Free 2017 Canada Parks Pass

[Bruceper]

So far no one has posted about this that I can see.

For Canada's birthday, Parks Canada is giving away the 2017 Discovery Pass. This pass is free including free shipping. Note that this is for National Parks, not Provincial Parks which you need a separate pass for.

Also note - Reservations for camp sites in National Parks are available NOW. Due to free entry sites will go fast. We just booked a back country site for a group for the Canada Day long weekend. If you're interested then reserve quick.

So what can you see?
47 National Parks across Canada. Five National marine conservation areas and 171 National historic sites. All free.

Welcome to Parks Canada Passes and Permits

For all of 2017 this pass gives you unlimited opportunities to enjoy National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites across the country!

Please note:
You only need to order one pass for your group or family if you are all travelling together. A 2017 Discovery Pass is valid for everyone arriving in the same vehicle at a national park, or arriving together at a marine conservation area or historic site.

The Discovery Pass is only accepted at national historic sites which are operated by Parks Canada.

Activities such as tours or parking that normally carry a separate fee may not be covered by the Discovery Pass.

Camping fees are not included with the Discovery Pass

Validity Period: January 1st 2017 to December 31st 2017.

Display: The 2017 Discovery Pass must be hung from the rear view mirror of the vehicle facing forward or it can be placed on the front driver side dashboard facing up.

If you have questions regarding the above information, please contact our National Information Service at 1-888-773-8888 or information@pc.gc.ca .

[gk&hc]

Thanks for this post! We ordered the National Parks Pass, and made reservations at parks in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The reservation period for the summer months opened in a staggered fashion. Some parks weren't available for booking until Jan 23, and more opened up today (Jan 24).
We have no idea what we are going to do or see on this trip, but it's an area we always wanted to visit. For Americans, the current exchange rate on the Canadian dollar is an added bonus.

[Bruceper]

The exchange rate is good for Americans right now. So save money on some fees and save money on a favorable exchange rate and have a lower cost vacation!

[booster]

I sent in for one months ago, and never heard another word about it back from them. May have to do it again. Even the log in information I had created doesn't work.

[booster]

One question. Is the card good for everyone in the RV, or does each person need their own?

[Johnny R]

Good for all in the van. Highly popular freebie. Millions of people will want in, but it's mostly by reservation. So apply early!
PS: It's been on the motorcycle forums for some time already. Of course, we bikers are very fast.

[Bruceper]

If you decide to go to a National Historic Site, take the pass off the window and go to the entry gate with the pass. More free admission for your group!

Seriously, this could save a bunch of bucks.

booster - apply again. You may have applied too early.

[Suzzz]

Just a quick note....

A quirk about the province of Québec to be aware of... Don't be surprised if you go to a park they call a ''National Park'' and they refuse to take your pass. A lot of National Parks in Québec are actually misnamed Provincial Parks. Check the National Park website for the actual real National Parks. I know of two off hand, Forrillon and Mauricie, but there may be others.

[avanti]

Has anybody actually received their pass yet? I have not.

[booster]

Originally Posted by avanti

Has anybody actually received their pass yet? I have not.

We haven't yet, still waiting.

[BBQ]

.

You can get the pass at the gate.

I don't think the park is mailing out more passes.

[Bruceper]

I received mine, my wife received hers, three of my friends received theirs and a few people at work got theirs.

They are available at the gates, however supplies may be limited. They have not stopped mailing them out, however demand must be high and your orders might just be delayed.

[briancummings]

Got ours a while ago.

[mkguitar]

ordered 19/12...waiting.

my sister in NS ordered a pass for me...but she too is waiting

Mike

[sebtown]

We never received ours and we applied early!

[Davydd]

They are going to be free for 2017 but after? Here is some advice for 2018 and beyond I guess. If you go to Canada and assume you may not visit enough parks to justify paying for an annual pass, keep all your receipts because if you find you are visiting more than you think which can be very easy to do in the Maritimes, you can get your annual pass at any time and they will deduct all the charges you incurred previously. We did that. We fortunately saved all our receipts.

[InterBlog]

We haven't received ours, and they were ordered a long time ago.

[AZ ADVenturist]

Haven't rec'vd yet, ordered early. Maybe we'll just skip Canada this year. Expect parks to be very busy , anyway.
Will probably do most of Montana & Idaho, Ea. Wash. too.

[avanti]

Ours finally came yesterday. Apparently they really are sending them.

[booster]

Originally Posted by avanti

Ours finally came yesterday. Apparently they really are sending them.

As did ours!