The Canadian government has announced that children and youth under the age of 18 will be able to travel for free on VIA Rail trains this summer with a parent or legal guardian through a new initiative called “Canada Strong Pass.” The program, which will run from June to August 2025, aims to support family travel and boost domestic tourism. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that the program is part of a broader effort to strengthen Canadian unity at a time of economic hardship across the border.
Affordable Family Travel with VIA Rail Initiative
This special offer will be available on all VIA Rail routes across Canada. Families will be able to reserve free seats for their children and youth under the age of 18 through VIA Rail’s official booking platform, making it even more affordable for families to explore different parts of the country by train during their summer vacation.
In addition, the Canada Strong Pass initiative does not only apply to children and youth. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 will also receive significant fare discounts on VIA Rail travel. The policy aims to encourage young travelers, especially those studying or just starting out in their careers, to explore Canada’s natural and cultural beauty during the summer season.
Benefits Beyond Free Train Access
The Canada Strong Pass not only offers free train access, but also free admission to many museums and galleries across the country for children and youth under the age of 18. This will allow families to experience Canada’s rich cultural heritage on a budget while traveling. There will also be discounted camping fees for families who want to camp in Canada’s magnificent national parks. These incentives will allow families to plan affordable vacations that are close to nature.
Strengthening National Identity with the VIA Rail Program
Prime Minister Carney said in a statement that it is critical for Canadians to stand together in this difficult economic period. He invited citizens to explore the country’s beautiful national parks, historic sites and rich cultural institutions this summer. VIA Rail’s initiative aims to strengthen ties between Canada’s different regions and reinforce national identity.
VIA Rail is expected to release detailed booking instructions for this special offer in the coming weeks. These instructions will detail how families can take advantage of the discounts and make their travel plans seamless. Canada Strong Pass aims to promote local tourism, reduce travel costs and build stronger connections between different regions of Canada. This initiative positions VIA Rail as an important part of national recovery and cultural discovery. The Canadian government hopes to promote national pride and support regional economies by providing accessible travel and cultural experiences. This travel initiative clearly demonstrates Canada’s commitment to family-focused and inclusive public policy.
