Starting June 20 through September 2, Parks Canada will waive entrance fees at all national parks, including the popular Banff National Park, as part of the newly launched Canada Strong Pass initiative. This measure, announced by the federal government on June 16, fulfills a campaign promise to make Canada’s natural and cultural heritage more accessible.
The initiative provides free admission not only to national parks but also to national historic sites and marine conservation areas managed by Parks Canada. Additionally, camping fees will be discounted by 25 percent throughout the summer months.
Visitors who have already purchased Parks Canada Discovery Passes valid during June, July, and August 2025 will receive an automatic extension of three additional months.
Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, emphasized the national spirit behind the program. He noted that the Canada Strong Pass is designed to encourage families to explore Canada’s natural landscapes and cultural landmarks, fostering a deeper connection to the country.
The pass also offers free entry for children aged 17 and under and a 50 percent discount for young adults aged 18 to 24 at national museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum. Similar benefits extend to select provincial and territorial museums and galleries.
In partnership with VIA Rail, children under 18 traveling with an adult will enjoy free fares, while young adults aged 18 to 24 receive a 25 percent discount on rail travel.
No registration or physical pass is required to access these benefits; visitors simply need to present themselves at participating locations. The program is open to all visitors, whether Canadian residents or international tourists.
Parks Canada oversees 171 national historic sites, 48 national parks, five national marine conservation areas, and one national urban park, operating across more than 200 locations nationwide in urban, rural, and northern regions.
According to government estimates, Parks Canada sites contribute approximately $4 billion annually to Canada’s GDP and support local economies with visitor spending exceeding $11 million daily. The Canada Strong Pass aims to further boost these economic and cultural benefits by making Canada’s treasured sites more accessible this summer.
