Canadian Tradition and Identification Minister Steven Guilbeault introduced on Monday morning that the federal authorities will launch the Canada Sturdy Cross later this week — a transfer to advertise home tourism that makes Canada’s historic websites and parks free to go to and rail journey inexpensive for younger folks.
“Canadians are happy with their nation. Canada is robust and it is yours to find,” Guilbeault stated on the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa.
The cross, which launches on Friday, does not require registration or a bodily card. As an alternative, the advantages will likely be out there upon arrival at parks, nationwide museums and when reserving practice tickets. Canadians and overseas vacationers are eligible.
In a information launch, Canadian Heritage stated the cross contains free admission for all guests to nationwide historic websites, nationwide parks and nationwide marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada and a 25 per cent low cost on tenting charges.
Canadian Tradition and Identification Minister Steven Guilbeault says the Canada Sturdy Cross is not a bodily doc and does not require registration. As an alternative, the advantages will likely be out there upon arrival at nationwide parks and historic websites. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)
The cross additionally offers youngsters aged 17 and underneath free admission to nationwide museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum. For younger adults aged 18 to 24, they get a 50 per cent low cost.
Youngsters aged 17 and underneath may journey at no cost on By way of Rail when accompanied by an grownup. Younger adults aged 18 to 24 get a 25 per cent low cost on tickets.
Lastly, youngsters get free admission to pick provincial and territorial museums and galleries, whereas younger adults aged 18 to 24 get a 50 per cent low cost.
“Our federal authorities makes it simpler than ever for households to decide on Canada when planning their summer time trip, and to totally benefit from the locations and experiences that carry us collectively and that strengthen our nation,” Guilbeault stated.
Extra Canadians exploring Canada
The federal authorities’s announcement comes as fewer Canadians journey south to the US — and a few of that journey itch is being redirected again to Canada.
In Might, Statistics Canada launched knowledge that confirmed return journeys by Canadians getting back from the U.S. by air dropped by 19.9 per cent, and return through land borders dropped by a whopping 35.2 per cent in comparison with April of final 12 months.
Many Canadians have been opting to not go to the U.S. in current months for various causes, resembling elevated scrutiny and threat of detention on the border, or as a approach to boycott the U.S. given President Donald Trump’s commerce battle threats and speak of annexing Canada.
A truck drives previous the passenger entry level on the U.S.-Canada border in Surrey, B.C., on March 4, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press)
In March, at the least eight provinces and territories shared with CBC Information that they’ve seen elevated curiosity from Canadian vacationers in visiting their respective areas.
Guilbeault stated the cross is “about discovering and reconnecting with nature, historical past and tradition of this outstanding nation all of us share and are proud to name our personal.”
