Share This Story

🚆 Kids Ride FREE on VIA Rail This Summer – Thanks to the Canada Strong Pass

Kids 17 and under can travel for free on VIA Rail this summer when accompanied by an adult! It's all part of this thing called the Canada Strong Pass, and it’s honestly one of the best deals out there right now for families who want to explore the country without breaking the bank.

🎫 What’s the Canada Strong Pass All About?

The Canada Strong Pass is a government thing they launched for summer 2025 to help people get out and enjoy more of the country. It includes free access to national parks, discounts on camping, reduced museum admissions, and yep—you guessed it—free train travel for kids.

🚂 The Deal with VIA Rail

  • Kids 17 and under travel free in Economy class (including Escape fares) when traveling with a paying adult.
  • Use promo code CANADAFAM when booking on VIA Rail’s website, by phone, or at a station.

Booking: June 16 (ET) / June 15 (PT) through September 2, 2025
Travel: June 20 to September 2, 2025

Fine Print:

  • Only works for standard Economy fares—not Economy Plus.
  • An adult must be included in the booking, even if the kid isn’t their own.
  • Teens 13–17 need ID when boarding.

🎯 Discount for Young Adults Too

If you're 18–24, use code CANADA1824 for 25% off Economy fares.

💡 Some Handy Tips

  • Book early—trains will fill up fast.
  • Promo codes can’t be combined.
  • Already booked? Some may be eligible for refunds—worth checking.
  • Expect busy trains, even with added capacity.

🌲 Why This Is Such a Big Deal

  • Families only pay for adult tickets—huge savings.
  • Boosts tourism to smaller towns.
  • More relaxing and eco-friendly than a road trip.

✅ How to Book It

  1. Visit viarail.ca from June 16 to September 2
  2. Choose Economy or Escape fare
  3. Enter CANADAFAM as promo code
  4. Add a child (0–17) and an adult
  5. Bring ID for adult and older kids

No catch, no forms—just a great deal families should know about. The Canada Strong Pass makes summer travel fun, easy, and affordable. Book early for the best availability!

Upcoming Events

Free Entry to Manitoba Parks for 1 Year Starting April 1, 2025

Free Entry to Manitoba Parks for a Year Starting April 1, 2025 Free Entry ito

Find out more

Weekend Round-Up: 10+ Free Events in Winnipeg March 13-15

A list of free things to do in Winnipeg during the weekend including activities for the family, live music, arts, movies, and more.

Find out more
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map

Winnipeg St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026

Celebrate Irish heritage at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Winnipeg on March 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM at the Irish Association of Manitoba, 654 Erin Street. This lively event features a festive neighborhood parade followed by a delicious pancake breakfast with traditional Irish favorites. Families and friends are invited to wear green, enjoy the community spirit, and take part in the celebrations!

Find out more
Irish Association of Manitoba, 654 Erin Street
Winnipeg, R3G 2V9 CA
+ Google Map

Second Saturday at Dalnavert Museum

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 Second Saturdays Stop by for Second Saturdays, a free program inviting families to explore

Find out more
Dalnavert Museum, 61 Carlton Street
Winnipeg, MB, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map

Children's Engineering & Geoscience Activities

Celebrate the 2025 Provincial Engineering & Geoscience Week at Kildonan Place on March 23, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Enjoy free, hands-on STEM activities like building structures, designing bridges, and digging for rocks. Parental supervision is required.

Find out more
Kildonan Place, 1555 Regent Ave W
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map

Community Movie Night at East End Community Centre

East End Community Club Free Movie Nights – Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 Dates: Sept

Find out more
East End Community Club, 517 Pandora Ave E.
Winnipeg, R2C 0A5 CA
+ Google Map

Community Movie Night at East End Community Centre

East End Community Club Free Movie Nights – Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 Dates: Sept

Find out more
East End Community Club, 517 Pandora Ave E.
Winnipeg, R2C 0A5 CA
+ Google Map