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Freebies you can get for Canada 150

Photo from Amy Chyan
Photo from Amy Chyan

Canada 150 marks the anniversary of Canadian Confederation and July 1, 2017 will surely be one of the biggest parties from coast to coast.

Here are some freebies you can get while getting in the spirit of celebrating the evolution of Canada.

1) Pictures of the Queen

Photo from The Canadian Press
Photo from The Canadian Press

Who says the fireplace mantel is reserved for family photos only? With the click of the download button, you can get a digital photo of Queen Elizabeth or the Duke of Edinburgh. For those that prefer to have a tangible item or don’t have a printer at your disposal, you can order a printed copy. Note that the Queen’s photo is prohibited from being on clothing, household linen, boxes, labels and adhesive seals. If you were thinking of a custom patterned onesie with the Queen’s face, packed in a box adorned with the Queen’s image and then sealed with tape that also had the Queen’s picture printed on it as a gift for a special someone, you’re out of luck. Sorry!

2) Birthday and anniversary greetings from the Queen

Photo from The Canadian Press
Photo from The Canadian Press

Skip this if you were born after 1917 or were married after 1957. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will only send birthday greetings to those that are blowing out a minimum of 100 candles on their birthday cake or have been married to their significant other for more than 60 years.

3) Parks Canada’s Discovery Pass

Photo from The Canadian Press
Photo from The Canadian Press

If you went to a national park and didn’t Instagram it, did it happen? Well, you’ll have to test the theory when you visit, since admissions to Canada’s national parks are free until the end of the year. Demand for the free Parks Canada’s Discovery Pass was so high in December it crashed their website. If you’d still like one, you can sign up here. Those entering a park without a pass will not be punished, but officials say it’s important to get a pass since it includes safety information, wildlife information and crucial notes for visitors.

4) Flags

Photo from The Canadian Press
Photo from The Canadian Press

Decorate and drape yourselves in the red, white and maple leaf that comes in all shapes, sizes and material! In case you don’t already have a bunch lying around the house, free miniature Canadian flags will be distributed by the Department of Canadian Heritage at outdoor events and functions. You can also contact your local MP, who will have a selection of large and small flags and even flag pins to give to their constituents.

If you have a flag pole and would like to receive a flag that has flown on Parliament Hill, you can request it and join 15,000 others that are already on the coveted wait list. The current estimated waiting period, as of March 2015, for a flag flown at the Peace Tower is 54 years. If you don’t think you have the patience for that wait, try requesting a flag that’s flown at the East or West Block, which has a waiting time of 40 years. One flag is given per person, per household.

5) Cultural Access Pass

Photo from The Canadian Press
Photo from The Canadian Press

If you’ve been Canadian citizen for less than 365 days and are 18 years or older, you can get a cultural access pass that gives you free entrance into more than 1,300 attractions nationwide.

6) Museum Admissions

Photo from The Canadian Press
Photo from The Canadian Press

If you’re in Ottawa, tours of Parliament are free. A number of national museums also offer free admission on certain days and during specific times.