If you’ve been looking for a reason to explore Canada’s wide-open spaces, rich cultural sites, and iconic landscapes without worrying about entry fees, the Canada Strong Pass might just be your golden ticket.
It was first introduced in the summer of 2025, and due to its massive success, it has been brought back for the 2025-2026 holiday season and already confirmed for summer 2026. The most important thing to know? It’s completely free.
Canada Strong Pass Details
Unlike the traditional plastic cards you might be used to, the Canada Strong Pass is a temporary, nationwide initiative designed to boost domestic tourism and make Canada’s natural wonders accessible to everyone.
Validity Periods
The pass isn’t year-round (that’s what the Discovery Pass is for). It applies during:
Winter/Holidays: December 12, 2025 – January 15, 2026.
Summer: June 19, 2026 – September 7, 2026.
What’s Included?
Free admission to all Parks Canada sites: You get free entry to all Parks Canada-administered sites. This includes 48 national parks and over 170 national historic sites.
25% off overnight stays: This is the big one for campers. You get a 25% discount on camping fees and roofed accommodations (like those cozy oTENTiks) at Parks Canada sites.
VIA Rail perks: In partnership with VIA Rail, children under 17 travel for free with an adult, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) get 25% off economy fares.
Culture for less: National museums and many provincial galleries offer free admission for kids (17 and under) and a 50% discount for youth (18-24).
What’s Not Included?
While the pass for Canadian national parks covers your entry, it doesn’t cover “enhanced” services. You will still need to pay for:
- Standard parking fees at certain high-traffic locations.
- Guided tours or special heritage programs that require a separate booking.
- Backcountry permits or lockage/mooring fees for boaters.
- Firewood or equipment rentals.
Essentially, the “gate fee” is gone, but the experience extras remain your contribution to the local economy.
How to Get and Use Your Canada Strong Pass
The most common question I get is: “Where do I buy it?” The short answer is: you don’t!
The Canada Strong Pass is built on simplicity. You do not need to register, you do not need to download an app, and you certainly don’t need to pay a cent to “activate” it.
How to use it at National Parks:
Simply drive up to the gate of any Parks Canada site during the validity periods. The staff will welcome you in without charging an admission fee. If you’re visiting a site that doesn’t have a manned gate, you can simply enjoy the trails and facilities without worrying about displaying a daily permit on your dashboard.
How to use it for VIA Rail:
For the train enthusiasts, the process is slightly different because you need to book your seat in advance. You’ll use specific discount codes on the VIA Rail website:
CANADAFAM: For the “Kids Ride Free” (ages 17 and under) promotion.
CANADA1824: For the 25% young adult discount.
How to use it at Museums:
For participating museums and galleries, just show up! Some may ask for proof of age (especially for the youth/young adult discounts at provincial sites), so keep your ID handy. It is always a good idea to check the specific museum’s website before you head out, as some have holiday hours or capacity limits.
Which Parks Are Included in the Canada Strong Pass?
The Canada Strong Pass applies to all Parks Canada national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas included in the Parks Canada system.
Let’s walk through some of the most popular national parks you won’t want to miss.
1. Banff National Park, Alberta
The crown jewel of the Rockies. There is something deeply humbling about driving the Icefields Parkway with ancient glaciers towering over your car. Even if you’ve seen the photos of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, nothing prepares you for that electric blue water in person.
Since admission is free with the Canada Strong Pass, use those savings to book a stay at the Tunnel Mountain Resort or try your hand at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. In the winter, the pass covers your entry to the park, making a snowy trek through Johnston Canyon’s frozen waterfalls absolutely free. Just remember to book your shuttles early, free entry means the crowds will be out in full force!
2. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
If Banff is a majestic king, Gros Morne is a wild, ancient spirit. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the few places on Earth where you can actually walk on the Earth’s mantle at the Tablelands. It looks like Mars – orange, barren rock that stands in stark contrast to the lush green fjords nearby.
Take the boat tour through Western Brook Pond. You’ll feel like you’re in a Lord of the Rings movie as you float between massive 600-meter cliffs. It’s quiet, rugged, and feels like the edge of the world. With the Canada Strong Pass benefits, that 25% camping discount makes staying at the Berry Hill campground a total steal.
3. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
Located on the edge of Vancouver Island, this is where the rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean. Long Beach is legendary: 16 kilometers of hard-packed sand, misty horizons, and surfers braving the cold swells. It’s the perfect place for a thoughtful, salt-aired walk.
The West Coast Trail is the big draw for serious hikers, but for a more relaxed vibe, explore the Rainforest Trail. You’ll walk on elevated wooden boardwalks through massive Western Red Cedars that have been standing for centuries. The air here literally tastes different – clean, mossy, and alive.
4. Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
You don’t have to go to the coast for incredible water. The “Grotto” at Bruce Peninsula looks like something you’d find in the Mediterranean. The turquoise waters of Georgian Bay are crystal clear, though be warned, they are “refreshing” even in mid-July.
The limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment provide incredible views for hikers. Because this park is close to Toronto, it gets incredibly busy. With the Canada Strong Pass, you save on the entry, but you must reserve your parking spot at Cyprus Lake months in advance. It’s the only way to ensure you actually get to see the Grotto.
5. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Ever heard of the Cabot Trail? It’s often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful drives, and a huge chunk of it runs right through this park. You’ll find yourself winding between coastal cliffs and deep forest canyons.
Make sure to hike the Skyline Trail at sunset. The boardwalk leads you out to a dramatic headland overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. If you’re lucky, you might spot a moose in the brush or a whale breaching in the water below. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to turn off your phone and just breathe.
To see the full list of over 200 sites, you can check the Parks Canada directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Canada Strong Pass?
The pass includes free admission to all Parks Canada national parks, historic sites, and national marine conservation areas, plus discounts on overnight stays, and reduced or free admission at museums and VIA Rail travel perks for youth and families. You don’t need to register or show a physical card – just visit during the valid period.
Will the Canada Strong Pass be extended?
Yes. After the winter holidays, the program is scheduled to return again in the summer season (June-September 2026), offering similar free admission and savings across Parks Canada and partner attractions.
Do I need a physical pass or code?
No. One of the most traveler-friendly aspects of this initiative is that there’s no pass to carry. Benefits are applied automatically when you visit participating sites during the valid window.
Is it only for Canadians?
No, the Canada Strong Pass benefits are available to everyone, including international visitors, residents, and temporary residents; you just need to visit participating locations during the active period.
Are any services excluded?
Some specific programs, tours, or services at parks and museums may still have fees, and the pass does not apply to private or non-Parks Canada sites.
Does this cover Provincial Parks?
No. The Canada Strong Pass is a federal initiative. Provincial parks (like Algonquin in Ontario or Kananaskis in Alberta) still require their own separate permits and fees.
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