Passes for expropriated families

The Admission Pass for Expropriated Families, introduced in 2011, is a special program to provide property owners, expropriated during the establishment of Kouchibouguac National Park, and their descendants with a means of returning to places tied to their personal histories.

The Admission Pass for Expropriated Families at Kouchibouguac will now be honoured for life. After renewing their pass in 2026, former residents will no longer need to reapply, and we hope this change makes reconnecting with the park easier. Parks Canada will continue to offer this complimentary pass to the families of former residents, up to six generations, ensuring that future generations may also return to the places that are part of their family history. This is an important step in rebuilding relationships with local communities and helping affected families preserve memories and stories related to these places.

Parks Canada recognizes that many families were greatly affected by expropriation when national parks and national historic sites were established in the past. Parks Canada ceased the practice of expropriation in the 1970’s, but past events remain an important part of the history of local communities and Parks Canada. The Admission Pass for Expropriated Families is one of the ways that Parks Canada wishes to commemorate families affected by expropriation.

To learn more about the program, please see the frequently asked questions below or contact Kouchibouguac National Park at kouchibouguac@pc.gc.ca.

Frequently asked questions

• Who is eligible? What is covered by the Pass for Expropriated Families?

  Those eligible for the Admission Pass for Expropriated Families include the owners of a permanent residence and/or land that was/were expropriated during the creation of Kouchibouguac National Park, their children, grandchildren, and three additional generations (fourth, fifth and sixth).

  The Admission Pass for Expropriated Families applies to the national park or national historic site where the property was expropriated, such as here in Kouchibouguac National Park, and exempts its holder and their family from paying entry fees. The exemption does not apply to any other fees such as camping, backcountry use, heritage presentation fees, etc.

• Are there any changes to the program? Is there still a spousal/partner pass?

  The Admission Pass for Expropriated Families will now be honoured for life. The Family/Group pass is issued to original property/landowners, or their descendants, and grants free admission to that person and those in the same vehicle, up to a maximum of seven people.

  Note that all Parks Canada places, including Kouchibouguac National Park, offer free admission for youth 17 and under.

• Does this mean spouses/partners will always need to be accompanied by the descendant when visiting the park?

  The spouse/partner may use the pass with or without the pass holder present.

  Kouchibouguac National Park, like all Parks Canada places, offers free admission for youth 17 and under. Once children of a pass-holder turn 18, Parks Canada encourages them to complete their own application, so they have the option to access the park independently from their parent.

• I already have a pass, but it expired or is expiring soon. How do I get a new one?

  The current pass will be honoured, regardless of the date, until you apply for and receive your new lifetime pass.

  Current pass holders and new applicants can complete an online Application Form. Once completed, forms can be returned to the park either by mail or email for processing. When applicants come to the park to pick up their pass they may be asked to provide a copy of their birth (or baptismal) certificate as a proof of identity.

  Additional proof of identity or of land ownership may be required.

• How can I find out if my family was expropriated?

  Parks Canada recognizes that many families were greatly affected by expropriation when national parks and national historic sites were established in the past.

  Expropriations happened at Kouchibouguac National Park from 1969-1972. If your research into your family history indicates your family resided or owned land in this area during that time period, then complete the application form and provide the necessary family information. If you can provide information that provides proof you are a family member of someone who owned a residence or land in the area that is now Kouchibouguac National Park during that time, you may be eligible to receive an Admission Pass for Expropriated Families.

Pass application

Download and fill the following application to apply for the Admission Pass for Expropriated Families. Paper copies are also available at the Kouchibouguac National Park Visitor Reception Centre. Return the completed form by email to kouchibouguac@pc.gc.ca, by mail or in-person to the Kouchibouguac National Park visitor centre at 186, Route 117, Kouchibouguac, NB. Note that when you come to the park to pick up your pass, you may be asked to provide a copy of your birth certificate or baptismal certificate to confirm your identity. We will strive to process your application within a reasonable timeframe. Your current pass will be valid until you receive your new pass.
2026-kouchibouguac-pass-application-EN (PDF - 1.54 MB)