It will soon be summer and since this year is Canada’s 150th anniversary national parks are offering a little gift to Canada’s citizens.

All along 2017 the government  will be offering free passes to enter national parks.   You can order yours on the official website of Parks Canada: http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/index . The  pass is a card you will receive from the mail within 2 to 4 weeks. Since the pass is only valid for one whole year you will unfortunately need to renew it after a certain time.

Providing free entry to national parks was first said on Mr. Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau’s mandate letter to Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna.

“Make admission for all visitors to national parks free in 2017, the 150th anniversary of Confederation” was mentionned in it.

The letter also stated that beginning in 2018, the admissions for children under 18 will be free and that a 1 year free pass would be given to every adults that became a Canadian Citizen over the last 12 months.

Executive director of the Banff Lake Louise Hospitality Association, Darren Reeder is exited by the changes.

“I think the experience will be an exceptional one, particularly for many new Canadians who have yet to experience our national parks”. He said.

He also stated “It’s a great way to introduce those who have yet to visit a park and those who have maybe lost familiarity with our parks, to reconnect”.

Most of Parks Canada’s funding comes from the federal government (around 670 millions$). But they still make a good amount of money themselves with entrances, campings, recreational rentals and concessions fees.  In order to cover the debts from giving free passes they need to spend 59 millions$, to compensate their non-governmental revenues.

(Written by Jacob Boulay, Edited by Jérémy Lachance)