Explore Canada This Winter with the Canada Strong Pass and Save Big

The winter season in Canada has lots to offer in terms of beauty. Understanding Canada Strong Pass benefits helps you save money while exploring. Now, you can take advantage of this with ease, even with high travel expenses. The Canada Strong Pass returns for the holiday season of 2025-2026. This Canada Strong Pass assists families in travelling and saving money at the same time. From December 12th, 2025, to January 15th, 2026, you can visit all Parks Canada locations without charge using the Canada Strong Pass. This applies to national parks, historic sites, and marine locations open during the winter months.

Additionally, you can receive a 25% discount on camping and roofed accommodations with the Canada Strong Pass. The extra youth deals with national museums and VIA Rail services make this pass an excellent choice. This promotion does not require you to download anything. Simply go and indulge in your savings. This offer applies to everyone, including tourists.

What is Included with Canada Strong Pass

The Canada Strong Pass offers numerous helpful benefits for winter travellers. It assists families and first-time visitors in appreciating winter. The Canada Strong Pass benefits exceed mere entry. The idea is to allow everyone to indulge in Canada's nature, history, and culture. Snow converts parks into peaceful and bright places. Trails are soft, and there are ample views. Not many tourists visit Canada in winter. This not only makes sightseeing easier, but it also becomes peaceful and safe.

Free Admission and Camping Discounts at Canada's Parks

Imagine snow at Banff, Jasper, and Riding Mountain National Park. Thanks to Canada Strong Pass, you can walk right in without charge. This applies to all national parks remaining open in winter.

Visiting national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation regions is free with daily admission. Opening hours may vary, and many favourite locations remain open. Locations such as the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, if snow conditions allow, or hot springs at Banff offer entry without charge.

Additionally, you get to enjoy 25% off the price of frontcountry camping and warm-roofed accommodations. This applies to oTENTiks, yurts, and cabins. Winter glamping is quite easy, fun, and perfect for family outings. Lockage at historic canals is free, though, if they are open, with most canals operating seasonally. There may be charges, however, in instances such as ski trails at Quebec's La Mauricie National Park or at busy sites such as Lake Louise.

Key Savings at Parks Canada:

• Free entry into all national parks, historic sites, and marine protected areas

• 25% reduction in camping charges and warm-roofed accommodations

• Free lockage at Parks Canada historic canals (when open)

• No reservations are required, although camping and shuttle reservations can be made early.

Such advantages make entry free for those who are 17 years and below. It is also an excellent season to take family holidays. New destinations can be visited with fewer people.

Museum and Gallery Access for Youth and Families

The national museums and galleries provide discounts for young people. Children and teenagers aged 17 and under can visit for free. Young people aged 18-24 pay 50% of the price. Some of the most popular ones are:

• Canadian Museum of History

• Canadian War Museum

• National Gallery of Canada

• Plains of Abraham

There are also winter specials in some of the provinces. You can stack these deals together. This is especially true if you are part of a family that balances warm indoor learning and outdoor fun.

VIA Rail Train Travel Savings

Winter train travel offers breathtaking scenery. And you can take advantage of bargains as well. Children 17 and under travel free with an adult in Economy class. Online, you use codes to secure the deals. Young travellers aged 18-24 receive 25% discounts when using codes in Escape and Economy class fares. Such offers apply to all of VIA Rail's routes. You mainly use them to see Canada, visit loved ones, and take in mountain beauty. But always reserve early. Winter trains fill up quickly.

Who Can Use the Pass and Steps to Get One

The Canada Strong Pass is easy. No app, form, or proof of residency is required. It is available to all Canadians this winter. Visitors to Canada can also take advantage of it.

Eligibility

• Open to all visitors, no matter where you're from.

• Accommodates tourists, citizens & newcomers.

• Free entry is available to all.

• Youth-discount pricing: Free for 17 and under, reduced for 18-24.

• Validity: From December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

• Use it as often as you want.

To get the discount, arrive there at regular times. State your age to get the youth discount or Via Rail discount. Carry your ID if you are 13+ years old, and you're using the youth discounts. If you planned your camping site earlier, Parks Canada will send you an email with your refund amount.

How to Maximize Your Adventure

Planning can make winter travel safe and enjoyable in National Parks. The length of winter days is shorter. The weather can quickly change. Small actions can make big differences.

Special mentions that make winter extra magical:

• Rideau Canal Skateway (Ottawa) – world's largest skating rink (when conditions allow).

• Banff Upper Hot Springs – soak while snow falls on your hair.

• Maligne Canyon ice walks in Jasper.

• Fat biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing — many trails are free or low-cost.

