by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 10:45 AM ET, Tue October 14, 2025
Following the success of the Canada Strong Pass this summer, the federal government has announced it will be repeating the program.
The extension covers the winter holiday period, from Dec. 12, 2025 to Jan. 15, 2026.
The pass is not a pass in the sense that visitors must apply or purchase a card or an app — rather it’s across-the-board savings on admission for children and young people at national museums and on VIA rail, and free entry at Parks Canada national parks and historic sites. Camping in national parks is also discounted.
The Canada Strong Pass discount program was introduced during the federal election in the spring and rolled out for the summer travel season. It was a not-so subtle way to encourage domestic tourism in light of the American travel boycott, although the discounts are for all visitors, not only Canadians.
According to Heritage Canada, lots of families took advantage of the pass this summer, with initial data showing a 10 percent increase in visitors to Parks Canada sites over 2024, a midsummer average of 15 percent increase at museums, and 50,000 Canada Strong bookings on VIA Rail over the summer.
"The success of the Canada Strong Pass shows just how much Canadians value our cultural, historical and natural treasures,” says the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. “From all corners of the country, we explored and celebrated Canada together. I am particularly proud of the number of children who had the opportunity to discover their rich country and create memories. This is how we build Canada strong. This summer will be remembered as a powerful expression of Canadian pride and unity."
The pass will be reintroduced with plans to return again for summer of 2026.
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