A new initiative is making summer travel across Canada more accessible—and Parkbus is helping you get there.

In a move to boost domestic tourism and national pride, the Government of Canada has launched the Canada Strong Pass, a limited-time program designed to help Canadians and international visitors explore the country’s natural wonders, historic sites, and cultural institutions this summer. Running from June 20 to September 2, 2025, the pass offers free or discounted access to national parks, museums, and VIA Rail transportation. And thanks to Parkbus, getting there just got easier.

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What is the Canada Strong Pass?

The Canada Strong Pass is a government-backed initiative to make Canadian travel more affordable. Rather than issuing a physical or digital card, the pass is automatically applied at participating sites. Simply show up to a Parks Canada location or national museum and enjoy free or discounted entry—no sign-up required.

This summer, it’s not just about travel. It’s about reconnecting with Canada’s landscapes, stories, and shared identity.

What’s Included in the Canada Strong Pass?

✅ Free admission to all Parks Canada sites
✅ 50% off museum admission for ages 18–24
✅ Free museum admission for kids under 17
✅ 25% off Parks Canada campsites and accommodations
✅ Free VIA Rail travel for children under 17 (with adult)
✅ 25% off VIA Rail for 18–24-year-olds

Parks Canada’s full network is included—171 national historic sites, 48 national parks, and 5 national marine conservation areas, along with the Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto.

Parkbus Trips That Let You Use the Canada Strong Pass

Parkbus is proud to support the Canada Strong Pass by connecting urban Canadians to nature without the need for a car. In partnership with Parks Canada, VIA Rail, and TD, Parkbus is offering affordable, accessible, and family-friendly trips to major national parks and historic sites all summer long.

Here are some Canada Strong Pass-eligible Parkbus trips:

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🛶 Bruce Peninsula National Park – Ontario

Explore turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, and the iconic Grotto on this classic day trip from Toronto. Entry is free with the pass. Learn more.

🛤 Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park (Othello Tunnels) – British Columbia

Departing from Vancouver, this hike-through-history experience takes you into the dramatic rock tunnels of B.C.'s rail past. Learn more.

🌳 Rouge National Urban Park – Toronto

Thanks to TD, this shuttle is 100% free. Great for families and those without cars. Rouge is Canada’s first national urban park. Learn more.

🌲 Kejimkujik National Park – Nova Scotia

Ride from Halifax into Mi'kmaw territory and paddle the same lakes navigated by Indigenous peoples for centuries.

🦌 Elk Island National Park – Alberta

A short ride from Edmonton brings you face-to-face with bison, stars, and the natural beauty of Alberta’s boreal heartland. Learn more.

🐦 Point Pelee National Park – Ontario

Departing from London and Chatham, this trip takes you to Canada’s southernmost point and one of the country’s top birding hotspots.

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Special Feature Trip: The Canadian Canoe Museum + Lift Lock 21

Parkbus will also take travellers to the brand-new Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario. There, visitors can:

• Explore the world’s largest collection of paddled watercraft
• Paddle a traditional 36-foot Voyageur canoe on-site
• Enjoy a guided tour of Lift Lock 21, an engineering marvel and National Historic Site
• Learn about Indigenous paddling traditions, Canadian exploration, and waterway history

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How to Use the Canada Strong Pass with Parkbus

You don’t need to bring anything. If you’re visiting a Parks Canada site or a national museum, your discount or free entry will be automatically applied when you arrive.

Planning a Parkbus trip?
✅ Entry to national parks and historic sites will be free or discounted
✅ VIA Rail station pickups and drop-offs make inter-city connections easier
✅ Book early—seats fill fast during the summer rush!

Where to Book

• Visit parkbus.ca/canada-strong-pass to book your trip
• Browse our list of Canada Strong Pass destinations
• Filter by city (Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Edmonton, London, Chatham)
• VIA Rail connection points now included on select routes

Final Thoughts

This summer, skip the border lines and rediscover your own backyard. The Canada Strong Pass makes it easier than ever to explore Canada—and Parkbus makes getting there part of the adventure.

Whether you're hiking the Bruce Trail, paddling through Nova Scotia’s lakes, or tracing railway tunnels through B.C.’s mountains, there’s never been a better time to hit the road—and the trails.