OTTAWA — National galleries and museums across the country have seen a 15 per cent increase in attendance so far this summer, after the federal government introduced free or discounted admission through the new Canada Strong Pass.
The Canada Strong Pass, which took effect on June 20 and is available until Sept. 2, offers free national museum admission to children 17 and under, and a 50 per cent discount for those aged 18 to 24.
The pass also offers free admission to national parks and sites maintained by Parks Canada.
Hermine Landry, spokesperson for the office of the minister of Canadian identity and culture, said attendance in July was up 16 per cent over last year at the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum.
The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum has seen attendance spike by 24 per cent and the National Gallery of Canada has seen an increase of two per cent, she said.
The Canadian Museum of Nature has seen an increase of 12 per cent since the launch of the pass, while the Canada Science and Technology Museum has seen a 13 per cent increase and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum has seen a four per cent increase.
Some provincial and territorial museums and galleries are also taking part in the program, and the Manitoba Museum reports that its July attendance was up 11 per cent over last year.
"We are proud to see the enthusiasm for Canada, especially among families, as discounts on activities and travel can lead to substantial savings," Landry said. "More than ever, we must stand together: The increased attendance at iconic sites across the country is proof of that."
Through the Canada Strong Pass, Via Rail is also offering free fares for children 17 and under if they are accompanied by an adult, and a 25 per cent discount for travellers who are 18 to 24 years old.
Landry said more than 36,000 Via Rail bookings have been made with the Canada Strong Pass.
The Montréal to Toronto route was the most popular, with over 13,000 bookings made, she said.
Megan Hope, a spokesperson for Parks Canada, said in an email that free admission is expected to increase the number of people visiting Canada's national parks. However she said statistics for 2025 will not be made available until after the season has ended.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2025.
Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press
