Free Admission to Canada's National Parks for all of 2017: Hello all, In celebration of Canada's 150th Birthday - Parks Canada is offering free admission passes for all of 2017 for...

picsbywayne Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Hello all,

In celebration of Canada's 150th Birthday - Parks Canada is offering free admission passes for all of 2017 for access to National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites

http://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=22953&urlLangId=-1&productId=524528&urlRequestType=Base&langId=-1&catalogId=53407

The Cape Breton's Highland National Park in Nova Scota that features the Cabot Trail is a great example of a wonderful park to experience for free this year.

Lot's of great places to visit and photograph. And if you're one of our American neighbours, you have the advantage of your money being worth about 33% more up here.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

My advise is to stay away from Canada's National Parks at all cost this year. Although the parks are fantastic, the number of people applying for these free passes runs into the multi-millions. Parks such as Banff, Jasper etc will be jam-packed full of tourists from around the world according to Parks Canada. Wait a year or two and pay for a pass, (they're cheap enough) and visit the parks when there are fewer people to ruin your holiday.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Keldon wrote:

My advise is to stay away from Canada's National Parks at all cost this year. Although the parks are fantastic, the number of people applying for these free passes runs into the multi-millions. Parks such as Banff, Jasper etc will be jam-packed full of tourists from around the world according to Parks Canada. Wait a year or two and pay for a pass, (they're cheap enough) and visit the parks when there are fewer people to ruin your holiday.

Not sure the free passes matter. We tried to visit Lake Louise last September and couldn't park within miles.

bobsmith

Thank you for this tip, my wife and I plan to visit Canada this coming summer

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

MtnMan wrote:

Not sure the free passes matter. We tried to visit Lake Louise last September and couldn't park within miles.

Had the same problem, I guess parking at Kluane NP. in the Yukon would be fine.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

MtnMan wrote:

Not sure the free passes matter. We tried to visit Lake Louise last September and couldn't park within miles.

Yeah! Lake Louis is probably the most visited spot in Canada.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

blacks2 wrote:

Had the same problem, I guess parking at Kluane NP. in the Yukon would be fine.

You shouldn't have any problem finding a place to park in Kluane. You're more likely to have a problem finding someone to talk to there. Fantastic scenery though.

Budgiehawk

Thanks for the information. I just ordered a pass, though my chances of getting to Canada this year are slim.

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

Keldon wrote:

You shouldn't have any problem finding a place to park in Kluane. You're more likely to have a problem finding someone to talk to there. Fantastic scenery though.

I was there a few times. Btw. in 1954 I was a nozzle man working for the YCGC out of Dawson City, I don't think many of us are still alive anymore. Love the Yukon, have been back a few times. At that time I got the Yukon drivers license for $2 at the liquor store and I also had to pay $2. a month bachelors tax.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

In the UK all our National Parks are free - every year. In fact with our 'Public rights of way' (Footpaths and bridle paths) and the freedom to roam over moorland etc you can tramp around most of the country. There are only a few RSPB wetlands and Old Landed Gentry Estates or National Trust sites that charge. (often there are public paths even there...if you look at the ordinance survey maps and carry them)
I would have thought Canada was too sparsely populated to enforce 'charges'.

Ah well, we live and learn

PS don't tell our Prime Minister!!!!!

bobsmith

Oh if it were only true. Nothing is free ... every citizen of the UK pays for those parks through his or her taxes! I like the idea of having to pay when you go, that way more of the cost is borne by those who actually use the parks

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

bobsmith wrote:

Oh if it were only true. Nothing is free ... every citizen of the UK pays for those parks through his or her taxes! I like the idea of having to pay when you go, that way more of the cost is borne by those who actually use the parks

If only!
They would charge entry and still tax us - Not only that but they would employ one manager for every ten visitors...