More Museums, More Memories: Provincial and Territorial Galleries Join the Canada Strong Pass

If you’re still deciding what to do with the rest of your summer, here’s a strong suggestion: choose Canada. From now until September 2, 2025, Canadians and tourists alike can tap into a growing list of perks through the Canada Strong Pass, and the options just got even better.

On July 17, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, announced that 86 provincial and territorial museums and galleries are now part of the Canada Strong Pass initiative. That means even more ways to explore this beautiful country, without breaking the bank.

What’s the Canada Strong Pass, and Why Should You Care?

First launched as a post-pandemic initiative to boost local tourism and reconnect Canadians with their heritage, the Canada Strong Pass is not a physical card or barcode, there’s no sign-up, no forms, and no apps to download. You just show up to any participating venue and enjoy the perks.

So what kind of perks are we talking about?

• Free admission for children aged 17 and under
• 50% off general admission for youth aged 18 to 24
• These offers apply not only to national museums like the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery, but now also to select provincial and territorial museums and galleries from coast to coast to coast.

If you’re wondering which museums are participating, you can find the full list on the official Canada Strong Pass website.

Museums as Memory Keepers

“Museums are where stories are told, art is preserved, and traditions live on,” said Minister Guilbeault during the announcement. “They help shape our understanding of history and culture.” And he’s right. Whether it’s a small rural gallery tucked away in Prince Edward Island or a landmark cultural center in the heart of Montreal, each museum holds pieces of the national story—and now, they’re more accessible than ever.

And it’s not just about sightseeing. This is also about uniting Canadians in a time when, frankly, we need it. Making cultural spaces more open and affordable for families, young adults, and newcomers means building stronger, more connected communities.

More Than Just Museums

The Canada Strong Pass isn’t only about museums. It includes:

• Parks Canada sites: Free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, plus 25% off camping fees
• National museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum: Free for kids, 50% off for young adults
• VIA Rail: Children travel free when accompanied by an adult; young adults get 25% off

So whether you’re into hiking through Banff, exploring Indigenous art in Saskatchewan, or walking the battlefields of Quebec, there’s something for you, and it’s finally affordable.

Tourism Meets Inclusion

Let’s be honest: cultural access hasn’t always been equal. Museum visits, train trips, and park passes add up fast, especially for families on a budget or students trying to see the country on a dime. The Canada Strong Pass levels the playing field. It says: these places belong to all of us, not just the folks who can afford them.

As of the end of June, more than 700,000 people have already visited the Canada Strong Pass website. That’s a good sign, and a reminder that Canadians are hungry to reconnect with their roots, their land, and each other.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be Canadian to benefit from it. Visitors from abroad can also take part. Because It’s not only about patriotism; it’s about showcasing what makes Canada strong, diverse, and vibrant.

Why This Matters Locally

Here in Eastern Ontario, we’re surrounded by rich cultural institutions, like the Cornwall Community Museum, Upper Canada Village, and the Akwesasne Cultural Center, that offer powerful windows into our shared history. While these specific venues aren’t currently participating in the Canada Strong Pass, many provincial and territorial museums and galleries across the country are. It’s worth checking with your favourite local spots or browsing the official Canada Strong Pass website to see what’s included.

Whether or not your local museum is on the list, this initiative is a reminder to explore what’s right in your backyard. From day trips to weekend getaways, supporting cultural tourism helps sustain local jobs and heritage, and makes for a great family outing too.

Unity Through Culture

Minister Guilbeault’s message was clear: “We need to be united and strong.” And while it’s easy to roll your eyes at government slogans, this one feels especially relevant in a world where division, distraction, and disconnection seem to be the norm. This summer, unity might just look like a museum trip with your teenager, a hike with friends in the Rockies, or a solo art tour in Halifax.

All of that counts. And all of it is included in the Canada Strong Pass.

🎟️ Want to know what’s included? Visit the official Canada Strong Pass website and start planning your next adventure. No sign-up required, no fine print, just real access to Canada’s cultural and natural gems.

🌲🏛️🚂 From train rides to glaciers to gallery halls, Canada is calling—and now, it’s a lot more affordable to answer.