148 affordable family vacations this summer

Canada is turning 150 this year. And to go along with the anniversary, the government is going to considerable lengths to encourage us to stay in our home and native land to celebrate.

For that, Canadians can visit any one of the 148 national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas – for free. No charge.

That’s roughly a $136 discount for a 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass. With the Canadian dollar’s value on a downward trajectory, that home grown vacation could be exactly what your bank account needs.

Order the pass online from Parks Canada or pick one up at Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) locations. They’re also available at various local visitor centres.

The government has provided a no-frills, alphabetical list with each destination, though we’re going to cherry pick a few prime spots to get you excited and maybe help you decide where to point your compass. 

Alberta Bound

It’s tough to argue with Alberta’s glory when it comes to the power and majesty of the Rocky Mountains. The prairie province is blessed with two of Canada’s best national parks in Jasper and Banff, both world renowned for luxurious escapes and rustic adventures. While Banff is the more “cosmo” of the two villages, with its Gap and Lululemon stores, Jasper’s charms are more understated.

This year Banff can boast its recent reintroduction of 16 Plains bison, who will roam for the first time in more than a century. Bison buffs can view them by foot or horseback in the remote Panther Valley, but should plan ahead with detailed route info from the Banff Visitor Centre.

If you’re looking to avoid the heavy crowds, Waterton Lakes National Park in Southern Alberta offers jaw-dropping mountain vistas, waterfalls, and clear lakes, all nestled near a cozy waterfront town. An added bonus is its proximity to other destinations, straddling the border of Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park in B.C and Glacier National Park in Montana.

Discover Ontario

Ontario’s national parks might not be as panoramic and Instagram-worthy as Alberta’s, but they do offer an abundance of unique natural beauty. Bruce Peninsula National Park, for example, is a stunning intersection of rocky cliffs meeting the roaring turquoise waters of the Georgian Bay. Stand on the cliffs and feel the mist, as waves crash against the rocks. Nearby camping is available and the drive takes just under four hours from Toronto.  

If you really want to clock kilometres and ditch civilization, approximately 1100 kilometres from Toronto to be exact, try Pukaskwa National Park. On the north shore of Lake Superior, this ancient landscape in the Canadian Shield delivers rich cultural history of the Anishinaabe First Nations along with towering cliffs, white sand beaches and the occasional hungry black bear.

Beautiful B.C.

For a province dubbed “Super Natural British Columbia,” it’s surprisingly shy on national parks. But if you live anywhere near Vancouver, this summer you have no excuse not to make the trek to Pacific Rim National Park near Tofino. Learn to surf on the curling waves of Long Beach or get lost within the neon green, jungle-like rainforests. For hikers, the West Coast trail is a favourite and can be a guided experience that lasts seven days.

Majestic Maritimes

On the opposite coast, you have many scenic provinces and parks to choose from, including the Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland. This mountainous range provides sweeping views of a fresh water fjord carved out by glaciers and a 100 kilometres of trails along with seaside camping.

In New Brunswick, the Fundy National Park is famous for its moving tides and the ability to explore the ocean floor. It also offers one of the few yurt rentals among Canada’s national parks for those not loving the tent experience.    

Keen on Camping

Even though you’re getting free entry to these parks, you will need some basic camping equipment to survive. If you’re not looking to make a big investment, you can rent camping gear from places like MEC and other outdoor gear suppliers.

Camping skills a little rusty? This summer, Parks Canada is offering Learn To Camp programs in 19 parks and historic sites. It features workshops on how to pitch a tent and complicated cooking tasks like opening a can of beans. The Great Outdoors awaits!