Tourism in Canada
Template:Short description {{#invoke:Infobox|infobox}}Template:Template other 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.<ref name="n066"/> The summer months are especially popular for travelers both domestically and internationally.<ref name="l240">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="n066"/>
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.<ref name="n066"/> Domestic statistics also indicate that travel within provinces is prevalent, with residents supporting local businesses and attractions.<ref name="n066"/> 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.<ref name="f677">Template:Cite web</ref> Visitors from Asia have become more popular in recent decades.<ref name="l299">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="r896"/>
Federal, provincial, municipal and local government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and attracting foreign tourists play a major role in the industry.<ref name="u976">Template:Cite web</ref> Canada is known for its safety and security,<ref name="k500">Template:Cite web</ref> attracting tourists through its natural features (e.g., Niagara Falls), festivals (e.g., Calgary stampede), arts (e.g., Toronto International Film Festival), heritage sites (e.g., Quebec city) and its diverse culture (e.g., Caribbean Carnival).
Canada's national parks like Banff and Jasper see millions of visitors annually, drawn by their landscapes and outdoor activities.<ref name="s746">Template:Cite web</ref> Provincial parks including, Algonquin Provincial park, Bow Valley Provincial Park and Cabot Beach Provincial Park also attract a multitude of visitors annually.<ref name="e884">Template:Cite journal</ref> Natural wonders such as, Great Bear Rainforest, the Northern Lights, Hopewell Rocks, Sandbanks and Moraine Lake attract a variety of international and domestic tourist throughout the year.<ref name="g459">Template:Cite web</ref> The country is home to numerous historical and cultural national museums and galleries, such as the Canadian Museum of History, Canadian Museum for Human Rights and National Gallery of Canada.<ref name="m926">Template:Cite web</ref> Provincial museums that attract significance amount of tourist include, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Nova Scotia museum system.<ref name="s107">Template:Cite web</ref>
Statistics
Canada ranks among the safest countries in the world for tourist by multiple indexes.<ref name="h321">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="c421">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="w665">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="s921"/> 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.<ref name="s921">Template:Cite web</ref>
According to various sources tourism related industries contributed between $104.4 billion,<ref name="m239">Template:Cite web</ref> to $129.7 billion to the Canadian economy.<ref name="l797">Template:Cite web</ref> Resulting in GDP contributions of approximately $41.0 billion to $50.8 billion.<ref name="n066"/><ref name="l797"/>
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%).<ref name="m960"/>
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.<ref name="m960">Template:Cite web Text was copied from this source, which is available under the Statistics Canada Open Licence</ref>
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).<ref name="m960"/>
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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.<ref name="k389">Template:Cite web Text was copied from this source, which is available under the Statistics Canada Open Licence</ref>
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.<ref name="k389"/>
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.<ref name="k389"/>
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.<ref name="k389"/>
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.<ref name="c863">Template:Cite web</ref> 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%.<ref name="g817">Template:Cite web Text was copied from this source, which is available under the Statistics Canada Open Licence</ref> 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.<ref name="g817"/> 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.<ref name="c863"/>
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.<ref name="o452">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="o452"/>
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.<ref name="n091">Template:Cite web</ref> Small grants are also available through various provincial initiatives to support environmental and sustainability projects related to ecotourism.<ref name="e274">Template:Cite web</ref>
Ecotourism
Ecotourism, which emphasizes low-impact appreciation of nature, is gaining traction, with 82% of Canadians showing interest in it.<ref name="l411">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="b020">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="l344">Template:Cite web</ref>
Organizations like Parks Canada and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) work to promote and empower local Indigenous communities in the tourism sector.<ref name="k195">Template:Cite web</ref> Destination Canada joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) in late 2023, committing to sustainable travel standards, indicating positive developments in domestic tourism strategies.<ref name="r666">Template:Cite web</ref> Ecotourism hotspots include Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan for camping and stargazing, Manitoulin Island in Ontario for Indigenous-led tours and outdoor activities, the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick for whale watching, Torngat Mountains National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador for Inuit culture, and Wanuskewin in Saskatchewan for Plains Cree culture and bison restoration efforts.<ref name="l411"/>
National parks
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Provincial parks
World Heritage Sites
There are 22 World Heritage Sites in Canada, including one of the oldest, Nahanni National Park, Northwest Territories (1978), and one of the newest, the Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta (2019). Of these 22 sites, 10 are listed for their Cultural Heritage, 11 for their Natural Heritage, and one (Pimachiowin Aki) is a Mixed site.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
National Historic Sites
Template:Main National Historic Sites of Canada are places that have been designated as being of national historic significance.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> There were 1,005 National Historic Sites,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 171 of which are administered by Parks Canada; the remainder are administered or owned by other levels of government or private entities.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Festivals
Template:Main Canada hosts a wide variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating diverse cultures, music, and arts. Popular events include the summer's Montreal Jazz Festival and Calgary Stampede, Winterlude in Ottawa-Gatineau during the winter, and nationwide celebrations for Canada Day. Other notable festivals include the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Pride Toronto and Just For Laughs comedy festival.<ref name="t326">Template:Cite web</ref> The industry adds over $33 billion to the country's economy and provides jobs for more than 229,000 people in areas like business events, trade fairs, festivals, and meetings.<ref name="s435">Template:Cite web</ref>
