Canadians will have to pay triple to visit U.S. national parks in 2026

Canadians who plan to travel to the U.S. to explore its national parks will have to pay three times the fees.

As if travel abroad wasn't pricey enough, a getaway to the U.S. to visit its national parks will soon come at a steep cost.

On Tuesday, Nov. 25, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced "a new resident-focused fee structure that puts American families first."

That means that starting Jan. 1, 2026, non U.S. residents will have to pay US$250 (around C$350) for the Annual Pass — over three times the current rate of US$80 (around C$112). Meanwhile, the cost of an Annual Pass will remain at US$80 for U.S. residents so that American taxpayers "who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit."

Tourists who don't have an Annual Pass must pay a US$100 per person fee to visit 11 of the most popular national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee.

A post on The White House X account states, "AMERICANS OFFERED AFFORDABLE PRICES WHILE FOREIGNERS PAY MUCH MORE."

AMERICANS OFFERED AFFORDABLE PRICES WHILE FOREIGNERS PAY MUCH MORE. https://t.co/WLE6qdvcjF pic.twitter.com/eyxQINQsPU

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 25, 2025

Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior, stated that U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership "always puts American families first."

"These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations," he said.

The revenue generated from the increased fees will go towards maintaining the national parks, as well as upgrading services and visitor facilities.

In comparison, over the summer, the Canada Strong Pass offered free admission to national parks to all visitors, including tourists.

In addition to parks, the pass gave Canadians free and discounted access to participating Parks Canada sites, museums, galleries, and VIA Rail. Building on its popularity, the government announced that it's bringing back the Canada Strong Pass from Dec. 12, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026.