When winter covers Quebec’s lakes and rivers with a thick layer of ice, it’s the signal to experience one of the most authentic traditions in la Belle Province: ice fishing. This activity, inherited from First Nations, invites you to tease trout, walleye or pike in a stunning winter landscape.
Where can you go ice fishing in Quebec? What are the best spots for 2026?
Here’s a practical guide to help you perfectly plan your ice fishing adventure during your next winter trip to Quebec.
Top 5 Best Places to Experience Ice Fishing in Quebec in 2026
To help you quickly choose your ideal spot, here’s an overview of the must-visit places to discover ice fishing this winter, before we dive into the details below.
- Les petits poissons des chenaux – Ste-Anne-de-la-Pérade (Mauricie): The most famous ice village in Quebec. A unique festive atmosphere and ice fishing for Atlantic tomcod.
- Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc – St-Alexis-des-Monts (Mauricie): A spot where the fish are almost always biting, with beautiful rainbow trout that can put up a good fight.
- Auberge du Lac Taureau – St-Michel-des-Saints (Lanaudière): A spectacular setting to try ice fishing without a license, perfect for families.
- Pourvoirie Domaine Bazinet – Ste-Émélie-de-l’Énergie (Lanaudière): Six lakes accessible by car, heated fishing huts and a warm atmosphere in the heart of winter.
- Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire – St-Alexis-des-Monts (Mauricie): An enchanting lakeside setting, turnkey service and a renowned chef’s cuisine to enjoy your fresh catch.
Here are the detailed sites to help you choose the winter experience that fits you best.
1. Auberge du Lac Taureau (Lanaudière)
Auberge du Lac Taureau offers an authentic ice fishing experience that’s accessible to everyone. It’s a perfect family activity where you can enjoy the bright winter sun while fishing for trout on the frozen pond right in front of the inn. The activity staff will gladly teach you the basics of ice fishing. With tip-ups and bait provided, you’ll have everything you need for a successful outing. No fishing license is required for this activity, making it an ideal introduction to the joys of a Quebec winter.
Authentic Quebec tip:
After your time out on the ice, take a moment to savor the house-smoked trout. It’s prepared right in the inn’s smoker and feels like a little ritual that’s truly part of the experience. Then treat yourself to the other activities on site. There are 23 kilometers of snowshoe trails, cross-country skiing, skating and even snowmobiling if you want to add a touch of adventure to your winter day.
2. Domaine du Lac St-Pierre
Ideally located between Montreal and Quebec City, Domaine du Lac St-Pierre offers an exceptional ice fishing experience on the St. Lawrence River. This outfitter provides full-service packages with heated cabins, pre-drilled holes, fishing lines and bait included for a successful day on the ice.
One particularly appreciated perk: you can drive your car directly onto the ice, which makes access to the fishing areas much easier. The site features well-equipped fishing cabins where you can warm up between catches. Each package includes lake access, one cabin, ten holes, ten fishing lines, a bag of firewood and a dozen bait to get your adventure started.
Authentic Quebec tip:
To round out your winter stay, Domaine du Lac St-Pierre also offers dog sledding excursions. It’s a beautiful way to discover this area, recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, with its unique landscapes between the St. Lawrence River and protected nature.
3. Pourvoirie Domaine Bazinet (Lanaudière)
Nestled in the heart of Lanaudière in Ste-Émélie-de-l’Énergie, Pourvoirie Domaine Bazinet welcomes you in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere to experience truly authentic ice fishing. This Quebec outfitter invites you to fish for brook trout directly on its frozen lakes, in an exceptional natural setting just an hour and twenty minutes from Montreal.
The staff will be happy to set you up with all the fishing gear you need: drilled holes in the ice, fishing lines and bait. You can enjoy heated fishing cabins to warm up between catches, making the activity accessible even for those who are sensitive to the cold.
The advantage of Domaine Bazinet? You can fish year-round on their six lakes accessible by car, all stocked with brook and rainbow trout. The 1,800-foot elevation ensures excellent fishing conditions even during the coldest periods.
Authentic Quebec tip:
If you can stay a little longer, take advantage of Domaine Bazinet’s winter activities. The snowshoe trails and illuminated skating rink in the evening create a soft, peaceful atmosphere you only find in the middle of nature. Snow tubing and the small farm add a playful touch, especially for families. And to fully live the experience, spending the night in a lakeside cabin or at the mountain inn really lets you taste winter in Lanaudière at its best.
4. Auberge du Lac-à-l'Eau-Claire (Mauricie)
Located in St-Alexis-des-Monts, Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire offers an outstanding ice fishing experience on its beautiful private lake.
The experienced staff is happy to provide all the necessary fishing gear: tip-ups, worms and license included. You can try for some beautiful trout directly on the frozen lake, in a breathtaking setting surrounded by snow-covered forests and rolling hills.
One of Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire’s major advantages is its full-service activity center, which provides all the equipment and even takes care of cleaning your catch. All you have to do is focus on the pleasure of fishing in this enchanting setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
After your ice fishing session, you can enjoy your freshly caught trout prepared by the inn’s chef, known for his trout specialties served in a dozen different ways. It’s a real treat and the perfect way to cap off your day on the ice.
Authentic Quebec tip:
Make sure you leave some time to enjoy the other activities on site. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and dog sledding immerse you in the kind of Quebec winter locals actually live. And after a full day outdoors, nothing beats a break at the aquatic center. The pool with its view of the frozen lake, the saunas and the hot tubs are the perfect combo to recharge before your next adventure.
5. Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc (Mauricie)
Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc offers family-friendly ice fishing days in a remarkable natural setting in the heart of the Mauricie region.
Here, the fish are biting almost nonstop. The outfitter invites you to fish for brook trout directly on its frozen lakes, in a friendly atmosphere accessible to all levels. The experienced staff takes care of drilling the holes in the ice and providing all the necessary gear for a successful session.