Smart planning tips:

• Pre-book campsites, cabins, and VIA Rail very early.

• Check hours, road conditions, and avalanche updates with Parks Canada and VIA Rail.

• Explore trails mid-week when they're quiet.

• Explore alternative, non-busy parks such as Fundy or Prince Edward Island.

• Pack warm clothes, microspikes, and bear spray.

• Download the Parks Canada app to use offline maps.

• Maximize local deals such as free kids' Go Transit fares in Ontario.

• For shuttles and permits, reserve them early.

Winter offers occasions you'll remember forever. Take up ice climbing in Jasper, fat biking in Kootenay, or witness the northern lights in Wood Buffalo. Pre-planning can make your winter experience enjoyable.

Power Solutions for Off-Grid Adventures

Winter adventures may involve travel to remote locations when enjoying Canada Strong Pass benefits. It may be cold, and the sunlight may be shorter, with only limited power available. Batteries tend to die faster in cold conditions. The need for heated equipment demands a constant power supply. The portable power supply allows one to keep a phone, lamps, cameras, and even health supplies functioning. The unit functions without gas and without noise. The quiet winter remains quiet.

1. BLUETTI Apex 300

For long winter camping at places such as Algonquin and Gros Morne, the BLUETTI Apex 300 is excellent. Its capacity and output are 2,764.8Wh and 3,840W, respectively. This lets you operate your personal heater, CPAP, fridge, lighting, and chargers simultaneously.

The LiFePO₄ battery cell does not get affected by cold temperatures. This keeps your equipment not only safe but also working with excellent performance, lasting for many years. The battery takes only 45 minutes to charge with AC or solar. It has over 6,000 cycles. Also, this unit runs quietly, keeping fresh and clean.

Why it works for your trip:

• Keeps vital medical equipment operational at night.

• Charges cell phones, drones, cameras, and laptops at once.

• Handles high-draw heating equipment without dropouts.

• Military-grade durability with 6,000+ cycles.

• No emissions or noise.

With this unit, families take long vacations without worrying about power sources. They wake up with heated cabins and all equipment charged amid snow all around.

2. BLUETTI Elite 100 V2

The BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 is ideal for small winter getaways at Cape Breton or the Bruce Peninsula. Weighing 11.5 kg (25 lbs) and compact at 17L, it will easily fit into any vehicle trunk. This unit has 1,024Wh capacity, 1,800W output, and 2,700W in Power Lifting mode. It can handle lights, small heaters, and coffee makers and charge with ease.

It charges up to 80% in 45 minutes via AC charging. Harness up to 1,000W solar to charge in 70 minutes. Besides, this unit operates at 30 dB, soundlessly quiet. With over 4,000 cycles, its usage can be sustained through numerous winter outings.

Best suited for you:

• Ultra-portable.

• Powers nearly 90% of camping appliances.

• Whisper-quiet operation.

• Charges 10 times faster than traditional power banks.

• 10-Year Lifespan for Winter Trips.

Creating Memories This Winter

Canada's winter has many special experiences to offer with the Canada Strong Pass. You can take in fresh air along quiet trails. See the northern lights. Have hot chocolate after ice skating on natural ice. Also, there are fewer people, so parks are peaceful and quiet. The Canada Strong Pass keeps high expenses down. Families can concentrate on having fun. Take time to snowshoe in Cape Breton, view stars in Jasper, and see Christmas lights in urban and historical attractions.

So, plans should be made sooner rather than later. The trip time is limited, but memories created last forever. Check parks.canada.ca for availability and new developments. The Rockies and Atlantic Canada offer excellent national parks in winter conditions with plenty of snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register or download anything?

No. The pass is automatic — just arrive during the dates.

Who can use it?

Absolutely everyone: Canadians, newcomers, international tourists — no proof of residency needed.

Can I visit multiple times?

As many times as you want between Dec 12, 2025 and Jan 15, 2026.

What if I already booked camping or a yurt?

Parks Canada will email you with a prorated refund for the 25% discount.

Are there any fees that aren't covered?

Yes — things like avalanche training gear, backcountry permits, some guided activities, ski trail fees (e.g., La Mauricie), or shuttle reservations still cost money.

Can I stack this with other discounts?

Usually not — the Canada Strong Pass offers are standalone, but some provincial deals (like Kids GO Free on GO Transit in Ontario) can be combined.

What about provincial and municipal parks?

The Canada Strong Pass is only valid at Parks Canada spots, national museums, and VIA Rail. Certain provinces also offer additional deals that may be added.

Official links:

parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/conseils-tips/choisis-canada-choose/admission-camping

canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-pass.html

viarail.ca/en/offers/canada-strong-pass