With free access all summer, there’s never been a better time to explore Canada’s national parks. Whether you’re planning a road trip or a weekend escape, here are your top picks to visit.

Until September 2, all of Canada’s national parks are open to the public at no cost, offering an enticing opportunity to explore some of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes without worrying about entrance fees. But, with so many parks to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start, so let’s take a look at some of the best spots to take advantage of free admission.

Canada’s oldest and most iconic national park is a must-see for good reason. Banff is home to some of the country’s most jaw-dropping scenery, including the vibrant blue waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. While it’s no secret and does get busy, the experience of standing at the edge of a turquoise lake surrounded by the Rockies is worth it. But, if you are looking for a break from Banff’s crowds, then Waterton Lakes National Park a few hours south is another excellent option. With its wildflower-covered meadows and clear lakes framed by steep cliffs, Waterton offers the full package. It also shares an ecosystem with Montana’s Glacier National Park, and the two parks together form the world’s first International Peace Park.

With free park admission this summer, it’s also a great chance to focus on more than just the usual heavy hitters. Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park, for example, is one of the few places where you can experience untouched native prairie, complete with grazing bison and a sky that stretches wider than seems possible. Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba is another understated getaway with great hiking, biking, lake activities, and wildlife viewing. The Wasagaming townsite inside the park is a summer hub complete with restaurants and shops.

Alternatively, if it’s a coastal getaway you are after, then Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island beckons. You’ll find dense coastal rainforest, driftwood-strewn beaches, and the rhythmic crash of waves. The Long Beach area is especially popular in summer, drawing surfers, families, and nature lovers alike.

On the opposite side of the country, Newfoundland and Labrador, the landscape becomes even more dramatic. Gros Morne National Park is a geological wonder, where cliffs and fjords tower over inlets and bays. Just a few hours east of Gros Morne, Terra Nova National Park offers a softer, more sheltered landscape, with calm coastal waters perfect for kayaking and gentle trails that wind through boreal forest. It’s a great option for families or first-time campers.

We also can’t forget Southern Ontario’s Point Pelee National Park. It’s famous among birders, but summer visitors will also find warm-water beaches, shaded trails, and the chance to walk out to the southernmost point of mainland Canada. Taking the marsh boardwalk through the reeds, with frogs croaking around you and herons gliding overhead, feels surprisingly wild given how close the park is to Windsor and Detroit.

And finally, there’s the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve in Quebec, an under-the-radar treasure on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This collection of islands is known for the unusual limestone formations that time and the tide have carved into surreal shapes. Exploring this unique Canadian gem feels like stepping into another world.

The Canada Strong Pass isn’t just about saving some money, though that’s definitely a perk. It’s about rediscovering your backyard and appreciating the boundless natural beauty that Canada has to offer.