Parks Canada is reintroducing the Canada Strong Pass for the 2025–26 holiday and summer seasons, providing free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas it operates, along with a 25% discount on camping and roofed accommodations.
The program runs from December 12 to January 15, 2026, and from June 19 to September 7, 2026, with regular fees applying outside these periods.
During the Canada Strong Pass periods, visitors can access Parks Canada-operated locations without paying entry fees, including national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.
From June 19 to September 7, 2026, free admission also extends to lockage fees at the seven canals administered by Parks Canada on historic waterways.
Fees for services outside standard admission, such as guided tours, hot springs, mooring, fishing licenses, firewood, and third-party services, are not included in the free admission offer.
The program applies only to Parks Canada-operated locations during regular operating hours. Limited or modified services may be available at many sites during December and January.
Free admission does not cover provincial or territorial parks, Sépaq parks in Québec, municipal or private parks, or sites operated by third parties.
Visitors do not need to present annual or seasonal passes to receive free admission during the Canada Strong Pass periods, and no separate entry pass or ticket is required.
The 25% discount on overnight stays and camping applies to frontcountry and backcountry campsites, equipped camping, oTENTiks, MicrOcubes, cabins, yurts, tipis, historic stays, and Ôasis accommodations.
Fees not included in the 25% discount mirror those excluded from free admission, including mooring, programs outside standard admission, third-party services, firewood, parking, permits, and administrative reservation fees.
The discount is offered at Parks Canada-operated locations only. “Some locations have limited first-come first-served camping options. Confirm reservation requirements and availability before you travel,” the announcement adds.