/R E P E A T -- Celebrate Canada Day with Parks Canada - Parks Canada welcomes visitors with free admission on Canada Day/

OTTAWA, June 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Parks Canada's places 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.

The Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, invites Canadians and international visitors to celebrate Canada's 149th birthday on Friday, July 1, with free admission at all national parks, national marine conservation areas, and Parks Canada-administered national historic sites. Lockage at all stations on the Trent-Severn Waterway and the Rideau Canal as well as at Quebec's historic canals will also be free for the day.

These treasured places enable us to experience our rich history and natural heritage in a special way. As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government invites all Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and history this summer.

As announced in Budget 2016, the Government is also pleased to announce that admission and lockage will be free all year in 2017 in celebration of Canada 150.

Visit www.pc.gc.ca to find out about the special events that Parks Canada is planning across the country on Canada Day.

Quote
"Canada Day is the ideal time for Canadians and visitors from around the world to celebrate and share Canada's national heritage, and what's more Canadian than our national parks and historic sites. I encourage everyone to visit any of Parks Canada's places for free on Canada Day. It's a great way for friends and families to experience one of Canada's many natural and cultural treasures. Happy Canada Day!"

Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Catherine McKenna

Quick Facts

• Parks Canada manages a network of 46 national parks, 168 national historic sites, four national marine conservation areas, one national urban park and eight historic canals that make up the rich tapestry of Canada's cultural and natural heritage.
• Fort Anne is Canada's oldest national historic site, created in 1917, and Labrador's Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve was named the 46th national park in 2015.
• Parks Canada is Canada's largest provider of natural and cultural tourism destinations and its iconic parks and sites form the cornerstones of the Canadian tourism industry.
• Parks Canada continues to improve its visitor offer with investments in infrastructure – particularly in campgrounds and day use-areas, the addition of oTENTik accommodations across the country, and even more innovative and educational events and activities.
• Parks Canada works with more than 300 Indigenous communities across Canada in conserving, restoring and presenting Canada's natural and cultural heritage.

Associated Link
Parks Canada

SOURCE Parks Canada

Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected]