This summer, visitors will be able to visit Banff National Park and other Parks Canada sites without paying an entrance fee. The federal government is reinstating the Canada Strong Pass program, which will run from June 19 through September 7, 2026.
During this period, visitors will not need to purchase a day pass or show a special pass at the entrance to national parks. In addition, a 25% discount will apply to stays at campgrounds and select Parks Canada sites.
The offer is not limited to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. All visitors, including tourists from other countries, will be able to take advantage of free admission and discounts.
No special pass is required
Despite the name Canada Strong Pass, this is not a physical card or an electronic document.
No registration, application, certificate download, or promo code is required to participate in the program. Simply visit a Parks Canada site during the program period.
Staff will continue to greet visitors at entrances and information centers, but a separate ticket for free admission will not be required.
Where free admission applies
Free admission applies to sites managed by Parks Canada:
- national parks;
- national historic sites;
- national marine conservation areas;
- historic waterways and canals, where lock fees will also be waived.
Banff National Park in Alberta is also included in the program.
However, the Canada Strong Pass does not apply to provincial, territorial, municipal, or private parks. If a site is located in Canada but is not managed by Parks Canada, the standard admission fee may still apply.
What will be free in Banff
From June 19 to September 7, 2026, visitors to Banff will not pay the standard national park entrance fee.
During the regular season, an adult day pass to Banff costs over $12, and a family or group pass costs over $24. Under the Canada Strong Pass, these fees will be temporarily waived.
This could be particularly beneficial for families, tour groups, and people planning to spend several days in the park.
However, free entry does not mean that all services within Banff will also be free.
What You’ll Still Have to Pay For
Even while the Canada Strong Pass is in effect, certain services will remain subject to fees.
Specifically, fees may apply for:
- parking at certain popular locations;
- shuttles and public transportation;
- reservations;
- visits to Banff Upper Hot Springs;
- guided tours and hikes;
- fishing licenses;
- firewood;
- special permits;
- services provided by private companies;
- certain activities and special programs.
For example, to take a shuttle to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, you will need to book a seat in advance and pay the fare. Free park admission does not replace this booking.
Similarly, parking is charged separately in areas with special rates.
25% Discount on Campgrounds and Accommodations
In addition to free admission, the Canada Strong Pass offers a 25% discount on campgrounds and select lodging options managed by Parks Canada.
The discount may apply to:
- tent and trailer sites;
- campgrounds in drive-in areas;
- backcountry accommodations;
- equipped campsites;
- cabins;
- yurts;
- teepees;
- oTENTik;
- MicrOcube;
- Ôasis;
- historic lodgings.
The discount will apply to nights from June 19 through September 7.
If a reservation is made directly through Parks Canada and covers this period, the discount should be automatically applied to the price.
However, the booking system’s administrative fee remains in effect. You will also have to pay separately for firewood, parking, permits, additional programs, and services provided by third-party operators.
The discount applies only to campgrounds and accommodations managed by Parks Canada. It does not apply to private hotels, tourist complexes, or campgrounds operated by other providers.
Reservations are still required
The Canada Strong Pass does not guarantee availability at a campground, shuttle, or tourist attraction.
Many popular campgrounds and accommodations require advance booking. Some locations offer first-come, first-served sites, but these are limited in number.
This is especially true for Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and other popular destinations in the Canadian Rockies.
Free admission may increase visitor numbers, so expect crowded parking lots, longer drives, and popular locations filling up quickly during the summer.
It’s best to check in advance:
- whether reservations are required;
- whether campsites are available;
- shuttle schedules and ticket availability;
- road and trail conditions;
- fire warnings or area closures;
- parking regulations;
- current weather conditions.
It is also advisable to have a backup plan in case your chosen location or parking lot is full.
What will happen to Discovery Passes already purchased
Holders of Parks Canada Discovery Passes or annual passes for specific sites will not lose their paid period due to the free summer.
Annual passes valid during the free admission period will be automatically extended. There is no need to submit a separate application or contact Parks Canada for this.
The exact new expiration date of the pass can be checked using a special calculator on the official Parks Canada website.
During the Canada Strong Pass period, you also do not need to show your Discovery Pass at the entrance.
When the program will be in effect
The 2026 Canada Strong Pass summer period will run:
From June 19 through September 7.
Until June 18 and starting September 8, standard entrance fees will apply again according to the rates of the specific site.
The camping discount also applies only to nights falling within the designated period.
Why it’s better to plan your trip now
Free admission makes a trip to Banff more accessible, but it can also lead to significantly higher tourist traffic.
The most popular campgrounds, shuttles, and lodging options can be booked well in advance of your trip. At popular locations, parking spots often run out as early as the morning.
Therefore, Parks Canada’s main advice remains the same: plan your trip in advance.
Before leaving, check official updates, book necessary services, and consider an alternative route.
The Canada Strong Pass will indeed help you save on admission and lodging, but one free ticket won’t be enough for a comfortable trip to Banff. The most important things remain early booking, a realistic plan, and a willingness to change your route if popular spots are crowded.