Entrance to Parks Canada sites such as the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park will be free to youths 17 and younger starting next year / Scott Johnson

After waiving entrances fees at all of its parks throughout 2017 to celebrate the country’s 150th anniversary, Parks Canada announced Thursday that all youths 17 and under will be granted free admission to its national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas starting in 2018.

“Millions of Canadians celebrated Canada 150 with free admission to Parks Canada places. Starting in 2018, I am very pleased to announce free admission for youth 17 and under to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas,” said Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. “By encouraging young Canadians to visit these national treasures, we will help inspire the next generation of stewards for Canada’s protected places.”

The move comes as the U.S. Department of Interior proposes to implement “surge pricing” during peak season at 17 national parks – including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Acadia, and Shenandoah – that would more than double the entrance fee for a week. The move will hit families whose vacation schedules are dictated by the school calendar the hardest. Comments on the plan are being accepted until December 22. The proposal, touted as a way to combat the estimated $11 billion maintenance backlog across the National Park System, comes on top of higher entrance and user fees expected to go into effect at multiple parks across the U.S. in 2018.

Meanwhile, Parks Canada is aiming to have more children, youths, and school groups experience the outdoors and learn about the country’s environment and history.

“There is no better way to celebrate families than by enjoying the outdoors and discovering the countless benefits of nature for our health and wellness. I invite all youth 17 and under to visit our national parks and national historic sites for free in 2018 and beyond,” said Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Parks Canada’s Honourary Guide for Families. “These experiences will create memories that will last a lifetime for Canadian youth and their families, as it has done for our family.”

While youths will enjoy free admission beginning in 2018, Parks Canada is returning to fee-based admission for adults and seniors to national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, including lockage at historic canals. Discovery Pass rates will be the same as 2016 prices: $136.40 for a family pass, $67.60 for adults 17-64, and $57.90 for seniors 65 and older.

For those planning a trip to Canada’s parks next year, the agency is offering a 20 percent discount on a Family/Group Discovery Pass purchased before December 31 as a way for Parks Canada to recognize the connections that were made during Canada 150. Otherwise, Discovery Passes will be good for 12 months from the month of purchase.