Agents are being urged to make use of new booking tools and discount passes to encourage clients to experience some of the huge range of experiences and accommodation options available in Canada’s national parks.
Parks Canada protects and manages a vast network of cultural and natural heritage places, including 171 national historic sites, 48 national parks, five national marine conservation areas, and one national urban park –13 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Taken together, that’s around 343,377 sq kms of lands in Canada located in every province and territory and ranging from mountains and plains to boreal forests and tundra to lakes and glaciers, and much more.
Heritage sites include Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park (1885), Fundy National Park in New Brunswick and Signal Hill National Historic Site in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, which in 2026 will celebrate the 125th anniversary of Canada receiving its first transatlantic signal.
“We are easily Canada’s largest provider of natural and cultural tourism products,” says Guy Theriault, Chief Travel Media Relations, Corporate Communications Directorate at Parks Canada Parks .
“The important thing for Selling Canada readers to keep in mind is that seasonal shifts shape the visitor experience, that is the product focus, themes and activities.”
Accommodation in the parks includes everything from a traditional rustic cabin to a yurt, a round hut with beds, furniture and heating; a canvas tipi; and an oTENTik, a hybrid between a cabin and a tent. Another option is Ôasis, a teardrop-shaped cabin with a suspended hammock and a bed.
“We have all kinds of incredible and unique places where you can sleep overnight,” enthuses Theriault.
“For example, at the Fortress of Louisburg in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, you can stay overnight in one of the reconstructed historic buildings.
“Imagine waking up in the morning and you have the entire National Historic site to yourself. You are right there on Atlantic, the sun rising over the east. There will be foxes running through the site and until the staff start arriving at 8.00 you will be the only one there.”
Parks Canada also administer the country’s historic canals and waterways, in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
“The Rideau Canal is a World Heritage Site, and you can travel all the way from Ottawa to Kingston on the oldest continually operating canal in North America, which has been running the same way since 1832… and no sailing or seamanship skills are required,” says Theriault.
The relaxing cruises are operated by Le Boat, a Parks Canada partner, that offers 10% to agents.
In other news for agents, since September 2025 Parks Canada has been offering an Advanced Reservations Service on its website, with on-account payment options available in 2026. Discovery Pass, which provides unlimited access to all Parks Canada sites, can be purchased at net rates, with experiences and on-account payment options available in 2026.
Also returning for 2026 is the Canada Strong Pass, which offers free admission and discounted overnight stays during the periods December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, and summer 2026.
The pass also provides free travel for children on VIA Rail, discounts for young adult and free entry for children to participating national museums.
