If your summer travel plans include exploring Canada, consider taking advantage of the Canada Strong Pass, which offers free and discounted experiences across the country.
While it’s not a physical pass that you need to apply for, you can enjoy a range of perks between June 20 and September 2, 2025, including free access to national historic sites, discounted travel on VIA Rail, and more.
In This Post
- Canadian Federal Government Launches Canada Strong Pass
- Leverage Points to Save on Domestic Travel This Summer
- Conclusion
Canadian Federal Government Launches Canada Strong Pass
The Canadian federal government has revealed details about the Canada Strong Pass, which is available to Canadians and visitors to Canada alike.
From June 20 to September 2, 2025, the Canada Strong Pass will offer free and discounted opportunities to explore Canada.
During these dates, you can enjoy free admission to all national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada. Plus, you’ll score a 25% discount on camping fees.
At all national museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum, children aged 17 and under will enjoy free admission, while young adults aged 18 to 24 will enjoy a 50% discount.
Meanwhile, children aged 17 and under travel for free on VIA Rail when accompanied by an adult, and young adults aged 18 to 24 enjoy a 25% discount.
Plus, access to select provincial and territorial museums and galleries will be free for children, and young adults aged 18 to 24 will enjoy a 50% discount.
There’s no need to apply or register for anything: just show up to any of the eligible locations and enjoy a free or discounted visit. For VIA Rail, be sure to use the discount codes, which you can find on the VIA Rail website.
Note that if you’ve already purchased a Parks Canada Discovery Pass that’s valid for the months of June, July, and August 2025, it will be extended by three months.
Full details can be found on the Canada Strong Pass website.
Leverage Points to Save on Domestic Travel This Summer
If you’ll take advantage of the benefits offered through the Canada Strong Pass, you can also consider leveraging fixed-value and mainstream points programs to help further reduce the cost of your trip.
Often, Parks Canada locations don’t have too many options for chain hotels nearby, which means that you’ll likely pay out-of-pocket for booking accommodation.
Plus, getting to Parks Canada sites sometimes involves travel with regional carriers or by car, which isn’t otherwise easily paid for with mainstream points programs.
Indeed, this is where the value of fixed-value points programs comes in, since you can get good or great value by redeeming your points for domestic travel that you’d otherwise have to pay for out-of-pocket.
Of course, you always have the option to redeem Aeroplan points, VIPorter points, and WestJet points for flights, too, if the destination allows for it.
Here are some tips for saving money on travel in Canada this summer by leveraging credit card rewards:
- Book WestJet flights within Canada for just 12,500 Delta SkyMiles, transferred in from American Express Membership Rewards
- Leverage booking flights for outsized value with the CIBC Aventura Airlines Rewards Chart, the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule, or the Amex Fixed Points Travel Program
- Redeeming Aeroplan points, VIPorter points, or perhaps WestJet points for domestic flights
- Offsetting the cost of travel booked directly with any vendor with Scene+ points
- Booking independent hotel stays with TD Rewards Points via Expedia for TD
| Credit Card | Best Offer | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
Up to 70,000 VIPorter points
First Year Free
|
Up to 70,000 VIPorter points | $735 | Apply Now |
60,000 CIBC Aventura Points†
First Year Free
|
60,000 CIBC Aventura Points† | $650 | Apply Now |
|
35,000 RBC Avion points† | $580 | Apply Now |
50,000 Scene+ points
First Year Free
|
50,000 Scene+ points | $575 | Apply Now |
Up to 85,000 TD Rewards Points†
First Year Free
|
Up to 85,000 TD Rewards Points† | $475 | Apply Now |
45,000 WestJet points†
$119 annual fee
|
45,000 WestJet points† | $406 | Apply Now |
|
15,000 MR points | $372 | Apply Now |
45,000 Scene+ points
$150 annual fee
|
45,000 Scene+ points | $220 | Apply Now |
If you’re looking for travel inspiration or additional tips for getting the most out of your credit card rewards, be sure to check out the Prince of Travel community. You’ll connect with a hivemind of travel and points enthusiasts who are happy to share their expertise and help you level up your travel game.
Join the Prince of Travel community to connect with like-minded Miles & Points enthusiasts, learn directly from the experts, and much more!
Conclusion
Family travel in Canada is going to be a bit more affordable this summer, thanks to the Canadian federal government’s pending launch of the Canada Strong Pass.
This offers free or discounted access to a number of sites across the country, included free or discounted travel on VIA Rail for passengers aged 24 and under.
Consider leveraging fixed-value and mainstream points programs to bring additional savings to your domestic travel, and look to the Prince of Travel community for some expert tips and tricks.
