Under the new Canada Strong Pass, Ottawa might see an
uptick in tourists
.
On Monday morning, Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault said Canadians will have a “unique opportunity” to explore “the very best our country has to offer.”
“I’m very happy to see how these initiatives will create momentum across the country,” Guilbeault said at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
From June 20 to Sept. 2, 2025, Canada’s historic sites and national parks will be free to visit and Via Rail tickets will be 25 per cent cheaper for young adults aged 18 to 24. Children 17 and under can travel for free on Via Rail, accompanied by an adult.
Museums will be offering 50 per cent off admission fees for youth aged 18 to 24 and free admission for children 17 and under. No registration or physical pass is required to use the pass.
The pass launches on Friday and benefits will be immediately available at parks, museums and on the Via Rail booking site. Here’s what you can access and explore in the Ottawa area under the Canada Strong Pass.
Historic sites
Laurier House National Historic Site
Located in Sandy Hill,
this historic site commemorates two of Canada’s prime ministers
, Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. From 1897 to 1948, the house acted as a central location of political life in Canada.
Fort Wellington National Historic Site
Originally built in 1838, this structure is one of the “best preserved nineteenth-century fortifications in Canada” and holds historical and strategic significance from the War of 1812. The fort is located in Prescott, right on the St. Lawrence River, a short drive away from Ottawa.
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
The Rideau Canal
was labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. It transforms into the world’s largest skating rink during the wintertime, but you can easily rent a kayak at Dow’s Lake and explore the canal that way.
Parliament Hill
While the Parliament Buildings are not open to the public, the Hill is, and is always worth a quick visit. It’s a popular tourist destination and is a symbolic piece of Canadian politics and democracy.
Museums and galleries
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
The national agriculture museum offers exhibitions on Canada’s agricultural heritage, and how agriculture science and technology are used to benefit Canadians every day. There are 150 farm animals, including chickens, goats, horses and an alpaca.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
More than 130 aircraft and artifacts, including from First and Second World War planes, are housed in this museum. They offer interactive demonstrations and helicopter sightseeing rides right from the museum, fostering a greater appreciation for Canadian aviation history.
Canadian Museum of History
Located in Gatineau, this national museum houses Canadian anthropological, ethnological and cultural history. It focuses on promoting Canada’s heritage and is known for having Canada’s largest museum of human history.
Canadian Museum of Nature
This national classic houses several exhibitions and programs on Canada’s impressive natural history, Arctic species
and butterfly exhibits
. It holds several impressive galleries, including a water gallery, a Pacific Discovery Tank and a large fossil gallery.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
This museum has a responsibility to preserve Canada’s scientific and technological history. It houses more than 150,000 objects, including vintage cars, and includes daily experiments and a steam locomotive hall.
Canadian War Museum
The war museum covers the country’s military history and serves as a place of remembrance and an educational facility. It houses several military holdings, including rare vehicles, uniforms, medals and personal memoirs.
National Gallery of Canada
Located near the ByWard Market, this art museum
is one of the largest museums in North America with more than 93,000 pieces of art. Originally built in 1880, it showcases contemporary, Indigenous and historical art.
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