Government of Canada Announces Free Admission to Parks Canada’s Places for Youth 17 and Under Starting in 2018
News Release
December 21, 2017 Rocky Harbour, NL Parks Canada Agency
Parks Canada’s places represent the very best that Canada has to offer, and tell the stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, along with Parks Canada’s Honourary Guide for Families, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, announced that admission for youth 17 and under is free for all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas.
By making admission free for youth under 17, Canada is celebrating families and the importance of our protected areas. We understand that by connecting with nature, youth will gain a better understanding of our urgent need to not only protect it, but maintain it for future generations.
In 2017, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the government’s gift to Canadians was free admission to Parks Canada’s places. Starting in 2018, the government is inviting Canadian families and their children, youth and school groups to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and history. Parks Canada will continue to offer high-quality and meaningful experiences to visitors from Canada and around the world and is looking forward to welcoming more youth to Canada’s national treasures.
While youth will enjoy free admission beginning in 2018, Parks Canada’s places, including Gros Morne National Park, is returning to fee-based admission for adults and seniors to national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas.
Those wishing to camp while visiting Gros Morne National Park will be able to book their campsite starting on January 23rd, 2018. Campers will be able to reserve sites online at Trout River, Berry Hill, and Shallow Bay Campgrounds. Starting in May 2018, campers will be able to reserve sites online for the first time at the newly renovated Green Point Campground. Lomond Campground will continue to operate on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations for accommodations in the park can be made by contacting the Parks Canada’s Reservation system at www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca or by calling 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).
In addition, the 2018 Parks Canada Discovery Pass is now on sale and is a great value, providing access to all Parks Canada‘s places across the country all year long. The Parks Canada Discovery Pass is the ideal way to discover nature and connect with Canada’s history. For information on purchasing the 2018 Parks Canada Discovery Pass, please visit the Parks Canada website.
To make the most of your visit, we invite Canadians to plan their trip ahead of time. Please visit the Parks Canada website, download the Parks Canada mobile app, and follow us on social media.
Quotes
“Millions of Canadians celebrated Canada 150 with free admission to Parks `Canada’s places. Starting in 2018, I am very pleased to announce free admission for youth 17 and under to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. By encouraging young Canadians to visit these national treasures, we will help inspire the next generation of stewards for Canada’s protected places. Be sure to put Gros Morne National Park, L’Anse aux Meadows and Port au Choix National Historic Sites on your list to explore!”
Gudie Hutchings,
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
Quick Facts
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Purchase the Family/Group Discovery Pass before December 31st and save 20%. This is a special way for Parks Canada to recognize the connections that were made during Canada 150. Otherwise, the Discovery Pass is available to purchase throughout 2018 and will be good for 12 months from the month of purchase.
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Discovery Passes are available online or at Parks Canada’s entry gates and visitor centres. As in the past, our partners will be selling Discovery Passes as of January 2018.
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Parks Canada’s admission fees for adults and seniors will not increase over 2016 prices.
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The purchase of a Discovery Pass and all other Parks Canada visitor fees contribute to helping protect national parks and historic sites and supporting visitor experiences, visitor services, and conservation activities.
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In addition to the Discovery Pass, Gros Morne National Park’s visitors have a variety of other admission options based on daily admission and/or location specific admissions. The new annual park pass is available now and is valid from January to December 2018. For information on how to obtain your 2018 pass, please visit parkscanada.gc.ca/grosmorne. For those who purchased a Gros Morne National Park Pass in 2016, these will be accepted until May 15th, 2018.
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Parks Canada will continue to offer free admission to new Canadian citizens for one-year through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program.
Associated Links
Contacts
Greg Knott
Public Relations and Communications Officer,
Western Newfoundland and Labrador Field Unit
709-458-3273
gregory.knott@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca