New Canadians Can Get Free Admission To Over A Thousand Spots Across Canada & Here's How
O Canada! 🇨🇦
Two people at Moraine Lake. Right: Canadian flag.
We're calling on the new Canucks, and in particular, the ones celebrating their first summer in Canada! We understand that this season, filled with possibilities and things to do, can also get a bit heavy on the pocket, especially if you're still figuring out your first steps in a new country.
But that's where we come in — to help you hack discovering the joys of the Canadian lands, without burning a hole through your pocket. Canoo, an app backed by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, is offering one year of free admission to over 1,400 top destinations across the country to those who just became Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
That includes free entry to almost everything: from mountains to museums, art galleries and much more.
Who is eligible for the Canoo Pass?
"Any Canadian who received their citizenship within the last 12 months (365 days), or permanent resident within the first 5 years of receiving permanent residence status, and is 18 years old or older can sign up for Canoo," notes the app's website.
New Canadian citizens must download and register the Canoo app before the one-year anniversary of their citizenship ceremony in order to take advantage of this offer.
Permanent residents can do so within 5 years of their PR card's "Became Permanent Resident On" date.
Once you're registered on the app, your full 12-month Canoo membership can be activated anytime within the eligibility period or it will automatically activate at the end of the eligibility period.
How to sign up for the Canoo Pass?
To sign up, download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and follow the steps indicated. "Be sure to read the tips for scanning your proof of citizenship or permanent residency during sign up," suggests the website.
Upon activation of the membership, you and up to four children (under the age of 18 years) can use the benefits of the Canoo Pass through the mobile app.
"Your Canoo membership does not cover your spouse, your children over the age of 18, friends, or other family members," according to the website.
Where to start
Here's our pick of Canadian attractions that you can experience through this offer:
National parks
Celebrate your new Canadian citizenship status with free admission to some of Canada's national parks. Some have some of the bluest waters around and come with mountains as far as the eye can see.
Banff National Park, in particular, located in Alberta, is a hotspot for both locals and tourists alike.
National historic sites
Many historic sites across the country are also free to enter with Canoo. For example, places like the Cape Spear Lighthouse on the east coast, which is the "oldest surviving lighthouse" in Newfoundland and Labrador, grant free admission to those using the app.
Marine conservation areas
These protected marine areas are free for newcomers who want to catch a glimpse of everything from shipwrecks to rare species of flowers.
Science centres
If you have a thirst for knowledge, you'll be pleased to know that places like the Ontario Science Centre are free for those who sign up for the Canoo app.
Museums
New Canadians will have the chance to learn about the country's history and take in culture and art through museums that document the past.
Art galleries
Artsy new Canadians can enter galleries like the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia free of charge if they want to have a glimpse at exhibitions and artwork by a wide range of artists.
Cultural events
Fancy attending a sports game, a screening or even a music festival? Canoo can also help with that! Cultural events are included in the service's offerings, and there's always more stuff going on in every province, so you're sure to have a very busy year if you keep an eye on the app for the 12 months you have your Canoo Pass. If you're in Calgary, you can even use it to enjoy the Stampede to its fullest.
Shopping discounts
From time to time, Canoo even strikes partnerships with retailers so members can enjoy discounts on essentials. The latest of these deals, for instance, allows Canoo Pass holders to get a $20 gift card when spending $50 at any London Drugs location in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
The Canoo Pass Instagram account does a good job of showcasing all the great outings you can partake in if you need even more ideas on how to take advantage of your pass. They also hold occasional giveaways, which makes the whole thing worth keeping an eye on.
Troubleshooting
Some iOS app users have complained about having difficulty registering for the offer on their smartphones. The Canoo developers have responded with a new update on July 28, 2023, and continue to address queries via user reviews posted on the app store.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on July 22, 2022.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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