The Canadian government is making national parks free this summer for all visitors, as well as providing free admission to national museums, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites administered by Parks Canada.
Ottawa also is making it easier to see the country by train, with free travel on VIA Rail for kids aged 17 and under if accompanied by an adult, and a 25% discount for those aged 18 to 24.
On top of that, the government is providing a 25% discount on camping fees for Parks Canada properties.
“This summer, Canadians can enjoy the very best Canada has to offer with the Canada Strong Pass,” officials said.
“From museums and railroads to national parks and camping spots, the federal government is making it easier for families to choose Canada as they make their summer plans—and enjoy the places and experiences that bring us together and make Canada strong.
From June 20 to September 2, 2025, the Canada Strong Pass will offer expanded access to Canada’s nature and culture across the country, helping families discover and celebrate Canada throughout the summer.
Point Pelee National Park offers canoe rides and rentals through a beautiful marsh. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The Pass includes:
• Parks Canada: Free admission for all visitors to national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada and a 25% discount on camping fees.
• National museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum: Free admission for children aged 17 and under and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
• VIA Rail: Free travel for children aged 17 and under when accompanied by an adult and a 25% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
• Selected participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries: Free admission for children and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
“Canada’s tourism sector is dynamic, innovative and essential to our national economy,” said Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism). “The Canada Strong Pass will give a much-needed boost to the tourism industry by encouraging Canadians to rediscover our country, support local businesses and celebrate the communities that make Canada extraordinary.
“This summer, let’s choose Canada.”
Quick Facts
No registration or physical pass is necessary; just show up and enjoy the benefits offered at participating establishments. The Pass is open to all visitors, whether you are Canadian or coming from abroad. It’s an invitation to experience Canada’s cultural and natural richness.
Kluane National Park in the Yukon. JIM BYERS PHOTO
For questions on the Pass, visit: https://canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-pass.html.
The national museums of Canada are participating in this initiative, along with the National Battlefields Commission. Together, these institutions preserve and promote Canadian history, art, culture, science and nature. They welcome millions of visitors every year and play an essential role in transmitting Canadian heritage and identity. Most national museums are in the Ottawa area, but the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is in Winnipeg and the Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is in Halifax.
Parks Canada Discovery Passes already purchased and valid for the months of June, July and August 2025 will be extended for an additional three months.
With 171 national historic sites, 48 national parks, five national marine conservation areas and one national urban park, Parks Canada’s vast reach provides services in over 200 locations across Canada, in every province and territory, rural, urban and northern.
Parks Canada is one of Canada’s leading tourism experience providers, welcoming approximately 24 million visitors every year to some of the world’s most iconic natural and cultural heritage destinations. Visitors to Parks Canada administered places help generate $4 billion to the national GDP and spend the equivalent of more than $11 million every day in communities across the country.
Banff and Jasper National Parks get the lion’s share of attention (and visitors), but there are many other tremendous national parks in Canada, including Gros Morne N.P. in western Newfoundland, Point Pelee in Ontario, Kootenay and Yoho in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island N.P. in PEI, Fundy N.P. in New Brunswick and rugged Kluane N.P. in Yukon.
