Canadian Culture and Identity Minister Steven Guilbeault announced on Monday morning that the federal government will launch the Canada Strong Pass later this week — a move to promote domestic tourism that makes Canada’s historic sites and parks free to visit and rail travel less expensive for young people.
“Canadians are proud of their country. Canada is strong and it’s yours to discover,” Guilbeault said at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa.
The pass, which launches on Friday, doesn’t require registration or a physical card. Instead, the benefits will be available upon arrival at parks, national museums and when booking train tickets. Canadians and foreign tourists are eligible.
In a news release, Canadian Heritage said the pass includes free admission for all visitors to national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada and a 25 per cent discount on camping fees.
The pass also gives children aged 17 and under free admission to national museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum. For young adults aged 18 to 24, they get a 50 per cent discount.
Children aged 17 and under can also travel for free on Via Rail when accompanied by an adult. Young adults aged 18 to 24 get a 25 per cent discount on tickets.
Finally, children get free admission to select provincial and territorial museums and galleries, while young adults aged 18 to 24 get a 50 per cent discount.
“Our federal government makes it easier than ever for families to choose Canada when planning their summer vacation, and to fully enjoy the places and experiences that bring us together and that strengthen our country,” Guilbeault said.
The federal government’s announcement comes as fewer Canadians travel south to the United States — and some of that travel itch is being redirected back to Canada.
In May, Statistics Canada released data that showed return trips by Canadians coming back from the U.S. by air dropped by 19.9 per cent, and return via land borders dropped by a whopping 35.2 per cent compared to April of last year.
Many Canadians have been opting not to visit the U.S. in recent months for a number of reasons, such as increased scrutiny and risk of detention at the border, or as a way to boycott the U.S. given President Donald Trump’s trade war threats and talk of annexing Canada.
In March, at least eight provinces and territories shared with CBC News that they’ve seen increased interest from Canadian tourists in visiting their respective regions.
Guilbeault said the pass is “about discovering and reconnecting with nature, history and culture of this remarkable country we all share and are proud to call our own.”
