If you live in Canada, or you planning a Canada camping trip in 2017, then you really, really need to read this.
As part of celebrations for the country’s 150th birthday (Happy Birthday Canada by the way!) all Canadian National Parks are free to enter with a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for the duration of 2017. One pass is applicable to one carload of people, whereas normally you’d pay around $7 per person.
Across Canada’s 13 states and provinces there are 38 National Parks and 6 National Park Reserves, and dozens more historic sites to explore, with a vast range of spectacular landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage on offer. Here’s some of the highlights…
Aulavik
Over 10,000 square kilometres of pristine Arctic wilderness, from badlands polar deserts and sea coasts, rich in aboriginal history and home to the endangered Peary caribou – paddling down the Thomsen river in Aulavik is one of the most popular activities here.
Quttinirpaaq
The name is hard to pronounce, try “koo-tun-ir-pa-ak” but this park right at the very roof of the world is absolutely mindblowing. Pure white ice caps shadowed by black-tipped mountains, and immense glaciers, are lit by the Midnight Sun.
Mingan Archipelago
Dolphins, seals and whales can often be seen swimming around this necklace of limestone islands carved by the sea in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Wapusk
Almost 1000 polar bears are known to inhabit Wapusk on the edge of Hudson Bay, along with arctic foxes, wolves and caribou. It’s a nature-spotter’s dream, and the landscape of forest and arctic tundra is suitably dramatic.
Thousand Islands
Kayaking and canoeing are understandably the most popular ways to get around Thousand Islands, which is home to several rare turtles and birds, but hiking the coastline is also absurdly scenic.
Fundy
Yurt-camping is a favourite activity in Fundy, as is walking along the seabed during low tide, with towering cliffs as a backdrop and a landscape shaped by the highest tides in the world.
Mount Revelstoke
From mountain-climbing to trekking through rainforest, Mount Revelstoke in British Columbia is only small comparatively, but it packs a big punch when it comes to scenery.
Banff
The first Canadian national park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff is a real jewel and of course a well-known skiers paradise. Trek forest trails, sail or canoe past huge glaciers, hike meadows or raft rivers, and soothe your aching limbs afterwards in a hot spring.
Jasper
Another UNESCO site, and a epic sweep of protected wilderness, Jasper offers some of the best hiking terrain on the planet, with breathtaking views around every corner.
Elk Island
One of the best spots for night-sky gazing in Canada, Elk Island is not only an essential refuge for many different species of bird and mammal including elk and bison, it is also very popular with picnickers and hikers.
Planning a trip in Canada? It’s important to remember that the Discovery Pass covers only National Parks and National Park Reserves, not provincial parks, conservation projects or regional forests – and that some states may have different rules to others.
Also – if you want to camp or take a tour guided by a park ranger, these are going to cost you extra, as may parking.
But if you’re road-tripping, or want to see as much of Canada’s scenery as you can while you’re there, this offer could save you a considerable amount of money.
You can get your pass here but it’s advisable to book it well in advance, because they’re understandably in great demand.