In 2025–2026, the Canadian government is launching the Canada Strong Pass initiative, which will allow travelers to visit national parks and historic sites for free, as well as receive a 25% discount on camping and accommodation at Parks Canada facilities, according to the Parks Canada website. [Parks Canada](https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/conseils-tips/choisis-canada-choose/admission-camping? fbclid=IwY2xjawOdeY5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFReDdheXhGbTR1MzFGMlJFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiSA_yRr3sKPdKYHMH3Tinku3kP Z_QtVU3Kxhf5uDsEgKc899SgF4BHJUmnN_aem_R94alznDzYjL-tLZX8FB_g).
This is a great opportunity to plan a trip across Canada while saving on admission tickets and overnight stays in the midst of incredible nature.
When is the Canada Strong Pass valid?
Free admission and camping discounts will be available in two major waves:
- December 12, 2025 – January 15, 2026 (inclusive)
- June 19 – September 7, 2026 (inclusive)
Between January 16 and June 18, 2026, regular rates apply.
Free admission to Parks Canada sites
What is included in free admission
During these periods, all visitors can enjoy free admission to:
- National parks
- National historic sites
- National Marine Conservation Areas managed by Parks Canada
Also, from June 19 to September 7, 2026, there will be no fees for locks on seven historic canals administered by Parks Canada.
What is not included in free admission
Even with the Canada Strong Pass, a number of services will still be subject to fees, including:
- Camping and other types of accommodation
- Reservations
- Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Boat mooring
- Paid tours and programs that are not normally included in the admission price
- third-party services
- fishing licenses
- firewood
- parking
- various permits (e.g., for research or drone use)
The complete list may vary depending on the specific site, so it is a good idea to check the information on the website of the park or historic site in advance.
Where free admission does not apply
The program does not apply to:
- Provincial and territorial parks
- Sépaq parks in Quebec
- Municipal and private parks
- Sites not managed by Parks Canada
- Locations operated by third parties
How to get free admission
No special ticket or separate pass is required. If the site is open during the program period, you will simply be allowed to enter without paying an admission fee. Parks Canada staff will continue to greet visitors at entry points and information centers.
Parks Canada passes: what to do with them
If you already have an annual or seasonal pass (Discovery Pass or a pass for a specific location), it is also included in the program:
- During free periods, you are not required to show your pass to be eligible for admission.
- Passes that expire during the free periods will be automatically renewed — no additional action is required.
Online sales of certain passes and permits (such as the Discovery Pass) will be suspended until both Canada Strong Pass periods have ended, but they can be purchased on-site if needed outside of the free dates.
25% discount on camping and lodging
A separate part of the Canada Strong Pass program is a 25% discount on camping and lodging at accommodations managed by Parks Canada. It is valid on the same dates as free admission:
- December 12, 2025 – January 15, 2026
- June 19, 2026 – September 7, 2026
The discount cannot be combined with other promotions: if there are several offers available for your dates, you will receive the one that is most advantageous.
What types of accommodation are covered by the discount
The 25% discount applies to most types of accommodation offered by Parks Canada, including:
- winter camping
- backcountry overnight stays (remote areas)
- tent and RV/trailer camping (frontcountry)
- “equipped” camping (with ready-made tents or structures)
- oTENTik (a combination of a tent and a wooden cabin)
- MicrOcube
- various types of cabins, yurts, tipi, Ôasis
- historic buildings adapted for accommodation
What is not included in the 25% discount
Even during the discount period, the following remain fully payable:
- mooring
- programs and services that are not normally included in the base price
- third-party services
- firewood
- various types of permits
- parking
Administrative fees for reservations are also not waived.
Where the discount does not apply
As with free admission, the 25% discount does not apply to:
- Provincial and territorial parks
- Sépaq parks (Quebec)
- Municipal and private parks
- Facilities not belonging to Parks Canada
- accommodations managed by private operators
How to take advantage of the camping discount
Walk-in reservations
If you arrive at a Parks Canada campground or accommodation without a reservation (first-come, first-served), you will automatically receive a 25% discount on nights between:
- December 12, 2025 – January 15, 2026
- June 19, 2026 – September 7, 2026
Booking through the Parks Canada system
The booking situation varies slightly depending on the date:
If your booking is made before January 16, 2026, and includes dates within the Canada Strong Pass validity period, you will pay the full price at the time of booking and receive a discount in the form of a partial refund later. No additional applications or actions are required — Parks Canada will send you an email when the refund has been processed.
If your reservation is made on or after January 16, 2026, and includes dates within the Canada Strong Pass period, the 25% discount will already be included in the price at the time of booking.
In any case, it is recommended to book in advance: many popular parks have limited space, especially in the summer.
Features for northern regions of Canada
Many Parks Canada locations in the north of the country do not usually charge an entrance fee, but provide a range of services for travelers in wilderness areas. While the Canada Strong Pass is in effect, for some of these locations:
- the daily backcountry visit fee is waived
- a 25% discount is offered on overnight backcountry registrations
Specific conditions vary by location, so it is important to check the information on the page of your chosen park before you travel.
If you purchased a tour package or are traveling with a tour operator
If you purchased a tour package from a tour operator that includes visits to Parks Canada locations or stays at them during the Canada Strong Pass period, all questions regarding recalculation of costs or discounts should be coordinated directly with the tour operator.
Separate rules apply to travel companies: Parks Canada recommends contacting the team that works with the travel industry for details.
How to prepare for a trip to Canada's national parks
Parks Canada's system of natural and cultural sites is one of the largest in the world. Many popular parks, especially in the summer, can be very busy, so tour operators and independent travelers should:
- check the operating hours and available services on the parks' official websites
- book camping and accommodation in advance
- familiarize themselves with safety and behavior rules in nature
- keep in mind that services may be limited in winter
Summary
The Canada Strong Pass is a real opportunity to see more of Canada while spending less:
- free admission to Parks Canada national parks, historic sites, and marine reserves during two major periods in 2025–2026;
- 25% discount on camping and accommodation, including winter overnight stays, equipped campsites, and various types of cabins;
- automatic renewal of annual passes and convenient refund terms for existing reservations.
For current details, a list of locations, and possible rule changes, always check the official Parks Canada website before finalizing your trip plans.