Programs & Services

Parks Canada Offers Free Daily Admission for CAF Personnel, Veterans, and their Families

CMFMAG Team March 14, 2024

0 3 minutes read

To honour active CAF Personnel, Veterans, and their families, the Government of Canada announced Parks Canada is now providing free daily admission.

“The Government of Canada proudly champions the health and resilience of our Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans. Beginning January 1, currently serving members, Veterans, and their immediate families can enjoy free daily admission to our national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas to explore, unwind, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Together, let us continue to honour and support the remarkable men and women who have served our country with bravery and distinction,” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, in a press release.

We are thrilled to welcome Parks Canada to our incredible roster of partners who support Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families by offering exclusive discounts, savings and programs to our military community,” said Ian Poulter, CFMWS Chief Executive Officer. Rock formations of the limestone monoliths on Île Niapiskau (Mingan-Archipelago-Nationalpark), an Island in the St. Lawrence River in Québec, Canada.

Vast Network of Parks

Parks Canada-administrated national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas provide excellent opportunities for military personnel, veterans, and their families to get outside, relieve stress, and connect with loved ones, noted the press release.

“I applaud this decision to offer free daily admission to Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, and their families. Our people in uniform make enormous sacrifices to protect Canada, and free daily admission to Parks Canada facilities is a great way to thank them for their service. In addition, Parks Canada facilities provide our military community with important opportunities to stay healthy – both mentally and physically,” said Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.

Parks Canada’s vast network of parks nationwide includes:

171 national historic sites,
47 national parks,
five national marine conservation areas, and
one national urban park.

The press release noted that by providing free daily admission, Parks Canada supports the health and wellness of CAF members, Veterans of the CAF, and their immediate family members. Rushing waters from the Kicking Horse River carves through Natural Bridge at Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada.

Free Day Pass

To take advantage of the free day pass, CAF Personnel, Veterans, and their families must present their CF One Card or Veteran’s Service Card.

The CF One Platinum Card is administered through Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) and is exclusively issued to currently serving members and Veterans of the CAF and their immediate families.

“We are thrilled to welcome Parks Canada to our incredible roster of partners who support Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families by offering exclusive discounts, savings and programs to our military community. This gesture goes a long way in honouring their courage and commitment to our country, and we appreciate their engagement,” said Ian Poulter, CFMWS Chief Executive Officer.

Veterans can also present their Veteran’s Service Card, which is available to any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who completed basic training and has been honourably released.

“Veterans and their families will now be able to visit Parks Canada sites for free. These individuals have served our country with bravery and honour,” said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. A traveler canoeing with the Rocky Mountain reflecting on Maligne lake at Spirit island in Jasper National Park, Canada.

Health and Wellness Benefits

The press release noted that by providing free daily admission, Parks Canada supports the health and wellness of CAF members, Veterans of the CAF, and their immediate family members.

“Veterans and their families will now be able to visit Parks Canada sites for free. These individuals have served our country with bravery and honour,” said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. The “announcement will make it easier for Veterans to visit national historic sites and explore Canada’s beautiful national parks, all while supporting their overall health and well-being.”

Visiting a Park?

Visitors planning a visit to a park are advised to plan in advance by visiting the Parks Canada website here and signing up for the e-newsletter here. The newsletter offers information on new and noteworthy events and activities, special offers, trip-planning ideas, and more.

People can also download the Parks Canada app here, listen to Parks Canada’s new podcast ReCollections, and follow Parks Canada on social media for destination inspiration and to help plan their perfect visit. People can also visit Trip Planning Tools here for more planning options.

Fall forest with colorful autumn leaves and highway 60 reflecting in Lake of Two Rivers. Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada.

How to obtain a CF One Card or Veteran’s Service Card

CAF members, Veterans of the CAF, and immediate family members can obtain their CF One Platinum card here.

Launched in 2018, the Veteran’s Service Card recognizes the past service of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and helps CAF members stay connected to military and veteran support programs during their transition to post-military life.

The Canadian Armed Forces issues and distributes the card in close consultation with Veterans Affairs Canada. Visit here for more information regarding the Veteran’s Service Card here.