Castle Mountain, Banff National Park
Adventure & Recreation Parks 

Free Parks Canada Admission in 2017

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FREE Parks Canada admission in 2017! Parks Canada is celebrating the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation by waiving admission fees to all national parks, national historic sites and marine conservation areas plus lockage fees for historic canals and waterways for the entire year.

You and your family are invited to celebrate with them, during 2017. We hope to inspire you to take advantage of the free Parks Canada admission in 2017 by designing your own uniquely memorable celebration. You can choose from more than 200 fantastic spots to visit and make 2017 the year when you learn new things about our country.

Celebrate Confederation

Design a Plan for your Confederation Celebration

Here are a few ideas to help you get started making your plan:

  • There’s FREE admission for everyone to all of Canada’s National Parks, national historic sites and marine conservation areas for the whole year plus FREE lockage fees for Parks Canada’s historic canals and waterways.
  • You can plan to learn more about our own particular natural treasures which are unlike any others in the world.
  • You might want to delve into the cultures of Canada’s indigenous peoples.
  • Plan a family camping vacation in the national park of your choice.
  • Make several short trips over the course of the year.

Whatever you decide to do, plan to learn new things and while you’re doing it,  have some great adventures and a whole lot of fun!

If you need help deciding how to make your plan, there’s plenty of information to access at: http://pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/index.aspx. There you can find practical answers that will make your planning a breeze! Help as to where to go, where to stay, what to do and see, and more in your chosen location.

Do it in the Columbia Valley

Celebrate Confederation in the Columbia Valley

We hope that at some point during 2017, you will make your vacation destination the Columbia Valley BC. Kootenay National Park with all its wild and spectacular mountain beauty is right in our backyard, just waiting to be discovered by you and your family. Remember, there’s FREE Parks Canada admission in 2017 so this would be the ideal time to visit.

While you are holidaying in the valley, a scenic day trip will take you to Yoho, Mount Revelstoke or Glacier National Parks. You can visit Kootenae House National Historic Site just outside of Invermere, where David Thompson established a trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Or pay a visit to the Rogers Pass, where the Last Spike was driven into the ground at Craigellachie Station in 1881, completing Canada’s first trans-continental railway and marking the end of one era in Canada’s history and the beginning of another.

The Red Chairs

The Red Chairs
Wherever your celebration of Confederation takes you, look for the RED CHAIRS! Parks Canada has placed red chairs in the most spectacular spots throughout the country’s parks. If you find yourself weary as you hike along a mountain trail or you just want to stop and absorb the breathtaking scenery, look for a Red Chair. Then take a few minutes to appreciate our country’s glory.

Get Started Now

You can start by purchasing your FREE 2017 Discovery Pass which will be your admission into all the places that are managed by  Parks Canada.  You can find out more and order
your free 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass online.

Note: There are some things which are not free during 2017:

  • Campsites,  and other accommodations
  • Hot springs in the Canadian Rockies
  • Mooring
  • Reservation fees
  • Guided tours and hikes and park programs which are not usually included with the price of admission
  • Firewood

Keep up-to-date about Parks Canada’s Confederation celebration plans on their facebook page at:
https://facebook.com/ParksCanada/