In May over 400,000 My Parks Passes will be distributed by Parks Canada to grade eight students across the country. The passes, which will be distributed the week of May 17, 2010, will provide students with free access for twelve months to 27 national parks and 68 national historic sites.  

In addition, Parks Canada will complement the My Parks Pass with a new policy of free access for all grade 8 students and teachers who are visiting as part of an organized school trip. When visiting as part of a school trip, grade eight students will not be required to show their passes.

The objective of the program is to encourage youth to visit Canada’s national parks and historic sites on a regular basis and learn more about Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.

Parks Canada has partnered with Nature Canada and The Historica-Dominion Institute (HDI) to deliver the My Parks Pass program. Nature Canada has developed and produced the My Parks Pass and student kits. They have also developed a program-specific website. The Historica-Dominion Institute (HDI) has developed an extensive mailing list of all grade eight classes in Canada and has coordinated the distribution of the My Parks Passes and students kits. They have also developed and distributed a special information kit and promotional material for teachers.

The launch of the My Parks Pass program is part of a series of events to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Canada’s national parks.

The “My Parks Pass” is valid only at Parks Canada administered National Parks and National Historic Sites. Visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca for more information.