Good news everyone!
Canada’s national park system is free in 2017, thanks to Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation. This might a good year to ditch America’s national parks in favor of visiting our neighbors in the Great White North!
Maligne Canyon in the winter, Jasper National Park
Canada’s national park system (Parks Canada) consists of 47 National Parks, 171 Historic Sites, 4 Marine Conservation Areas, and a few other landmarks. There are National Parks in every province and territory of Canada.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the first National Park in Canada, was established in 1885.
Although the parks are free, you will still have to pick up your free Discovery Pass at any of the National Park entry stations or visitor centers and display it in your car if you are driving. The free pass is valid through the end of 2017.
You will still have to pay to enter any provincial parks, as these are not maintained by Parks Canada.
Lower Falls in the winter, Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park
It’s a good deal, eh? Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity before the end of the year!
An elk in Jasper National Park
For a full list of Canada’s National Parks, visit the Parks Canada directory.