Free admission and discounted overnight stays at Parks Canada
Parks Canada is offering free admission and a 25% discount on fees for camping and overnight stays from June 20 to September 2, 2025 inclusive.
Free admission with Parks Canada
As part of the Canada Strong Pass, the Government of Canada is offering free admission to places operated by Parks Canada from June 20 to September 2, 2025 inclusive.
What’s included in free admission
From June 20 to September 2, no fees apply for:
- admission for all visitors to all national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada
- lockage at canals administered by Parks Canada on historic waterways
What’s not included in free admission
From June 20 to September 2, fees still apply for:
- camping and other accommodations (learn more about 25% off camping and overnight stays with Parks Canada)
- reservations
- Canadian Rockies Hot Springs
- mooring
- guided tours, hikes and programs not usually included with admission
- services provided by third parties
- fishing licenses
- firewood
- parking
- permits (e.g. research, drone use)
This is not an exhaustive list. Please check with the location you plan to visit for more details on fees.
Where free admission applies
Free admission only applies to places operated by and for Parks Canada.
Full list of locations with free admission
Where free admission doesn’t apply
Parks Canada free admission does not apply to:
- provincial or territorial parks
- Sépaq parks in Québec
- municipal and private parks
- parks or historic sites not operated by Parks Canada
- locations operated by third parties
When admission is free
June 20 to September 2, 2025 inclusive, during regular operating hours.
Who gets free admission
Admission is free for all visitors from June 20 to September 2, 2025.
How to get free admission
No entry pass or ticket is required to visit during the free admission period. Parks Canada staff will continue to welcome visitors at gates and visitor centres.
Parks Canada annual/seasonal passes
Between June 20 and September 2, 2025 inclusive, you do not need to show your annual or seasonal pass to receive admission to places that accept these passes.
Parks Canada Discovery Pass and annual single-location pass
Discovery Passes and annual single-location passes are normally valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. If you have a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or annual single-location pass valid for June, July, and/or August 2025, Parks Canada will automatically extend the pass for an additional 3 months. For example, a pass that has an original expiry date of July 2025 will now expire in October 2025. No action is required to get the extension.
If you have questions about your 2025 annual single-location pass, contact the location.
Pass expiration calculator
Select the expiry date listed on your Parks Canada Discovery Pass or annual single location pass:
Your pass will now be valid until: September 2025
Seasonal single-location pass
Seasonal single-location passes are for 1 specific location and are valid for less than a year, so they cannot be extended like annual passes. Prices for seasonal passes will be adjusted.
- Passes already purchased online through Parks Canada will be partially refunded without the need to request a refund. We appreciate your patience as we work to process refunds.
- If you purchased your pass in person, contact the specific location for more information on the partial refund.
25% off camping and overnight stays with Parks Canada
From June 20 to September 2, 2025 inclusive, a discount of 25% will apply to fees for camping and roofed accommodations.
The 25% discount is part of the Canada Strong Pass, and may not be combined with other promotions. If more than 1 discount applies to your reservation, you will receive the greater of the 2.
What is included in the 25% discount
- Tent and RV camping / frontcountry camping
- Equipped camping
- oTENTiks
- MicrOcubes
- Cabins
- Yurts
- Tipis
- Ôasis
- Historic stays
- Backcountry overnight stays
Learn more about types of camping and overnight accommodations.
What’s not included in the 25% discount
From June 20 to September 2, fees still apply for:
- mooring
- programs not usually included with admission
- services provided by third parties
- firewood
- permits
- parking
Reservation system administrative fees still apply. This is not an exhaustive list. Please check with the location you plan to visit for more details on fees.
Where the 25% off applies
The discount is offered on camping and accommodations operated by Parks Canada.
Where the 25% off doesn’t apply
The 25% discount on camping and roofed accommodation does not apply at:
- provincial or territorial parks
- Sépaq parks in Québec
- municipal and private parks
- parks or historic sites not operated by Parks Canada
- camping and accommodations operated by third parties
How to get the 25% discount
The reduced camping rate is open to all visitors.
Most Parks Canada campgrounds and overnight accommodations require advanced reservations. Availability for summer 2025 is limited. Some locations have limited first-come first-serve camping options.
If you don’t already have a reservation, confirm reservation requirements and availability before you travel. Parks Canada staff are available at locations to welcome you and help you plan your visit.
First-come first-serve camping and overnight accommodations
Everyone registering in person upon arrival for camping or roofed accommodation at a Parks Canada operated location will pay the reduced rates for the nights of June 20 to September 2, 2025 inclusive.
New reservations
The discount will be automatically applied when you make a new reservation with Parks Canada online or over the phone, for nights between June 20 and September 2, 2025 inclusive.
Existing reservations booked directly with Parks Canada
If you have already booked a campsite or accommodation including dates between June 20 and September 2 inclusive, you’ll receive a follow-up email from Parks Canada as your reservation date approaches. It will explain how to receive your refund. We appreciate your patience as we work to process refunds.
When does the discount apply
June 20 to September 2, 2025 inclusive.
Lockage permits
Free admission will be in effect for half of the boating season; because of this, the price of lockage permits will be reduced.
- If you purchased your permit online through Parks Canada, it will be partially refunded without the need to request a refund. We appreciate your patience as we work to process refunds
- If you purchased your lockage permit in person, contact us at pc.navigationuvnq.pc@pc.gc.ca for more information on the partial refund
Parks Canada locations in northern Canada
Parks Canada sites in northern Canada don’t normally charge admission fees. However, they do provide many services for backcountry users.
At the following select locations, Parks Canada will:
- waive backcountry day-use fee for visitors
- offer 25% discount on overnight backcountry fees
Nunavut Territory
Northwest Territories
Tourism operators
Learn how free admission and discounted camping applies to products already purchased for your clients. Contact Parks Canada’s tourism industry relations team at tourisme.tourism@pc.gc.ca.
Visitors who purchased travel packages
If you purchased a travel package from a tourism operator that includes Parks Canada admission or overnight stays, with dates between June 20 and September 2, 2025 inclusive, please contact the tourism operator with any questions.
Contact us
If you have a question not answered above, contact Parks Canada.
Plan ahead for your trip
Parks Canada administers one of the finest and most extensive systems of natural and cultural heritage places in the world, for present and future generations.
Some locations will be very busy this summer. Plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience and to help protect these treasured places.
Less busy alternatives to the most popular national parks
Discover these equally beautiful alternatives to our most popular (and crowded) destinations.
The complete guide to visiting Parks Canada
How to have a safe and enjoyable Parks Canada experience.
Ten tips to make the most of your visit
How to choose the best times to visit and decide what destination is best for you.
Popular Parks Canada topics
- Plan your visit
- Explore Parks Canada
- Activities and experiences
- Travel tips and vacation ideas
- Passes, permits and fees
- Camping and overnight accommodations
- Reservations
Canada Strong Pass
Canada Strong Pass
More ways to explore Canada this summer, made possible by the Government of Canada.
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