Overview
- The government confirmed on May 21 that the Canada Strong Pass will run from June 19 to Sept. 7, 2026, restoring the program first launched in summer 2025.
- Parks Canada sites will offer free entry and a 25 percent rebate on camping fees for all visitors under the scheme.
- VIA Rail is providing free travel for children 17 and under when with an adult and 25 percent off fares for travellers aged 18 to 24, while national and participating provincial or territorial museums will offer free entry for those 17 and under and 50 percent off for 18-to-24-year-olds.
- Officials say the 2025 pass raised visitation and ridership—including a 13 percent increase at Parks Canada sites, a 6.5 percent rise in VIA Rail ridership and double-digit gains at some national museums—though regional impacts varied widely.
- The government frames the pass as an affordability measure to help families and young adults and to support jobs and local businesses, and the program is open to all visitors with no physical pass or signup required but site participation may vary.