WEYBURN — As Saskatchewan residents begin mapping out their summer vacations, the federal government has announced the return of the Canada Strong Pass.
Running from June 19 to Sept. 7, the program aims to make domestic travel more affordable by offering free or reduced admission to national parks, museums and rail travel for children and young adults.
“Following its success last year, we are bringing the Canada Strong Pass back to deliver real savings and make it easier for families to experience Canada’s parks, museums, railways and campsites,” Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller said in a news release. “I encourage everyone to explore Canada this summer and make the most of the pass.”
In Saskatchewan, the program provides significant savings for those looking to explore the province’s history. According to the Canadian Heritage website, all four Western Development Museum locations, Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Saskatoon, and Yorkton, are participating in the program.
At these locations, children 17 and younger will receive free entry, while young adults aged 18 to 24 will receive a 50 per cent discount on admission.
The discounts extend far beyond provincial borders. The pass grants free entry to all sites operated by Parks Canada, alongside a 25 per cent rebate on camping fees for all ages. National museums across the country are also participating under the same youth discount structure as the provincial galleries.
For residents utilizing the VIA Rail station in Melville, the pass offers a cheaper way to traverse the country. Children 17 and younger travel for free when accompanied by an adult, while young adults aged 18 to 24 receive 25 per cent off their trips.
“Extending the Canada Strong Pass makes it more affordable for families to experience the places and landscapes that make Canada unique, while supporting our economy,” Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said in the release. “VIA Rail plays an essential role in this initiative by offering safe and accessible rail service to communities across Canada.”
The federal government launched the initial Canada Strong Pass in the summer of 2025 in an effort to make life more affordable amid ongoing cost-of-living concerns.
According to Ottawa, the inaugural summer program resulted in a 6.5 per cent increase in VIA Rail ridership, a 13 per cent boost in Parks Canada visits, and an average 6.3 per cent increase in attendance at participating provincial and territorial museums.
Small Business and Tourism Minister Rechie Valdez said the increased visitation gives a vital boost to local economies in communities large and small.
“Not only do travellers get to experience our world-class national parks, museums and galleries, but they also get to discover new places from coast to coast to coast,” Valdez said.
There is no physical or virtual pass required to participate. Travellers simply need to show up at participating sites to claim their free admission or discount. However, the government notes that activities requiring a reservation, such as train travel or camping, can be booked in advance on partner websites.
Due to anticipated high demand, residents are encouraged to book their Parks Canada reservations and VIA Rail tickets early.
A complete list of participating museums and galleries can be found on the Canadian Heritage website.
