It’s Canada’s 150th birthday this year! Celebrate living in one of the greatest countries in the world with a free 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass. As part of numerous activities celebrating our century and half birthday, Canadians can enter and explore Canada’s incredible National parks coast to coast, free of charge.
To participate in this amazing opportunity, we recommend that you order your pass online before your arrival for faster entry and greater convenience. Canadians can access all of Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada, including historic canals and waterways (including free lockage, a pass similar to the parks pass).
Please keep in mind that regular fees still apply for other experiences and services including the following: camping, backcountry, and other accommodations, admission to Canadian Rockies Hot Springs, boat mooring, reservation fees, guided tours and hikes, and programs not usually included with admission, firewood, and backcountry overnight use.
With spring’s arrival, and summer just around the corner, there’s no better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than by exploring its majestic landscape with a Parks Canada pass. With 46 national parks to choose from, Timbercreek Communities brings you this shortlist of our favourite national parks to visit in Canada.
Banff National Park
In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning Banff National Park was born, Canada's very first national park. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world's premier destinations. Get more info here.
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bruce Peninsula National Park is an incredibly beautiful national park in Northern Ontario. It features rocky terrain, steep cliffs and panoramic views of the bright turquoise waters of Georgian Bay. The area is home to black bears and rare reptiles. The park is full of ancient cedar trees, orchids and ferns. If you plan to camp there, you’ll get a free show from the stars above in this Dark Sky Preserve.
Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site
On the southern tip of Nova Scotia lies Kejimkujik, an old growth national park and historic site. There’s a bit of a debate about the name’s meaning, ranging from the Mi'kmaq translation for "attempting to escape" or "swollen waters", and the park's official stance that Kejimkujik is a Mi'kmaq word meaning "tired muscles". Either way, Kejimkujik’s hemlock, sugar maple, and yellow aspens, quartzite shores, and white sand beaches won’t disappoint. Paddle the waters, hike the trails and discover the rich diversity of Kejimkujik this summer. Learn more here.
Point Pelee National Park
For central Canadians, Point Pelee National Park is not to be missed. Located at Canada’s most southerly point, Pelee boasts a lush Carolinian forest oasis, complete with canoeable marshes, miles of boardwalk, and incredible wildlife. Point Pelee is full of songbirds in the spring, and the hum of cicadas in summer, it flutters with Monarchs in the fall and is a peaceful place to retreat inn the winter. For wine lovers, the area is also home to numerous VQA wineries. See more here.
Forillon National Park
Forillon National Park is arguably one of the most breathtaking national parks in Canada. It offers the best of land and sea, featuring cliffs with jaw dropping ocean views and dense forest land. Located in Eastern Quebec near New Brunswick, Park Forillon is a great place to hike or go snorkelling and watch seals play.
Take advantage of this incredible opportunity while you can.
For more information on Timbercreek Communities across Canada, please visit our website.