Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary next year, and invite you to celebrate too – it has announced that lockage along Parks Canada’s historic canals will be free in 2017, although moorage fees will still apply. From a press release:

As part of Budget 2016, the Government of Canada announced free admission in 2017 for all visitors to national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna announced that lockage will also be free for boaters in 2017:

“As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, I invite Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our history. Whether at a national park or historic site, or along a heritage canal, these treasured sites allow Canadians to experience history and nature in a special way, and they will play a big part in the celebration of our country.”

We invite you to celebrate with us in 2017 by visiting a new national historic site or national park. Find the Red Chairs in the most spectacular locations across the country and #Sharethechair or challenge the kids to become Xplorers. Navigate through the locks on an historic waterway and see Canada from a whole new perspective!

Why not add something extra to your visit (fees apply)? Stay overnight in a Parks Canada oTENTik, fire a musket as part of “Soldier for a Day” at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site or hike to the Burgess Shale in Yoho or Kootenay National Parks, home to some of the world’s most significant fossils.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, fun for the whole family, or a break from the everyday, you’ll find it at a Parks Canada place. There’s never been a better time to connect!

Get a head start on the celebrations this year

Purchase your Discovery Pass, which provides admission to all Parks Canada places, in 2016 and it will remain valid for two full years to incorporate free admission in 2017. Discover what Parks Canada has to offer this year, and be inspired to plan your 2017 visit!

For more information on Parks Canada’s places and experiences across the country and to download the Visitor Guide for the region you’ll be exploring, visit parkscanada.gc.ca/visit.

What you need to know

What is free for me and my family in 2017?

• Admission to national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada
• Lockage fees for Parks Canada’s historic canals and waterways.

What is not free?

• Parks Canada is pleased to offer free admission to our places, however, regular fees still apply for other experiences and services, such as:
• Camping and other accommodations
• Mooring
• Reservation fees
• Guided tours and programs not usually included with admission
• Firewood

How do I access free admission/free lockage in 2017?

• 2016 Discovery Pass holders will not need to do anything else to visit in 2017. Check back here for more details about how to access 2017 free admission/free lockage as soon as they are available or follow us on social media for updates:

Facebook.com/ParksCanada 

Twitter.com/ParksCanada.