Detroit River Family Fishing Day Returns to Celebrate Thriving Fish Communities

The Detroit River Family Fishing Day returns on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Queen’s Dock Park in Windsor. This free, family-friendly event coincides with Ontario’s Family Fishing Week, meaning Canadian residents can fish without a license.

“Family Fishing Day is the perfect chance to discover the joy of fishing on the Detroit River,” says Madison Dugdale, Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Remedial Action Plan Coordinator. “Join expert anglers to learn new skills, explore the river’s unique ecosystem, and experience this special event on a pier dedicated to honouring local Indigenous culture and history.”

This event will be the first fishing event to be hosted at the new Bezhigoyaak Cultural Pier, at the foot of Mill Street on the Detroit River shoreline. This new feature along the Detroit River was opened in May 2026 by the Windsor Port Authority and designed in collaboration with Caldwell First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation. The $2.5-million pier was funded largely through the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Fund, the steel was donated by Atlas Tube, with work from several organizations, including students from St. Clair College, who helped to pour concrete and install rebar.

The family friendly fishing event offers a variety of engaging activities and resources for all ages:

• Free Gear & Bait: Borrow fishing rods, reels, and bait on-site at no cost, or bring your own equipment. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) will be available for youth under 18.
• Expert Anglers: Experienced anglers from Just Fishin’ Friends will be stationed at the new fishing pier to share tips, techniques, and support for participants of all skill levels.
• Educational Exhibits: Explore interactive booths focused on river health, local fish species, and the Detroit River ecosystem.

What to Bring:

• Reusable water bottle and snacks
• Folding chairs
• Sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray
• Plenty of patience while waiting for a bite!

All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must sign a waiver on-site. Public washrooms are located near the windmill, and street parking is available in the surrounding neighbourhood.

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Explore Nature and History on Windsor’s Peche Island!

Discover the captivating beauty of Peche Island this summer! The City of Windsor is once again offering both guided and self-guided tours to this hidden gem. 

Discover Peche Island Guided Tour

The Discover Peche Island guided tour is a great way to learn about the history of the island! This two-hour tour allows you to enjoy a relaxing one-hour guided boat tour around the island while learning about its cultural history. The tour then stops for one hour on the island, where there is also a guided leisurely 2-kilometre (1.24-mile) stroll along the island’s trail.

The Discover Peche Island tours start on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and run every Friday and Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. until August 29, 2026. Ticket price is $35 per person.

Peche Island Self-Guided Tours

Peche Island Self-guided Tours are a great opportunity for those who prefer to move at their own pace! Catch a boat ride to the island and explore trails, canals and historic ruins across 86 acres of land.

The Peche Island Self-Guided Tours start on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Tour dates vary and are available on the Peche Island Tours web page, and each tour runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the final return trip to the marina at 2 p.m. (weather permitting). Admission is $13.00 per seat.

All tours depart from Lakeview Park Marina, 9200 Riverside Drive East. You can book either tour by email at CRBC@CityWindsor.ca or call 519-255-1161.

Tips for Your Trip:

• Ensure you come prepared with your photo identification (ID) along with protection against bugs and the sun.
• Bring water bottles to stay hydrated as well as a compact personal bag, such as a purse or backpack.
• Don’t forget your binoculars to enhance your island exploration.
• Please ensure that you carry out whatever you bring in.

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Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with Free Fishing

This Father’s Day weekend, Ontario is inviting families to reel in some fun and enjoy the outdoors together for free. On June 20 and 21, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without purchasing a licence or Outdoors Card.

“Some of the best memories are made out on the water,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Father’s Day weekend is a great chance to cast a line for the first time, or rediscover the joy of it, while getting out to enjoy Ontario’s beautiful outdoors.”

Recreational fishing is a key part of Ontario’s economy, supporting local tourism and jobs in communities across the province. Free fishing opportunities like Father’s Day weekend provide a chance for people to learn more about fishing on Ontario’s lakes and rivers.

If you are fishing for free during the Father’s Day weekend, all conservation licence catch and size limits, fishing sanctuaries and other fishing regulations still apply.

Quick Facts

• This weekend marks the third of four free-fishing periods in Ontario this year. The remaining dates are during Family Fishing Week (June 27–July 5).
• For beginners, Ontario offers loans of rods and reels for free through the TackleShare program, in‑person Learn to Fish programs as well as an online Learn to Fish Guide to help new anglers get started.
• 1.16 million anglers spend $2.4 billion per year on recreational fishing in Ontario.
• Canadian residents participating in free fishing periods must carry identification issued by the provincial or federal government, showing their name and date of birth.
• Outside of free fishing periods, most people between the ages of 18 and 64 must have an Outdoors Card and a licence to fish. All veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario can enjoy free recreational fishing in the province, whenever and wherever fishing is allowed.
• Ontario fishing licences can be purchased online at HuntAndFishOntario.com. If buying online, always look for the Ontario logo. Licences can also be purchased in person at participating ServiceOntario or authorized licence issuer locations.

