Canada,families,youth,travel,museums,parks,VIA Rail,summer

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published June 21, 2026

Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتساب

Canada has opened the summer season with the return of the Canada Strong Pass, offering families and young adults reduced-cost access to national parks, museums, galleries and VIA Rail travel as households continue to look for more affordable vacation options.

The program runs from June 19 to September 7, 2026, and does not require a physical or digital pass. Visitors can benefit from free admission or discounts directly at participating Parks Canada sites, museums, galleries and VIA Rail, although some activities may require reservations or have limited capacity.

Under the program, Parks Canada offers free admission to national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas it operates, along with a 25% discount on camping and overnight stays at eligible Parks Canada locations.

National museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum offer free admission for children and teens aged 17 and under, while young adults aged 18 to 24 receive 50% off general admission. Similar benefits are also available at participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries.

VIA Rail is also part of the pass, allowing children and youth aged 17 and under to travel free in Economy class when accompanied by an adult, using the discount code CANADAFAM. Young adults aged 18 to 24 can save 25% on eligible Escape and Economy fares using the code CANADA1824.

The savings do not cover every cost. Reservation fees, parking, firewood, some guided tours, special programs and third-party services may still apply. Parks Canada benefits also do not apply to provincial, territorial, municipal or private parks, or to sites not operated by Parks Canada.

The federal government says the pass is intended to make summer travel more affordable while supporting local tourism, cultural institutions and communities across Canada. According to the government, the 2025 edition helped increase VIA Rail ridership by 6.5%, Parks Canada visits by 13%, and national museum attendance by an average of 15%.