Drivers speeding down main arteries in Canada’s biggest cities this morning were probably surprised – and more than a little pleased – to be offered free parking at selected lots across the country.

Running all day today, the ‘Free Parking’ promotion is being run by McDonald’s in support of this year’s Monopoly-themed campaign, an annual promotion for the QSR. The free parking stunt has been promoted to consumers nationally with a TV spot from Oct. 1 to 4, and the Monopoly campaign runs until Nov. 8, covering national TV, radio, OOH and an online display buy.

MiC caught today’s stunt in downtown Toronto, watching for a few moments as incredulous drivers slowly crept into the parking lot, believing perhaps that free parking was too good to be true and they might be barraged by some ‘brand experience’ as payment. But no, it was just cheery McDonald’s street teamers armed with free parking vouchers and promo materials for the campaign. Radio station CHUM 104.5 FM was also on hand drumming up excitement for the event.

Free parking stunts rolled out across the country starting at 6 a.m., in Moncton (120 Westmorland St.), Halifax (5435 Cogswell St.), Quebec City (1250 Chemin Ste-Foy), Montreal (1120 Rue de la Montagne), Ottawa (120 York St.), Toronto (Richmond and Victoria), London (John Labatt Centre), Winnipeg (351 Smith St.), Regina (1855 Rose St.), Saskatoon (118-3rd Avenue South), Calgary (506-5th Avenue Southwest), Edmonton (10301-101 St.) and Vancouver (Georgia and Cambie).