Family, friends and loved ones of all ages are invited to spend time outdoors and discover the joys of fishing. 

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the annual B.C. Family Fishing Weekend offers a series of events attracting over 10,000 participants across the province during Father鈥檚 Day weekend. 

The Courtenay and District Fish & Game Protective Association will be hosting this year鈥檚 admission-free celebration in the Valley. The organization welcomes everyone on June 15-16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 3780 Colake Rd.

For this year鈥檚 event, the pond has been stocked with a trout donation from the BC Freshwater Fisheries Society. 

During the weekend, licence requirements for both fresh and saltwater fishing are waived to make the events accessible to as many people as possible.

鈥淲e now are seeing people who attended Family Fishing Weekend events as children bringing their own children to the events,鈥� said Jessica Greinke, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC co-ordinator. 鈥淚t鈥檚 become an annual tradition for many families and鈥� we hope to see many more generations coming to (this year鈥檚 event.)鈥�

On-site volunteers will be available to offer assistance, fishing gear, and bait to those in need.  

Free hot dogs and refreshments will be provided to hungry anglers on Saturday (June 15), from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dogs are not permitted, as the activities around the pond will involve children. 

Other events will be held across the Island for the weekend-long celebration, including in Ladysmith, Duncan, Cowichan, Gold River, and Shawnigan Lake.

While Canadian residents are permitted to fish licence-free from June 14-16, some requirements remain in effect. Details are posted on the BC Family Fishing website and the Fisheries and Oceans website.

For more details about the event visit held in the Comox Valley, visit

For more information about the B.C. Family Fishing Weekend, visit