A new initiative to try and get more people to visit Canadian national parks is in its early days of implementation.
The Canada Strong Pass allows all Canadians to enjoy free entry to all national parks, as well as discounts on camping and backcountry campsites.
It first launched last Friday, and Scot Shellborn, with Parks Canada at Riding Mountain National Park, says the feedback so far has been very positive.
"I spent some time at one of the entrance gates on Friday, just to get a feel. And, some already knew. They were like "I know it is free as of today," and then they had some questions like how long and some other things. And, then there were others that went to pay, and our wonderful gate crew would tell them that it is free from now until September 2nd, and they were surprised and said, "Really? Well, that is wonderful."
There is no cost for the Canada Strong pass; simply show up at any Canadian national park.
Shellborn thinks the initiative will lead to an increase in visitors this year, especially by those who have never visited a national park before.
