Canadians Will Soon Pay More to Visit U.S. National Parks Under New Trump Policy
Canadian travelers planning trips to the U.S. national parks will soon face higher entry fees, following a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The change, announced on July 3, 2025, directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to raise entrance fees specifically for foreign tourists, with the stated goal of making parks more accessible and affordable for American families.
According to the White House statement, this shift aims to address what the administration calls an “unfair” system where U.S. taxpayers fund national parks but pay the same entry rate as foreign visitors.
Additional Funds Target Park Improvements
The White House estimates the new foreign visitor surcharge will generate over $90 million in additional revenue. These funds will support:
- Park infrastructure improvements
- Conservation projects
- Backlogged maintenance, which has ballooned to $22.9 billion
The new fee system will take effect in 2026. Although exact prices have not been confirmed, the current U.S. park pass costs up to $70 USD ($95 CAD) annually. It’s unclear how much more foreign visitors, including Canadians, will pay under the updated policy.
Rationale: “Putting Americans First”
In a statement, the Trump administration said the change follows global precedents, where foreign tourists often pay higher rates to support local conservation and infrastructure. The executive order also instructs the National Park Service to give priority access to U.S. residents in reservation systems.
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The White House framed the decision as part of a broader effort to “put Americans first” and end what it views as inequitable treatment of American parkgoers.
Mixed Messages for Canadians
While national policy takes a protectionist turn, some U.S. states are making efforts to attract Canadian tourists. California recently launched a campaign inviting Canadians to explore the Golden State. Meanwhile, Burlington, Vermont, temporarily renamed its iconic Church Street to Canada Street in a symbolic show of solidarity.
City councillor Becca Brown McKnight criticized the national policy, calling it “damaging,” and emphasized her desire to maintain positive cross-border relationships.
Canadian Travel Alternatives
For Canadians who now prefer to stay local, Parks Canada is offering the Canada Strong Pass until September 2, which includes:
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- Free access to national parks and marine conservation areas
- Free entry to national museums for children 17 and under
- Discounts on passes to historic sites across the country
This initiative encourages Canadian families to explore domestic landscapes without crossing the border—or paying new fees.
Would higher entry fees change your mind about visiting U.S. national parks? Or would you stay closer to home instead?
More…
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/07/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-makes-our-national-parks-great-again/=
- https://www.blogto.com/travel/2025/07/canadians-pay-more-visit-us-national-parks
- https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-06/fy26bibnps508.pdf
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