New immigrants and new citizens, this year when visiting national parks, will be granted free admission.
The Parks Canada Agency stated that the national parks open to new immigrants and new citizens include several parks in the Canadian Rockies, some national parks in the Maritimes, and other national parks. Admission to national historic sites, national parks, and marine conservation areas will be free, and the free entrance pass can be obtained through the Canoo mobile application provided by the Canadian Citizenship Institute.
The Canoo app is available for download on Google Play and Apple Store. Within one year of downloading, new immigrants aged 18 and above who have obtained citizenship in the past year or permanent residency status in the past five years are eligible.
After downloading the app, families can enjoy unlimited free access to over 1,400 cultural and natural attractions nationwide, including the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Royal Ontario Museum, and more. Additionally, they can also benefit from a 50% discount on Via Rail Canada trains and a 15% discount on Air Canada flights.
Upon arrival at the destination, visitors need to install the Canoo app on their mobile phones. They can then request the Canoo free admission pass or QR code at the destination or visitor center. By clicking “check-in” and entering the QR code, the Canoo app will generate a check-in card. Upon reaching the attraction, visitors can present the check-in card to staff for free entry, and staff may request government-issued identification.
Canada boasts over 1,000 national historic sites, with 171 of them under the jurisdiction of the Parks Canada Agency. The agency is also responsible for overseeing 37 national parks, 10 national park reserves, and 5 marine conservation areas nationwide.
It is important for visitors to note that while the agency provides free admission passes, it does not cover additional expenses such as camping fees, reservation fees, Discovery Passes (DP), guided tours, special event fees, firewood, or admission to Canadian Rockies hot springs.