Tourism in Canada is a major economic driver, attracting millions of visitors and supporting approximately 10% of the national labor force. In recent years, statistics show that Canada has received over 20 million international tourists annually.[1] The summer months are especially popular for travelers both domestically and internationally.[3] Tourism and supporting industries contributed over $100 billion to the Canadian national economy in 2024. The sector supports nearly 1.8 million Canadians working in tourism-related fields.[1]
Air travel is a significant factor influencing tourism with cruise ship activity bringing visitors to port cities.[4]Land border crossings by United States citizens has historically been the largest source of inbound tourists, followed by international airline travel from the United Kingdom and other European countries.[5] Visitors from Asia have become more popular in recent decades.[6] Domestic tourism in Canada is a major factor, with statistics indicating that, in 2024, about 70% of all tourism spending came from Canadian residents exploring their own country.[1] Domestic statistics also indicate that travel within provinces is prevalent, with residents supporting local businesses and attractions.[1]
Canada ranks among the safest countries in the world for tourist by multiple indexes.[14][15][16] According to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, that measure the attractiveness and potential of countries for investment and development in the travel and tourism sector, ranks Canada 11th out of 116 countries studied.[17] The index also shows that Canada has a low standing when it comes to price competitiveness, coming in at 101 out of 116 countries looked at globally.[17]
According to various sources tourism related industries contributed between $104.4 billion,[18] to $129.7 billion to the Canadian economy.[2] Resulting in GDP contributions of approximately $41.0 billion to $50.8 billion.[1][2]
In 2024 total spending by visitors from the U. S. was $15.6 billion (78.7% of trips), while overseas visitors spent $12.9 billion (21.3% of trips). Canadians spent a total of $74.8 billion while traveling within Canada, with the highest spending on transportation (34.3%), followed by food and beverages (25.8%), accommodations (21.6%), recreation and entertainment (9.4%), clothing and gifts (3.7%), and other expenses (5.2%). Conversely, visitors from abroad spent most on accommodations (35.8%), food and beverages (26.6%), and transportation (13.2%).[19]
Ontario was the most visited province in Canada, receiving 39.8% of Canadian visitors and 41.8% of visitors from abroad. Quebec followed with 20.3% of Canadian visitors and 14.8% of international visitors, while British Columbia received 11.9% of Canadian visitors and 26.7% of visitors from abroad.[19]
Canadians made a total of 42.9 million visits abroad, with the top five countries visited being the United States (30.2 million visits), Mexico (2.2 million), the Dominican Republic (1.0 million), the United Kingdom (829,000), and Italy (784,000). Visitors from other countries made 29.8 million trips to Canada, primarily from the United States (23.5 million), followed by the United Kingdom (843,000), France (642,000), India (439,000), and Mexico (432,000).[19]
In 2023, non-Canadian visitors made 27.2 million trips to Canada, with U.S. residents contributing the most, accounting for 21.2 million of those trips. The total spending by tourists reached $12.9 billion for U.S. residents and $12.6 billion for overseas visitors.[20]
Historical data
Historically, tourists to Canada were predominantly Americans, making up 98% of visitors in 1947. By 2015, this number dropped to 70%, reflecting a rise in overseas tourists. The number of overseas visitors grew faster than U. S. tourists over the decades. Between 1960 and 1970, there was a notable increase of over six times in overseas tourists, while American tourist numbers decreased during the 1970s.[21]
In 1946, around 4 million tourists visited Canada, and this number grew to over 15 million by 1967, largely due to the rise in commercial air travel. The visitor count continued to increase until 2002 when it topped 20 million, before experiencing a decline largely caused by a drop in American tourists. Factors that contributed to this downturn included the SARS outbreak in 2003, the rise in the Canadian dollar, stricter ID laws introduced in 2009, and the global recession of 2008-2009. After these challenges, tourism numbers rebounded to nearly 18 million in 2015.[21]
From 1960 to 1970, the number of overseas tourists increased more than sixfold. Conversely, American tourist numbers grew by only 55% during the 1960s and fell by 16% in the 1970s. The trend of increasing overseas tourists continued into the late 1990s, reaching 4 million for the first time during that decade.[21]
The number of trips taken by Canadians abroad also increased significantly. From 1946 to 1960, trips to both the U. S. and overseas more than tripled. This growth continued, peaking at nearly 35 million trips by 2014. Travel trends for Canadians have often mirrored the value of the Canadian dollar; when the dollar depreciated in the 1990s, trips abroad declined, but this figure rose again after 2002 as the dollar appreciated.[21]
