Canada Strong Pass is back for the winter holidays across Canada from December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026 (inclusive). This is an initiative by the Canadian government to make it easier and cheaper for people to travel around the country — from museums to national parks and trains.
Important: this is not a “card” that you need to apply for
In most cases, you don't need to register or “obtain” anything — you simply use the discount/free admission during the program period.
What's included in the Canada Strong Pass
1) Parks Canada (national parks and Parks Canada facilities)
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Free admission for everyone to national parks, national historic sites, and marine protected areas managed by Parks Canada.
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25% discount on camping and overnight/roofed accommodations at Parks Canada during the promotion period.
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It is specifically stated that the program will return in the summer of 2026 (for Parks Canada: June 19–September 7, 2026).
2) Museums and galleries
Participants depend on the institution, but the basic rules are as follows:
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National Museums of Canada: free for children 17 and under, 50% off for youth 18–24.
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Some provincial and territorial museums/galleries are also participating — check the list of participants on Canada.ca.
3) VIA Rail (trains in Canada)
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17 and under: free in Economy when traveling with an adult. Code: CANADAFAM.
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18–24: 25% off in Economy. Code: CANADA1824.
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Details and exceptions (rates/conditions) are described on the VIA Rail offer page.
How to use (universal for Canada)
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Check the dates: the promotion is valid only from December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026.
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Choose where you want to go:
- Parks Canada — “free admission” + “25% off” on overnight stays
- Museums — see the list of participants on Canada.ca
- VIA Rail — book and enter the promo code
- Have proof of age if you are using “under 17” or “18–24” — different places may ask for confirmation (the rule depends on the organization).
Important details
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The program applies to Parks Canada sites, not every park in Canada (provincial parks have their own rules).
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For museums/galleries, participation is not 100% everywhere — refer to the official list and the website of the specific institution.