Compared to last year, the park just east of Edmonton has seen a 20 per cent increase in visitors from January to March.

Got a free Parks Canada pass? Great. Just don't try to use it in provincial parks as well.

The free passes for Canada's national parks in 2017, will actually cost taxpayers $5.7 million.

Parks Canada is preparing for an increase in visitors this year as people across the country and around the world request free annual passes to explore the nation's natural treasures as part of Canada's 150th anniversary celebration.