You do not need a wall of rods to start. One balanced spinning outfit, the right line, and a short list of terminal tackle will cover trout, bass, panfish, and the occasional pike across most Canadian lakes and rivers.
A 6′6″ to 7′ medium-power spinning rod with a fast or moderate-fast action is the most forgiving first choice. Medium power handles a wide range of lure weights, and a spinning reel is easier to manage than a baitcaster while you are still learning to cast.
Match the rod with a 2500 or 3000 size spinning reel. That pairing balances in the hand, holds enough line for lake fishing, and has enough drag for a hard-pulling fish without being heavy to carry along a riverbank all afternoon.
For a general freshwater outfit, monofilament in the 6–10 lb range is a sensible default. Lighter line (4–6 lb) suits clear water and shy trout or panfish; heavier line (8–12 lb) gives you more margin around bass cover and toothy fish.
Terminal tackle is everything at the business end of the line. Keep it small and deliberate rather than buying one of everything.
Match gear to the rules, not the other way around. Some waters restrict bait, barbed hooks, or treble hooks. Check the regulations for the lake or river you plan to fish before you stock your box.
Once this kit feels familiar, the next step is timing: knowing which species are in season and when conditions favour them. That is covered in Seasons & Species Planning. If you intend to release your catch, also read Catch and Release Done Well.