Across the country, national museums and galleries of art has recorded a 15 % increase in their attendance this summer, visitors having benefited from free entry or at a reduced price thanks to the passing a strong Canada.
This pass, in force since June 20 and available until September 2, offers free entry to national museums to children 17 and under, and a 50 % discount to 18 to 24 years old. The other eligible establishment in Quebec is the Musée des Plains d’Abraham.
It also allows you to enter the national parks and sites managed by Parks Canada for free, such as the Mauricie National Park, or that of the Forillon National Park, in Gaspésie.
Hermine Landry, spokesperson for the cabinet of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, indicates that the attendance of the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau and the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa increased by 16 % in July.
The Canada Museum of Agriculture and Food has recorded an increase in attendance of 24 %, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Canada, 2 %, she said.
The Canadian Museum of Nature has recorded a 12 % increase since the launch of the program, while the Canada Science and Technology Museum recorded an increase of 13 % and the Aviation and Espace du Canada museum, an increase of 4 %.
Some provincial and territorial art museums and galleries also participate in the program. The Manitoba museum reports an increase in attendance of 11 % in July compared to last year.
“We are proud to see the craze for Canada, especially in families, because discounts on activities and travel can lead to substantial savings,” said Landry. “More than ever, we must be united: the increased attendance of emblematic sites across the country is proof.”
The passing allows children 17 and under accompanied by an adult to travel for free with via Rail, and offers a 25 % reduction to travelers aged 18 to 24.
Ms. Landry said more than 36,000 reservations via Rail were made with the program.
The Montreal-Toronto journey was the most popular, with more than 13,000 reservations made, she said.
Megan Hope, a spokesperson for Parks Canada, said in an email that free entry should increase the number of visitors to Canada’s national parks. However, she said that the statistics for 2025 will only be available after the end of the season.
