Canada’s national parks will be free to all visitors in 2017.

100 national parks will offer free entry for all visitors in 2017. This coincides with its celebration of 150 years since Confederation.

Parks Canada’s decision regarding the free entry was influenced by a recommendation made by the new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in his mandate letter to the new Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna. In it he wrote:

“Make admission for all visitors to National Parks free in 2017, the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Beginning in 2018, ensure that admission for children under 18 is free, and provide any adult who has become a Canadian citizen in the previous 12 months one year’s free admission.”

Any pass purchased in 2016 will automatically be valid for a full 24 months, or else you can pick up a pass at any point in 2017 for free and it will be valid for 12 months. The pass usually costs $136.40 for a family of up to seven people. Please note that this offer does not include camping, parking, or other activity fees; it just covers the cost of entry.

See a full list of Parks Canada locations here, then you can order your National Parks pass by following this link.