As a first step toward celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017, entry into national parks and historic sites will be free next year.
Discovery passes purchased in 2016 will be valid for 24 months from the date of purchase, instead of 12 months, or visitors can just wait until 2017 and get a pass for that year.
Officials say the discovery pass, which costs $136 for a family, provides unlimited access to almost 200 national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas.
“The passes will incorporate the purchase of one year’s admission as well as admission to Parks Canada places in 2017,” wrote Parks spokesperson Natalie Fay in an email. “A discovery pass purchased in February 2016 will be valid through February 2018.”
The Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association welcomed the move, which formed part of the Liberal government’s election platform.
Darren Reeder, the group’s executive director, said it’s a great way to introduce those who have yet to visit a national park, and those who have maybe lost familiarity with national parks, to reconnect.
“That said, this move represents a loss of entrance fee revenues for Banff National Park,” he said.
“We expect that part of the government’s plan will be to mitigate for losses in 2017 entrance fee revenues in Banff National Park.”
Parks Canada could not say how much revenue has been generated from the sale of park passes in the last few years, but the latest financial statements available indicate about $60 million across the country.
Revenues collected from entry fees stay in the parks where they are collected.
In his mandate letter to Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined some of her top priorities, including making admission for all visitors to national parks free in 2017, the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation.
For more information on National Park Passes go to the Parks Canada Government website at pc.gc.ca. or call 888-773-8888 for general inquiries.
