Free National Parks

Fort St. James National Historic site expecting a boost with introduction of the Canada Strong Pass

Jun 20, 2025 | 4:50 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – With tensions high with the United States, the Government of Canada announced the Canada Strong Pass initiative as it aims to encourage people to explore Canada as an alternative to travelling south of the border. Beginning Friday (June 20) and continuing until the beginning of September there will be free access to all of Canada’s national parks and historic sites. Fort St.James National Historic Site acting manager Paul Langevin says the Pass will be a great way to showcase Canada’s national parks and historic sites.

“The Canada Strong initiative is a great way to encourage people to explore the natural and cultural richness of Canada, and any promotion that helps to showcase Parks Canada’s national parks and national historic sites is good news. We look forward to welcoming visitors to to Fort St. James National Historic Site,” said Langevin.

The Fort St. James National Historic Site is expecting numbers to grow this summer with the introduction of the pass and it is ready to accomodate as the Site offers something for everyone, including Canada’s largest collection of the fur trade era , shops, museums and the famous Chicken Races.

“Since the pandemic, there has been a yearly increase in visitation to almost all Parks Canada places and we expect that that’s going to continue. Fort St. James is very family friendly and it offers an ideal outing for people living in the Prince George area and throughout the central interior. This local and regional support has been really important to the site and the town of Fort St. James, so if you combine the lack of travel to the U.S with more ‘staycations’ and the Canada Strong program we think that the numbers are going to be up for this summer.” said Langevin.

The Canada strong pass is active from June 20 until September 2, 2025 and will also feature a 25% discount on fees for camping and over night stays and visitors. There is no need to apply for a physical pass, but instead payment will no longer be required when entering any national park or historic site operated by Parks Canada.