The federal government has officially rolled out the Canada Strong Pass, a sweeping new initiative designed to make Canada’s historical and cultural gems more accessible to young Canadians, while injecting new life into the nation’s tourism sector.
Announced by Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault at the Canadian Museum of Nature, the pass will run from June 20 to September 2, 2025, offering a wide array of benefits for youth and families. These include free access to national parks and historic sites, discounted rail travel for young adults aged 18 to 24, and free or reduced museum admission for children and youth across the country.
“This is a unique opportunity for young people to immerse themselves in the story of Canada,” Guilbeault said. “We’re creating momentum across the country, encouraging exploration, cultural education, and national pride.”
Free Entry to National Treasures
The Canada Strong Pass gives free entry to Canada’s national parks and historic sites – a major step in removing financial barriers for younger generations. For Ottawa residents and visitors, this includes access to iconic locations like the Rideau Canal, the Laurier House National Historic Site, and Fort Wellington in nearby Prescott. These locations not only reflect Canada’s deep historical roots but also provide a tangible connection to the nation’s past and its democratic evolution.
The Rideau Canal, which doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a local favorite year-round. While it becomes a massive skating rink in winter, in summer it transforms into a tranquil space for kayaking, paddle boarding, and cycling along scenic pathways.
Laurier House, once home to prime ministers Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King, offers guided tours that dive into Canada’s political legacy, while Fort Wellington, a preserved 19th-century military site, evokes the country’s colonial-era military history.
Travel Made Easy and Affordable
A key feature of the Canada Strong Pass is the 25% discount on Via Rail tickets for young adults (18–24 years old), and free train travel for children aged 17 and under, when accompanied by an adult. These benefits aim to encourage sustainable travel and give young Canadians the opportunity to explore cities like Ottawa without the financial strain.
This is expected to not only support tourism recovery post-pandemic but also promote greener travel options and foster greater independence and curiosity among Canada’s youth.
Museums and Galleries at Half the Price – Or Free
Museums and national galleries in Ottawa will also offer 50% admission discounts for young adults and free access for children. No prior registration or physical pass is required—visitors simply show ID to claim benefits.
Among the top destinations is the Canadian Museum of Nature, known for its captivating exhibits on Arctic biodiversity, fossils, and aquatic life. Its butterfly exhibit, fossil galleries, and interactive programs are ideal for engaging young minds.
The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, set on a working farm, lets visitors experience rural life up close, with over 150 animals including goats, horses, and alpacas. It’s a favorite for families with young children.
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The Canada Aviation and Space Museum houses more than 130 aircraft and offers helicopter rides, while the Canada Science and Technology Museum showcases vintage cars, science experiments, and even a historic steam locomotive.
On the other side of the Ottawa River in Gatineau lies the Canadian Museum of History, home to thousands of artifacts and exhibitions that tell the story of Canada’s evolution through cultural, anthropological, and historical lenses.
Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss the National Gallery of Canada, located near ByWard Market, with its collection of over 93,000 works—including Indigenous, contemporary, and classic Canadian art. The Canadian War Museum, meanwhile, provides a powerful tribute to Canada’s military history through rare uniforms, medals, vehicles, and personal memoirs.
A Cultural Revival and National Investment
Ottawa’s tourism industry, which began showing signs of post-COVID recovery in 2023, is expected to benefit significantly from this initiative. The pass not only encourages exploration but also stimulates economic activity in surrounding sectors—from hospitality to local transportation and food services.
Minister Guilbeault emphasized the broader impact of the Canada Strong Pass: “We want to reconnect youth with their heritage, but also support the institutions and communities that preserve it.”
With the program launching this Friday, the benefits will be immediately available both online and in-person at participating locations. No registration process is necessary, making the Canada Strong Pass one of the most inclusive and easily accessible national initiatives in recent memory.
As the summer begins, young Canadians and their families are invited to take full advantage of this opportunity to discover the beauty, history, and innovation that Ottawa—and the rest of Canada—has to offer.
