Canada’s national parks are free to all in this summer. Should they be?
Halifax’s lorne and Riza McCarr were excited to take many advantage of the federal government Canada Strong PassThis includes automatic free admission in Canadian national parks and 25 percent discount on campsites from 20 June to September 2.
Pass has been billed in a way for Canadian people To explore your country more easilyBut Lorn McDikar says that it has actually made more difficult for the couple in Canada – and he questions why the program is open to all, including international tourists.
In June, he says, the couple tried to reserve a camp site for several days at Funny National Park in New Breanswick in July, but it was fully booked that month. So there were Gros Morne National Parks of Newfoundland and Labrador.
McCarr said, “I had estimated a strong pass of Canada, there would be a high demand for these camps, but I did not guess that it would be a demand that would be sold everything,” McDikar said.
Parks Canada told CBC News that it would not have the presence data by the end of the season, although it hopes that it will continue in high volume this year. But one thing is already clear: Canada Strong Pass has helped attract an influx of visitors to the country’s most popular parks, which increases concerns about excess.
Stay away from sand dunes
In late July, Prince Edward Island National Park Announced It is experiencing the record numbers of visitors and traffic congestion.
“It’s crowded,” Mike Kelly said, who stays closer and often visit the park. “If you are going to invite the whole world for free, then you should be ready for it.”
Amid record appearance, Park released again Warning to visitors To stay away from your sand dunes, Help protect the beach Increased storm. Walking on them damages the grass that keeps them together, causing them to destroy them.
Kelly said, “I look at a lot of people while walking on the tibba; a lot of people see me digging on the dune.” “It is really disappointing.”
Park Warden Doug Campbell says that with the great influx of visitors, it is likely that more people are overcharging on the dunes.
“This is such a beautiful place and we hate to see the loss.”
Traffic jam
More visitors mean more traffic on roadways near popular parks, including world famous Banaf National Park. The traffic record-breaking in the city city is at speed for the year, with more than six percent volume in the last seven months compared to the previous year.
“We are very happy that people can connect with their national park system. But we know that we cannot handle that volume of vehicles in a long period,” said Banf Mayor Corey Dim.
Traffic became so heavy in Waterton Lex National Park in Southern Alberta. Park officials had to do it on 3 August Block cars by entering For about two and a half hours.
“We believe it has a real impact on visitors and is a really challenging situation for all those involved in the park,” said visiting experience manager Christie Guustavison.
Sole other time Waterton had to temporarily shut down the park for traffic Was in 2017 – When Park Canada Free entry also offered To celebrate the 150th birthday of the country.
Park Canada responds
Park Canadian spokesman Claudia Krepta told CBC News in an email that “traffic variations and fully booked camps take place each year,” and the current camp reservation level is the same as previous years.
But according to recent regional CBC news reports, a large camp was seen in July – at least some parks.
Park Canada Told CBC last month Gros Morne National Park’s Campsites booked about a month ago compared to last year. The agency also said In La Morissy National Park of Quebec, the appearance from year to year increased by 19 percent and the campsite booking increased by 10 percent between 7 and 13 July.
The federal government has announced the details of Canada Strong Pass to promote domestic tourism. This includes fewer prices for campsite with free entry into national parks and conservation areas, but there are concerns about heavy locations further.
Crépeault also stated that several effective strategies have been included in the park Canada to manage crowds and protect the ecosystems of the parks.
American park surcharge
Because the strong pass of Canada was promoted as a perk for Canadian people, it has raised questions why it is accessible to international visitors.
“It should have been for taxpayers only for taxpayers,” said Halifax. “It was to reach Canadian parks for Canadian people.”
Hermine Landry, a spokesman of the office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, did not directly address why foreign travelers are also able to use the pass.
In an email to CBC News, he said, “Our government will review the success of this summer to assess its impact.”
Currently, the presence of the park this year does not suggest data suggesting about international tourists. However, many countries, including Ecuador And Costa RicaCharge more tourists than your own residents to reach national parks and protected areas.
Last month, US President Donald Trump Signed an executive order To hit foreign passengers with an increased fee to visit the national parks of our country. The prescribed charge can be effective yet In 2026Most American national parks have free entry, but popular sites such as Yellostone And this Rocky mountain Charge entry fee.
McCarr said that he hoped Canada to take a similar step: “(Trump’s fee) must definitely meet with surcharge on Americans coming to our parks.”
Ottawa did not directly answer a question about whether he was considering doing so.
For his share, in the Mcvicars report, he eventually managed to book his July camping trip, checking the park Canada reservation site for frequent cancellation.
Nevertheless, they say that their journey was not equal to previous years, as they had to change the sites five times in six nights, as they could only secure single-night booking each time.
“It’s unfortunate,” said McCarr. But he said, “beggar cannot be the one to choose.”
