Editor’s note: as any parent, teacher or school-age child knows, summer vacation has arrived! This post was originally published on April 5, 2018, but all information remains relevant, and the topic, of course, does too. Whether you’re camping in another province, or checking out the Canadian national park nearest you, enjoy the freedom — and kids’ free entry– of our beautiful country’s great outdoors!
If a child enters for free into the forest, does anybody hear?
Have you heard the exciting news? Entrance to Canada’s national parks and historic sites is now permanently free to youth aged 17 years and under.
With these amazing Canada deals and permanent free entrance to our national parks, our great Canadian backyard is even more accessible to families.
Incredible Flower Pot Island, surrounded by turquoise freshwater, in Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula.
Last year, to celebrate Canada’s 150th, all national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas offered free admission in 2017. The promotion was so successful, the federal government decided to continue offering free entry to children in 2018 and beyond. On average, an adult admission to our national parks and sites is $10, showing no difference in price from two years ago. The popular Discovery Pass, which gives the holder unlimited access to over 80 national parks and heritage sites for one year, will also still be available for purchase. Adult and senior admission fees go towards the conservation, care and operations of these important places and significant landmarks.
During the sesquicentennial, it wasn’t just our magnificent Rockies that showed peaks, but tourism in Canada, too. Outdoor getaways to national parks were so popular, many at-capacity camping grounds and hiking areas were forced to turn eager campers away.
Meet the locals, like these wild bison, in gems like Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba.
These glorious lands and lakes are just the tip of the Labrador iceberg, so to speak. Canada has more than 40 dedicated national parks –and thousands of provincial parks—that every Canadian, outdoor enthusiast or nature lover should visit.
More great news– the federal government is also making significant investments in securing private conservation land to restore healthy ecosystems. In addition to protecting biodiversity and endangered and at-risk species, national parks will be honoured with a stronger indigenous presence. Canada’s indigenous communities will also be involved in the planning of wildlife areas, sanctuaries and inland waters.
An iconic lighthouse is one of many stellar views to enjoy while camping in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland.
Considering the popularity of 2017’s free national park entrance program, we expect even more families will continue to enjoy this promotion, which really is a breath of fresh air!
We don’t know about you, but we are feeling particularly proud *Cue This Land is Your Land* after reflecting on our beautiful Canadian wilderness, from sweeping mountains and fjords, polar bears to whales, crystal clear lakes and mighty tundra.
Ready for your family’s great Canadian adventure? Talk to a Flight Centre Canada expert first at 1 877 967 5302, book online, or visit us at a store near you!