Parks Canada kicks off 2017 Visitor Season - Canadians invited to connect with nature and history as we celebrate Canada 150 Français
TORONTO, May 20, 2017 /CNW/ - National parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples.
Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, celebrated the opening of Parks Canada's 2017 visitor season and launch of Parks Canada's NEW smartphone app at Rouge National Urban Park - Canada's first nationally protected area in an urban setting.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada's gift to Canadians is free admission to all Parks Canada places in 2017.
Canada's national parks and historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. Parks Canada is encouraging visitors to plan their trips and discover new and exciting destinations in 2017 by consulting Parks Canada's website for a list of hidden gems and other unique and memorable experiences.
Minister McKenna also launched a NEW Parks Canada mobile app that provides visitors with tips and information to plan their visit and share their experiences on social media using fun and interactive Parks Canada-themed filters and stickers. Visitors can even find out about hundreds of events planned for 2017 all across the country.
Whether visitors are looking for outdoor adventure, fun for the whole family, or memorable ways to get closer to our country's history, Canada's national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas have something special to offer. The FREE 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass provides unlimited opportunities to discover all of Parks Canada's wonderful places during Canada 150.
Quote
"As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the government is inviting Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our history with free admission to Parks Canada places. This supports our government's commitment to preserving our national parks, while providing visitors with high-quality and meaningful experiences. To make the most of their Canada 150 experience, I encourage visitors to plan ahead and consult the Parks Canada website. The Parks Canada team looks forward to welcoming Canadians and visitors from around the world in 2017."
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick Facts
- The FREE Parks Canada 2017 Discovery Pass is available from the Parks Canada website as well as at Parks Canada entry gates and visitor centres. Partners such as Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) and CIBC will also be distributing passes for Parks Canada.
- The Discovery pass only applies to places managed by Parks Canada. It does not apply to provincial parks, municipal and private parks, nor to the many historic sites not managed by Parks Canada.
- Only admission is free for 2017. There are fees for enhanced interpretative programs and recreational services and products such as camping and firewood, fishing permits, and overnight backcountry use.
Related Links
Parks Canada
Reservation system
Discovery Pass
Rouge National Urban Park
Parks Canada Mobile App
SOURCE Parks Canada
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Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473, [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected] http://www.twitter.com/parkscanada
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