By Parks Canada

Free admission and discounted overnight stays with Parks Canada

Dec 3, 2025 | 9:19 AM

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:

• December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026 inclusive
• June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive

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:

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• December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026 inclusive
• June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive

What’s included in free admission

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.

What’s not included in free admission

During the Canada Strong Pass periods, 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.

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.

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:

• December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026 inclusive
• June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive

Regular fees apply from January 16 to June 18, 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

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.

Online pass sales

The Canada Strong Pass is in effect:

• December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026 inclusive
• June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive

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.

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.

No action is required to get these extensions.

25% off camping and overnight stays with Parks Canada

A discount of 25% will apply to fees for camping and roofed accommodations from:

• December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026 inclusive
• June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive

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.

What’s included in the 25% discount

• Winter camping
• Backcountry overnight stays
• Tent and RV camping / frontcountry camping
• Equipped camping
• oTENTiks
• MicrOcubes
• Cabins
• Yurts
• Tipis
• Ôasis
• Historic stays

Learn more about types of camping and overnight accommodations.

What’s not included in the 25% discount

During the Canada Strong Pass periods, fees still apply for:

• mooring
• programs not usually included with admission
• services provided by third parties
• firewood
• permits
• parking

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.

Where the 25% off applies

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.

Where the 25% off doesn’t apply

The 25% discount on camping and roofed accommodation does not apply at:

• provincial or territorial parks
• Sépaq parks in Québec
• municipal and private parks
• parks or historic sites not operated by Parks Canada
• camping and accommodations operated by third parties

How to get the 25% discount

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.

First-come first-served camping and overnight accommodations

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:

• December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026 inclusive
• June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive

Regular fees apply from January 16 to June 18, 2026 inclusive.

Reservations booked directly with Parks Canada

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.

When does the discount apply

• December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026 inclusive
• June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive

Regular fees apply from January 16 to June 18, 2026 inclusive.

Parks Canada locations in northern Canada

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:

• waive backcountry day-use fee for visitors
• offer 25% discount on overnight backcountry fees

Check the website of the location you plan to visit for more details.

Tourism operators

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.

Visitors who purchased travel packages

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.

Contact us

If you have a question not answered above, contact Parks Canada.

Plan ahead for your trip

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.