Canada Strong Pass offers free parks, travel deals

EAGLE STAFF

Canadians may enter national parks for free and get discounts on things like Via Rail trips until Jan. 15.

The federal government has brought back its “Canada Strong Pass,” intended “to make life more affordable for Canadian families and offer them simple solutions to rising living costs,” a statement said. The pass will return this summer, the statement added.

Admission is free for those under 17 and half price for those up to 24 when they go into national museums and those wanting to spend the night in a tent in a national park get 25 per cent off their camping fees.

Children up to 17 years old can travel for free on Via Rail trains if an adult accompanies them and under when accompanied by an adult those aged 18 to 24 ride for 25 per cent off.

Certain provincial and territorial art galleries and museums are offering free admission for children aged 17 and under and 50 per cent off for young adults up to 24.

The government introduced the pass during the summer and drew 13 per cent more visitors to national parks and 6.5 per cent more riders on Via Rail, the statement said.

It also helped increase visits to national museums by 15 per cent and to participating provincial and territorial museums and art galleries by an average of 6.3 per cent, it said.

"After the success of the Canada Strong Pass this summer, our government is reintroducing it to help families save money over the holidays and discover the iconic sites and museums that make our country proud,” said Marc Miller, a cabinet minister whose portfolio includes culture. “Whether it's exploring a national park, visiting a museum or taking a train ride, let's take advantage of this festive season to celebrate what makes Canada strong and beautiful and to create unforgettable memories with our loved ones.”