fishing, guided charters, coastal exploration
9. Saguenay Fjord, Quebec
Why Go: The Saguenay Fjord is a stunning location for salmon and cod fishing. Its deep fjord channels are ideal for trolling and guided charters. The dramatic cliffs and wildlife sightings make every fishing trip visually captivating, creating a unique combination of sport fishing and natural beauty.
📍 Location: Quebec
🏨 Where to Stay: Tadoussac, Saguenay
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, cod, fjord scenery
🔑 Key Features: Deep fjords, guided charters, wildlife
⚠️ Challenges: Tides and currents; guided trips recommended
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Saguenay River, St. Lawrence Fjord
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, fjord exploration, wildlife spotting
10. Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Corner Brook’s offshore waters offer cod, halibut, and mackerel. Deep channels and inlets make it ideal for trolling and bottom fishing. Fishing trips can be combined with iceberg spotting, coastal hiking, and photography 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, guided charters, scenic views
⚠️ Challenges: Rough seas; weather-dependent
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Bay of Islands, Humber Arm, Gulf of St. Lawrence
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, bottom fishing, guided charters, iceberg spotting
11. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Gros Morne’s coastal waters offer productive deep sea fishing for cod, halibut, and mackerel. Its fjords and deep bays create perfect habitats for trolling and bottom fishing. Anglers can also combine fishing with hiking the dramatic Tablelands, exploring hidden coves, or photographing the rugged coastline, making it a multi-dimensional adventure destination.
📍 Location: Newfoundland & Labrador
🏨 Where to Stay: Rocky Harbour, Norris Point
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Fjord channels, offshore charters, scenic coastline
⚠️ Challenges: Weather can change quickly; guided trips recommended
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Western Brook Pond inlet, Bonne Bay, offshore Atlantic waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, bottom fishing, fjord exploration, coastal hiking
12. Fogo Island, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Fogo Island is a prime location for cod, halibut, and Atlantic salmon fishing. Its small harbors, offshore channels, and traditional fishing villages make it ideal for both trolling and bottom fishing. Anglers can combine fishing with kayaking, hiking, and exploring local culture 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, guided charters, scenic villages
⚠️ Challenges: Remote location; rough seas possible
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Offshore Atlantic waters, Fogo Island harbors
🌊 Types of Adventures: Deep water trolling, bottom fishing, kayaking, cultural exploration
13. Bonavista Peninsula, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Bonavista Peninsula offers cod, halibut, and tuna in deep offshore waters. Cliffs, coves, and fjord channels provide excellent habitats for both trolling and bottom fishing. Anglers can explore charming historic fishing villages, scenic coastlines, and lighthouses, creating a well-rounded Atlantic fishing experience.
📍 Location: Newfoundland & Labrador
🏨 Where to Stay: Bonavista, Trinity
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, halibut, tuna
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, guided charters, scenic villages
⚠️ Challenges: Weather-dependent; remote location
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Trinity Bay, Bonavista Bay, offshore Atlantic waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, bottom fishing, sightseeing
14. Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick/Nova Scotia
Why Go: The Bay of Fundy is famous for its extreme tides and rich fishing grounds. Cod, mackerel, and halibut thrive in its offshore channels and coastal bays, making it ideal for trolling and bottom fishing. Anglers can complement their trips with whale watching, coastal hikes, and visiting historic lighthouses for a full adventure experience.
📍 Location: New Brunswick/Nova Scotia
🏨 Where to Stay: Saint John, Digby, Moncton
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, mackerel, halibut
🔑 Key Features: Offshore channels, tidal waters, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Strong tides; boating experience recommended
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Fundy waters, Saint John River estuary, Digby Channel
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, bottom fishing, whale watching, coastal exploration
15. Magdalen Islands, Quebec
Why Go: The Magdalen Islands are known for tuna, cod, and mackerel fishing in offshore channels. Their red cliffs, dunes, and scenic beaches make fishing trips visually stunning. Anglers can also enjoy cycling, hiking, and exploring local culture for a complete adventure trip.
📍 Location: Quebec
🏨 Where to Stay: Cap-aux-Meules, Havre-Aubert
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Tuna, cod, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore waters, deep channels, guided charters
⚠️ Challenges: Remote access; weather-dependent
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Atlantic channels, Cap-aux-Meules offshore waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Deep water trolling, guided fishing, island exploration
16. Saguenay Fjord, Quebec
Why Go: The Saguenay Fjord offers productive salmon and cod fishing. Its deep fjord channels and dramatic cliffs make it ideal for trolling and guided charters. Anglers can combine fishing with fjord exploration, wildlife viewing, and hiking for a unique blend of sport and nature.
📍 Location: Quebec
🏨 Where to Stay: Tadoussac, Saguenay
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, cod, fjord scenery
🔑 Key Features: Deep fjords, guided charters, wildlife
⚠️ Challenges: Tides and currents; guided trips recommended
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Saguenay River, St. Lawrence Fjord
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, fjord exploration, wildlife spotting
17. Vancouver Island – West Coast, British Columbia
Why Go: The west coast of Vancouver Island is known for salmon, halibut, and lingcod. Offshore channels and inlets provide ideal trolling and bottom fishing conditions. Anglers can also explore rainforests, beaches, and wildlife, making it a complete coastal adventure.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Tofino, Ucluelet
🗓 Best Time: May–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, halibut, lingcod
🔑 Key Features: Offshore waters, guided charters, coastal scenery
⚠️ Challenges: Rougher offshore waters; weather dependent
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Clayoquot Sound, Barkley Sound, Pacific channels
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, bottom fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing
18. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Why Go: Haida Gwaii provides excellent salmon, halibut, and cod fishing in deep offshore channels. Its remote archipelago combines productive fishing with kayaking, forest hikes, and cultural exploration of Indigenous communities for a truly immersive adventure.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Queen Charlotte, Masset
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, halibut, cod
🔑 Key Features: Offshore waters, guided charters, scenic islands
⚠️ Challenges: Weather and remote access; ferry schedules
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Offshore channels, coastal bays, Pacific waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Deep water trolling, bottom fishing, kayaking, cultural tours
19. Prince Rupert – Offshore, British Columbia
Why Go: Offshore Prince Rupert is rich with halibut, salmon, and lingcod. Deep fjords and channels make for excellent trolling and bottom fishing. Anglers can also enjoy whale and seabird watching along the rugged coastline.
