'Canada Strong' pass is back for 2026
For families looking to make the most of summer in Canada without the extra cost, this could be the ticket.
The Canada Strong Pass is back for 2026, making summer travel a whole lot easier on the wallet for Canadians.
It’s designed to help kids and young families discover the best of Canada – for free.
Under the plan, Canadians can spend their summer exploring all that nature has to offer with free admission to national parks operated by Parks Canada from June 19 to September 7th.
Children and youth 17 and under also get free admission to galleries and museums, and free VIA Rail tickets when travelling with a parent.
Meanwhile, 18 to 24-year-olds will also see steep discounts, and camping at national parks will be more affordable for all, with fees reduced by 25 per cent.
How do I get a Canada Strong pass?
You don't need to apply for a Canada Strong Pass. It is a promotional initiative that grants Canadians automatic perks when they show up to a location in person.
"The Canada Strong Pass is not a physical pass that you need to purchase, sign up for, or collect," reads a statement on Canada.ca.
"Simply visit any participating Parks Canada site, museum, gallery, or VIA Rail to benefit from free admissions or discounts."
Canada Strong pass debuted in 2025
This is the second year the Canada Strong pass will be available.
Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced it ahead of the summer of 2025 and, according to the Government of Canada, it has been a success.
Officials noted a 15 per cent increase in attendance across all participating museums compared to 2024, and Rail Canada recorded more than 50,000 Canada Strong Pass bookings by September 2, 2025.
Canadian parks saw visitors increase by about 13 per cent and Newfoundland and Labrador saw a 58 per cent jump in visitors in 2025.
You can learn more about what the pass has to offer by visiting Canada.ca.
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Header image by Cheryl Santa Maria. Written with files from April Walker.