4 national parks you can visit for free in Quebec this summer

Canada Strong Pass: free admission to Canada’s national parks and national marine conservation areas

From June 19 through September 7, 2026, you can enjoy free admission to Canada’s national parks and national marine conservation areas thanks to the Canada Strong Pass!

The best part? Despite the name, no physical pass is required: just show up and take advantage of free entry to Parks Canada-managed sites. However, keep in mind that fees for parking and guided tours, among other services, still apply.

And if you’d like to spend a few nights in the great outdoors, you can also enjoy 25% off camping and overnight stays.

⛺ Learn more: Free admission and discounted overnight stays at Parks Canada

Which national parks can I explore for free this summer in Quebec?

In Quebec, 4 stunning Parks Canada-managed natural sites are open to the public free of admission fees until early September thanks to the Canada Strong Pass. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s waiting for you at each of these parks!

Forillon National Park

A highlight of Gaspésie’s natural landscape, Forillon National Park offers nearly 245 km² of wilderness to explore! With sea views, cliffs and mountains all in one place, the park features a wide range of hiking trails for all skill levels, from the accessible Prélude-à-Forillon loop, ideal for visitors with reduced mobility, to the Les Crêtes trail, a challenging 35-km round trip with 1,437 metres of elevation gain, perfect for seasoned hikers. Some multi-use trails are also open to cyclists.

La Mauricie National Park

Dreaming of untouched nature? Located just two hours from both Montréal and Québec City, La Mauricie National Park is very accessible, yet feels like you’re worlds away. Whether you’re on the hunt for scenic viewpoints (the park has plenty of lookouts!), looking for calm waters for paddleboarding or kayaking, or in search of a great road cycling or gravel biking destination, this park has something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast!

Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

For landscapes that feel almost otherworldly, it’s hard to beat the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, famous for its striking monoliths. Located in the Côte-Nord region, the archipelago is made up of about 20 main islands (9 of which can be explored on foot) along with nearly 1,000 Precambrian islands and islets, a perfect backdrop for a variety of water-based activities. 

While boat transport to the islands (provided by private operators) isn’t included for visitors without their own watercraft, you can enjoy free access to the exhibitions at both visitor centres: Life stories from the Mingan islands in Havre-Saint-Pierre, and From islands to the sea in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan.

Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park

Fascinated by marine life? Spanning 1,245 km², the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is the place to go! Take advantage of free admission to explore the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre in Baie-Sainte-Catherine (Charlevoix), the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre in Les Bergeronnes, or the Marine Environment Discovery Centre in Les Escoumins (Côte-Nord). From the shoreline, you’ll get the chance to observe marine mammals and seabirds. Plus, you’ll learn more about the incredible species that inhabit the St. Lawrence. 

For more details on free admission, we recommend visiting the websites of the various Parks Canada national parks.

Good to know to explore further for free

• If you’re a history buff, the Canada Strong Pass also gives you free admission to national historic sites managed by Parks Canada. Check out the full list of places you can visit at no cost

• Accès nature is another program that lets you enjoy the outdoors for free in select regional parks across Quebec this summer and fall. Learn more about the program and eligible parks