Canadians face more than triple the cost to visit U.S. national parks next year

Canadians planning trips to U.S. national parks such as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite will soon face a steep price hike—more than triple what they pay now.

Starting Jan. 1, the National Park Service’s “America the Beautiful” annual pass will keep its current price for U.S. residents, but the cost for international visitors will rise significantly.

According to a recent U.S. Department of the Interior press release, the changes include “new digital passes, updated annual pass artwork, America-first pricing, and broader motorcycle access … under President Trump’s leadership.”

The new pricing structure applies to Canadians and all other non-U.S. visitors. At present, the annual pass costs US$80 (approximately C$112) and grants access for one vehicle and up to four adults, while children 16 and under are admitted free.

The department’s announcement states that, starting Jan. 1, 2026, the price of the Annual Pass will remain $80 for Americans but will jump to $250 for visitors from outside the United States — roughly $351 in Canadian dollars.

The release also notes that non-residents who don’t purchase an annual pass will be charged a $100 per-person entry fee at 11 of the nation’s busiest parks, on top of the regular admission cost.

Standard entrance fees at U.S. national parks average about US$30 per person.

The department also pointed to 10 “patriotic fee-free days” scheduled for 2026 — among them the Independence Day weekend, Veterans Day, and Trump’s birthday on June 14. These no-charge days apply only to U.S. residents.

In July, Trump issued an executive order increasing national park entrance fees for international visitors.

The order also instructs the Interior Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to promote international travel to U.S. national parks and outdoor recreation sites, with a particular focus on boosting visitation to lesser-used areas.

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