Top Ontario national parks and historic sites to visit with the Canada Strong Pass

Great news for outdoor explorers—all Parks Canada parks are free this summer with the Canada Strong Pass.  

This federal initiative means that from June 20 to September 2, 2025, the Canadian wilderness is free to everyone. If you’d like to sleep under the stars this summer, you’ll save 25 per cent on campsites, cabins, yurts and other accommodations in national parks.  

You can also visit national historic sites and national marine conservation areas managed by Parks Canada for free. However, be aware that some national historic sites are operated privately, provincially or municipally. Those locations are generally not included in the Pass. Make sure to double check the site you’re visiting before you go.  

The pass includes all national museums and galleries as well. Kids aged 17 and under get in for free, and young adults aged 17 and under save 50 per cent on admission.  

The best part? You don’t need to register or worry about a physical pass. This initiative is available to everyone, whether you’re a newcomer, a longtime Canadian or a visitor.  

If you’re ready to get outside, here are the Ontario national parks and top historic sites you can visit for free with the Canada Strong Pass. 

National parks and marine conservation areas 

Thousand Islands National Park 

Where: 1121 Thousand Islands Parkway, Mallorytown, ON

This national park, located along the St. Lawrence River, is a playground for paddling, fishing and swimming. With 21 islands available to the public and natural waterways connecting them, you can explore the rocky granite shores, Canadian Shield hiking trails and diverse animal habitats by land or boat on your trip.  

Point Pelee National Park

Where: 1118 Point Pelee Dr., Leamington, ON 

As the southernmost point of Canada’s mainland, Point Pelee National Park is the perfect place to observe bird migrations. The park is mainly a wetland, so a boardwalk will take you through the natural shoreline to observe the wildlife. The canoeing and kayaking are also superb, plus with a dark sky preserve, it’s a great spot to stargaze on the beach.  

Rouge National Urban Park

Where: 7277 14th Ave., Markham, ON 

It is located just outside Toronto and is one of Canada’s largest urban parks. With diverse ecological offerings, you can kayak the Rouge Marsh, picnic with the family, and hike through forests and fields. If you’d like to explore the natural landscape without leaving the city, the park has 14 different trails through varied landscapes, including mature trees, meadows, grasslands and rocky bluffs.  

Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Where: 2611 Honey Harbour Rd., Honey Harbour, ON  

Accessible by ferry, this park includes Beausoleil Island, a national historic site. Camp on the island in a cabin, an OTENTik or a tent, with backcountry camping available for anyone feeling adventurous. If you don’t want to stay the night, spend the day swimming, sailing, cycling and hiking through the rocky shoreline.  

Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park

Where: 469 Cyprus Lake Rd. and 121 Chi sin tib dek Rd., Tobermory, ON 

When you reach the shores of Bruce Peninsula, you’ll be shocked you haven’t left Canada. Fathom Five is right off the coast of the peninsula, so knock both off your bucket list at once. Swim the blue-green waters at the Grotto and hike the world-famous limestone landscape of Flowerpot Island before jumping from the craggy shores into Lake Huron.  

Pukaskwa National Park

Where: ON-627, Heron Bay, ON 

As the traditional and current home of the Anishinaabe, Indigenous communities still use Pukaskwa to hunt, fish, trap and hold ceremonies. Learn about this ancestral connection to the land on a guided trail or hike the many beautiful paths to appreciate the landscape. The park also offers geocaching, swimming, and paddling.  

Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

Where: 22 3rd St., Nipigon, ON 

Spanning a wide section of the world’s largest freshwater lake, this vast area is used for research and preserving habitats in the Great Lakes Region. Hiking trails include a trek to the Mazukama Falls, a stunning climb through an old-growth cedar forest, and the panoramic Deer Lake Mountain trail. Kayak, birdwatch or relax on an iconic red Parks Canada Adirondack chair at this wildlife haven.  

Parks Canada historic sites in Ontario  

Bellevue House National Historic Site

Where: 35 Centre St., Kingston, ON 

Once home to Sir John A. Macdonald, the house’s bottom floor is a recreation of Bellevue’s 1840s grandeur. As you transition upstairs, you will discover Macdonald’s complex legacy in Canadian history. After you tour the museum, learn more about Victorian life with a stroll through the ornamental gardens.  

Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site

Where: 297 John St. N., Gravenhurst, ON  

This historic site displays the legacy of Dr. Norman Bethune, a medical pioneer and cultural icon in China. The Bethune Visitor Centre and the house tell his story, including his role as a battlefront surgeon in both the Spanish Civil War and the Sino-Japanese War. Kids can play in the World War I activity area, and adults can read up on his impact in the exhibits.  

HMCS Haida National Historic Site

Where: Pier 9, 658 Catharine St. N., Hamilton, ON 

Have you ever wanted to see a battleship up close? The HMCS Haida is a decommissioned Tribal class destroyer that was once the flagship of the Canadian Navy. Its many decks are now open to the public in Hamilton, where you can imagine the life of a Canadian soldier on board.  

Laurier House National Historic Site

Where: 335 Laurier Ave. E., Ottawa, ON 

As the former home of both Sir Wilfred Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King, two of Canada’s most famous prime ministers, this Ottawa site was once a hotbed of political activity. The Victorian mansion remains a slice of their lives, still containing much of the original decor and furniture. Take a guided tour or explore artifacts and interesting quirks of these iconic Canadians.  

Travel Ontario with CAA  

Whether using the Canada Strong Pass on your camping trip or hitting up some historic sites this summer, take your CAA Membership with you. You can save three cents per litre on fuel and ten per cent on snacks and drinks at participating Shell locations.