Canada Strong Pass: What It Is and How to Use It
The Canada Strong Pass is making waves among budget-savvy travellers, students, and families eager to explore the country without breaking the bank. This multi-benefit access and discount program delivers savings on transportation, cultural attractions, and camping, making it easier than ever to enjoy more for less. If you’re planning a trip within Canada or simply want to stretch your leisure budget further, knowing how the Canada Strong Pass works and how to take full advantage of its perks can truly transform your travel experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know from who’s eligible and how to apply, to practical tips for using the pass and real-world examples of how it can help you save.
What Is Canada's Strong Pass?
The Canada Strong Pass is a federal initiative created to celebrate Canada’s shared experiences, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. Running from June 20 to September 2, 2025, the program invites both Canadians and international visitors to explore the country by offering free or discounted admission to attractions, parks, and travel services.
Background
The Canada Strong Pass isn’t a physical card you have to purchase, register for, or carry around. Instead, it’s an automatically applied program designed to make it easier for everyone, especially families and young travellers to enjoy Canada’s incredible attractions. The goal is to encourage domestic tourism while making the country’s natural and cultural treasures more accessible and affordable for all.
Key Benefits
The Canada Strong Pass packs in plenty of benefits for travellers of all ages:
Parks Canada: Free admission to every national park, historic site, and marine conservation area, plus 25% off camping fees.
National Museums: Free entry for visitors 17 and under, with 50% off tickets for those aged 18 to 24.
VIA Rail: Kids 17 and under travel free with an accompanying adult, while young adults 18 to 24 get 25% off using the codes “CANADAFAM” for children and “CANADA1824” for young adults. Tickets must be purchased between June 16, 2025 to September 2, 2025.
Provincial and Territorial Museums: Many offer free admission for children and half-price tickets for young adults 18 to 24.
Who Is Eligible?
The Canada Strong Pass is open to everyone, Non-Canadian citizens can use the Canada Strong Pass discounts in almost exactly the same way as Canadian residents. Its perks are available to all, making it a welcoming invitation to explore Canada’s sights and experiences.
How to Get the Canada Strong Pass
One of the best things about the Canada Strong Pass is how easy it is to use. There’s no complicated application or registration, your benefits are simply applied when you visit participating locations.
Do You Need to Apply?
No, there’s no application process at all. Unlike most passes or memberships, you don’t need to purchase anything or fill out any forms. The savings are automatically included, just head to a participating location and enjoy the benefits without any extra steps.
How Long Does It Take?
The Canada Strong Pass is valid for the summer season, running from June 20 to September 2, 2025. You can use its benefits as often as you like during this period. Keep in mind that discounts can’t be combined with other promotions unless a participating partner specifically allows it.
How to Use It
Using the Canada Strong Pass is simple, just visit a participating location to receive free admission or discounted rates. For VIA Rail, enter the designated discount code when booking your ticket. Some attractions or activities may require advance reservations, so it’s best to check the websites of participating sites ahead of time for details.
Use Scenarios for the Canada Strong Pass
The real strength of the Canada Strong Pass is how flexible it is. Here are a few examples of how you can make the most of its perks.
Family Day at a National Park
With the Canada Strong Pass, a family can enjoy free entry to national parks like Banff or Gros Morne. Beyond saving on admission, they could also take advantage of discounts on gear rentals or guided tours, turning a memorable day in nature into a more budget-friendly experience.
Youth Museum Trips in the City
For students and young travellers, the Canada Strong Pass offers free admission to top cultural attractions. Picture a student spending the day at the Royal Ontario Museum or the Canadian Museum of History, turning an ordinary outing into a meaningful learning experience, without the burden of high ticket prices.
Budget Travel on VIA Rail
For students watching their expenses, the Canada Strong Pass can make train travel much more affordable. Rather than opting for a cramped, costly bus ride, they could enjoy a comfortable VIA Rail trip from Toronto to Montreal, turning inter-city travel into a more accessible and enjoyable experience.
Low-Cost Camping with Gear Support
The Canada Strong Pass gives you 25% off camping fees at Parks Canada sites, making it an ideal opportunity to plan a camping trip. If you choose camping options like Algonquin Park Camping, these savings can be put toward essential gear to elevate your experience. A dependable portable power station, such as the EcoFlow RIVER 3 to keep your devices charged and even run small appliances, while a portable air conditioner like the EcoFlow WAVE 3 offers a cool retreat from summer heat. Together, they can turn a basic camping getaway into an affordable, comfortable, and memorable adventure.
Cooling Relief During Heat Waves
During a heat wave, vulnerable groups such as seniors or individuals with medical conditions could use the Canada Strong Pass to get discounts on a portable air conditioner like the EcoFlow WAVE 3, or gain entry to designated cooling centres. This positions the pass as more than just a leisure perk, highlighting its role as a valuable public safety resource during extreme weather.
Backpacking on a Student Budget
A student could combine multiple Canada Strong Pass perks for an affordable multi-day adventure using discounted VIA Rail fares, free entry to national parks, and savings on camping fees and gear. This makes it possible to experience Canada’s vast landscapes without stretching their budget.
What to Bring When Going Out with the Canada Strong Pass
Although the pass doesn’t require a physical card, packing the right gear can help you make the most of your trip and ensure you’re ready for Canada’s wide range of climates and landscapes.