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Ontario Opening Nearly 70 New Campsites Ahead of Peak Summer Season

Expansion adds nearly 5,000 new camping nights at three popular Ontario Parks

The Ontario government is opening 67 new campsites at three of the province’s most iconic and in-demand provincial parks. This summer, MacGregor Point, Killarney and Driftwood Provincial Parks will offer nearly 5,000 new reservable camping nights just in time for peak camping season as part of the first phase of a nearly $60 million, multi-year investment to deliver the largest campground expansion Ontario has seen in more than 50 years.

“Camping is at the heart of summer for so many families across this province, and an Ontario Parks getaway is second to none. By opening 67 new sites – with hundreds more to come – we are creating more opportunities for families to enjoy Ontario’s incredible outdoors, supporting local businesses and helping people create lifelong memories to share with loved ones.” – Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

Reservations for the new campsites open on June 15, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time for arrivals beginning June 26, 2026, through the Ontario Parks Reservation Service at the following parks:

• MacGregor Point Provincial Park: 17 new campsites
• Killarney Provincial Park: 25 new campsites
• Driftwood Provincial Park: 25 new electrical campsites

Ontario Parks welcomed a record nearly 14 million park visits in 2025, reflecting the rapidly growing demand for outdoor recreation across the province. The new campsites will make it easier for more families and visitors to experience Ontario Parks while boosting domestic and international tourism that supports local businesses and jobs.

The new campsites are part of Ontario Parks’ broader $60 million campsite expansion and modernization efforts to add up to 300 new campsites and upgrade 800 campsites with electrical service. This includes the creation of 65 new campsites at Bon Echo and Presqu’ile Provincial Parks that will be available for 2027 summer season.

Ontario Parks has already completed electrical upgrades at 285 campsites across several provincial parks, including Sandbanks, Arrowhead and Turkey Point. These upgraded sites are currently available for reservation, with arrival dates varying by park and site.

As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is expanding access to outdoor recreation, strengthening local tourism economies and ensuring families can continue enjoying Ontario’s world-class parks and natural spaces for generations to come.

Quick Facts

• Collectively, these new sites will add 4,891 reservable camping nights between June 26 and Labour Day, increasing opportunities for Ontario families to enjoy the outdoors this summer.
• Over the life of the investment, Ontario Parks will create approximately 300 new campsites and electrify 800 existing sites, representing the largest campground expansion in more than 50 years.
• Since 2018, the province has invested more than $161 million in infrastructure upgrades across Ontario Parks.
• With almost 14 million visits in 2025, Ontario Parks is the largest provider of outdoor recreational opportunities in the province.
• Park visitors play a key role in Ontario’s tourism economy, generating spin-off benefits for nearby communities through local dining, shopping and attractions.

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Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend with Free Fishing – Fish for free across Ontario from May 9 to 10

This Mother’s Day weekend, Ontario is offering families a chance to cast a line and enjoy the outdoors together for free. From May 9 to 10, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without purchasing a licence or Outdoors Card.

“Fishing is a great way for families to make unforgettable memories while enjoying the outdoors. Free fishing weekends are an opportunity to check out Ontario’s top‑notch fishing and take part in a timeless tradition that brings people together right across the province.” – Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources

Recreational fishing is a key part of Ontario’s economy, supporting local tourism and jobs in communities across the province. Free fishing opportunities like Mother’s Day weekend provide a chance for people to learn more about fishing on Ontario’s lakes and rivers.

If you are fishing for free during the Mother’s Day weekend, all conservation licence catch and size limits, sanctuaries and all other fishing regulations still apply.

Quick Facts

• This weekend marks the second of four free-fishing periods in Ontario this year. The remaining dates are Father’s Day Weekend (June 20–21) and Family Fishing Week (June 27–July 5).
• For beginners, Ontario offers loans of rods and reels for free through the TackleShare program, as well as an online Learn to Fish Guide to help new anglers get started until in‑person Learn to Fish programs begin in June.
• 1.3 million licensed anglers spend $2.4 billion per year on recreational fishing in Ontario.
• Canadian residents participating in free fishing periods must carry identification issued by the provincial or federal government, showing their name and date of birth.
• Outside of free fishing periods, most people between the ages of 18 and 64 must have an Outdoors Card and a licence to fish. All veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario can enjoy free recreational fishing in the province, whenever and wherever fishing is allowed.
• Ontario fishing licences can be purchased online at HuntAndFishOntario.com. If buying online, always look for the Ontario logo. Licences can also be purchased in person at participating ServiceOntario or authorized licence issuer locations.

The post Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend with Free Fishing appeared first on In Play! magazine.