Parks Canada to offer free entry to parks and museums this summer

Get ready for an incredible summer, Victoria!

Locals and visitors travelling in Canada this summer will enjoy free entry to national parks and national museums with the Canada Strong Pass from June 19th to September 7th.

The pass is not a physical item, but rather a symbolic pass that allows free or discounted entry to all participating locations and establishments.

For the whole summer, no fees will need to be paid to enter historic sites, national parks and marine conservation areas.

Locally, participating sites include the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and the Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site.

There will also be a 25% discount on camping and overnight stays in the parks.

In addition, the pass will offer free entry to select national museums for youth 17 and under, and a 50% discounted rate for adults aged 18 to 24.

The Royal BC Museum is on the list of these museums, and will be offering educational exhibits and incredible IMAX screenings, like Sea Otters, all summer long.

As an added benefit to those travelling inside the country this year, free and discounted rates on VIA Rail are available. Youth aged 17 or under can use the railway free with an adult, while adults between 18 and 24 can enjoy a 50% reduced price.

This is the second year that the pass will be active. Last year, increases in travel were seen in several areas.

The Canada Strong Pass release stated that there was a 6.5% increase in VIA Rail Canada ridership, a 13% increase in visits to Parks Canada sites, a 15% increase in attendance at national museums and 6.3% increase in attendance at participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries.

“These results demonstrate how Canadians choosing to explore their own country can help support jobs, local businesses and cultural institutions in communities across Canada,” stated a Parks Canada media release.

“They also reflect the growing interest in Canada’s cultural and natural attractions among visitors from around the world, helping showcase the people, places and experiences that make Canada unique.”

For more information on what’s included in the pass, visit the website here.