Visiting any of Canada's national parks will be free all summer long.
Under a program lasting from Friday, June 19, through Monday, Sept. 7, the government is offering a 100% discount on entry fees at all 48 national parks, 171 national historic sites, and 5 national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada.
That impressive portfolio ranges from the mountain landscapes and screensaver-ready lakes of Alberta's Banff and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to the craggy coasts and striking rock formations of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Highlands and New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy, along with dozens of lesser-known but comparably beautiful spots in between.
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Additionally, Parks Canada is cutting fees for camping and other overnight accommodations (cabins, lodges, and such) by 25% during the same period, June 19 through Sept. 7.
It's all part of a tourism promotion called the "Canada Strong Pass," which is confusing because getting the discounts doesn't require applying for or reserving a pass or ticket of any kind. The deal will simply be given to everybody.
Note, however, that advance reservations are recommended for some campgrounds and accommodations.
"Many sites are very busy, and availability for summer may be limited," Parks Canada warns. "Be sure to check the website of the location you plan to visit before you go."
With regard to the free park admission, Parks Canada reminds visitors that they still will be on the hook for any fees not usually covered by the entry charge, such as for parking, guided tours, and services provided by third-party vendors.
Admission fees for the country's national parks vary but typically fall around CA$10–$12 per person.
During the period when it's waiving those fees, Canada will not place limits on who gets to take advantage of the offer.
That differs from the policy now in place across the country's southern border.
The Trump administration has stipulated that at 11 of the most popular U.S. national parks, "nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee ... in addition to the standard entrance fee."
What's more, free entry days at U.S. national parks are for "U.S. citizens and residents only."
Not that there are many of those scheduled, mind you. During the nearly 3 months when Canada will grant free entry to all across its entire parks system, the U.S. plans to waive admission fees for a grand total of 4 days.