Thursday, February 5, 2026
ADVT 
National

Free summer admission to national parks and historic sites begins Friday

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Jun, 2025 01:24 PM
  • Free summer admission to national parks and historic sites begins Friday

The Canada Strong Pass takes effect Friday, offering free admission to national parksnational historic sites and marine conservation areas maintained by Parks Canada.

The pass also includes a 25 per cent discount on camping fees at national parks.

The program, which runs until Sept. 2, follows up on a Liberal campaign promise to promote Canadian tourism in response to the United States' tariff war.

"This pass is about discovering and reconnecting with the nature, history and culture of this remarkable country we all share and are proud to call our own," Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault told a Monday press conference.

"It's about enjoying the places and experiences that brings us together and make Canada strong."

The pass also offers free national museum admission for children 17 and under, and a 50 per cent discount for 18 to 24 year-olds.

Via Rail is also offering free fares for children 17 and under if they are accompanied by an adult, and a 25 per cent discount for travellers 18 to 24 years old.

Some provincial and territorial museums and galleries are taking part by offering free admission for minors and a 50 per cent discount for visitors aged 18 to 24.

There is no physical "Canada Strong Pass" or registration required — visitors can just show up at participating locations.

Guilbeault said that people who have already purchased park passes or have booked camping or a Via Rail trip can contact the relevant agency for a refund.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

MORE National ARTICLES

Carney grilled on U.S. tariffs in his first question period in House of Commons

Carney grilled on U.S. tariffs in his first question period in House of Commons
Prime Minister Mark Carney fielded questions about the trade war with the United States and his decision to delay the federal budget to the fall as he faced his first question period grilling in the House of Commons Wednesday.

Carney grilled on U.S. tariffs in his first question period in House of Commons

Boy aged 4 dead, mother critical, after being pinned under bus at B.C. ferry terminal

Boy aged 4 dead, mother critical, after being pinned under bus at B.C. ferry terminal
Police say a four-year-old boy is dead and his mother is in critical condition after they were pinned under a bus in West Vancouver, B.C.

Boy aged 4 dead, mother critical, after being pinned under bus at B.C. ferry terminal

Bill fast-tracking infrastructure projects passes as Speaker Raj Chouhan breaks tie

Bill fast-tracking infrastructure projects passes as Speaker Raj Chouhan breaks tie
A controversial bill in British Columbia responding to American tariffs has passed with Speaker Raj Chouhan casting the deciding vote Wednesday evening. 

Bill fast-tracking infrastructure projects passes as Speaker Raj Chouhan breaks tie

Carney's cabinet ministers evade journalists' questions at defence industry show

Carney's cabinet ministers evade journalists' questions at defence industry show
For the second time in as many days, a member of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet cancelled media availabilities today and refused to take questions from reporters.

Carney's cabinet ministers evade journalists' questions at defence industry show

Provinces 'hold the key' to unlocking homebuilding, new report argues

Provinces 'hold the key' to unlocking homebuilding, new report argues
While the federal government and cities across Canada are making strides on expanding the housing supply, the provinces still need to get serious about building quality homes, a new report released Thursday argues.

Provinces 'hold the key' to unlocking homebuilding, new report argues

One of accused hockey players tells sex assault trial complainant acted 'willingly'

One of accused hockey players tells sex assault trial complainant acted 'willingly'
One of five hockey players accused of sexual assault says he was "pretty excited" when a woman asked him and several of his teammates for sex in a London, Ont., hotel room.

One of accused hockey players tells sex assault trial complainant acted 'willingly'