Explore Canada Free in Summer 2025 with Canada Strong Pass
Explore Canada for Free This Summer with the Canada Strong Pass (2025)
Nothing says summer in Canada quite like heading outdoors, hopping on a train adventure, or visiting a museum with your family. This year, the federal government is making it even easier for everyone to explore the country with the launch of the Canada Strong Pass—a limited-time initiative giving Canadians and visitors free or discounted access to national parks, museums, and VIA Rail travel from June 20 to September 2, 2025.
Whether you’re a newcomer, a tourist, or a lifelong Canadian, this program is designed to help you connect with the country’s stunning landscapes and culture—without stretching your wallet.
Key Highlights
- Free entry to all Parks Canada locations, including national parks and historic sites.
- Children 17 and under travel free on VIA Rail and enjoy free museum admission.
- Young adults (18–24) get 25% off VIA Rail and 50% off museum entry.
- No registration or physical pass required—just show up and enjoy the benefits.
- Discounts on camping, backcountry fees, and select guided tours across Canada.
- Partial refunds available for some pre-booked Parks Canada and VIA Rail services.
What Is the Canada Strong Pass?
Think of the Canada Strong Pass as a summer-long invitation to experience the best of Canada—for free or at a steep discount. But here’s the twist: there’s no actual pass involved. You don’t need to sign up, download anything, or pay to access it. Simply show up at a participating location during the program window, and the benefits are applied automatically. Easy as that!
The goal? To break down financial barriers so more people—especially youth and families—can explore Canada’s natural and cultural treasures during the summer months.
Who Can Use It?
The Canada Strong Pass is open to everyone in Canada, regardless of status. That includes:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents
- International students and temporary foreign workers
- Tourists and visitors
Whether you’re living in one of Canada’s big cities or just visiting for the summer, you can take advantage of this initiative as often as you’d like between June 20 and September 2, 2025.
Canada Strong Pass Benefits by Age Group
For Children and Youth (17 and under)
- Free VIA Rail travel when accompanied by a paying adult (Escape & Economy fares only)
- Free admission to national and participating provincial/territorial museums and galleries
For Young Adults (18–24)
- 25% discount on VIA Rail Escape & Economy fares (use promo code: CANADA1824)
- 50% off entry to national and select provincial/territorial museums
For Everyone
- Free admission to all Parks Canada sites—including national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas
- 25% off camping and roofed accommodations at Parks Canada
- Free lockage on Parks Canada historic canals
- No day-use fees for backcountry visits in Northern Canada
- 25% off overnight backcountry fees in the North
- Potential discounts on guided tours at participating locations
- 3-month extension on annual Parks Canada passes
How to Use the Canada Strong Pass
There’s no physical pass and no need to register. Just head to a participating attraction or service provider and the discount or free access will be automatically applied. For VIA Rail bookings, make sure to use the appropriate promo code at checkout:
- CANADAFAM – For youth 17 and under (free travel with adult)
- CANADA1824 – For young adults 18 to 24 (25% off)
Space might be limited at some locations, particularly for camping or special tours, so it’s a good idea to check availability and reserve where needed.
Already Paid for a Ticket or Reservation?
If you’ve already purchased a Parks Canada pass, booked a campsite, or bought train tickets through VIA Rail, don’t worry—you may be eligible for a partial refund or benefit extension.
Parks Canada
- Annual or seasonal passes valid during June–August will be extended by 3 months
- Online purchases will be refunded automatically
- For in-person purchases, contact the specific location directly
- Campers will receive an email closer to their reservation date about how to claim a refund
VIA Rail
- Travel must be between June 20 and September 2, 2025
- Tickets must have been purchased before June 16, 2025, via VIA Rail directly
- To get a refund, complete the VIA Rail online refund form
Why This Matters for Canadians and Visitors
Exploring Canada shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be a shared experience. From the Rockies to the Maritimes, and every prairie trail and museum in between, the Canada Strong Pass gives families, newcomers, and tourists alike the chance to discover more of what makes this country so rich and diverse.
As Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth), shared: “With fewer financial barriers, we hope even more people will have the chance to explore our stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.”
Where to Start Planning
Ready to pack your hiking boots or hop on a train ride across provinces? Here are a few ideas to kick off your Canada Strong Pass adventure:
- Visit a national historic site you’ve never explored
- Take the kids to a museum or art gallery for free
- Go camping with 25% off at a Parks Canada location
- Book a scenic train journey across Canada with VIA Rail discounts
And if you’re considering settling in one of Canada’s provinces while enjoying all the beauty it has to offer, check out our guide to the Manitoba PNP to start your immigration journey.
Final Thoughts
From coast to coast to coast, there’s never been a better time to experience the wonder of Canada. Whether you’re hiking in the Rockies, paddling along historic canals, or admiring art in a downtown gallery, the Canada Strong Pass makes it all more accessible—especially for young folks and families.
So get out there and explore. Your next great Canadian adventure is just around the corner.
Want more travel and immigration tips?
Subscribe to our newsletter or contact our team for personalized help with exploring or moving to Canada.
