Visitors from Canada will have to pay more to visit U.S. national parks
Visitors from Canada hoping to explore national parks in the U.S. will soon have to pay more than the standard entry fee.
On July 3, the White House announced that U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to increase fees for all foreign tourists visiting national parks. The additional fees will go towards improving “services, access, and affordability for Americans.”
“The Order directs the Secretary of the Interior to increase fees only for foreign visitors while making national parks more affordable and enjoyable for American families,” reads the statement.
“Putting Americans first”
The increased fee is expected to raise millions for conservation projects, reduce maintenance projects, and improve infrastructure. According to the recent Budget in Brief published by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the surcharge for foreign visitors is estimated to generate over $90 million. The National Park Service (NPS) will establish the new fee in 2026. Daily Hive has reached out to NPS for more information.
Not all national parks in the U.S. charge a fee — many are open to the public for free. However, other popular parks, such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and Yosemite, charge entry fees, with annual passes reaching a maximum of US$70 (C$95.25).
According to the White House, charging foreign tourists higher entrance fees is a common policy at national parks worldwide to support conservation and to make parks more affordable for residents. It’s also meant to “ensure fairness.”
The release states, “American citizens fund national parks and public lands with their tax dollars, yet they are currently charged the same rate as foreign visitors who do not pay taxes, meaning that American citizens pay more to see their own national treasures than foreign visitors do. President Trump is ending this unfair situation and putting Americans first.”
Rolling out the welcome mat for Canadians
Benny Marty/Shutterstock
In contrast, American politicians are pushing for initiatives to woo Canadian visitors back as cross-border travel has plummeted.
In April, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state launched a new tourism campaign, stating, “A message for our Canadian friends: come visit California.”
To show solidarity with their northern neighbours, city officials in Burlington, Vermont, voted to temporarily rename the popular Church Street to Canada Street.
In an email to Daily Hive, Burlington City Councillor Becca Brown McKnight stated, “Vermonters overall, and Burlingtonians in particular, including myself, are downright fed up with Donald Trump’s damaging policy choices and negative rhetoric.”
Not interested in crossing the border this year?
Outdoor enthusiasts in Canada who’d much prefer to explore parks domestically can make the most of the Canada Strong Pass, available until Sept. 2. The pass comes with some pretty great perks, including free admission to national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas. Families can also take advantage of the free admission to national museums for children aged 17 and under.