One of Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc’s strongest assets is the famous Lac Roche, where you can catch rainbow trout weighing between 3 and 5 pounds, an experience that will delight anglers looking for a bit more excitement. The guided activities even include a tasting of the fish you catch, prepared according to traditional Quebec recipes.
For accommodation, you can choose between 12 spacious, fully equipped cabins or the country-style inn with its renowned restaurant. Chef Charles Pellerin serves local cuisine that showcases regional products, including the famous smoked trout chowder the establishment is known for.
Authentic Quebec tip:
After your ice fishing session, take a moment to relax at the aquatic center. The pool and hot tub feel amazing after a few hours out on the ice. If you still have some energy, try the outfitter’s winter activities. Dog sledding or snowshoeing with a trapper guide let you experience winter in Mauricie in a truly authentic way.
6. Les petits poissons des chenaux (Mauricie)
Located in Ste-Anne-de-la-Pérade, Les petits poissons des chenaux is one of the most iconic places to discover ice fishing in Quebec.
Every winter, a true village on ice takes shape on the Sainte-Anne River: a long row of heated cabins where people come to fish Atlantic tomcod. In addition to ice fishing, the site offers many winter activities: skating rinks, mini-golf, inflatable games, tramway rides on the ice, face painting for kids and tastings of tomcod. There’s plenty to keep both children and adults happy for a full day of outdoor fun.
Authentic Quebec tip:
If you want to make the most of the experience, take the time to check the festival dates on the official website. It’s truly the best time to visit Ste-Anne-de-la-Pérade. The river turns into a full-on winter festival, with music, entertainment and that warm atmosphere that has made Les petits poissons des chenaux so famous.
7. Centre de pêche de la Pêcheresse (Mauricie)
Located in Yamachiche on the shores of Lac St-Pierre, Centre de pêche La Pêcheresse offers a genuine ice fishing experience.
Lac Saint-Pierre has an exceptional diversity of fish, with no fewer than 79 different species recorded, representing 68% of all freshwater species found in Quebec. You can try your luck with walleye, pike, perch, muskellunge and many other species that will delight anglers of all levels.
The center stands out for its personalized guiding service, which helps you find the best fishing spots on the lake. The experienced staff will gladly provide all the gear you need and share their tips to maximize your chances of success.
Perfect for families, the site also offers extra activities like a snow slide and inflatable games that kids absolutely love.
Our Best Tips for Ice Fishing in Quebec
- Always check local regulations before you head out, as each zone has its own quotas and open seasons.
- Make sure the ice is at least 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) thick to safely walk on the frozen lake or river.
- Use a short ice fishing rod or tip-up, which is easier to handle than traditional rods.
- Focus on brook trout and Atlantic tomcod, which are especially active during the winter season.
- Use natural bait such as worms or small minnows, or brightly colored lures to attract fish.
- Dress in layers and bring hot drinks in a thermos to keep your body temperature up.
- Choose recognized sites like established outfitters that specialize in ice fishing.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Ice Fishing Trip
Where can you go ice fishing in Quebec?
Quebec is full of exceptional places for ice fishing, from Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade and its famous “petits poissons des chenaux” to northern villages like Saint-Fulgence in the Saguenay region. You’ll find a variety of experiences, including the Village Nordik in Quebec City’s port area for a more urban introduction to ice fishing. You can also check the list of outfitters that are members of the Mauricie and Lanaudière outfitter associations, as well as the Quebec Outfitters Federation.
What is the best time of year to go ice fishing in Quebec?
The ice fishing season generally runs from January to March, when the ice reaches a safe thickness on lakes and rivers. February and March often offer the best conditions, with stable ice and more active fish. In some regions you can start as early as late December, but always check the ice thickness before heading out on frozen bodies of water.
How thick does the ice need to be for ice fishing?
To safely go ice fishing, you need a minimum of 10 cm (4 inches) of clear blue ice. All outfitters and companies offering ice fishing regularly check these conditions before each outing, as white ice requires a minimum of 15 cm (6 inches). Outfitters measure the thickness frequently to ensure your safety on their fishing territories.
What gear do you need to start ice fishing?
Start simple with a tip-up (a line attached to a small wooden or plastic support) and bait such as worms or small fish. You’ll also need an ice auger to drill through the ice and a skimmer to remove ice chips from the hole. Many centers offer complete gear rental, so you can try the activity without having to invest in equipment right away.
Do you need a special license for ice fishing?
Yes, you must have a valid Quebec sport fishing license to go ice fishing, which you can easily purchase online through the provincial hunting and fishing portal. You can also often buy a license directly at outfitters and in some convenience stores, but always double-check this information when booking.
What fish can you catch in Quebec in winter?
The Quebec winter offers a nice variety of species under the ice, with brook trout as the undeniable star, alongside walleye, pike and the famous “petits poissons des chenaux” in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade. You can also try for lake trout in deeper lakes or smelt in some rivers in the Saguenay area.
Conclusion: Experience the Authentic Ice Fishing Tradition in Quebec
Ice fishing in Quebec is much more than just another winter activity. It’s a full immersion into the northern way of life. Whether you’re on a wild lake in Lanaudière, in a cozy outfitter lodge in Mauricie or right in the heart of the legendary ice village of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, each site offers its own discoveries, traditions and precious moments to share.
To get the most out of your adventure, plan your outing according to ice conditions, book early with the most popular outfitters and gear up properly for the sometimes biting cold. With a bit of preparation and a desire to explore differently, you’ll experience one of the most iconic winter pleasures in Quebec.
And if you’ve been searching “ice fishing Quebec” and wondering where to start, these spots are some of the very best places to drop your first line through the ice.
