New Canada Strong Pass provides free entry to national parks, discounts at museums
This summer, you can enjoy free entry to national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas with the new Canada Strong Pass.
Other Canadian attractions or services, such as national museums or VIA Rail travel, may be enjoyed for free or at discounted rates.
This federal initiative launches June 20, 2025, and will remain in effect until September 2, 2025.
Join the Angus Reid Forum and get $5 in points!
Admission for children will be free at any included attraction or service at participating locations.
The Pass is not a physical or virtual pass, nor does it require registration or payment; simply show up at any participating location or service to enjoy the automatically applied benefits.
Newcomers, temporary residents, and visitors alike can take advantage of this government initiative promoting Canada-wide exploration.
| Eligible persons | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Age 17 and under | - Free VIA rail tickets, with accompanying ticket-holding adult. |
| Ages 18-24 | - 25% off VIA Rail tickets. |
| Everyone | - Free entry to Parks Canda sites. - 3-month annual single-location (Parks Canada) pass extension. - 25% discount on camp sites and lodging. - Waived backcountry day-use fees in Northern Canada. - 25% discount on overnight backcountry fees in northern Canada. - Potential guided tour discounts or special offer rates at participating sites. - Free lockage at canals on historic waterways (Parks Canada). - Partial refunds for select pre-purchased/reserved attractions and services. |
Benefits
The Canada Strong Pass grants enhanced access to Canada’s nature and culture across the country.
Parks Canada: Free entry to national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas managed by Parks Canada. There is also a 25% discount on camping and roofed accommodation during this period.
There will be no fees for lockage at Parks Canada-administered canals on historic waterways during this period.
Parks Canada locations in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon don’t typically charge admissions fees—but do offer paid backcountry services. Participating locations will waive backcountry day-use fees and provide a 25% discount on overnight backcountry visits.
National Museums and galleries: Free entry for minor children (aged 17 and under), and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
A complete list of participating national museums and galleries can be found on the official government website.
Certain provincial and territorial museums and galleries will also be participating. Minor children will receive free admission, and those between 18 and 24 will receive a 50% discount.
VIA Rail travel: Free coast to coast travel for children and youth aged 17 and below when joined by an adult with a ticket, and a 25% discount for young adults between the ages of 18 and 24.
This offer is valid on Escape and Economy fares only. To receive this free or discounted travel, you’ll need to use one of the following codes:
- Children and youth (17 and below): CANADAFAM; or
- Young adults (18 to 24): CANADA1824.
Canada Strong Pass benefits can be utilized an unlimited number of times from 20 June to 2 September.
Space at certain participating locations, such as campgrounds, is limited—ensure availability by checking with them directly before planning your visit.
For more details, you can
- Visit the Government of Canada’s designated webpage; and
- Communicate directly with Parks Canada, VIA Rail, or participating museums and galleries.
“With fewer financial barriers, we hope even more people will have the chance to explore our stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage,” said Anna Gainey, the Secretary of State (Children and Youth), in a news release.
Who can use the Canada Strong Pass?
The Canada Strong Pass is available to all living in Canada or coming from abroad, including
- Canadian citizens;
- Canadian permanent residents;
- Temporary residents (international students and foreign workers); and
- Visitors and tourists.
Everyone—including young adults, children, and families— is encouraged to make use of the Pass.
What if you already paid for a pass or ticket, or booked a reservation?
You may be eligible for a partial refund if you’ve already paid for a Parks Canada or VIA Rail pass/ticket or booked a reservation.
Parks Canada: Seasonal single-location passes, which are valid for less than a year, are eligible for a partial refund. Passes purchased online will be automatically refunded; if you purchased a pass in person, contact the specific location for more information.
Parks Canada Discovery and annual single-location passes valid for June, July, and/or August will be automatically extended for an additional three months.
If you’ve already booked a campsite or accommodation between 20 June and 2 September, you will receive an email informing you how to claim your refund closer to your reservation date.
VIA Rail: Your travel must be between 20 June and 2 September of this year and have been booked directly with VIA Rail (online on their official website, by phone, or at a station) before June 16, 2025.
To request a partial refund, you must complete the online form.
- Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
- Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
