Parks Canada Kicks-off Canada Day with Sunrise Salute Event at Signal Hill National Historic Site

News release

Parks Canada welcomes visitors with free admission and a variety of special Canada Day activities


July 1, 2018                 St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador   Parks Canada Agency


On Sunday, July 1st, Signal Hill National Historic Site is pleased to welcome visitors to celebrate Canada’s 151st anniversary with free admission and a variety of special activities, such as the annual Sunrise Salute Ceremony. Attended by hundreds of visitors each year, this event is a local tradition and is the first of many special events Canadians will attend in communities across the country.

To celebrate Canada Day, the Government of Canada is pleased to offer free admission to Parks Canada’s places on July 1st. In addition, in 2018 and future years, admission to all Parks Canada’s places is free for youth 17 and under – every day of the year. In addition, admission to Parks Canada’s places will also be free for one year for new Canadian citizens.

Parks Canada’s places represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Parks Canada’s national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provide an opportunity for Canadians to connect with and learn more about our diverse history.

With a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, families and groups have unlimited opportunities to visit our incredible national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas throughout the year. To have a memorable Canada Day and summer, visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance to make the most of their Parks Canada experience. Ordering the Discovery Pass and making camping reservations can be done online by visiting the Parks Canada’s website. The Parks Canada’s mobile app is also available to be downloaded for more information about the breathtaking locations and hidden gems at national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas.

Quotes

“I would like to invite all Canadians and visitors from around the world to experience the best that Canada has to offer with free admission to national parks and national historic sites on Canada Day. There is no better way to celebrate than to spend the day connecting with nature and learning about our country’s rich and varied history. Make spending the day at one of our treasured Parks Canada’s places part of your plans. Happy Canada Day!” 

The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada 

“Special events like the annual Canada Day sunrise salute at Signal Hill National Historic Site are a tremendous opportunity for Canadians to celebrate our great country and reflect on the core values that define our national identity. Today in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is equally important that we commemorate the 100th anniversary of The Battle of the Somme and reflect on the valour and bravery of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who answered the call on that fateful day a century ago at Beaumont-Hamel.” 

Nick Whalen,
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

Quick facts

  • The Canada Day Sunrise Salute event at Signal Hill National Historic Site originally started in the 1980s by the St. John’s Jaycees.

  • In eastern Newfoundland, special Canada Day events are planned for Terra Nova National Park and the public is invited to open houses and special activities from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Signal Hill, Ryan Premises, and Castle Hill National Historic Sites.

  • Discovery Passes are available online, at Parks Canada’s entry gates, and visitor centres, as well as through partners such as Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). This pass provides unlimited admission to over 80 Parks Canada’s places across the country that typically charge a daily entrance fee. Please visit the Parks Canada’s website for more information. The Discovery Pass is valid for 12 full months from the date of purchase.

  • 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.

  • The online reservation system for booking a campsite became available in January 2018 for visits during the period of April 2018 through March 2019.

  • Enter Parks Canada’s Discover Canada contest for a chance to win an amazing trip to Canada’s west coast and other bi-weekly prizes, including Discovery Passes, merchandise, and more. In collaboration with our proud partners: MEC, CIBC, and Air Canada.

Associated links

Contacts

Ray Kenny
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Newfoundland East Field Unit
Parks Canada
709-772-2587
ray.kenny@pc.gc.ca  

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

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