Parks Canada is encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore and enjoy Canada’s national parks system in 2017—Canada’s 150th anniversary—by offering a free “Discovery Pass” that will see fees waived at Parks Canada parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas throughout the year.
While the move is being hailed by many, some conservationists are warning about the strain that might be placed on the ecological integrity of some of the more popular parks—such as Banff, Jasper, and the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario—by a large increase in visitors. By January 5, 2017, more than two million people had ordered Discovery Passes, after the program was launched in December 2016.
Increased vehicle traffic in the parks is one hazard, which will put already vulnerable wildlife at a higher risk of being hit. It is also feared that some attractions might get too crowded, that more people will be tempted to feed, or get too close to, wildlife, and that an increase in trash will overwhelm park employees and be an added attractant for wildlife.
And while the Discovery Pass is being promoted as “free”, it is estimated that the program will cost Canadian taxpayers approximately $5.7 million in administration and mailing fees. There is also the loss of entry fee money, which in 2015 and 2016 brought in an estimated $67.3 million.
Natalie Fay, chief of media relations for Parks Canada, says that while admission to the parks will be free in 2017, the government will make money from programs and activities in the parks that will still have a cost associated with them. Tour fees within parks, parking fees, and campsite fees are some of the items not covered by the pass.
Ed Jager of Parks Canada says that additional clean-up and maintenance crews have been added, to ensure facilities are kept in shape and that increased garbage does not attract animals. He adds that staff know they are in for a busy year.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is one of some 200 sites across Canada where entry will be free throughout the year. Stock photo.
National Geographic Traveler magazine has put the Banff area on its “Best of the World” list of 21 must-see places in 2017, and on January 4 The New York Times named Canada as the number one place to visit in 2017, in part because of the free admission to Canada’s 200 national parks and historic sites during the 150th anniversary year.
Suggestions for relieving the potential congestion include the increased use of shuttle buses to ferry visitors to, and through, the parks. Parks Canada is also trying to take the heat off some of the more popular parks by promoting other, less-visited, sites. Their list of “ten hidden gems” includes the Mingan Archipelago National Park reserve in Quebec, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site in Newfoundland and Labrador, and Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan.
In addition to the free Discovery Pass program, the government has announced that starting in 2018, admission to all of Canada’s national parks will be free for those under the age of 18.
Fore more details about the Discovery Pass, and how to order one, visit http://bit.ly/2iUBQVD.
