Canada will waive admission fees to its national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas this summer under the new Canada Strong Pass initiative, designed to encourage more affordable travel across the country.
The programme will run from 19 June to 7 September 2026 and applies across the full Parks Canada network, including 40 national parks and reserves, 171 national historic sites and five national marine conservation areas. During this period, both domestic and international visitors will be able to enter participating sites free of charge. Admission fees normally vary by location, but typically range from around US$5 to US$18 (€4.30–€15.50) per visit.
In addition to free admission, the Canada Strong Pass also brings extra savings for overnight stays. Visitors can receive a 25% discount on camping and accommodation operated by Parks Canada. This includes a variety of stays such as cabins, yurts, tipis, and even historic buildings like lockmaster’s houses or heritage lodges. However, reservations are still required, and demand is expected to be high throughout the summer season.
Some additional costs remain outside the offer, such as parking, guided tours, firewood, or access to certain facilities like hot springs. Even so, the overall savings are significant for travellers planning longer stays. The initiative is also expected to encourage visitors to explore lesser-known parts of the country instead of concentrating tourism in only a few major destinations. For many travellers, the pass offers a more affordable way to experience Canada’s landscapes and outdoor culture during the busy summer months.
The announcement comes at a time when travel costs are increasing in many destinations around the world. In contrast to Canada’s free access programme, some destinations are seeing rising costs, especially in the United States, where international visitors to certain national parks face significantly higher entry fees. Against that backdrop, Canada’s decision to waive admission fees stands out as a more accessible approach to summer tourism.
One of the most iconic places included in the programme is Banff National Park. Known for its dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery, Banff is home to turquoise lakes, glaciers, and extensive hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and wildlife spotting. The park attracts millions of visitors each year and remains one of Canada’s best-known natural landmarks.
On the west coast, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers a completely different landscape. Here, dense rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean in a striking mix of greenery and waves. The area is popular for surfing, kayaking, and long coastal walks along sandy beaches. Trails like the Rainforest Trail allow visitors to experience ancient trees and rich biodiversity up close.
In eastern Canada, Prince Edward Island National Park is known for its red sand beaches and rolling dunes. The park is ideal for cycling, birdwatching, and relaxed coastal walks. It also includes cultural landmarks such as Green Gables Heritage Place, linked to the well-known novel “Anne of Green Gables.” The atmosphere here is softer and more peaceful compared to the country’s mountain parks.
Further east, history and marine adventure take centre stage. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site tells the story of the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America. Nearby, Fathom Five National Marine Park offers crystal-clear waters filled with shipwrecks that can be explored by diving or boat tours. These locations show another side of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, blending history with underwater exploration.
Travelling to Canada from Europe is straightforward, with several direct routes available. Airlines such as Air Canada operate flights between cities like Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, and London to destinations including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary. From these hubs, travellers can easily reach nearby parks such as La Mauricie National Park or Georgian Bay Islands National Park. This makes it convenient to combine urban travel with nature experiences.
Full details about participating sites, reservations, and conditions can be found through Parks Canada. As summer is expected to be particularly busy this year, travellers planning to visit popular parks are advised to book accommodation well in advance. The free-access period runs until 7 September 2026.
