Canadians planning to visit national parks in the United States will soon face higher costs due to a new executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a news article by Daily Hive.
Announced by the White House on July 3, the measure imposes increased entry fees specifically for foreign tourists, with the aim of enhancing “services, access, and affordability for Americans.”
The executive order states, “The Order directs the Secretary of the Interior to increase fees only for foreign visitors while making national parks more affordable and enjoyable for American families.”
The fee hike, set to take effect in 2026, is expected to generate over $90 million in revenue for the National Park Service (NPS), which will allocate the funds toward conservation efforts, reducing the backlog of maintenance projects, and upgrading park infrastructure.
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Budget in Brief, the surcharge is part of a broader strategy to support park funding while shifting more of the financial burden onto international visitors.
Many U.S. national parks, such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, already charge entrance fees, with annual passes costing up to US$70 (approximately C$95.25).
While several parks remain free to access, the new policy will apply to those that currently have fee structures in place.
The White House argues that the policy aligns with international standards, where residents often receive preferential pricing.
The statement reads, “American citizens fund national parks and public lands with their tax dollars, yet they are currently charged the same rate as foreign visitors who do not pay taxes, meaning that American citizens pay more to see their own national treasures than foreign visitors do. President Trump is ending this unfair situation and putting Americans first.”
Meanwhile, some U.S. states are taking a different approach in response to dwindling Canadian tourism.
In April, California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a campaign aimed at inviting Canadians back to the state, saying, “A message for our Canadian friends: come visit California.”
In another gesture of goodwill, officials in Burlington, Vermont, voted to temporarily rename Church Street to Canada Street as a sign of camaraderie.
Burlington City Councillor Becca Brown McKnight expressed her frustration with the federal move, stating in an email to Daily Hive, “Vermonters overall, and Burlingtonians in particular, including myself, are downright fed up with Donald Trump’s damaging policy choices and negative rhetoric.”
Canadians uninterested in paying steeper U.S. entry fees may opt to explore domestic natural attractions instead.
The Canada Strong Pass, valid until September 2, offers free access to national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, with added perks like complimentary museum admission for youth 17 and under.
This executive order may prompt a shift in travel trends, with more Canadians opting to vacation within their own borders, potentially boosting domestic park attendance in Canada while impacting tourism-dependent businesses in U.S. gateway communities.