Canada Strong Pass returns while Trump tacks on $100 tourist tax

Banff considering how to accommodate visitors coming to the mountain town as visits increase with Canada Strong pass.

Both countries are revered for national parks with breathtaking views, but this summer Canada and the United States are taking drastically different approaches to welcoming foreign visitors to their most beloved natural wonders.

Coming back for a second summer, the Canada Strong Pass allows all guests to enter national parks across the country free of charge, no matter where they are coming from.

It’s a stark contrast from U.S. policy, where President Donald Trump late last year added a US$100 fee for international visitors coming to national parks.

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The U.S. Department of the Interior, which operates the country’s renowned national parks, started charging international visitors the extra fee on top of individual park fees to enter 11 of the most popular destinations in the U.S. national park network.

Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are among parks where the surcharge applies.

“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” said a statement from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.

While some international visitors may celebrate free admission to Canada’s natural gems, the Canada Strong Pass is being met with resentment from those on the Lake Louise Advisory Board, with some of its members calling it the “Carney carnival pass.”

“The Carney carnival is on and it’s going to be a problem,” said Bill Keeling, who sits on the board.

Keeling has lived in Lake Louise for 33 years and is against the Canada Strong Pass.

Looking at the U.S. policy, which also affects Canadians, he says the Canada Strong Pass should only be for Canadians.

“No matter who you are, where you come from, (the pass gives) free access, as I understand it,” Keeling said.

“Wouldn’t it be more proper if that was exclusive for Canadians?”

He points to needed revenue for infrastructure and other parks related costs for a reason to charge foreign tourists.

“If it was free for just Canadians, it would be more understandable but being completely free for everyone, which creates a boatload of more vehicle traffic, that’s a big problem.”

The Canada Strong Pass returns June 19 and runs until Sept. 7.