📍 Location: British Columbia
🏨 Where to Stay: Prince Rupert downtown, local lodges
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Halibut, salmon, lingcod
🔑 Key Features: Deep fjords, charter support, wildlife viewing
⚠️ Challenges: Remote location; rough waters possible
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Skeena River estuary, offshore channels
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, bottom fishing, offshore charters
20. Corner Brook Offshore, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Corner Brook offers cod, halibut, and mackerel fishing in deep channels and inlets. Anglers can combine offshore trolling with iceberg spotting, coastal hiking, and photography 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, guided charters, scenic coastlines
⚠️ Challenges: Rough seas; weather-dependent
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Bay of Islands, Humber Arm, Gulf of St. Lawrence
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, bottom fishing, guided charters, iceberg spotting
21. Charlottetown Coastal Waters, Prince Edward Island
Why Go: PEI’s calm offshore waters offer salmon, mackerel, and haddock fishing. Anglers can also explore lighthouses, beaches, and fishing villages for a well-rounded coastal 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 fishing, guided tours
⚠️ Challenges: Open ocean trips require experience; limited accommodations
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Hillsborough Bay, Northumberland Strait
🌊 Types of Adventures: Small boat trolling, guided charters, coastal exploration
22. Halifax Offshore, Nova Scotia
Why Go: Halifax provides access to Atlantic waters teeming with tuna, cod, and mackerel. Offshore trolling, deep channel fishing, and guided charters combine with coastal sightseeing for a complete fishing and adventure experience.
📍 Location: Nova Scotia
🏨 Where to Stay: Downtown Halifax, Dartmouth
🗓 Best Time: June–October
🌍 Known For: Tuna, cod, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Offshore charters, deep channels, scenic Atlantic coast
⚠️ Challenges: Open ocean conditions; weather can change quickly
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Halifax Harbor, Bay of Fundy, offshore Atlantic waters
🌊 Types of Adventures: Deep water trolling, bottom fishing, coastal exploration
23. Quebec City Offshore / Gaspé Peninsula
Why Go: The Gulf of St. Lawrence near Quebec City and the Gaspé Peninsula is rich with cod, tuna, and mackerel. Deep sea channels allow trolling and guided charters, while the rugged coastline and scenic cliffs provide a full adventure experience.
📍 Location: Quebec
🏨 Where to Stay: Quebec City, Gaspé town
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Cod, tuna, mackerel
🔑 Key Features: Gulf channels, guided charters, scenic coasts
⚠️ Challenges: Ocean conditions can be rough; guided trips recommended
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Gulf of St. Lawrence, Percé, Forillon National Park
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, bottom fishing, guided charters, coastal exploration
24. Saguenay Fjord – Deep Channels, Quebec
Why Go: The Saguenay Fjord offers prime salmon and cod fishing in dramatic fjord landscapes. Deep channels allow trolling and guided charters, while cliffs and wildlife enhance the adventure.
📍 Location: Quebec
🏨 Where to Stay: Tadoussac, Saguenay
🗓 Best Time: June–September
🌍 Known For: Salmon, cod, fjord scenery
🔑 Key Features: Deep fjords, guided charters, wildlife
⚠️ Challenges: Tides and currents; guided trips recommended
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Saguenay River, St. Lawrence Fjord
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, fjord exploration, wildlife spotting
25. Bay of Islands – Offshore, Newfoundland & Labrador
Why Go: Bay of Islands is rich in cod, halibut, and mackerel. Offshore channels and deep waters provide excellent trolling and bottom fishing. Fishing trips can be combined with iceberg spotting, kayaking, and coastal hiking for a complete 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, guided charters, scenic coastline
⚠️ Challenges: Rough waters; remote location
🎒 Ideal For: All anglers
🎣 Where to Fish: Bay of Islands, Humber Arm, Gulf of St. Lawrence
🌊 Types of Adventures: Trolling, bottom fishing, kayaking, iceberg spotting
Conclusion
Canada’s deep sea fishing destinations offer some of the most diverse and exciting angling experiences in the world. From the Pacific salmon and halibut waters of British Columbia to the Atlantic cod and tuna grounds of Newfoundland, anglers can combine productive fishing with adventure, hiking, wildlife viewing, and coastal exploration. By planning trips during the ideal season and using local guides, every destination on this list promises unforgettable experiences for all anglers in 2026.
FAQ
Q1: Which destinations are best for deep sea fishing in Canada?
A: Top spots include Vancouver, Tofino, Prince Rupert, Halifax, St. John’s, Saguenay Fjord, and the Magdalen Islands.
Q2: What types of fish can I catch?
A: Common species include salmon, halibut, lingcod, cod, tuna, mackerel, haddock, and bottom fish.
Q3: When is the best time to fish in Canada?
A: May–September is ideal for most destinations; Arctic and northern waters are best June–August.
Q4: Are guided charters recommended?
A: Yes, guided charters provide local expertise, safety, and access to productive fishing spots.
Q5: What other activities can I do alongside fishing?
A: Kayaking, hiking, iceberg spotting, whale watching, photography, and exploring coastal towns add adventure to fishing trips.
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