Portable Power Station
A portable power station is an essential companion for camping trips, off-grid adventures, or long road journeys, ensuring your devices stay charged and even powering small appliances for added comfort. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 is a standout choice for travellers who want performance without bulk. With a 245Wh capacity and 300W rated output (expandable to 600W with X-Boost), it can easily run essentials like your phone, laptop, or even a small camping fridge, though actual runtime will vary depending on the devices connected and their power consumption. Designed to be 30% smaller than the industry average, the RIVER 3 is exceptionally easy to pack, while its whisper-quiet operation—under 30dB—means you can rest peacefully in the wild. Its 1-hour fast charging and IP54 waterproof-rated battery pack make the EcoFlow RIVER 3 a reliable, travel-ready power solution for any Canadian adventure.
Portable Air Conditioner
When travelling in Canada during the summer, especially while camping or exploring regions prone to heat waves, staying cool can make all the difference in your comfort and safety. The EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioneris designed for exactly that. Delivering powerful cooling in a compact, travel-friendly form, it can quickly lower the temperature in your tent, RV, or small cabin, turning sweltering nights into restful ones. With its efficient performance, the WAVE 3 doesn’t just keep you cool—it does so while maintaining portability and ease of setup, making it ideal for both short getaways and extended trips. Pair it with a portable power station, and you have a reliable cooling solution anywhere, from remote campgrounds to off-grid cabins, ensuring that no matter where your Canadian adventures take you, the EcoFlow WAVE 3 keeps the heat from slowing you down.
Power Bank
A reliable power bank is essential for keeping your phone charged, especially since the Canada Strong Pass benefits are likely accessed digitally. A dead phone could mean missing out on savings and access to attractions. For longer trips, choose a power bank with at least 10,000mAh of capacity, giving you multiple full charges for your smartphone. This ensures you stay connected, navigate easily, and make the most of your pass without worrying about running out of power.
Reusable Water Bottle + Snacks
Staying hydrated and energized is essential for a full day of exploring. A reusable water bottle lets you refill for free at parks, museums, and other attractions, helping you avoid the high cost of bottled drinks. Bringing your own snacks such as nuts, trail mix, or energy bars to keep your energy up and your budget in check, so you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of searching for expensive food options.
Comfortable Clothing
With Canada’s highly changeable weather, dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable throughout the day, especially in the cooler mornings and evenings. For outdoor activities like hiking, choose moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics to keep you dry and comfortable. No matter your itinerary, a supportive pair of shoes is a must, whether you’re tackling a scenic trail, wandering through city streets, or exploring cultural attractions.
Optional
Even though the pass is digital, it’s wise to have a backup plan. Save a screenshot of your pass details on your phone and download offline maps of your destinations, especially if you’ll be exploring remote areas with limited or no cell service. This ensures you can still access your benefits and navigate with ease, no matter where your travels take you.
Tips to Maximize Your Strong Pass Benefits
With a few smart strategies, you can stretch the value of your Canada Strong Pass and make the most of everything it offers.
Plan travel during VIA discount windows
Certain benefits are tied to specific dates, so timing your trip to align with VIA Rail’s discount periods can significantly boost your savings, allowing you to stretch your budget even further.
Combine with long weekends
Maximize your Canada Strong Pass by planning getaways around statutory holidays and long weekends. This way, you can take advantage of the savings on travel and accommodations while enjoying more time at your destination without using extra vacation days.
Pack energy-efficient devices
When travelling with a portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 3, opt for devices with low power consumption to get the most out of each charge. The RIVER 3’s compact size and efficient output already make it ideal for travel, but pairing it with energy-saving gear will extend its runtime, keep your essentials powered for longer, and ensure a smoother, more reliable trip.
Use portable cooling gear during heat alerts
If the Canada Strong Pass notifies you of local heat advisories, take advantage of any discounts on cooling solutions to stay safe and comfortable. A best portable air conditioner can be a lifesaver during extreme heat, keeping your tent, RV, or small cabin cool so you’re prepared no matter where your travels take you.
Camp at Parks Canada sites with Strong Pass savings
Use your Canada Strong Pass alongside Parks Canada promotions to stack your discounts and make camping even more affordable. With 25% off camping fees already included in the pass, you can put those extra savings toward better gear, like a portable power station or cooling unit, to make your trip more comfortable.
FAQs
Here are some common questions travellers might have about the Canada Strong Pass.
Is the Canada Strong Pass still valid in 2025?
Yes. The pass is active for the summer season, running from June 20 to September 2, 2025. Make sure to use its benefits within this period to get the most value from it.
Is it available to newcomers, PR holders, or temporary residents?
Yes. The Canada Strong Pass is available to all visitors, including newcomers, permanent residents, and temporary residents. You just need to meet any age-specific requirements for certain discounts.
What if my eligibility details are wrong?
Because the Canada Strong Pass is an automatic discount program with no registration process, there aren’t any personal details to get wrong. However, some participating partners may ask for proof of age to confirm eligibility for age-specific discounts.
Does the pass apply in all provinces?
Yes. As a federal initiative, the main benefits apply nationwide, covering all provinces and territories. That said, participation from provincial and territorial museums or galleries may differ, so it’s a good idea to confirm with each location before you visit.
Can it be combined with other travel discounts or student cards?
In most cases, no. The Canada Strong Pass discounts can’t be combined with other promotions unless a participating partner specifically allows it. Always review the terms and conditions for each discount to know what’s eligible.