The federal government relaunched the Canada Strong Pass on December 12, giving Canadians free or deeply discounted access to VIA Rail travel, national parks and more than 40 museums until January 15, 2026. The initiative—first piloted last summer—aims to offset rising transportation and recreation costs while boosting domestic mobility.
Under the program, children travel free on VIA Rail when accompanied by an adult and youths aged 18–24 receive 25 % off fares. Parks Canada is waiving entrance fees nationwide and slashing campsite prices by a quarter. Participating museums, including the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Canadian Museum of History, offer free admission for minors and half-price tickets for young adults.
![Canada Strong Pass returns, cutting holiday travel costs for families]()
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon told reporters the summer edition of the Pass lifted VIA ridership by 6.5 % and increased Parks Canada visits by 13 %, bolstering revenue for small businesses in gateway communities. With the holiday travel window typically slower than summer, Ottawa hopes the incentive will smooth seasonal demand and relieve airport congestion by nudging travellers toward rail.
While primarily aimed at leisure travel, the program has fringe benefits for employers: reduced rail fares can make year-end site visits, domestic training sessions and inter-office meetings more affordable. It also dovetails with many companies’ ESG commitments by encouraging lower-carbon rail over short-haul flights.
Practical note: The Pass is not a physical token—travellers simply present ID at participating venues. Mobility teams should circulate the offer to inbound assignees looking to explore Canada over the holidays.
Under the program, children travel free on VIA Rail when accompanied by an adult and youths aged 18–24 receive 25 % off fares. Parks Canada is waiving entrance fees nationwide and slashing campsite prices by a quarter. Participating museums, including the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Canadian Museum of History, offer free admission for minors and half-price tickets for young adults.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon told reporters the summer edition of the Pass lifted VIA ridership by 6.5 % and increased Parks Canada visits by 13 %, bolstering revenue for small businesses in gateway communities. With the holiday travel window typically slower than summer, Ottawa hopes the incentive will smooth seasonal demand and relieve airport congestion by nudging travellers toward rail.
While primarily aimed at leisure travel, the program has fringe benefits for employers: reduced rail fares can make year-end site visits, domestic training sessions and inter-office meetings more affordable. It also dovetails with many companies’ ESG commitments by encouraging lower-carbon rail over short-haul flights.
Practical note: The Pass is not a physical token—travellers simply present ID at participating venues. Mobility teams should circulate the offer to inbound assignees looking to explore Canada over the holidays.
Source: Canadian Heritage
