Canada Strong Pass
Canada’s national parks
are free this summer.
Canada’s national parks are free this summer. So are hundreds of historic sites and marine areas. There is no sign-up and no catch. All you need is a good plan.
About the pass
Canada opened its
doors. All of them.
The Canada Strong Pass is a Government of Canada initiative. It gives everyone free entry to national parks, national historic sites, and marine conservation areas managed by Parks Canada. This includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and visitors from anywhere in the world. The pass runs throughout the summer of 2026.
But the pass goes beyond free park entry. You also get a 25% discount on camping and roofed overnight stays. In addition, young people get free or discounted access to national museums. Families can also save on VIA Rail travel for those under 25.
So where can you go? Banff, Jasper, Cape Breton Highlands, Prince Edward Island, Gros Morne, and hundreds more are all included. This summer is a rare opportunity. However, the parks will be busy. A well-planned trip will make all the difference.
No registration needed. The pass is fully automatic. Simply arrive at any Parks Canada site between June 19 and September 7, 2026. Free admission then applies at the gate. There is no card, app, or paperwork required.
Pass-eligible destinations
Parks worth planning around
Alberta
Banff National Park
Alberta
Jasper National Park
Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Highlands
Alberta
Icefields Parkway
Who is eligible for the Canada Strong Pass?
Everyone is welcome. The pass is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents, and international tourists. There are no restrictions by nationality. In addition, special perks apply to younger visitors. Children under 17 get free museum admission and free VIA Rail travel. Young adults aged 18 to 24 receive a 50% museum discount and reduced VIA Rail fares.
Do I need to register or carry a pass card?
No registration, no card, and no app. The pass is fully automatic. Simply arrive at any Parks Canada site during the pass period. Free admission is then applied at the gate. There is nothing to print or download.
What’s included in the pass?
First, you get free admission to all national parks, national historic sites, and marine conservation areas managed by Parks Canada. You also get a 25% discount on camping and roofed accommodation. In addition, children under 17 get free admission to national museums and territorial galleries. Young adults aged 18 to 24 get 50% off. Finally, VIA Rail perks include free travel for under-17s and discounts for those aged 18 to 24.
Does it cover all parks across Canada?
The pass covers national parks, national historic sites, and marine conservation areas run by Parks Canada. However, it does not apply to provincial parks, municipal parks, or privately run parks. Also, some Parks Canada sites are managed by third parties and may still charge fees. So it is worth checking the Parks Canada site list before you visit.
Does the camping discount require booking in advance?
Yes, but book as early as you can. The 25% discount applies to camping and roofed stays at Parks Canada sites. However, popular campgrounds at places like Banff and Jasper fill up within hours of reservations opening. The discount is automatic once bookings open. Availability, though, is not guaranteed.
I already paid for a reservation or Discovery Pass. Am I covered?
Yes, you are covered. If you have already paid for a Parks Canada campsite between June 19 and September 7, you will receive an email closer to your date with details on a prorated refund. In addition, Discovery Passes valid for June, July, or August 2026 will be extended by three months. No action is needed on your part.
What are the VIA Rail benefits exactly?
Children under 17 travel free on VIA Rail coast-to-coast routes when with a fare-paying adult. Travellers aged 18 to 24 also receive significant discounts on fares. For specific amounts and eligible routes, visit the VIA Rail website directly. Details may be updated closer to the summer season.
Wander in Canada
The pass opens the door.
We’ll plan the trip.
The parks will be busy this summer. So a good plan matters more than usual. A well-built itinerary means you arrive at the right place at the right time. Wander in Canada builds your trip around where you want to go, how long you have, and the kind of traveller you are.
Plan your trip