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]
Domestic tourism in Canada is the principal economic driver of the sector, 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]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.[4] Visitors from Asia have become more popular in recent decades.[5] Passport holders from over 50 visa-exempt countries and nationals who require a visa can visit Canada for up to six months at a time.[6]
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]
Ecotourism, which emphasizes low-impact appreciation of nature, is gaining traction, with 82% of Canadians showing interest in it.[27] A survey by Deloitte - Future of Canada centre found that 54% of Canadians are interested in Indigenous experiences, such as cultural workshops and traditional accommodations.[28] Canada made up 2.2% of the world's ecotourism market in 2023. The ecotourism industry in Canada brought in a total of US$5,296.3 million in 2023.[29]
National parks of Canada are vast natural spaces located throughout the country that are protected by Parks Canada, a government agency. Parks Canada manages the National Parks and Reserves in order to protect and preserve the Canadian wildlife and habitat that fall within the ecosystems of the park, keep them safe, educate visitors, and ensure public enjoyment in ways that do not compromise the area for future generations.[32] The areas that fall within Parks Canada's governance include a wide range of protected areas, encompassing National Historic Sites, National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCA), and National Park Reserves. Canada established its first national park in Banff in 1885, and has since expanded its national park system to include 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves.[32]
Protected areas of Canada consist of approximately 12.1 percent of the nation's landmass and freshwater are considered conservation areas, including 11.4 percent designated as protected areas.[33] Approximately 13.8 percent of Canada's territorial waters are conserved, including 8.9 percent designated as protected areas.[33] Terrestrial areas conserved have increased by 65 percent in the 21st century, while marine areas conserved have increased by more than 3,800 percent.[33]
Conservation and protected areas have different mandates depending on the organization which manages them, with some areas having a greater focus on ecological integrity, historical preservation, public usage, scientific research, or a combination of usages.[34] Some areas such as the Polar Bear Pass, are co-managed and overseen by government and local indigenous agencies.[35]
National Historic Sites of Canada are places that have been designated as being of national historic significance.[37][38] There were 1,005 National Historic Sites,[39] 171 of which are administered by Parks Canada; the remainder are administered or owned by other levels of government or private entities.[40]
Tourism in Alberta is a major economic driver. In 2024, the province had 38.1 million visits and generated $14.4 billion in revenue from tourism, supporting around 260,000 jobs. The province hosts approximately 27,900 tourism-related businesses.[43] The number of domestic visits to the Alberta Rockies rose by 11.4% year over year to 5.5 million visits in 2024. This was the third-highest number of visits to the region on record and 3.8% below the all-time high set in 2021 (5.7 million visits).[44]
British Columbia is one of the most-visited parts of Canada, with tourism ranking as the province's second-largest industry.[46] 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.[46]
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 its water activities such as boating and fishing.[47]
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.[48]
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 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.[52] 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.[53]
It is estimated that Nunavut sees about 50,000 visitors each year, with around 8,000 being international travelers, mostly arriving on cruise ships. The number of cruise ship visits doubled in 2023, bringing over 5,200 passengers to 14 communities.The tourism sector currently employs about 3,000 workers.[59]
Nunavut tourism centers on outdoor adventure and Inuit culture, with popular activities including wildlife viewing (polar bears, whales, muskox), hiking, and experiencing local traditions like igloo building. Top tourism destinations include Auyuittuq National Park for hiking, Quttinirpaaq National Park for its northernmost status, and the capital city of Iqaluit for cultural events like the Toonik Tyme festival. Other destinations like Cape Dorset are known for Inuit art, while Kugluktuk for wildlife viewing.[60]
Ontario is Canada's largest province by population and the second largest by area, Ontario is a top travel destination in Canada, attracting millions of tourists each year, with over half of Canada's visits occurring in the province.. Tourism in Ontario generates $35.1 billion in receipts and contributes $34.4 billion to the total GDP. The industry supports around 92,000 businesses and creates 360,000 jobs.[61]
The major cities in Ontario include Ottawa, Toronto, and Niagara Falls. Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, features important political buildings like Parliament Hill, green spaces, and waterways like the Ottawa River. It offers numerous national galleries and museums including the National Gallery of Canada. Toronto is known for its CN Tower, which was once the tallest building in the world, and is a hub for performing arts, galleries, and various international events.[62]
In 2024, Prince Edward Island tourism generated $87.9 million in tax revenue and $520.7 million in visitor spending.[63] Prince Edward Island, often referred to as the "Garden of the Gulf", tourism is linked with the island's identity and economy, serving as a significant driver of economic activity, especially through its historical and cultural tourism, seafood cuisine, and literary tourism centered around the iconic Anne of Green Gables.
Holders of ordinary passports issued by over 50 "Visa-exempt countries and territories" are able to visit Canada without a visa for a period of up to 6 months.[6] Other nationals will need a visitor visa to enter Canada, even if they are only going through Canadian airports. Visa officers can give you either a visa for one entry or a visa that lets you enter multiple times, and these can last up to ten years or until your passport or biometrics run out.[79] Generally, all visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months. However, a border services officer at the entry point can decide on a shorter or longer visit, marking the end date in your passport or giving you a visitor record. If you do not get a stamp, the six-month period starts from when you arrive or until your passport or biometrics expire. Those with a super visa who arrive after June 22, 2023, can stay for five years.[79]
To enter Canada or obtain a visitor visa requirements include, a valid passport, a clear purpose for the visit, proof of financial support, and ties to their home country and a clean criminal record. In some cases, an invitation letter, or a medical examination and biometric information may also be required.[80]ArriveCAN is a mobile app provided by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Introduced in April 2020, it allows travellers entering Canada to electronically submit travel documents and customs declarations.[81]
1 2 "Entry requirements by country or territory". Canada.ca. 2025-07-11. Retrieved 2025-11-05. Visa-exempt (Electronic visa eligible) travellers: *Andorra, * Australia, * Austria, * Bahamas, * Barbados, * Belgium, * British citizen, * British National (Overseas), * British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom), * British overseas territory citizen with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British overseas territories of:, * Anguilla, * Bermuda, * British Virgin Islands, * Cayman Islands, * Falkland Islands (Malvinas), * Gibraltar, * Montserrat, * Pitcairn Island, * Saint Helena, * Turks and Caicos Islands, * British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom, * Brunei Darussalam, * Bulgaria, * Chile, * Croatia, * Cyprus, * Czech Republic, * Denmark, * Estonia, * Finland, * France, * Germany, * Greece, * Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR., * Hungary, * Iceland, * Ireland, * Israel, must have a national Israeli passport, * Italy, * Japan, * Republic of Korea, * Latvia, * Liechtenstein, * Lithuania, * Luxembourg, * Malta, * Monaco, * Netherlands, * New Zealand, * Norway, * Papua New Guinea, * Poland, * Portugal, * Romania (electronic passport holders only), * Samoa, * San Marino, * Singapore, * Slovakia, * Slovenia, * Solomon Islands, * Spain, * Sweden, * Switzerland, * Taiwan, must have an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number, * United Arab Emirates, and * Vatican City State, must have a passport or travel document issued by the Vatican.
↑ "Canada Visitor Visa Guide". Canada Immigration and Visa Information. Canadian Immigration Services and Free Online Evaluation. 2022-07-21. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
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