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By Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press

Promoting Local

Alberta government offering its own museum freebies as part of Canada Strong pass

Jul 9, 2025 | 7:00 AM

Alberta’s government is jumping on board a federal initiative aimed at saving Canadians a buck if they stay close to home this summer.

The province says it’s offering its own free and discounted admissions as part of the Canada Strong Pass program, introduced by the federal government last month.

First promised as a way to promote Canadian tourism in response to the U.S. tariff war, the federal pass includes free access to national parks and historic sites, along with free rail tickets and museum admission for those under 18.

Until Sept. 2, the same free museum admission for kids — and half-price discount for 18- to 24-year-olds — will apply to Alberta museums and historic sites.

Alberta Arts Minister Tanya Fir says it will drive more economic activity and showcase the province’s history and culture.

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Federal Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault says the federal government is pleased the province has joined up to make it easier for families to choose Canadian destinations.

There are 13 sites offering free admission:

• Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton
• Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller
• Reynolds Museum, Wetaskiwin
• Remington Carriage Museum, Cardston
• Oil Sands Discovery Centre, Fort McMurray
• Rutherford House, Edmonton
• Stephansson House, Red Deer County
• Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Crowsnest Pass
• Fort George and Buckingham House, County of St. Paul
• Historic Dunvegan, near Fairview
• Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump, Fort MacLeod
• Victoria Settlement, County of Smoky Lake
• Turner Valley Gas Plant, Diamond Valley

Provincial officials note the following provincial sites are always free or by donation: Provincial Archives of Alberta, Okotoks Erratic, Leitch Collieries Historic Site, Brooks Aqueduct and Father Lacombe Chapel (by donation).

The Canada Strong Pass is also applicable in Alberta for free admission at Jasper National Park, Elk Island National Park, Banff National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, Banff Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, Cave and Basin National Historic Site and Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2025.

(With files from rdnewsNOW)

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