The “Canada Strong Pass” is set to launch on June 20

The federal government has shared details about its new “Canada Strong Pass," saying the program will launch later this month.

According to an official notice posted Monday (June 16), the pass will be available from June 20 through to September 2, 2025,

As part of a campaign promise during the recent federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to introduce a unified pass that would provide free Via Rail travel for youth under 18 when accompanied by a parent, as well as free entry to national museums and galleries across Canada.

The Liberal platform also promised “heavily discounted” admission to museums and galleries for Canadians aged 18 to 24.

"The Canada Strong Pass is not a physical pass that you need to purchase, sign up for, or collect. Simply visit any participating Parks Canada site, museum, gallery, or VIA Rail to benefit from free admissions or discounts," reads a statement on the Government of Canada's website.

What the pass includes

The Pass includes:

• Parks Canada: Free admission for all visitors to national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada and a 25 per cent discount on camping fees.
• National museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum: Free admission for children and teens aged 17 and under and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
• VIA Rail: Free travel for children aged 17 and under when accompanied by an adult and a 25 per cent discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
• Participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries: Free admission for children and a 50 per cent discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.

 Click here for more eligibility details.

Prime Minister Carney, who framed the initiative as a way to bring Canadians together amid growing pressures from the U.S., also pledged lower camping fees in national parks for all Canadians throughout the summer months.

For details about the new pass, click here.

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