Parks Canada is planning a huge bash for Canada’s 150th birthday – free admission for all of 2017. This year, Canadians and visitors from around the world are encouraged to visit any of the 47 national parks, 171 national historic sites and/or four national marine conservation areas to learn more about Canada’s history and soak in the breathtaking beauty.

Getting started

Check out the 2017 Discovery Pass, which provides free admission to all park sites from coast to coast to coast. It’s the park system’s gift to YOU. If you’re planning to visit a park site within eight weeks, grab your pass upon arrival at a Parks Canada place. While the Discovery Pass provides free admission to the national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas, expect to pay for parking, camping and other extracurricular activities.

Where to go

With unlimited complimentary access to some of the best destinations in Canada, it’s time to plan a trip! If you’re not quite sure where to start, or what kind of adventure you’re looking for, check out the parks experiences page where you can pick the activity and it’ll show you the best parks to visit.

Canada Parks provides vacation inspiration with a list of 10 hidden gems to discover on its website. Explore fossil sites in the Yoho National Park to see some of the world’s most significant fossil finds that date back 505 million years. Or travel to the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, about three hours outside of Quebec City, to experience world-renowned whale watching.

Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada’s first-ever national park, welcomes more than 3 million visitors each year. The breathtaking mountain views and crystal blue lakes – along with its many scheduled events throughout the year – make it the most popular of all park sites. Located about an hour west of Calgary, you can experience the vibrancy of a city one day and relax in the park’s peaceful tranquility the next day.

A big thanks to Parks Canada for sharing such an amazing gift for Canada’s big birthday. If you are taking advantage of Parks Canada’s 2017 Discover Pass, share some photos from your travels with us on our Facebook page.