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

Vancouver dismantles and consolidates festival memorials, advocates say it's too soon

Vancouver dismantles and consolidates festival memorials, advocates say it's too soon
For almost four weeks, the tributes to victims of the Lapu Lapu Day festival attack have grown -- piles of teddy bears, flowers, candles and cards stretching down Fraser Street from East 41st Avenue, then round the corner on East 43rd where the attack took place.

Vancouver dismantles and consolidates festival memorials, advocates say it's too soon

Steve Rai appointed Vancouver's new police chief after filling job in interim role

Steve Rai appointed Vancouver's new police chief after filling job in interim role
Newly minted Vancouver police chief Steve Rai says the city's diversity means its police department must be "accessible to everyone from all cultures," as he takes the helm at the department after the exit of former chief Adam Palmer. 

Steve Rai appointed Vancouver's new police chief after filling job in interim role

Ottawa has to allow home prices to fall to make housing more affordable, experts say

Ottawa has to allow home prices to fall to make housing more affordable, experts say
Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed...

Ottawa has to allow home prices to fall to make housing more affordable, experts say

Conservatives hold onto Windsor riding by four votes after recount

Conservatives hold onto Windsor riding by four votes after recount
Conservative Kathy Borrelli has won the Ontario riding of Windsor—Tecumseh—Lake Shore after a judicial recount confirmed her victory today by just four votes

Conservatives hold onto Windsor riding by four votes after recount

Canadians' future at Harvard in question after Trump bans international students

Canadians' future at Harvard in question after Trump bans international students
Hundreds of Canadians could potentially be caught up in the fight between President Donald Trump and prestigious Harvard University over international student enrollment.

Canadians' future at Harvard in question after Trump bans international students

Judge in hockey players' trial rules ex-teammate's texts not currently admissible

Judge in hockey players' trial rules ex-teammate's texts not currently admissible
Texts sent by a former member of Canada's world junior hockey team cannot currently be admitted at the sexual assault trial of five of his ex-teammates, an Ontario judge ruled Friday, prompting prosecutors to seek a different route to introduce the messages as evidence.

Judge in hockey players' trial rules ex-teammate's texts not currently admissible