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First, the long awaited Canada Strong Pass is finally here and offers major discounts and freebies to Canadians this summer, from June 20 to Sept. 2. Targeted at youth and young adults, the Pass is a great way to spend more time outdoors and travel in our own backyards.

Here’s what’s free:

• Admission to all national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada is free for all visitors. All you have to do is show up.
• Youth aged 17 and under travel free when accompanied by an adult on Via Rail.
• Free admission to national museums and galleries for youth aged 17 and under.

Here’s what’s discounted:

• 25% off camping and roofed accommodations at national parks operated by Parks Canada, for everyone (regardless of age).
• Young adults age 18 to 24 receive 25% off Escape or Economy Via Rail fares for all routes across Canada.
• 50% off national museum and gallery admission fees for young adults age 18 to 24.

There are 6 National Parks in Ontario:

• Bruce Peninsula National Park, Point Pelee National Park, Rouge National Urban Park, Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and Thousand Islands National Park.

*See for full details.

Note: the pass is not a physical pass! All discounts are automatically applied.

Make a day out of it

Heading to Toronto or Niagara Falls for an event like a concert, game, or the CNE? Stay a bit longer and make a day of it in the city with some budget friendly tips:

• Take the GO train. GO offers $10 one-day weekend passes on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays with unlimited travel on their entire network. That means you’re only paying $10 to go from Hamilton or Niagara all the way to downtown Toronto or beyond. If you’re connecting with WEGO, they offer a GO+WEGO pass starting at $20 that gets you a roundtrip Niagara Falls GO ticket, plus 24 hour WEGO bus service included.
• The CNE … for free! Did you know if you have a Budweiser Stage, BMO Field, or Toronto Argonauts ticket, you can get free admission to the CNE for that same day? Makes sense, since you have to go through the CNE grounds to get to those venues anyways. Take advantage of any games or concerts you want to see happening during the CNE! PS: The CNE also usually has free under 12 kids’ passes every summer, stay tuned for those.
• Don’t forget your Groupons! Groupon is offering multiple events and attractions in the Toronto and Golden Horseshoe area at a discount. Options include Budweiser Stage concerts, Niagara Falls attractions bundles (as low as $9!), and much more.

Beach day without leaving the province

You don’t need a flight out of the country to enjoy a good beach! Here’s a few of my favourite summer spots across southern Ontario:

• Crystal Beach

On the shores of Lake Erie in southern Ontario, this beach — you guessed it — has crystal clear water, and white sand to go with it.

$5 per person Monday to Thursday, $10 per person Friday to Sunday and public holidays. Children under 12 are free. Admission is free Monday to Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m. and is free Friday to Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m. and public holidays.

• Sauble Beach

Located on the shores of Lake Huron about 3 hours from Toronto, Sauble Beach boasts beautiful white sand beaches (yes, in Ontario!) It’s the second longest freshwater beach in the world and has even been named Canada’s #1 Freshwater Beach.

• Long Point Beach

Still on Lake Erie, Long Point Beach is located within Long Point Provincial Park and is a great place to see nature and wildlife while enjoying your time in the sun.

Day use fees for Long Point Provincial Park.

Staying home instead?

Some of the best time spent with friends and family is, literally, in our own backyards. But hosting doesn’t have to break the bank either.

• Do a potluck: assign each guest a dish category (main, dessert, salad … etc.) or have them bring a dish you just know they’re great at. This not only unburdens you a little as a host, but allows for amazing conversation and connections over a shared meal.
• Take it to the park: bring the fun to the park! Many municipalities have park areas with picnic tables you can either spend time at or book online ahead of time for a group of people. This is especially great for gatherings with kids.

Whatever your vibe is for summer, you now have a few more ideas on how to enjoy yourself without spending a ton!

Until next time, Diana.