April 19, 2011
Gradual Increase in Québec National Park Access Fees
Québec, April 15, 2011 - Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks Pierre Arcand today confirmed that Québec National Park access fees are to rise as of April 16, 2011. This measure, which was included in the 2010-2011 Budget Speech, reflects the government’s will to update public service fee levels.
“Since they were set in 2001, Québec National Park access fees have never been brought up to date. This will enable the park network to make its access fees comparable to those collected by Parks Canada or Ontario Parks, and the increases will be introduced gradually over a period of five years,” Minister Arcand stated.
Preferential family and group rates are planned, as well as no-cost access for children under the age of six and Québec school groups. Frequent visitors will continue to benefit from a yearly, reduced rate pass that provides access to all parks in the network. For example, starting on April 16, 2011, the adult access rate will rise from $3.50 to $5.50, the family rate (two adults and children) will go from $7 to $11 and the annual family pass for all parks, which now costs $70, will rise to $99.
It should be noted that this increase will mean additional revenue for the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) and the Kativik Regional Government, which currently manage Québec National Parks. “This change will make it possible for us to maintain quality user services, particularly in regard to educational and conservation programs in these protected areas,” declared Sépaq president Raymond Desjardins.
The new access fee structure is available at www.parcsquebec.com.