Updated: 2026-07-01 | Coverage and terms follow official Parks Canada and VIA Rail announcements.
The federal government’s Canada Strong Pass program is back for its second year, running from June 19 through September 7. No registration or application is required — the discounts apply automatically the moment you show up at a participating Parks Canada site, museum, gallery or VIA Rail station.
For national parks and historic sites, every Parks Canada location qualifies for free admission, including well-known spots like Banff, Jasper, Gros Morne in Newfoundland, and Pacific Rim in BC; camping and overnight stays get a 25% discount. For museums and galleries, admission is free for visitors 17 and under, with 50% off for those 18 to 24. On VIA Rail, children 17 and under travel free in Economy class (code CANADAFAM), while those aged 18 to 24 get 25% off Escape/Economy fares (code CANADA1824).
According to official figures, last year’s inaugural run (2025) delivered strong results: national park visits rose 13%, museum visits jumped 15%, and VIA Rail logged more than 50,000 bookings using the Canada Strong Pass codes by early September, with Newfoundland and Labrador seeing a 58% jump in visitors. For families planning a national park trip or a cross-province journey this summer, this is a practical way to save money — and it pairs well with a World Cup trip. For the full scope and details, check the official Parks Canada page.
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