Free admission and discounted overnight stays with Parks Canada
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Free admission and discounted overnight stays with Parks Canada
The Canada Strong Pass is back for summer 2026! The Government of Canada is offering free admission and a 25% discount on fees for camping and overnight stays from June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive .
Free admission with Parks Canada
The Government of Canada is offering free admission to places operated by Parks Canada from June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive.
What’s included in free admission
From June 19 to September 7, no fees apply for :
admission for all visitors to all national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada
lockage at canals administered by Parks Canada on historic waterways
What’s not included in free admission
From June 19 to September 7, fees still apply for:
camping and other accommodations (learn more about 25% off camping and overnight stays this winter with Parks Canada)
reservations
Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs
mooring
guided tours, hikes and programs not usually included with admission
services provided by third parties
fishing licenses
firewood
parking
permits (e.g. research, drone use)
This is not an exhaustive list. Please check with the location you plan to visit for more details on fees.
Where free admission applies
Free admission only applies to places operated by and for Parks Canada, during regular operating hours.
Be sure to check the website of the location you plan to visit before you go.
Where free admission doesn’t apply
Parks Canada free admission does not apply to:
provincial or territorial parks
Sépaq parks in Québec
municipal and private parks
parks or historic sites not operated by Parks Canada
locations operated by third parties
When admission is free
Admission is free, during regular operating hours, from June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive.
How to get free admission
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.
Parks Canada annual/seasonal passes
Between June 19 and September 7 inclusive, you do not need to show your annual or seasonal pass to receive admission to places that accept these passes.
Available to buy online
The following admission passes and permits can be bought online:
Discovery Passes (outside of the Canada Strong Pass periods only)
Available to buy in-person
You can buy passes and permits in person outside of the Canada Strong Pass periods, where available.
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.
Pass extensions
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. For any questions regarding your annual pass or its extension, please contact the site you plan to visit directly.
No action is required to get these extensions.
Select the expiry date listed on your Parks Canada Discovery Pass or annual single location pass:
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