Canada Makes Museum Access Free for Under-25s
Canadians under 25 will be able to visit national museums for free all year starting in 2027.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Canada
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Should the federal government make national museums free for Canadians under 25?
Canadians under 25 will be able to visit national museums for free permanently, starting next year. The move follows the Canada Strong Pass, which offered free access during summer 2025 and is renewed for 2027.
Why it matters
Government attendance to national museums grew by an average of 15 per cent during the Canada Strong Pass, and the expanded access is intended to keep that audience engaged. The budget does not specify exactly when free admission becomes permanent, leaving final timing to Canadian Heritage.
Budget 2026 lists the 2027-28 Canada Strong Pass renewal at $76 million and free under-25 admission at $46.3 million over five years. The exact start date for permanent free admission has not been set by the budget.
The players
Canadian Heritage
The federal department responsible for culture, heritage and national museums, which will make the final decision on when free admission becomes permanent.
National Gallery of Canada
Canada's national art museum in Ottawa, which will receive $60 million over four years under the budget.
The details
Budget 2026 renews the Canada Strong Pass for 2027, providing free Parks Canada admission and VIA Rail savings. The pass will be enhanced to expand access to Indigenous-led museums and cultural centres.
Timeline
Summer 2025 (June 19 to September 7): The Canada Strong Pass first offered free Parks Canada admission and youth museum access.
Summer 2026 (June 19 to September 7): The Canada Strong Pass returned for a second summer.
2027: The Canada Strong Pass renewal and Canada 160 birthday celebrations take place.
Starting next year (2027): Free year-round museum admission for Canadians under 25 begins.
Roadmap
The Canada Strong Pass, which returned in summer 2025 and is renewed for 2027, served as a test of youth-focused free access to federal cultural sites. The move to permanent free admission for under-25s extends that pilot into a standing policy, with the government also directing $300 million toward Canada's 160th birthday celebrations in 2027.
Canadians under 25 can plan visits to national museums without admission costs once the policy takes effect. Those planning summer trips should note that the Canada Strong Pass also covers free Parks Canada admission and VIA Rail savings in 2027.
The takeaway
Young Canadians can expect to visit national museums at no cost on a permanent basis, but the exact start date remains with Canadian Heritage. Checking official announcements before planning a visit will confirm when admission becomes free.
What happens next
Free year-round museum admission for Canadians under 25 is scheduled to begin in 2027, and the Canada Strong Pass renewal runs for that year as well.
Further reading
For more on destinations across the country, explore Canada travel coverage.
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Should the federal government make national museums free for Canadians under 25?
