The holiday season is a perfect time to explore Canada’s incredible natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, the Canada Strong Pass initiative provides a festive opportunity to discover the country with free or discounted access to national treasures.
What is the Canada Strong Pass?
The Canada Strong Pass is a special program from the Government of Canada designed to encourage Canadians to experience the richness of their country—from museums and galleries to national parks and historic rail routes—during the holiday season.
The key benefit the Canada Strong Pass provides for admission to Parks Canada sites is complimentary admission to all national parks. The Pass also includes discounted rates on roofed accommodations within Parks Canada locations.
It is not a physical pass. There is no need to purchase, sign up, or collect anything. You simply benefit from the free or discounted admissions and rates when you visit any of the participating sites or book with VIA Rail during the promotional period.
Coast-to-Coast Holiday Magic and Inside Activities
The Pass is your key to a wealth of activities, offering something unique for every type of winter traveler, ensuring a truly Canada-wide holiday experience:
Western Wonders
Banff National Park Holiday Season (Alberta)
Enjoy complimentary admission to this iconic park, where you can lace up your skates on Lake Louise or take a serene, snow-dusted hike. The Pass also includes discounted rates on roofed accommodations within Parks Canada locations, perfect for a cozy holiday mountain getaway.
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff
Yukon Historic Sites – Dawson City Klondike National Historic Sites
Experience the magic of the North with free entry to historic sites, offering a look into Canada’s gold rush past under the glow of the winter sky.
https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/yt/klondike
Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – Steveston Festival of Trees (Richmond, BC)
Receive free entry. The Cannery hosts the annual Steveston Festival of Trees until early January. Your Pass allows you to explore the decorated venue, vote for your favourite community-designed tree, and enjoy festive maritime crafts.
https://gulfofgeorgiacannery.org/events/festival-of-trees-2025
Central Celebrations
Fort Henry National Historic Site – A Garrison Christmas (Kingston, ON)
As a National Historic Site, you receive free admission. Experience “A Garrison Christmas” programming, featuring tours of traditionally decorated 19th-century buildings, caroling, and winter lantern displays, a unique blend of history and holiday spirit.
https://www.forthenry.com/events
Canadian Museum of History – Canadian Children’s Museum holiday programmes (Hull, QC)
Many museums offer free or reduced admission. Take advantage of a possible free entry day. The museum often features special holiday-themed exhibitions and hands-on activities, like the Canadian Children’s Museum holiday programming, providing an incredible inside cultural experience away from the cold.
https://www.historymuseum.ca/visit/#events
The Forks National Historic Site – Festival du Voyageur events (Winnipeg, MB)
Benefit from complimentary access and special winter programming at the historic meeting point of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Use the Pass to access the river trail for skating or for possible discounts on local Festival du Voyageur preview events starting in January.
https://www.theforks.com/events
Eastern Enchantments
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site – winter solstice storytelling sessions (NL)
Enjoy free admission to North America’s only confirmed Norse site. Experience the stark, beautiful landscape frosted with snow and attend special winter solstice storytelling sessions inside the reconstructed sod huts.
https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/nl/meadows
VIA Rail – Travel the Country
Make visiting family or exploring a new city part of the adventure! All children 17 and under travel free when accompanied by an adult, and youth aged 18 to 24 benefit from discounted fares.
Citadel Hill National Historic Site – Victorian Christmas Day event (Halifax, NS)
Get free admission to the iconic Halifax fortification. Look for their Victorian Christmas Day event, where period interpreters offer a glimpse into the winter traditions of 19th-century Halifax.
https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax
The Canada Strong Pass offers a way to embrace the festive spirit and discover a new part of the country this winter.
Learn more about the Canada Strong Pass on the official Canada.ca site.
