Photo: Pierre Leclerc (Shutterstock)
Looking for a summer vacation destination? Why not visit one of Canada’s beautiful national parks? Sure, the United States has a bunch of them, too, but maybe you’re not feeling too keen on the U.S. right now (relatable). Further burnishing Canada’s rep as the North American land of plenty: You can even visit said parks for free if you’re the winner of one of 4,000 year-long passes (a $113 USD value) currently up for grabs in a contest sponsored by Destination Canada and Parks Canada.
The promotional passes include entry to over 80 Park Canada destinations, and one grand prize winner will receive “A Dream Nature Sabbatical,” a $20,000 (that’s U.S. dollars) journey to explore the serene natural beauty of America’s neighbor to the north. To be eligible for entry, you have to be a legal resident of the U.S. and turn 21 by the date of entry.
To enter, do the following by July 31, 2022:
Go to canadarefresh.com.Click “Enter Now.”Fill out the requested information.The winner of the Dream Sabbatical will be notified by email on or around Aug. 12, 2022. Should you be one of the Parks Canada Discovery Pass recipients, your pass will be mailed to you at the physical address provided.
Seven Canadian National Parks to visit if you win (or even if you don’t)
Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island. Discover red sandstone cliffs, white sand beaches, and Prince Edward Island’s rich history. Don’t forget to eat all of the seafood your heart desires after a long day of exploring.
Jasper National Park, Alberta. Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, hot springs, waterfalls, and glacial-fed lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like elk, bighorn sheep, and bears.
Kootenay National Park, British Columbia. Soak in the Radium Hot Springs, go for a hike, and explore the historic Sinclair Canyon.
Ivvavik National Park, Northwest Territories. Hike, camp, and fish in this Arctic park that’s only accessible by air or boat.
Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario. Take in the views of Georgian Bay, go for a swim, or explore the caves. If you’re a scuba diver, don’t miss the shipwrecks in Tobermory.
Opémican National Park, Québec. This park is perfect for those who love canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. You can also explore the many hiking trails and keep an eye out for moose, deer, and bears.
Fundy National Park, Nova Scotia. Go for a hike, swim in the ocean, or explore the world’s highest tides. You can also stargaze at night and try to spot some of the constellations.
