Canada Strong Pass: Free National Parks, Museum Entry & Train Discounts 2025

Sree Lakshmi R Gopal P
By Sree Lakshmi R Gopal P
Immigration Content Expert

The government of Canada’s new Canada Strong Pass is the hottest topic now! Which is a new government initiative designed to encourage summer travel and exploration within Canada.

Yes, you heard it right!! Canada is opening its doors wider than ever in 2025, with free entry to its iconic natural and cultural destinations! Introducing the Canada Strong Pass, an initiative designed to help newcomers and residents alike explore the true beauty of the country, without breaking the bank.

What is Canada Strong Pass?

The Canada Strong Pass is a nationwide initiative introduced by the Government of Canada for the summer of 2025. Which is starting from June 20 to September 2, 2025, this program opens the doors to some of the country’s most treasured spots like national parks, historic sites, museums, art galleries, and VIA Rail routes with free or significantly discounted access. Unlike traditional passes, there’s no physical or virtual pass to buy, sign up for, or present.

Canada Strong Pass Benefits

The Canada Strong Pass is a federal initiative with core benefits that are consistent nationwide. While the main benefits are the same everywhere, the actual locations and attractions included can vary by province.

Here is a detailed outline of what pass holders can enjoy:

Free Admission to Parks Canada Sites

  • Free admission for all visitors to:
    • National parks
    • National historic sites
    • National marine conservation areas
  • 25% discount on Parks Canada camping fees

Free or Reduced Admission at Museums and Galleries

  • Free admission for children and teens aged 17 and under
  • For young adults aged 18-24, there is a 50% discount

Free and Discounted Travel with VIA Rail

  • Free train travel for children aged 17 and under when accompanied by an adult
  • 25% discount on train fares for young adults aged 18 to 24

Participating Provincial & Territorial Museums

  • Free admission for children
  • For young adults aged 18-24, there is a 50% discount

With the Canada Strong Pass 2025, exploring Canada becomes not just affordable, but inspiring. It is important to note that the Canada Strong Pass is not a physical pass that requires purchase, sign-up, or collection. Instead, benefits are automatically applied when individuals visit participating locations or book eligible travel.

Via Rail Canada Strong Pass

The Canada Strong Pass includes significant benefits for travelers using VIA Rail, offering both free and discounted travel to encourage exploration across Canada. It is part of a broader initiative by the Government of Canada to promote domestic tourism and increase engagement with Canadian heritage.

Here are the specific benefits and details for VIA Rail under the Canada Strong Pass:

FREE Travel for Children & Youth (17 & Under)

Fare: Free in Economy Class (Escape and Economy fares only)

Condition: Must travel with at least one adult

Discount Code: CANADAFAM

ID Required:

  • Valid government ID for all youth aged 13–17
  • At least one adult in the reservation must also provide ID

Not valid for youth traveling alone or with an accompanying person under 18

25% Off for Adults Aged 18–24

Fare: 25% off on Escape and Economy fares

Eligibility: Must be 18–24 years old with valid ID

Discount Code: CANADA1824

Valid across all VIA Rail routes in Canada

Important Dates

Travel Period: June 20, 2025 – September 2, 2025 (inclusive)

Booking Period: June 16, 2025 – September 2, 2025 (Starts at 12:00 a.m. ET / 9:00 p.m. PT on June 15).

Who is Eligible for Canada Strong Pass?

The Canada Strong Pass is designed to make cultural and natural attractions more accessible to everyone across the country this summer. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, the pass offers valuable benefits without complex requirements.
Who is Eligible for Canada Strong Pass
Everyone in Canada is eligible to use the Canada Strong Pass, no matter your citizenship or residency status.

This includes:

Canadian Citizens : Whether born in Canada or naturalized through immigration, all Canadian citizens have full access to the Canada Strong Pass and its benefits.

Permanent Residents : Individuals who hold permanent resident status and live in Canada on a long-term basis are also fully eligible.

International Students : Students from abroad who are studying in Canada with a valid study permit whether in colleges, universities, or high schools are also permitted to use the Canada Strong Pass during their stay.

Temporary Foreign Workers : Foreign nationals who are legally working in Canada under temporary work permits or employer-specific authorizations are included, recognizing their vital contribution to the economy.

