How To Borrow Free Parks Passes From Your Library

Your local library has free family passes to local conservation areas, free Ontario Parks passes and botanical gardens admissions passes too! You can check them out just like you would a book or movie. This article will tell you what your local library system has to offer you.

Each pass usually has a waiting list because they’re popular, but don’t let that deter you! I always suggest placing a hold and getting in line, that way when the pass becomes free it’s a special treat! This is a great way to experience parks and gardens if you’re deciding on whether an annual pass is something your family will enjoy.

And keep this list of Kids Eat Free restaurants handy at all times!

Bronte Creek is part of the Ontario Parks family of parks

These Free Passes are Available At Oakville Public Library

Here is a list of the free passes OPL has available to borrow. If you know of others, please tell us! Passes have a seven-day loan period (subject to change), unavailable for renewal. Each branch has a limited number of passes, first come, first served. Get on that holds list!

Free Conservation Halton Day Pass – details here – good for 1 car admission to any Conservation Halton Park.

Free Ontario Parks Pass – details here – This pass provides daily vehicle admission to any Ontario provincial park, valid until posted hours of closing during the operating season. There are no stipulations on how frequently a pass can be used, so you can go daily!

More Free Passes Are Available At Burlington Public Library

Here is a list of the free passes BPL has available to borrow. They have a lot to offer families! Passes have a seven-day loan period (subject to change), unavailable for renewal. Each branch has a limited number of passes, first come, first served. We always request them and when we hit the top of the list, it’s a great surprise that equals a spontaneous day trip.

You can find all 7 of the available passes from Burlington Public Library here:

Conservation Halton Family Pass
Joseph Brant Museum Family Pass
Ireland House Museum Family Pass
Art Gallery of Burlington Family Pass
Art Gallery of Hamilton Family Pass
Royal Botanical Gardens Family Pass and Individual Pass
Ontario Parks Pass

A beautiful view from Algonquin Park, part of Ontario Parks

Free Passes Are Available At Hamilton Public Library

Hamilton is also home to some great free family passes that you should get on the waiting list for. They’re free and they’ll add some excitement to your next weekend plan. Find details on all of these passes here.

Free Hamilton Conservation Authority Pass – Enjoy free admission for you and your vehicle passengers (up to 6 people in total) into HCA conservation area sites year-round. This HCA Pass is valid for one week’s use.

Free Art Gallery of Hamilton Pass – The AGH Family Pass (up to 6 people, 2 adults and 4 children) allows day-use entry.

Grand River Parks Pass – The Grand River Parks membership card allows day-use entry to 10 parks and the Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area during their operating seasons, for up to six people in one vehicle (or walking/biking in as a group). Please note the membership card is not valid at Elora Quarry Conservation Area.

Free Ontario Parks Pass – Provides complimentary day-use access for one vehicle and its occupants at more than 100 provincial parks where fees are normally charged.

Tips For Requesting Free Passes From Your Library

You need to be a library card holder at the library if you want to borrow a pass. Library cards are free to get and only take a few minutes. Bring your photo ID with you and pop into your closest branch. Your card is accepted at every library in your city’s library system. You need to use the library system that is in your city.

Passes will have a long waiting list, but the savings are worth it. You’ll save anywhere from $20 to over $60 depending on which pass you use. Get on the waitlist and let the system do its thing. It’s a great surprise when your pass becomes available!

In conclusion, we love these free family passes and the way they open access up to everyone in the region.

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