Key takeaways
- A public library card is free for residents and gives you far more than books
- New permanent residents and new citizens get a year of free entry to Parks Canada places through the free Canoo app
- Youth 17 and under get into all Parks Canada places for free
- Many transit systems let young children ride free, and several cities have low-income transit discounts
- Free tax clinics, community centres, skating rinks and festivals help you save and meet people
Get a library card first
Public libraries in Canada are free for people who live in the city. To get a card, bring photo ID (your passport is fine) and proof of address, such as a lease or a letter. Temporary residents and international students usually qualify too if they live locally. A library card often gives you:
- Books, e-books and audiobooks in many languages
- Free Wi-Fi and computers, with low-cost printing and scanning
- Movies, TV and music through streaming apps
- Online courses and language learning apps
- Free English and French conversation circles
- Job search help, resume workshops and free tax clinics in tax season
- Programs for children, such as story time and homework help
- Free museum and attraction passes in some cities. For example, Toronto Public Library lends passes through its Museum + Arts Pass (MAP) program
Some libraries also have settlement workers on site. See the newcomer support directory for more free services.
Free national parks and historic sites
As of October 2026, Parks Canada offers these:
- Youth 17 and under get free admission to all Parks Canada places.
- New permanent residents and new citizens can get free admission for one full year through the free Canoo app, run by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. Your membership also covers up to 4 children under 18. Your spouse needs their own membership. Camping, hot springs, tours and some other fees are not included.
- In summer 2026, the Canada Strong Pass gave free admission to everyone from June 19 to September 7, 2026. Check Parks Canada for any future free periods.
Canoo also gives new citizens and permanent residents free or discounted entry to many museums, galleries and science centres across Canada. Check the app for what is included near you.
Provincial parks are separate from national parks and have their own fees. Many provinces offer free day-use on certain holidays or free entry for children. Check your provincial parks website before you go, and remember that camping and parking usually cost extra.
Transit discounts
Transit is one of the biggest costs in a new city. Ways to pay less:
- Children ride free on many systems. For example, children 12 and under ride free on the TTC (Toronto) and on TransLink (Metro Vancouver). Check your city’s rules.
- Low-income passes. Several cities sell discounted passes for people with low income, such as the Fair Pass in Toronto, the EquiPass in Ottawa and the Low Income Transit Pass in Calgary. You usually apply through the city.
- Student passes. Most colleges and universities include a transit pass in student fees, or sell one at a discount.
- Fare caps. In Toronto, trips are free after 47 paid fares in a calendar month on a PRESTO card or bank card.
Compare options with the pass vs pay-per-ride calculator and read about the TTC fare cap.
Free events, culture and recreation
- Culture Days. A national festival on the last weekend of September with free arts activities across Canada. In Quebec it is called Journées de la culture.
- Doors Open. Many cities open historic and unusual buildings to the public for free one weekend a year.
- Canada Day (July 1) and other holidays bring free concerts, fireworks and family events.
- Museum free days. Some museums and galleries have free days or evenings. Check their websites.
- Outdoor skating rinks are free in most cities in winter. Many city recreation centres have free or low-cost drop-in swims and skates.
- City recreation fee help. Most cities reduce program fees for low-income residents, for example Toronto’s Welcome Policy and Calgary’s Fair Entry.
- Provincial parks, beaches and trails. Many city parks and trails are free all year.
Free help that saves you money
- Free tax clinics. The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) does simple tax returns for free for people with modest income. Filing taxes unlocks benefits. See your first tax return.
- Clothing banks and swaps. Many settlement agencies, churches and community centres give free clothing, including winter coats. See what to buy for winter.
- Buy Nothing groups. Neighbours give away furniture, baby items and household goods for free in online groups.
- Food programs. See food banks and free food.
- Free legal help. Community legal clinics and law school clinics give free advice. See legal help.
Free and low-cost activities for children
Sports, music and camps can be expensive. These programs help families with lower income:
- City recreation subsidies. Most cities give free or reduced program fees to low-income families. Apply once and use it for swimming lessons, sports and camps.
- Charity sport funds. National charities such as Canadian Tire Jumpstart and KidSport help pay registration fees for children’s sports and activities. Apply online or through a local partner.
- School programs. Many schools run free after-school clubs, homework help and sports teams.
- Library programs. Story time, coding clubs, reading programs in summer and homework help are free.
- Settlement agency youth programs. Many agencies run free programs for newcomer children and teenagers, including summer programs and leadership clubs.
Ask your child’s school or a settlement worker which programs are near you. See also schools and kids.
Cheaper phone and internet
Phone and internet are not free, but you can pay much less. Public libraries and many community centres also have free Wi-Fi and computers you can use for job searching and video calls home. Low-cost “flanker” brands from the big carriers often cost half as much for similar service. Some internet providers have low-income plans for families on benefits, and the federal Connecting Families initiative offers low-cost home internet to eligible families who receive the maximum Canada Child Benefit and to some seniors. See the cheapest phone plans and cheapest home internet.