Canadian Parks Pass is free this year.

[wetzk]

I looked and did not see this mentioned.
In honor of their 150th Birthday in July Canada has announced their free Discovery pass. This covers their 47 national parks, 171 National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites.
Here is the link to the page to order the pass.

http://www.commandesparcs-parksorder...tp%3AClickInfo

[Rossue]

You can search most of the topics that keep recurring here; use Google not the forum search tool. For example: "Canadian park pass free escape forum". Last June it was mentioned.

[Ron in BC]

Yup, and mine arrived this week. Going to be really handy for going across Canada this summer.

Ron

[currinh]

We're planning a trip to Idaho but with this Canada pass we may extend into BC. Does anyone know if this pass gives any discounts for CGs?

Thanks.

P.S. I just ordered one for $0 online so will be set if we get that far north.

[gbaglo]

It's only good for entry to a National Park.

For all of 2017 this pass gives you unlimited opportunities to enjoy National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites across the country!

Please note:

• You only need to order one pass for your group or family if you are all travelling together. A 2017 Discovery Pass is valid for everyone arriving in the same vehicle at a national park, or arriving together at a marine conservation area or historic site.
• The Discovery Pass is only accepted at national historic sites which are operated by Parks Canada.
• Activities such as tours or parking that normally carry a separate fee may not be covered by the Discovery Pass.
• Camping fees are not included with the Discovery Pass
• Validity Period: January 1st 2017 to December 31st 2017.
• Display: The 2017 Discovery Pass must be hung from the rear view mirror of the vehicle facing forward or it can be placed on the front driver side dashboard facing up.

[steve dunham]

Ordered mine this morning online . Just one more reason to visit Canada in 2017. Heading to Manitoba in May for our 38th annual fishing trip to Canada.

[NW Cat Owner]

Thanks for the link! I knew about it, but hadn't gotten around to ordering it. Just did so right now!

[Tonny LR]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

Thanks for the link! I knew about it, but hadn't gotten around to ordering it. Just did so right now!

Thank you for sharing the link.

[sumac.rhus]

Originally Posted by wetzk

I looked and did not see this mentioned.
In honor of their 150th Birthday in July Canada has announced their free Discovery pass. This covers their 47 national parks, 171 National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites.
Here is the link to the page to order the pass.

http://www.commandesparcs-parksorder...tp%3AClickInfo

Sincere thanks! My Escape won't likely be ready until end of summer, but this makes me think I might just organize more fun in Canada starting a whole lot earlier in the year

[gbaglo]

Don't want to dissuade you, but, you will still pay for camping, and parking and high fuel prices. OK, maybe I do want to dissuade you.
News stories say that Parks Canada isn't really ready for the enthusiasm they have generated. There are already traffic jams in Banff and Jasper.
I have my free pass, but have no intention of entering a National Park in 2017. I'll be at Provincial parks and Forest Service camps.

[Jim Bennett]

Is it really free?

‘Free’ Parks Canada passes actually costing taxpayers $5.7 million | News Talk 770 (CHQR)

[sumac.rhus]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Don't want to dissuade you, but, you will still pay for camping, and parking and high fuel prices. OK, maybe I do want to dissuade you.
News stories say that Parks Canada isn't really ready for the enthusiasm they have generated. There are already traffic jams in Banff and Jasper.
I have my free pass, but have no intention of entering a National Park in 2017. I'll be at Provincial parks and Forest Service camps.

There are traffic jams in USA national parks as well - easy enough to plan around peak seasons and have thoroughly wonderful experiences. ...To each their own...

[gbaglo]

They could have just laid off those whose job it is to check if you have a pass. But, given they've already laid off most of the parks people, that would be a problem. What will they do if you don't have a free pass? Will they just hand you one, or give you a ticket?

[Red Dog]

Originally Posted by wetzk

I looked and did not see this mentioned.
In honor of their 150th Birthday in July Canada has announced their free Discovery pass. This covers their 47 national parks, 171 National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites.
Here is the link to the page to order the pass.

http://www.commandesparcs-parksorder...tp%3AClickInfo

Thanks Wetzk!

Just ordered one.
We don't always see all the posts so I appreciate you mentioning it!

[Dave Walter]

The free national parks access pass is not very popular with many people who frequent, live or work in Banff and Jasper National Parks. Banff in particular has suffered in recent years from severe overcrowding, particularly in the summer months and with the cheap Canadian dollar. The free pass is seen by many as being likely to further exasperate the overcrowding problem, which is not good for the wildlife, the environment, or the enjoyment of those visiting the park. It may be more beneficial to our parks systems to come up with less damaging ways to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday.

[float5]

I wonder if Banff and Jasper will do something to limit people in 2017. Then again, the traffic and reports of it may keep some away. Of course, as far as camping, there is limited space anyway. It seems laudable to promote the national parks but maybe they could somehow make an effort to promote the ones usually seen less.

[float5]

I am glad we did our big trip through four provinces recently. Wondering how 2017 is going to be with all of the interest. This kind of celebration and promotion is only once in a lifetime though and I would not be surprised if it gets Canada more tourism in the future due to the visitors in 2017. I mean tourism to other than national parks. I expect that this is going to be money well spent for the country as a whole.

Having an Escape and having been to Canada many times, I do wonder how the person who has never been, or has been maybe once, sees this promotion.

[gbaglo]

Now, we're in real trouble.

Canada No. 1 on New York Times list of top 2017 travel destinations - Toronto - CBC News

[currinh]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Now, we're in real trouble.

Canada No. 1 on New York Times list of top 2017 travel destinations - Toronto - CBC News

Seems a little broad. Like saying the Western Hemisphere is a nice place.

[NW Cat Owner]

I'm sure the Canadian Parks system is thinking ahead to future years. Folks that visited with a free pass would probably be more willing to purchase in the future and also visit the parks again. And just Canada alone, not going into one of the Parks covered by the pass.

An influx of visitors will help in areas other than the parks system. Folks need food (either fix their own or restaurants), too many can't exist without booze (is that why some folks camp - to get drunk?), they want to try out a coffee/donut fix at Tim Horton's as they've never been, fill the tank with liters of gas and freeze their brain trying to figure out how it compares to US prices (for those of us south and west of the border) and all sorts of other stuff. Clothes as it's colder/hotter than they expected. Bug spray! Hey, let's visit a museum while we're in town. Ooo, a bookstore - let's pop in.

You get the idea.

And if you think it'll be too crowded, stay home or head elsewhere. I'm sure other camping places would love to take your money.