Demand for free 2017 passes overwhelms Parks Canada website

Thanks, here was what prompted the question.

"Parks Canada is thrilled that so many Canadians are excited for Canada150 and the free souvenir 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass. "

everybody

"to all our visitors from around the world'

Soooo, is this for Canadians only ?

nbking wrote:
When I heard that the parks were free in 2017, I assumed that we could just go to the park and drive in. Why bother with a free pass. If it is free, it is free. Why do we need proof?

Now I have to get in line to get a pass. I will wait until the rush is over.

Because the pass is what hangs from the mirror when you camp ,at least at Pukiskwa on Lake Superior.

Tried last night with no luck. The site finally went down about 10pm Pacific time. Got up at 2am to put some more wood in the stove and the site was still down. This morning the site was back up an me and the 2 others in our traveling party all got ours and our email confirmations.

When I heard that the parks were free in 2017, I assumed that we could just go to the park and drive in. Why bother with a free pass. If it is free, it is free. Why do we need proof?

Now I have to get in line to get a pass. I will wait until the rush is over.

KrowNB wrote:
You still have to pay for campsites. The free pass is to allow you to stop, hike, etc. within park boundaries.

Exactly. Reading through some comments on news websites, many are not aware of this and will be in for a rude awakening when they arrive at the park and find they still need to shell out money for their campsites.

I got mine yesterday, but the whole process took about 2 hrs. I was surprised the site didn't just kick me out, due to volume. It does look as if those Parks will be operating at capacity, so it's advisable to reserve a spot or two asap. This, assuming you already know your plans next summer (or whenever).

You still have to pay for campsites. The free pass is to allow you to stop, hike, etc. within park boundaries.

This from the PC Website about them being overloaded with traffic:

"Parks Canada is thrilled that so many Canadians are excited for Canada150 and the free souvenir 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Due to the exceptionally high volume of Discovery Pass online orders, you may experience delays in accessing the site.

We wish to remind those who are trying to order their pass online that this is not a limited time offer and encourage you to come back and try again later."

Sounds like the campgrounds will be very crowded for 2017.