Canada welcomed 32 million visitors in 2019, with Toronto and Vancouver drawing the most attention. However, the COVID-19 epidemic had a significant influence on the tourism sector..[22] April 2020 was the first complete month when countries around the world started to limit border access, which nearly halted international travel to and from Canada. The count of arrivals from countries other than the United States dropped by 96.6%, and those coming from the United States decreased by 96.8%.[23] By June 2022, over two years later, and the number of international travelers arriving at Canadian airports was almost back to what it was before the pandemic hit. It was estimated that 846,700 non-resident visitors came in, which was a big jump from the 26,200 arrivals seen in June 2021.[23] Canadians accounted for 85.8% of all tourism spending in early 2022, including 315,400 foreign visitors to Canada in May 2022. Almost ten times as many American tourists visited Canada in May compared to the year before, and similar increases were seen from other countries. In May 2019, 73.6% of all air travel comprised 593,200 Canadians who travelled to the United States.[22]
Government initiatives
In 2023 the Government of Canada launched the Tourism Growth Program (TGP), dedicating $108 million over three years to support tourism initiatives across the country. This financing, according Soraya Martinez Ferrada, then Minister of Tourism, is intended to help small businesses, non-profits, and both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities improve their tourism products.[24] The program advances sustainable tourism, promote outdoor activities, Indigenous tourism, seasonal expansion, and tourism in rural and distant locations. The distribution of TGP funds are directed to local initiatives be they provincial, municipal or private ventures.[24]
Provincial governments have programs to assist in the promotion of tourism, such as "The Experience Ontario program" that helps coordinate community events and offers financial support to festival organizers, non-profits, and municipalities for impactful celebrations, such as Canada Day.[25] Small grants are also available through various provincial initiatives to support environmental and sustainability projects related to ecotourism.[26]
British Columbia is one of the most-visited parts of Canada, with tourism ranking as the province's second-largest industry.[29] One of the main attractions in British Columbia is its natural beauty. The province is home to vast mountains, large forests, and a diverse coastline. The Rocky Mountains in the interior attract skiers in the winter and bikers and hikers in the summer. In recent years, eco-tourism has become increasingly popular in British Columbia. The Pacific coastline attracts tourists with its beaches and for kayaking and whale watching, particularly around places like Vancouver Island.[29]
Manitoba, a province located in central Canada, is known for its unique cultural heritages, varying landscapes, and diverse cities. One of the primary draws of Manitoba is its vast natural landscapes. The province national parks like Riding Mountain National Park and Wapusk National Park, attract ecotourist for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping. Assiniboine River attracts tourists for it's water activities such as boating and fishing.[30]
Winnipeg, the provincial capital, is home to numerous museums and cultural institutions, such as the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Manitoba Museum. Events like Folklorama and Festival du Voyageur attract tourist for the summer and winter annual events. Both provincial government a municipal governments have invested in infrastructure, including hotels, transportation, and tourism promotion, making the province more accessible to travelers.[31]
The province's capital, St. John's, is the oldest city in North America, founded in 1497 by John Cabot. It contains many historical locations, such as Cabot Tower, receiver of the first wireless trans-Atlantic message in 1901. Steeped in a long, proud history and home to a rich, unique culture, St. John's residents are known for their hospitality, and their city is a major travel destination in Newfoundland both domestically and for foreign travellers. In recent years, St. John's has become a popular stop for cruise ships originating from ports in Canada, the United States and Europe. The cruise industry has brought tens of thousands of tourists to the St. John's area. In the city's downtown core, George Street, renowned for its nightlife, is home to the most bars and pubs per square foot in North America.
Just outside St. John's lies Cape Spear, the most eastern point in North America. From this point, London in the UK is closer than Vancouver.
Nova Scotia is seen as a destination to experience local cuisine, visit historic sites and enjoy the civic and natural environment. The seaside is particularly strong attraction.[34]
Ontario is the most populous and second largest province in Canada. Southern Ontario is home to the nation's capital, Ottawa, and Canada's largest city, Toronto, which is the provincial capital and one of the most multicultural cities in the world. The forests and numerous lakes of central Ontario and northern Ontario also provide popular hiking and camping destinations.
West Point Lighthouse, the first lighthouse built on the island, which also serves as a museum and hotel[36]
Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in the world crossing ice-covered water; spanning 12.9 kilometres (8.0mi), the bridge connects the island to the rest of Canada[37]
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