Parks Canada offers free visits to military
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/01/2024 (737 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The new year brought in a change for military personnel at the gates leading into Canada’s national parks.
People who currently or formerly served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and their immediate families will be able to visit any of the country’s national parks for free.
The changes came into effect Jan. 1.
Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Shilo's base commander Lt.-Col. Dave Cronk. (File)
Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Shilo base commander Lt.-Col. Dave Cronk said the move is “great news.”
“Anytime someone makes an offer like this we are reminded that Canadians do appreciate the work we do on their behalf. It may seem like a small thing, but it is appreciated,” Cronk said.
Cronk took over as base commander in June 2022, having moved from Poland where he was posted with NATO Multinational Division-Northeast.
He grew up in B.C. and has lived in Alberta, but last summer was the first time he and his wife had been to Manitoba, and their first day trip was to Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP).
“It is a fabulous park that really impressed us with its natural beauty and amenities. It reminded me of the great national parks that I explored in my younger days,” Cronk said.
“Riding Mountain National Park is a favoured destination for many military families at CFB Shilo. The incentive offered by Parks Canada will encourage our soldiers and their families to use these outdoor spaces more and that will contribute to the health and wellness of everyone.”
Federal Defence Minister Bill Blair said he applauds the decision by Ottawa and Parks Canada.
“Free daily admission to Parks Canada facilities is a great way to thank CAF members, veterans, and their families,” Blair said in a news release.
“In addition, Parks Canada facilities provide our military community with important opportunities to stay healthy — both mentally and physically.”
The free daily admission will be granted when CAF members present their CF One Platinum (CFOne) card, which is administered through Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) and issued to currently-serving CAF members and veterans.
Three members of the Purdy family on a hike last summer in one of Manitoba's parks. (Submitted)
Veterans can also show their Veteran’s Service Card, which is available to any former CAF member who successfully completed basic training and was honourably discharged.
The daily fee for RMNP is $9 for an adult, $7.75 for a senior, $17.50 for a family or group, which is defined as up to seven people in a single vehicle. There is no charge for children aged six to 17 years.
In Alberta, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest and most visited national park. The cost at the gate is $11 for an adult, $9.50 for a senior, and $22 for a family or group.
Jenn Purdy and her husband Mike are both posted at CFB Shilo, and they have a son and a daughter. Lydia is 14, and their son Gabe is 10.
Purdy said they are avid campers who “love to get out, see stuff, and have adventures.”
The family of four has been to Banff, to Gros Morne National Park, a world heritage site located on the west coast of Newfoundland, to Cape Breton Island on the Atlantic coast, and to Clear Lake in RMNP.
“I think this is great. When you’re posted to a new base sometimes it’s hard to find things to do in a new environment. This lets military families get out and explore,” said Purdy.
The Purdys were stationed at Shilo from 2006 to 2011, and then for eight years were posted elsewhere. They returned to the Keystone province in 2019.
“Since moving back to Manitoba we’ve been looking for new campgrounds and adventures, so this is a great opportunity to get out and see what the Prairies have to offer that we haven’t explored yet,” Purdy said.
“We get some hiking in, head to the beach, and our dog Beau absolutely loves swimming, so a dog friendly beach is important. We like history and relaxing also, so a campground with good amenities is a bonus.”
While Parks Canada is offering free daily admission to all national parks, regular fees still apply for camping and reservation fees, as well as the cost to experience the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs in Alberta and B.C.
There are 171 national historic sites, 47 national parks, five national marine conservation areas and one national urban park in Canada.
Camping reservations for the 2023 season at RMNP open Feb. 2, 2024, at 8 a.m.
For more information, visit https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/reserve
» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com
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