The federal government has launched the Canada Strong Pass, a summer initiative aimed at promoting domestic tourism by offering free and discounted access to national parks, museums, and railway travel across the country.
Effective from June 21 to September 2, 2025, the pass provides complimentary entry to Parks Canada sites, a 25 per cent discount on camping fees, and free travel for children under 18 when accompanied by a parent on Via Rail. The initiative also includes free admission for children at participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries, along with a 50 per cent discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, whose portfolio includes Parks Canada, said the program is intended to help Canadians reconnect with the nation’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. “Our Canada Strong Pass aims to make it even easier for families to choose Canada — to discover the beauty of our country, connect with nature, and enjoy our culture all summer long,” Guilbeault stated in a news release.
According to the government, the pass is designed to foster national unity, celebrate diversity, and encourage pride in Canada’s shared identity. It requires no registration or physical pass and is available to both Canadian and international visitors.
While the initiative has been welcomed as a boon for tourism and local economies, it has also raised concerns in communities that already face high visitor volumes.
In Banff, Alberta, Mayor Corrie DiManno expressed cautious support for the program. “We love the idea of welcoming more Canadians to a special place in the Rockies,” she said, but noted that increased traffic and limited infrastructure could strain the town’s capacity. “Our challenge is that we have a limited road network and parking, and yet visitation continues to grow while the town remains the same size it was in 1990.”
During Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017, when free park entry was similarly offered, Banff experienced record-breaking visitation. With the 2025 season expected to surpass even those numbers, DiManno emphasized the importance of transit solutions. The town has enhanced its summer traffic management strategies and promotes shuttle use from Calgary and the Calgary International Airport. “There’s no reason to rent a vehicle or bring your own car from Calgary,” she added.
Banff subsidizes On-It Regional Transit services and supports other transit providers to offer cost-effective alternatives to driving. The town also urges hotel and campground guests to park their vehicles and use local transit.
DiManno further called on federal and provincial governments to invest in mass transit connections, such as bus or passenger rail, between Calgary and Banff. In the absence of such support, she proposed that the federal government consider developing parking hubs outside the national park, serviced by shuttle buses into Banff.
Tourism operators have expressed optimism about the Canada Strong Pass. Stuart Back, chief operating officer for Pursuit’s Banff Jasper Collection, which includes several high-profile attractions, called the pass a positive step. “Removing barriers for Canadians and international visitors to access iconic national parks is a good thing,” he said.
Business owners in Waterton Lakes National Park echoed that sentiment. Bob Cruickshank, who runs Zum’s Eatery, a gift shop, and a BeaverTails outlet, said 2017—when park entry was also free—marked their busiest year ever. He expects a similar boost this summer. “It’s going to help us a lot,” said Cruickshank, noting that early indicators, including a busy spring season, had already pointed to a strong tourism year.
Shameer Suleman, president of the Waterton Park Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the potential economic benefits but urged caution. “This just adds an extra bit of oomph to the local economy,” he said. However, he also voiced concerns about overcrowding. “You’re walking those trails and it’s just lined with people,” he said, advising visitors to plan ahead and consider off-peak times to preserve the quality of the experience.
As the Canada Strong Pass rolls out, communities across the country are preparing to balance economic opportunity with sustainable tourism practices, ensuring both visitors and locals benefit from the surge in summer travel.
