Latest news with #freeentry
CTV News
17-06-2025
- CTV News
Canada Strong Pass creating excitement, some concern for stakeholders in Alberta national parks
This summer, Canadians will be able to visit national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas for free. LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. — The federal government's new Canada Strong Pass will provide Canadians and visitors with free entry and discounts at national parks and museums this summer. From June 20 to Sept. 2, 2025, Canadians will be able to visit national parks, historical sites, and marine conservation areas for free. The tourism initiative will also allow children aged 17 and under to travel for free on VIA Rail when accompanied by an adult. 'Our government is making it easier for families to choose Canada as they make their summer plans and to enjoy the places and experiences that bring us together and make Canada strong,' Steven Guilbeault, minister of Canadian identity and culture and minister responsible for official languages, said during a press conference on Monday. 'To celebrate and stand up for what it means to be Canadian, this pass is about discovering and reconnecting with nature, history, and culture of this remarkable country we all share and are proud to call our home.' The Bayshore Inn and Spa in Waterton Park is coming off its busiest weekend in June on record, according to owner Shameer Suleman, with the summer season already booked. 'We always want all Canadians to visit and enjoy and see their national parks,' said Suleman. Being a seasonal destination, Suleman says the summer season is vital for businesses to stay afloat, so the more travellers, the better when it comes to their bottom line. But, he says, there are some concerns. 'It's a fine line between showing off our national parks and overtourism,' he said. 'When you have too many people, it can destroy this beautiful ecosystem and place that we have. We also want everyone that comes to this beautiful park to have an amazing experience, and we don't want that experience to be ruined by overtourism and too many people.' More than 540,000 visitors went through the gates of Waterton Lakes National Park 2024 – the second busiest on record, according to Parks Canada. The busiest year was in 2017, when admission was free to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday. 'It was a lot for us,' said Suleman, reflecting back on 2017. 'We're a town of 400 hotel rooms, a couple of campgrounds; we weren't expecting that many people, but now we're a bit more prepared.' 'Parks Canada has come out with a gate management plan, so we are working closely with Parks Canada right now on what we're to expect, what we're to tell our guests about high-traffic areas like Red Rock Canyon so that we are ready,' said Suleman. The mayor of Banff says the town is always happy to see travellers visiting but says systems need to be in place to help facilitate free entry. 'We hope that this is a way for the federal and provincial governments to come together and look at how we can better serve Canadians coming to our national park and for us, that means mass transit,' said Mayor Corrie Dimanno. 'We have been the same size since 1990; we have the same road network, the same parking capacity and visitation has grown since then, so we really do need a convenient, affordable and frequent way for folks to get from the city to the mountains.' Parks Canada says 4.2 million people visited Banff National Park last year, a slight decrease from 2023. Parks Canada says efforts to raise awareness of trip planning, promote shoulder season and less sensitive areas of the park and manage crowd sizes are ongoing. Parks Canada Discovery Passes, or annual single-location passes normally valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, will automatically be extended for an additional three months.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Guernsey Museums marking King's birthday with free entry
Guernsey Museums will be allowing free entry for visitors as part of plans to mark King Charles III's 2025 official birthday. On 14 June, Castle Cornet will mark the birthday with the annual 21-gun salute performed by a volunteer gun crew at 12:00 BST. Guernsey Museum at Candie and Castle Cornet would both be open from 10:00 BST to 17:00 to visitors, managers Grey would be open from 10:30 to 16:30, while the German Naval Signals HQ would be open from 10:30 to 15:00, they added. Head of heritage services Helen Glencross said: "We encourage locals and visitors to take advantage of free entry this Saturday, and come and learn more about our museums."The King has two birthdays. He was actually born on 14 November 1948, but his official royal celebration is Trooping the Colour, which falls on the second Saturday of has been the official birthday of the reigning British monarch for more than 260 years.
The National
17-05-2025
- The National
International Museum Day: Free entry to institutions across the UAE, from Louvre Abu Dhabi to Al Maqta
To mark International Museum Day on May 18, museums across the UAE will offer complimentary access. Co-ordinated by the International Council of Museums, the event began in 1977 when tens of thousands of museums in more than 140 countries participated. Here are some of the UAE museums offering free entry on Sunday. UAE have to present a valid Emirates ID to receive a pass. With its impressive collection, the museum adapts a universal model to show connections between cultures through thoughtful curation. It also delves into the history of Africa with its latest exhibition, Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power, exploring the rich traditions and mythologies of the region. Louvre Abu Dhabi's galleries and exhibitions will be open until 8.30pm. The dome and the restaurants will be open until midnight. The Expo 2020 Dubai Museum in Expo City Dubai, will be free to enter on May 17 and 18. Garden in the Sky, an observation tower 55 metres above ground, is also free. The exhibitions at the museum delve into the UAE's first participation at a World Expo in the 1970s, as well as how Dubai won the bid for the 2020 showcase. Guided tours will be offered every 30 minutes. The museum also has a gift shop, a library and rentable meeting spaces. Tickets to explore other pavilions such as Terra Alif and Vision will be reduced to Dh25 from Dh160. The newest museum space in Abu Dhabi, Al Maqta Museum opened officially on May 2. Visitors can enter for free on Sunday between 5pm and 6:30pm and can also explore cultural city landmarks like Al Maqta Tower, Al Maqta Building and Al Maqta Bridge. Delma Museum on Delma Island is open between 5pm and 7pm. It is home to archaeological treasures spanning 7,000 years and displays artefacts from Delma's pearl trading days. The many institutions that fall under the Sharjah Museums Authority will be free on Sunday. The museums reflect on various aspects of local and regional history, from maritime traditions to achievements in science and art. They include Sharjah Maritime Museum, Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation and Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) among others. A focus group session titled Innovation in Action: Technology's Role in Shaping Museum Experiences will take place at the Dome Hall of the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization on May 17.
UAE Moments
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
FREE Entry at Expo City Dubai This Weekend
If you're planning your weekend, here's a fresh deal you shouldn't miss. Expo City Dubai is giving everyone free access to the Expo 2020 Museum and Garden in the Sky this Friday and Saturday (May 17–18) to mark International Museum Day. Free entry to museum and sky deck The Expo 2020 Museum, which highlights the innovation and global spirit of the world's fair, will be open to all visitors at no cost during the two-day celebration. Also joining the free list is the Garden in the Sky, a 55-meter-high rotating observation tower offering panoramic views of Expo City and the surrounding area. It's a chance to relive Expo moments or experience it for the first time — without spending a dirham. Rashid and Latifa are back to greet visitors For fans of Expo 2020's mascots, Rashid and Latifa will be back on-site to meet visitors from 2 PM to 6 PM on both days. Expect selfies, smiles, and maybe even a little nostalgia as they return to the spotlight. Special Dh25 pass to explore more pavilions As part of the celebration, Terra, Alif, and Vision pavilions are offering access for just Dh25 with a special weekend pass. This gives you a full Expo experience — from exploring sustainability and mobility to revisiting the UAE's story through the Vision Pavilion. The discounted pass comes as Expo City marks the membership of its pavilions in the International Council of Museums (ICOM) — a nod to their role as cultural and educational spaces. Where to get tickets The Dh25 pass will be available online starting May 14, and you can also buy them at Expo City box offices throughout the May 17–18 weekend. Entry to the Expo 2020 Museum and Garden in the Sky remains completely free. Whether you're in it for the views, the memories, or just a budget-friendly weekend plan, Expo City has your plans covered.
