All photos © Robin and Arlene Karpan
In case you haven’t heard, the Canada Strong Pass is now in effect from June 20 to September 2, 2025. National Parks and Historic Sites operated by Parks Canada, national museums, VIA Rail, and certain provincial and territorial museums and galleries are offering either free admission or discounted fees during the period.
What’s Behind This Initiative?
In a word – politics. Tariffs, Donald Trump diatribes, and growing concerns over conditions in the US are causing more Canadians to spend their vacations in Canada. They are planning road trips, stays at Canadian resorts and lodges, and looking to explore more outdoor adventures and attractions available right here at home.
The federal government took this opportunity to make it easier for families to discover and celebrate Canadian destinations and culture, and bring us together to make Canada strong. It’s about making lasting memories, being proud of what defines us, and discovering the beauty and history of our country.
What Exactly is the Canada Strong Pass
Calling it a “Pass” seems a strange term to call it because there is no physical pass to download, purchase, or carry with you. All you do is show up at any participating Parks Canada site, museum, or gallery to receive either free admission or discounts. VIA Rail’s website indicates which discount codes to use when booking tickets
You can visit places as often as you want within the time period. But remember that it’s only admission that is discounted or free; fees might apply to guided tours within the national parks, for example, or programs and services offered by private operators.
Parks Canada Sites
Admission will be free for all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas that Parks Canada administers. It applies to Canadians as well as visitors from other countries.
This is the biggest perk of all because it applies to over 80 places across Canada. You can enjoy the wild prairie at Grasslands National Park, relive Métis history at Batoche, drive the famed Icefields Parkway, gaze over the breathtaking cliffs at Forillon National Park, experience the world’s highest tides at Fundy National Park, and so much more without paying admission.
Camping Fees Also Discounted
Camping fees and fees for roofed accommodations such oTentiks, cabins, yurts or tipis in Parks Canada’s campsites will all be discounted 25% during the offer period. However, there may still be fees for firewood, permits, parking where applicable (such as at Lake Louise), programs not usually included with admission, and reservation system fees.
If you have already booked and paid for your camping or accommodation, Parks Canada will follow up with an email closer to your reservation date and explain how you can receive your refund. Discounts will automatically be applied to new reservations made online or over the phone, and to those registering in person at a campground or accommodation.
Discovery Pass and Single-location Passes
Many of us already have purchased a Discovery Pass that is valid for entry to all Parks Canada locations, or an annual pass valid for a specific national park. Parks Canada indicates that these passes will automatically be extended for an additional three months, and you don’t have to take any action for the extension to be applied.
Youngsters Benefit the Most
Children and young people aged 18 to 24 will benefit most from offers during this period. Here’s the scoop if you happen to be in the younger crowd.
• National museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum: Free admission for children and teens aged 17 and under and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24. These include the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, and Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, among others. See a comprehensive list here.
• 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. Economy class only on certain fares on all routes across Canada on the VIA Rail network. See https://www.viarail.ca/en/offers/canada-strong-pass for all conditions.
• Participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries: It is expected that some provinces and territories will participate by offing similar concessions for places under their jurisdictions, although there hasn’t yet been an announcement on exactly where. Contact each facility directly for current information.
Things to Keep in Mind
While this is great news, these new offers will undoubtedly bring more people to national parks at the busiest time of year when campgrounds are often fully booked. You should check online or contact the park directly to confirm availability or make a reservation; don’t just show up and expect to find a spot, especially at popular Rocky Mountain parks, for example. This might be a perfect opportunity to explore some of the less visited parks or perhaps some national historic sites.
More Information
The Canada Strong Pass is explained in more detail here, If you have questions about offers at specific parks, museums, galleries, or travel on VIA Rail, you should contact those places directly for the most current information, availability, and conditions.
Further Reading on National Parks in Canada:
Prairie Dog Wildlife Adventure in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
The Newly Reopened Boundary Bog Trail in Prince Albert National Park