The Canadian government has officially announced the resumption of the popular Canada Strong Pass program, which aims to make travel within the country more accessible to all citizens and visitors. Thanks to this initiative, Canadians will be able to visit national parks, historical sites, museums, and galleries for free, as well as receive discounts on VIA Rail train travel.
The program will start in December 2025 and run until mid-January 2026, and will then return for the entire summer tourist season. According to the government, this approach will not only support domestic tourism but also encourage Canadians to learn more about their country — its nature, culture, and history.
A new lease of life for travel in Canada
Canada Strong Pass was first introduced in 2025 as part of a strategy to revive travel after the pandemic. It proved so successful that within a few months, millions of Canadians took advantage of free admission to parks and museums, and domestic travel increased by 23%. After the program ended in September of that year, the government received numerous requests to make it permanent — and now the initiative is returning in an expanded format.
“The Canada Strong Pass is our way of saying to people: travel, discover Canada, share your pride in the country you live in,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney when presenting the updated program. According to him, the government wants to make Canada's cultural, historical, and natural treasures accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
What's included in the Canada Strong Pass
The pass does not require registration or a separate card — discounts are automatically applied at participating establishments. Visitors simply need to visit a national park or museum that is part of the initiative.
The program covers:
- National parks and reserves — free admission for all visitors, as well as a 25% discount on camping and accommodation in Parks Canada lodges.
- Museums, galleries, and cultural centers — free for children and teenagers under 17; young people aged 18 to 24 receive a 50% discount on tickets.
- VIA Rail travel — children travel free when accompanied by an adult; youth under 24 receive a 25% discount on economy class travel.
- Historic sites and architectural landmarks — free or discounted admission through the Canada Heritage program.
Alberta among the leaders
The province of Alberta has traditionally been an active supporter of the Canada Strong Pass. This year, more than ten key cultural and natural sites are participating in the program, including the ** the Royal Alberta Museum** in Edmonton, the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Lougheed House in Calgary, and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the south of the province.
This means that Alberta residents and visitors can spend an entire weekend traveling between museums, historic forts, and natural wonders without spending a single dollar on admission. Visitors are advised to check opening hours and online booking options in advance, as demand for these sites increases several times over during the program.
Barrier-free travel
The government has paid particular attention to the development of eco-friendly transport. That is why Canada Strong Pass offers significant discounts on rail travel. The discounts apply to all VIA Rail routes, from Montreal to Vancouver. There are also plans to expand partnerships with regional carriers to make interprovincial travel even more convenient.
“We want Canadians to be able to travel comfortably, without harming the environment and without excessive costs,” said a statement from Transport Canada.
🎟 How to use the program
To take advantage of the Canada Strong Pass, you don't need to sign up for anything — just visit one of the establishments listed on the official program website canada.ca/canada-strong-pass. There you can find a complete list of locations, the terms of the benefits, and details for each facility.
If you have already purchased tickets to places participating in the program, you can get a refund or compensation during the Canada Strong Pass period, depending on the policy of the specific establishment.
Travel as part of national pride
The Canada Strong Pass is not just about discounts. It is a symbol of Canada encouraging its citizens to learn more about their country, care for nature, and support local culture. According to the Prime Minister, the main idea behind the program is to give every Canadian the opportunity to spend at least one day of summer or winter traveling around the country without financial barriers.
📍 Source: Canada.ca — Canada Strong Pass