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It’s a great time to be an outdoorsy traveller – not only have UNESCO just announced the procurement of 12 new geoparks, but one particularly beautiful country’s landscapes are about to become free to visit for absolutely everyone.
Yes, you read that right. According to AFAR, the entire Parks Canada network – which comprises 40 national parks and reserves, 171 national historical sites and five marine conservation areas – will be waiving admission fees from June 19 until September 7.
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Typically, park entry across these sites ranges from US$5-18, but as part of a country-wide push (the Canada Strong Pass) to boost entry numbers, visitors – both domestic and international – can get in for free.
It’s quite a different vibe from the wave of anti-overtourism sentiment gripping Europe right now, not to mention the huge price hike implemented at US national parks this year, which saw entry to the likes of Yosemite rise to $100 for international visitors.
So, let’s take a closer look at all the glorious national parks in Canada where, for the next couple of months, you won’t have to pay to enter.
Banff National Park
That’s right – the big one, the most famous national park in Canada, will be free to enter this summer. Characterised by electric blue lakes and the razor-like Rockies, this place is not only dripping with outstanding beauty, but also plenty of lovely trails to hike and places to swim, paddle-board and kayak.
Fathom Five National Marine Park
Divers and snorkellers, this one is for you. Comprising the almost unbelievably clear waters of Georgian Bay in Ontario, which are surrounded by ancient rock formations and verdant waterside forests, this marine park is littered with 22 shipwrecks which can be explored up close either with diving gear or via boat tour or canoe.
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Calling all history buffs – L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site in Newfoundland, is home to the only confirmed Viking settlement in the whole of North America. You’ll find both original Norse encampments and reconstructed buildings, and information on how settlers from Greenland navigated life more than a millennium ago.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Another blockbustre site for travellers, this reserve stretches around Vancouver Island’s west coast and is where rainforest meets – you guessed it – the Pacific Ocean. Surfers relish the waves and broad, sandy beaches, the Broken Group Islands are popular among kayakers, and hikers can take to walks like the Rainforest Trail.
Prince Edward Island National Park
Way over in eastern Canada, this is where you’ll find red-sand beaches, cliffs and sand dunes. It’s a great region for bird-watching, hiking and cycling, and comprises historical sites like Green Gables Heritage Place, which inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables.
But these barely scratch the surface. Oh, and Parks Canada is also offering a generous 25 percent discount on camping and overnight stays in all the participating sites (though these will need to be reserved in advance).
So, if you are planning a visit to one of the many participating parks, reserves or conservation areas, the only things you’ll have to pay for are amenities like parking, guided tours, and access to hot springs or the purchase of firewood.
Pretty darn cool, right? Find out more on the official Parks Canada website.
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