Canadians from coast to coast to coast will once again be able to visit our national parks for free this summer thanks to the Canada Strong Pass. First introduced in 2025, the pass is not a physical document, but rather, a federal promotion aimed at getting families into our national parks.
Families and visitors can experience the natural beauty of Canada’s national parks for free starting on June 19th and continuing until September 7th. In addition, kids ages 17 and younger will get free admission into all national museums and art galleries and free tickets on Via Rail when accompanied by a parent. Camping fees in parks will also be slashed by 25 per cent for those camping in a tent, RV, a yurt, a cabin, or in tipis.
There are a few restrictions, however. Free admission will not be applied to those visiting national historic sites and discounts do not apply for firewood, parking, permits, mooring, and third party services. The Canada Strong Pass applies only to national parks and not provincial or regional parks.
According to Parks Canada, our country is home to 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, protecting over 343 thousand square kilometers of land. Saskatchewan has two national parks – Grasslands in the south and Prince Albert National Park in the north, home to lakes, fishing, and more.
According to stats from 2025, national museums saw a 15 per cent increase in visitor numbers in the first year of the Canada Strong Pass and a 13 per cent increase in visitors to parks. It was especially busy in Newfoundland and Labrador where there was a 58 per cent increase in tourism to their national parks.
Comments