Happy 150th Canada! And what better way to celebrate than opening up some of the most hallowed nature havens in our beloved country to all Canadians free of charge. Yes, you heard me right. If you didn’t know already, Parks Canada is issuing a 2017 Discovery Pass that allows free entry in to all Canadian National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas, and National Historic Sites to all who apply.
FINE PRINT: This pass covers admission only and not extras such as camping, mooring, and reservation fees.
Here’s how you get in on this incredible opportunity.
To order online, go to the Parks Canada website, here.
Select “Add to Cart” and proceed to checkout. Fill out your billing and shipping information, and confirm.
Within a few weeks you’ll get one of these in the mail:
NOTE: You can also pick up a pass in person at any MEC location, or any of the locations listed here.
Let your adventure begin!
New to camping? Parks Canada’s experience camping page is an excellent resource for all the information you need, including what to wear, what to bring, what to cook, where to camp, what to know, and some handy checklists. I didn’t even know this but there is actually a Learn to Camp app. It is listed on the linked page above.
If you’re planning a trip it’s best to reserve online as far in advance as you can. Especially since there will be a lot more campers this year the good sites are likely to fill up fast. If you’re not a crowd person, traveling in the shoulder seasons like spring and autumn could be right up your alley. Or if you really want to get adventurous, try winter camping! Parks Canada website is a goldmine for all things camping and trip planning inspo so be sure to read up and be prepared.
A few parks that you should really be excited about:
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
Immerse yourself in the culture of the Indegenous Haida people and experience the rugged beauty of the Northern West Coast on the islands of Haida Gwaii. Gwaii Haanas means islands of beauty and you will certainly not be disappointed.
Photo retrieved from: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/gwaiihaanas/natcul/natcul1.aspx
Kouchibouguac National Park of Canada
Located in coastal New Brunswick Kouchibouguac is a camper’s dreamland. It is open year round to summer and winter campers alike, boasting sandy dunes and beaches, warm ocean water, and 15km of trails for activities like biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Photo Retreived from: http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/Parks/KouchibouguacNationalPark.aspx
Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
Experience the stunning 93km of archipelago along the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Quebec, featuring great limestone rock formations carved out by the sea. It is accessible only by boat (it can be your boat, or kayak), and home to a spectacular array of wildlife. The picture speaks for itself. You may want to stay for more than a few nights…
Photo retrieved from: http://www.quebecgetaways.com/reserve-de-parc-national-de-larchipel-de-mingan
Kluane National Park and Reserve
Avid hiker? This park is truly a natural beauty. Fairly remote, it offers short hikes, day hikes, week-long hikes, and glacier hikes. Not a hiker? Consider canoeing, kayaking, boating, or rafting. Kathleen Lake is utterly magnificent.
Photo retrieved from: http://www.boomsbeat.com/articles/2755/20140415/32-impeccable-photos-of-kluane-national-park.htm
Now close your jaw and get planning! The Great Canadian Outdoors awaits.
