The Return of the Canada Strong Pass: Discounts for Winter 2026
Exploring Canada just got more affordable again with the Canada Strong Pass returning for winter 2026. It brings free entry to Parks Canada sites plus additional discounts on camping, national museums, and VIA Rail. Designed to encourage domestic tourism and help with rising living costs, the Strong Pass makes it easier for families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience this beautiful country. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or a summer adventure, the Canada Strong Pass will save you money.
What Is the Canada Strong Pass and Why It’s Back for 2026
The Canada Strong Pass is an initiative from the Canadian government designed to encourage domestic tourism. It offers free entry to all Parks Canada national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, plus 25% discounts on camping and overnight accommodations. In addition, you can get age-related discounts on national museums and VIA Rail train tickets. It’s intended to help families explore our national treasures while helping combat the rising cost of living.
The Strong Pass was introduced in 2025 and brought back due to its incredible success. In 2025, we saw a 13% increase in visitors to Parks Canada sites, a 15% increase in national museum visits, and a 6.5% increase in VIA Rail ridership.
No matter where you visit, bring along one of the EcoFlow Power Banks. They’re so compact that they fit in your pocket, allowing you to keep your phone charged and take even more great shots of Canada’s parks and historic sites.
Winter 2026 Discount Window: When Does It Apply?
The 2026 winter discount window offers free admission and 25% off camping and overnight stays at dozens of Parks Canada destinations.
The dates for free admissions and discounts for 2026 are as follows:
December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026
June 19 to September 7, 2026
Note that annual pass sales are suspended during the discount windows to prevent people from buying passes they do not need.
What’s Included in the Winter 2026 Strong Pass?
A number of popular outdoor activities are included in the winter 2026 Strong Pass, including:
Parks Canada entry fees to national parks, historic sites, and national marine conservation areas are waived for all visitors regardless of age or nationality.
Camping and overnight stays at most Parks Canada locations are given a 25% discount.
National museums and galleries offer free entry for children up to age 17 and 50% off for young adults aged 18-24.
VIA Rail offers free economy-class seats for children up to age 17 travelling with an adult, plus a 25% discount for all young adults aged 18 to 24.
However, it does NOT include certain things like:
Firewood, parking fees, and fishing permits still cost the regular fees.
Radium, Miette, and Banff Upper Hot Springs charge regular fees.
Third-party accommodations not run by Parks Canada are not eligible for discounts.
Note that many campgrounds are wilderness sites with little or no amenities, so bring your own water and backup generator.
10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Canada Strong Pass
Registration and opening days vary by site. Check the park you want to stay at to find its exact dates.
Even if your entrance fees are waived, you may still need reservations, and popular sites fill up fast.
Don’t cancel existing reservations. If they’re within the discount window and you already paid full price, the system will automatically process a refund for the 25% discount.
Know which roofed accommodations are eligible for discounts, like oTENTiks, yurts, cabins, micrOcubes, Oasis units, and tipis run by Parks Canada. Third-party accommodations are not eligible.
Families should take advantage of age-based discounts at museums and VIA Rail, making for excellent and affordable family entertainment.
VIA Rail discounts are not automatic. You need to use the discount codes:
CANADAFAM for children (17 and under) to travel for free (with an adult)
CANADA1824 for 25% off for young adults aged 18–24.
Check winter operating hours, as many sites are closed for the season. Even if gates are open, rental shops, camp stores, and visitor centres may not be.
During winter, local stores may also be closed, so bring along your complete camping checklist.
Many sites have no services, so always bring your own water and a power source to recharge your devices. A compact power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station works great for the average camper to run lights and recharge devices. However, those with large families or RVs should consider a larger portable home generator; bring it camping, then use it at home the rest of the year as a backup power supply.
Don’t try to buy a park pass online during the winter or summer discount window, as sales will be suspended to prevent people from buying passes they don’t need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Register to Use the Canada Strong Pass?
No registration is required to use the Strong Pass. Instead, free entry or discounts are automatically applied when you arrive or when you make reservations online at Parks Canada sites, national museums, and VIA Rail. However, you should still check whether reservations are required.
Can I Use the Canada Strong Pass at Any National Park?
Yes, the Canada Strong Pass provides free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. No physical pass is required; discounts are automatically applied to all visitors regardless of age or nationality.
Early Organization Makes 2026 Camping Easier
The return of the Canada Strong Pass for winter 2026 makes exploring Canada’s parks, museums, and historic sites more accessible than ever. With free admission, discounted camping, and age-based savings on VIA Rail and museums, a little planning can save a lot of money. Be sure to check the reservation dates and seasonal closures, and prepare for limited services by bringing your own water and power source, like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station, to keep your trip running smoothly.