Is it time to get back to nature? On Jan. 31, Parks Canada announced its support for an initiative launched by BC Parks Foundation called PaRx. PaRx is driven by health-care professionals who want to improve their patients’ health by connecting them to nature.

Four provinces are now allowing doctors and other licensed health-care professionals a way to prescribe a free pass to Canada’s national parks. According to the CBC, licensed health-care professionals who register with PaRx can offer patients a Parks Canada Discovery Pass — which costs around $72 for an adult — free of charge. Health-care professionals who register with the program are asked to carefully consider who they offer passes to. 

The program is available in B.C., Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with plans to expand to every province and territory.  If interested, inquire with your healthcare provider.