Tourists and Visitors from Abroad : Even short-term visitors such as tourists, family visitors, or those attending business meetings or events are eligible to use the Canada Strong Pass during their time in Canada.

How to get Canada Strong Pass

You do not need to “get” a Canada Strong Pass in the traditional sense, as it is not a physical pass that you need to purchase, sign up for, or collect. Instead, the benefits of the Canada Strong Pass are automatically applied when you visit participating locations or book eligible travel.

How to Access the Canada Strong Pass

1. Just Show Up

  • Go to any participating location (e.g., national parks, museums, galleries, or VIA Rail).
  • No physical pass is required, the offers are available automatically during the validity period.

2. Carry a Valid ID

  • Bring a government-issued ID (like a passport, PR card, driver’s license, or student ID).
  • This helps verify your age category, which is how the benefits are applied.

3. Know the Timeframe

  • The pass is valid from June 20 to September 2, 2025.
  • You can use the benefits as many times as you like during this period.

4. Use Discount Codes for VIA Rail

When booking VIA Rail travel, use:

  • CANADAFAM for free travel for kids under 17 (when accompanied by an adult)
  • CANADA1824 for 25% off for young adults (18–24)

5. Book Directly Through Official Sites (If Needed)

  • For campgrounds and lodging, book through the Parks Canada Website to make sure that your 25% discount applies.
  • Some attractions may require advance online booking, so always check their website.

Explore more of Canada with the Strong Pass – CanApprove’s Got Your Visit Visa Covered!

CanApprove aims to simplify your journey to explore Canada by expertly making it easier than ever to apply for a Canada Tourist Visa from India. With over 27 years of experience in immigration and study abroad services, CanApprove offers:

  • End-to-end visa assistance for visitors, tourists, students, and permanent resident applicants.
  • Personalized guidance to make sure your visa application meets all requirements.
  • Expertise in handling temporary stays that align perfectly with the Canada Strong Pass validity period, which runs from June 20 to September 2, 2025.
  • Help with preparing all documentation and supporting papers swiftly.
  • Transparent and reliable service to maximize your chances of approval.

By partnering with CanApprove, you gain peace of mind that your Canadian visitor visa will be handled professionally, allowing you to focus on making memories and fully take advantage of the free and discounted access offered by the Canada Strong Pass. Apply for a Canada visitor visa from India NOW!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Canada Strong Pass?
To get a Canada Strong Pass, you don’t need to apply or register for it. It’s automatically available to everyone in Canada, including citizens, permanent residents, international students, workers, and tourists, based on age and eligibility.
What is the VIA Canada Strong Pass discount?
The VIA Canada Strong Pass discount is: Youth aged 18 to 24 can get 25% off VIA Rail train fares during the offer period (June 20 – September 2, 2025). Children 17 and under can travel for free when accompanied by an adult on select routes.
How to register for Canada Strong Pass?
No registration is required for Canada Strong Pass. Just present a valid government-issued ID showing your age at participating sites or when booking VIA Rail tickets.
How much will the Canada Strong Pass cost?
There is no cost for the Canada Strong Pass. It is completely free. No pass purchase, membership, or digital card is needed.
Where to buy a Canada Strong Pass?
You don’t need to buy the Canada Strong Pass. The benefits are automatically applied across Parks Canada sites, national museums, and VIA Rail, based on your age and visit type.
How to use Canada Strong Pass on VIA Rail?
When booking tickets online at viarail.ca, select the appropriate age-based fare. If you’re eligible, the discount will apply automatically. Carry a valid ID for age verification during travel.
When will the Canada Strong Pass be available?
The Canada Strong Pass is available from June 20 to September 2, 2025 — perfect for summer travel across Canada.
What’s included in Canada Strong Pass?
The Canada Strong Pass includes: Free entry for children/teens (0–17) to national museums, galleries, and parks. 50% off admission for young adults (18–24) at select cultural sites. Free access for adults at Parks Canada locations and discounted VIA Rail travel for eligible age groups.
What parks are included in the Canada Strong Pass?
The parks that are included in the Canada Strong Pass are: All national parks, national historic sites, and marine conservation areas managed by Parks Canada. Always check parks.canada.ca for a complete and updated list.

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