Lorne and Riza McVicar from Halifax were enthusiastic about utilizing the widely promoted Canada Strong Pass offered by the federal government. The pass includes complimentary access to Canada’s national parks and a 25% discount on campsites from June 20 to September 2.
Despite being marketed as a way for Canadians to conveniently explore their own country, Lorne McVicar expressed concerns about the pass making it challenging for them to vacation within Canada, especially with the inclusion of international tourists. In June, the couple attempted to secure a camping site for multiple days in July at New Brunswick’s Fundy National Park, only to find all slots booked for that month, including at Newfoundland and Labrador’s Gros Morne National Park.
According to McVicar, the high demand for campsites due to the Canada Strong Pass exceeded his expectations, resulting in sold-out availability. Parks Canada indicated that they will have attendance data at the end of the season and anticipates continued high visitation rates similar to the past eight years, attributing the surge in visitors to the pass.
In late July, Prince Edward Island National Park reported a surge in visitors and traffic congestion, with local resident Mike Kelly describing the situation as overcrowded and emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the influx of visitors.
The park reissued warnings to visitors to avoid walking on the sand dunes to protect the coastline from erosion caused by storm surges. Park warden Doug Campbell noted an increase in potential trespassing on the dunes due to the rise in visitors.
The rise in park visitors has also led to increased traffic congestion near popular parks like Banff National Park, where the town of Banff is experiencing a notable uptick in traffic volume compared to the previous year. At Waterton Lakes National Park in southern Alberta, heavy traffic necessitated a temporary closure to incoming cars, affecting visitor experiences.
Parks Canada responded to concerns by stating that traffic diversions and fully booked campsites are common occurrences each year, with current camping reservation levels aligning with previous years. However, reports indicate larger camping crowds in July at select parks, such as Gros Morne National Park and La Mauricie National Park.
The inclusion of international tourists in accessing the Canada Strong Pass has raised questions, with some suggesting it should have been exclusively for Canadian taxpayers. Hermine Landry, representing the minister of Canadian identity and culture, mentioned that the pass’s success is under review, acknowledging its popularity among Canadians.
While there is no data indicating a surge in park attendance due to international tourists this year, some countries like Ecuador and Costa Rica charge tourists more than residents for national park access. The McVicars managed to secure their July camping trip by monitoring Parks Canada’s reservation site for cancellations, although they had to change sites multiple times, impacting their overall experience.
