These national parks and sites in Ontario will have free access for a month

The Canada Strong Pass is back after a successful first run. Yep, for the holidays and summer 2026, Canadians can take advantage of some sweet perks, including free admission to some of Canada’s National Parks.

According to Parks Canada, “The Government of Canada is offering free admission and a 25 per cent discount on fees for camping and overnight stays” from Dec. 12, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026, inclusive, and from June 19 to Sept. 7, 2026, inclusive.

In Ontario, there are a handful of national sites and parks you can check out free of cost, including:

• Bruce Peninsula National Park (free admission and 25% off camping/overnight accommodation)
• Point Pelee National Park (free admission and 25% off camping/overnight accommodation)
• Woodside National Historic Site (free admission, open Friday to Sunday until Dec. 21 – no camping at this location).
• Rouge National Urban Park (admission is always free, even outside of the Canada Strong Pass – no camping at this location).

Another massive advantage to getting the Canada Strong Pass? The Via Rail discounts – especially handy this time of year.

The Canada Strong Pass grants children 17 and under who are accompanied by an adult a free ride, while adults ages 18 to 24 can get 25 per cent off on escape and economy fares.

There is no actual physical pass; all you need to do to use it is visit any participating Parks Canada site, museum, gallery, or Via Rail to take advantage of the perks. You also don’t need to be a Canadian citizen to utilize it! The pass is available to all visitors, too, so even those from outside the country can explore and learn more about Canada.

So, if you don’t have big plans over the next month, take this as a sign to get out and see more of our amazing country, Ontario.

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