Canada is waiving entry fees to its national parks and historic sites this summer, from 19 June to 7 September, in a bid to encourage visitors to explore its natural wonders.
The free admission, announced by the Canadian government, applies to all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas managed by Parks Canada. Lockage at historic canals will also be free, and no ticket or seasonal pass will be required.
While entry is free, overnight stays such as camping, RV pitches, yurts, tipis, cabins and historic accommodation will be discounted by 25%. Other services, including guided tours, mooring, fishing licences, firewood and parking, remain at full price.
Parks Canada says the measure aims to make it easier for everyone, particularly young people and families, to discover the country’s natural heritage. The network includes 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, covering more than 115,000 square miles of land.
Among the standout destinations, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island offers long beaches popular with surfers and a 46-mile West Coast Trail, while Banff National Park, Canada’s first, encompasses nearly 1,000 miles of mountain trails through the Rockies. In Newfoundland and Labrador, Gros Morne National Park features fjords, cliffs and the otherworldly Tablelands.
