Should you use the Canada Strong Pass?

For this week’s No More Ls column, we’re looking at how to save money this summer with the Canada Strong Pass. 

A summer spent riding the rails, visiting iconic landmarks and sleeping under the stars sounds like a traveller’s dream. Doing all of that while saving money sounds even better. That combination is at the heart of the Canada Strong Pass, a Government of Canada initiative to promote domestic travel, which is now in its second year. The program promises impressive savings, but making the most of it requires some planning.

What is the Canada Strong Pass?

The Canada Strong Pass is not actually a pass. There’s nothing to sign up for. Before September 7, 2026, you can visit Parks Canada sites and participating museums and galleries to access free admission or discounts. The program can also cut ticket costs when you travel on Via Rail. Depending on your plans and family composition, the Canada Strong Pass can save you a little—or a lot—on summer travel and activities. The program includes:

• Free admission for all visitors to national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada.
• 25% off Parks Canada camping fees.
• Free admission for children aged 17 and under, and 50% off for young adults aged 18 to 24 at all national museums and at participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries.
• Free travel for children aged 17 and under when accompanied by an adult, and 25% off for young adults aged 18 to 24 on Via Rail.

All in all, it’s a great way to celebrate summer—and Canada. Rebecca Stanisic, an Ottawa-based communication strategist, used the Canada Strong Pass with her family when it debuted in 2025 and plans to use it again this year. 

“We always go to the Windsor area to see family in the summer, and we try to visit National Parks, museums and heritage sites. So, knowing about the pass fit well into our plans. It definitely was the reason we took the train rather than driving last year. While the train can come with some delays, we knew that in advance and still enjoyed the train rather than driving.”

What to know about Canada Strong

While the savings sound good, there are a few things to consider to get the best value and experience. 

Some programs might require reservations. Parks Canada campsites definitely do. Many sites at popular campgrounds, like those at Banff National Park, book up months in advance. Campground structures—including rustic cabins, yurts and tipis—are equally popular. You can sometimes luck into last-minute reservations, but planning ahead is a more dependable strategy.

​Affordable camping isn’t the only perk you’ll find at national parks, says Eric Magnan, a spokesperson for Parks Canada: “In addition to the Canada Strong Pass that is offered this summer, many of our national parks and national historic sites do offer free programs and tours to visitors, in addition to programs available at a reasonable price.” 

Magnan also shares a little-known bonus of the Canada Strong program that benefits boaters and paddlers who want the experience of travelling through a canal lock: “For those with a canoe or a kayak, lockage is free at canals administered by Parks Canada on historic waterways, such as the Rideau Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway.”

However, attracting larger crowds to parks comes with a downside. Some outdoor enthusiasts have raised concerns that free admission might further strain Canada’s busiest parks, which already see huge crowds every summer. In the spirit of protecting and enjoying public lands, Parks Canada suggests visiting some of Canada’s less busy national parks.

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Canada Strong and Via Rail

Preparation is equally important when using Via Rail discounts. Children ride for free when accompanied by a guardian, but that adult must pay a regular fare. 

To maximize savings, reserve tickets well in advance (historically, Via Rail often runs sales on Tuesdays). If you booked a trip for your children before the Canada Strong Pass was announced, you may be eligible for a refund. 

Finally, don’t forget incidental costs: Stanisic shares, “Taking the train does mean some extra planning, and buying food along the way usually has to be budgeted for, but we knew that well in advance and took that into account when planning and thinking about the savings.”

Should you use the Canada Strong Pass?

Even though she’ll need to do some planning and organization, Stanisic is eager to make the most of the program again this year. “We can’t wait to take Via Rail again. Considering the rising cost of gas, and the fact my teens are still eligible for discounts, it’s once again worth taking the train,” she says. “The tickets are booked!”

Read more from this issue of The Get:

1. What’s your financial personality?
2. True or false: Cheap clothes never last
3. AI expert Willson Cross on how to hack the AI hiring machine
4. How can I reduce costs on a limited pension?