I was excited to open my mail this week because it included my new Discover Canada pass, which will let me into all national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas run by national park service Parks Canada for free this year.
Yes, I said free. Add to that the thrill: The current U.S.-to-Canadian-dollar exchange rate means that, for us, everything in Canada is on sale. Think, “I can save 30 percent on everything,” and you get the message.
Are you thinking it’s time to head north? Yes, I think so, too.
But, sheesh, where to go? Canada is the second largest country in the world in sheer landmass, with exciting cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver as well as vast regions of wilderness.
Natural beauty abounds from the waters of Vancouver to the wilds of the Yukon Territory and from the Canadian Rockies to remote Nova Scotia. One of my personal favorites is Niagara Falls, which is easy to visit in conjunction with a trip to Toronto. Wildlife includes grizzlies, beavers, whales and even polar bears up in remote Churchill.
And there’s French Canada. If you want a taste of Gallic culture without crossing the Atlantic, then head to Quebec. And note that, while French is the dominant language there, English is also spoken.
So many choices, so little time. First, let’s talk about the Discover Canada pass, which is available free this year to all in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday. It’s good until Dec. 31.
Discover Canada is your pass to stunning landscapes, famous forts, canals, historic homes, lighthouses and even shipwrecks. Really, there are too many sites to list, but here are a few I personally want to visit.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA
Banff was Canada's first national park, and it remains arguably its most famous, with stunning Rocky Mountain scenery, including snow-covered mountain peaks, pine forests and icy blue lakes such as the famed Lake Louise. Endless hiking, biking, climbing, canoeing and other outdoors sports are a possibility, or just lounge around famous resorts and enjoy the scenery. Park museums are also free with the pass. Closest airport is Calgary. Learn more: banffandbeyond.com
JASPER NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA
This Rocky Mountains park, established in 1907, offers hundreds of miles of trails, thousands of campsites and rustic tent cabins, yet most of the immense park is wilderness. Fly into Edmonton, Vancouver or Calgary and rent a car, drive yourself or take a scenic ride on ViaRail (the Canadian Amtrak) from Vancouver. This park can be combined with a trip to Banff. Camp to save money, stay in an oTENTik rustic tent cabin or check out the Jasper Home Accommodation Association which offers both hotels and homestays with local folks. Learn more: stayinjasper.com
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
If you loved Anne of Green Gables as much as I did, you already know this picturesque island with beautiful beaches, sand dunes and more. Did you know you can actually visit Green Gables, where Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel was set? In fact, you can visit the real Green Gables home, and also the site of the author's Cavendish Home, as part of L.M. Montgomery's Cavendish National Historic Site. You can even explore sites in the book such as the Haunted Woods. Even if you didn't read the book, this island has an historic lighthouse to explore, stunning ocean views, fishing, golf and more. Learn more: pc.gc.ca
DISCOVER CANADA PASS
All you have to do to get one is order from this website: commandesparcs-parksorders.ca
Then, it will show up in your mailbox in about eight weeks. If you’re traveling within that period, you can pick it up in person at any of numerous distribution points. Check the website for a list.
This comes as a hang-tag pass for your car, and you only need one for your entire group or family, if you are together. Fees for things like camping, parking, tours and such are not included. Learn more: National Information Service at 888-773-8888 (works in the U.S.) or information@pc.gc.ca.
SAVE MONEY
If you like train travel, you definitely want to check out Via Rail. Buy in advance for the best savings. And, if you have time, you can even take the Canadian from Toronto all the way to Vancouver, east to west. Check out the rail pass deals and note that if you join Hosteling International, you can save 12.5 percent on fares. Seniors 60 or older get 10 percent off most fares. Learn more: viarail.ca/en
Many Canadian national parks offer oTENTiks that can be reserved online, meaning you don't have to haul all your camping gear with you. They include beds, chairs, a bench, a table and an electric lantern. They don't include bedding or cooking supplies, so bring your sleeping bag and figure out what you want to eat and bring the basics. No electricity. Learn more: pc.gc.ca and search for oTENTiks.
HOSTELS AND GUESTHOUSES
Heading to Quebec or Prince Edward Island? Make a stop at Auberge Le P'tit Bonheur, where you can stay in a private room, a dormitory, a tepee or even an igloo. In the winter, go dogsledding or snowmobiling. In summer, pick flowers, enjoy the rural atmosphere or take a bus tour of Quebec City. Private rooms run around $100 Canadian, depending on season. 186 Cote Lafleur. St-Jean, Ile d'Orleans; 418-829-2588, leptitbonheur.com/en/
HOME EXCHANGES
When I was home exchanging often, I received many queries from the Quebec region that unfortunately I wasn't able to honor, even though I'd love to visit. If you're interested in swapping your home for another for free, check out sites such as HomeExchange.com to see if it's for you.
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Got a travel tip on how to save money? Send it to me. If I use it, I'll give you credit. Contact Marla Jo Fisher: mfisher@ocregister.com
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