Free admission and discounted overnight stays with Parks Canada – Parks Canada

The Canada Strong Pass is back for the holidays and summer 2026! The Government of Canada is offering free admission and a 25% discount on fees for camping and overnight stays from:
Regular fees apply from January 16 to June 18, 2026 inclusive.

Free admission with Parks Canada

The Government of Canada is offering free admission to places operated by Parks Canada from:
During the Canada Strong Pass periods, no fees apply for admission for all visitors to all national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada.
From June 19 to September 7 2026 inclusive, no fees apply for lockage at the seven canals administered by Parks Canada on historic waterways.
During the Canada Strong Pass periods, fees still apply for:
This is not an exhaustive list. Please check with the location you plan to visit for more details on fees.
Free admission only applies to places operated by and for Parks Canada, during regular operating hours.
Many sites will offer limited or modified services in December and January. Be sure to check the website of the location you plan to visit before you go.
Parks Canada free admission does not apply to:
Admission is free, during regular operating hours, from:
Regular fees apply from January 16 to June 18, 2026 inclusive.
No entry pass or ticket is required to visit locations that are open during the free admission period. Parks Canada staff will continue to welcome visitors at gates and visitor centres.
During the Canada Strong Pass periods, you do not need to show your annual or seasonal pass to receive admission to places that accept these passes.
The Canada Strong Pass is in effect:
Online sales of Discovery Passes, single-location passes (annual or seasonal) and boating permits are suspended until both Canada Strong Pass periods are over. Admission passes and permits for lockage and mooring can be purchased on location where required.
For those visiting outside of the free admission dates, Parks Canada’s team members will help you find the best value for admission once you arrive.
Discovery Passes and annual single-location passes are normally valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Annual passes valid during free admission periods are automatically extended.
No action is required to get these extensions.
Select the expiry date listed on your Parks Canada Discovery Pass or annual single location pass:
Your pass will now be valid until: September 2025

A discount of 25% will apply to fees for camping and roofed accommodations from:
Regular fees apply from January 16 to June 18, 2026 inclusive.
The 25% discount is part of the Canada Strong Pass, and may not be combined with other promotions. If more than 1 discount applies, you will receive whichever discount is greater.
Learn more about types of camping and overnight accommodations.
During the Canada Strong Pass periods, fees still apply for:
Reservation system administrative fees still apply. This is not an exhaustive list. Please check with the location you plan to visit for more details on fees.
The discount is offered on camping and accommodations operated by Parks Canada, during regular operating hours.
Many sites will offer limited or modified services in December and January, and availability for summer may be limited. Be sure to check the website of the location you plan to visit before you go.
The 25% discount on camping and roofed accommodation does not apply at:
The reduced camping rate is open to all visitors.
Advance reservations are recommended for some Parks Canada campgrounds and overnight accommodations. Some locations have limited first-come first-served camping options. Confirm reservation requirements and availability before you travel.
Everyone registering in person upon arrival for camping or roofed accommodation at a Parks Canada operated location will pay the reduced rates for the nights of:
Regular fees apply from January 16 to June 18, 2026 inclusive.
Existing reservations and new reservations made before January 16: for reserved campsites or accommodations including dates during the Canada Strong Pass periods, you will pay the full price and later receive a refund. You will receive an email once your refund has been processed. No action is required. We appreciate your patience as we work to process refunds.
Reservations made January 16 or later: for reserved campsites or accommodations including dates during the Canada Strong Pass periods, your reservation will reflect the 25% discount.
Regular fees apply from January 16 to June 18, 2026 inclusive.
Parks Canada locations in northern Canada don’t normally charge admission fees. However, they do provide many services for backcountry users.
At select northern locations, during the Canada Strong Pass periods, Parks Canada will:
Check the website of the location you plan to visit for more details.
Learn how free admission and discounted camping applies to products already purchased for your clients. Contact Parks Canada’s tourism industry relations team at tourisme.tourism@pc.gc.ca.
If you purchased a travel package from a tourism operator that includes Parks Canada admission or overnight stays, with dates during the Canada Strong Pass periods, please contact the tourism operator with any questions.
If you have a question not answered above, contact Parks Canada.
Parks Canada administers one of the finest and most extensive systems of natural and cultural heritage places in the world, for present and future generations. Some locations are very busy, especially in the summer. Plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience and to help protect these treasured places.
Prepare for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Snowshoeing, skiing, winter camping, events, hot springs and more.
How to have a safe and enjoyable Parks Canada experience.

Canada Strong Pass

More ways to explore Canada, made possible by the Government of Canada.

Explore Canada

More ways to explore Canada, made possible by the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Julie Aviva Dabrusin
Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

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