British Columbia
Hunting and fishing guides in British Columbia
British Columbia packs coast, rainforest, interior plateaus and high mountains into one province. That variety makes it one of the most diverse places in Canada for guided hunting and fishing.
What hunting and fishing look like in BC
Big game hunting in BC often means mountains. Mountain goat and bighorn sheep live in steep, high country, while elk, mule deer, moose and black bear range through the valleys, the interior and the north. Many hunts involve hiking, horses or backpacking into remote basins.
Fishing is just as varied. On the coast and in the big rivers, Pacific salmon draw anglers from around the world. Interior lakes are known for rainbow trout, and the large rivers of the south hold sturgeon, usually fished catch-and-release with a guide who knows the water. Lake trout live in deep northern and interior lakes.
How guide-outfitters work in BC
BC has a licensed guide-outfitter system. A guide-outfitter holds a defined guiding territory, and visiting hunters book with the outfitter whose area holds the animals they want. Non-residents generally must hunt big game with a licensed guide-outfitter, with limited exceptions. Check the current rules for your situation.
A guided mountain hunt is a serious trip. Ask how the outfitter travels in the area (truck, horse, boat, foot), how fit you need to be, and how many hunters a guide takes at once.
Access: road, boat, floatplane or horseback
Some lodges and fishing guides work close to towns and highways, especially in the interior and along the big rivers. Coastal fishing often runs from a lodge or a marina by boat, and some coastal lodges can only be reached by floatplane or water taxi.
In the north and in the mountains, hunts often start with a bush plane to a remote strip or lake, then continue on horseback or on foot. Ask exactly how you will get in and out, and how much gear you can bring.
What to check before booking
BC sells its own hunting and freshwater fishing licences, while saltwater fishing is licensed separately. Rules for residents, other Canadians and visitors from abroad differ, and some species and areas have extra limits or draws.
- Read the province's current hunting and fishing regulations, and the saltwater rules if you fish the coast
- Confirm the outfitter is licensed for the species and area you want
- Ask about physical demands, altitude and weather
- Ask about meat, trophy care and transport out of the bush
Finding a BC guide with GuideHunter
In GuideHunter, zoom the map on British Columbia and filter by hunting or fishing, then choose a species such as mountain goat, elk, Pacific salmon or sturgeon. Each pin shows a guide's offers: what is included, the region and a price per person from, or on request, and the guide's contact details appear after a short optional video ad.
Frequently asked questions
Do non-residents need a guide to hunt in British Columbia?
Non-residents generally must hunt big game in BC with a licensed guide-outfitter, with limited exceptions. The details depend on where you live and can change, so check the province's current hunting regulations and confirm with the outfitter.
Do I need a separate licence for saltwater fishing in BC?
Yes. Saltwater (tidal) fishing is licensed separately from freshwater fishing in BC. If your trip includes both, you will likely need both. Check the official rules or ask your guide or lodge.
How fit do I need to be for a mountain hunt?
Sheep and goat hunts are among the most demanding in Canada, with steep climbs and long days. Ask the outfitter how they hunt the area and train well before the trip. Valley hunts for elk, moose or bear can be easier.