Provinces and territories
Alberta
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.<ref name="p134">Template:Cite web</ref> 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).<ref name="c150">Template:Cite web</ref>
The province has six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, five national parks, and numerous provincial parks. Natural landscapes like the Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, along with urban attractions such as West Edmonton Mall and the Calgary Stampede are some of the primary attractions. The province has a long-term strategy to grow tourism to $25 billion in visitor spending by 2035, supporting attractions like the Dinosaur Provincial Park and the Royal Tyrrell Museum.<ref name="n703">Template:Cite web Text was copied from this source, which is available under the Statistics Canada Open Licence</ref>
British Columbia
British Columbia is one of the most-visited parts of Canada, with tourism ranking as the province's second-largest industry.<ref name="s051"/> 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.<ref name="s051">Template:Cite web</ref>
Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia, is an urban center that offers a mix of culture, history, and entertainment. Tourists are attracted to Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Events like the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Vancouver Folk Music Festival attract tourist from around the world and domestically.<ref name="s051"/>
Manitoba
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.<ref name="x064">Template:Cite web</ref>
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.<ref name="r594">Template:Cite web</ref>
New Brunswick
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Tourism in New Brunswick is highlighted by its landscapes, notably the Bay of Fundy, known for having the highest tides in the world. Important sites that attractive visitor is include, Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, and the old Roosevelt Campobello International Park.<ref name="s563">Template:Cite web</ref>
The city of Saint John, features the historic Loyalist area, showcasing colonial architecture of the first English settlers. Attractions include the New Brunswick Museum and Saint John Jewish Historical Museum. Fredericton, the capital city, hosts various cultural festivals such as the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, celebrating local music and food, which draws many visitors each year.<ref name="l094">Template:Cite web</ref>
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador attracts many tourists because of its icebergs and fjords.<ref name="i039">Template:Cite web</ref> The iceberg that struck the Titanic passed by on the nearby Iceberg Alley in 1912. The island was settled by Leif Ericsson, an Icelandic sailor, in 1000 A.D. Remains of this settlement can still be found in L'Anse aux Meadows, northern Newfoundland. Other Europeans settled in 1497, headed by an expedition by John Cabot.
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.<ref name="a504">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="m199">Template:Cite web</ref>
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories has one of the lowest population densities in Canada. Its tourism is based on adventure and wilderness, centered around activities like seeing the Northern Lights, hiking in national parks, and exploring pristine lakes and rivers. Key attractions include Great Slave Lake, Nahanni National Park Reserve, Wood Buffalo National Park, and cities like Yellowknife which provide urban amenities.<ref name="t588">Template:Cite web</ref>
In recent years, the promotion of Indigenous culture tourism has gained momentum, providing economic benefits while aiming to respect and preserve Indigenous heritage.Activities such as guided tours to archaeological sites, traditional fishing, and dog sledding. Festivals like the National Indigenous Peoples Day exhibit music, storytelling, and dance, Sacred sites like Nááts'ihch'oh, Nahanni National Park Reserve, and Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. are open to the public.<ref name="x319">Template:Cite web</ref>
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has two major national parks, Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Kejimkujik National Park. Nova Scotia is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.. The two cultural and one natural site are the town of Lunenberg, the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, and the Joggins fossil cliffs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Nova Scotia is also famous for its numerous historical sites, museums, and natural areas. For the year 2024, visitation to Nova Scotia saw just over 2 million non-resident visitors.<ref name="z092">Template:Cite web</ref>
Halifax, the provincial capital, has several major attractions, such as the Pier 21 museum, Citadel Hill, and the Public Gardens. The Halifax Metro Centre is home to numerous events both sport-related and otherwise, such as the Nova Scotia International Tattoo. Downtown Halifax is considered the prime tourism district in Halifax, with most historic attractions located here as well as the waterfront harbourwalk, a continuous Template:Convert stretch of boardwalk home to street vendors, entertainers, the Casino Nova Scotia, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Downtown Halifax is also the location of several major hotels.<ref name="m172">Template:Cite web</ref>
Nunavut Territory
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.<ref name="e403">Template:Cite web</ref>
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.<ref name="d798">Template:Cite web</ref>
Ontario
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.<ref name="p637">Template:Cite web</ref>
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.<ref name="b784">Template:Cite web</ref>
Tourist attractions in Ontario include various theme parks like Canada's Wonderland and the Toronto Zoo. Museums and galleries such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Historical sites include Casa Loma and Fort William Historical Park. Hamilton is home to North America's oldest public aviary, the Hamilton Aviary, which opened in 1928. The province also has numerous provincial parks and conservation areas ideal for outdoor activities like camping, swimming, hiking, and paddling. Notable beaches in Ontario are Wasaga Beach, Sauble Beach, and Sandbanks Provincial Park.<ref name="b784"/>
Prince Edward Island
In 2024, Prince Edward Island tourism generated $87.9 million in tax revenue and $520.7 million in visitor spending.<ref name="u132">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.
Attractions include Victoria Row, West Point Lighthouse, and the Confederation Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world. Other popular attractions include Charlottetown's Victorian era street and Confederation Trail. The island is also renowned for its beaches, such as Cavendish Beach and Brackley Beach. The annual Charlottetown Festival focuses on the arts and features performances.<ref name="a009">Template:Cite web</ref>
Quebec
Tourism in Quebec includes the historic Old City of Quebec, the vibrant city of Montreal, and natural attractions like Mont-Tremblant National Park and Montmorency Falls. The province attracts millions of visitors with its unique blend of European and French-Canadian culture, historical sites, diverse gastronomy, and a wide range of seasonal activities. Popular attractions include the Chateau Frontenac, Notre-Dame Basilica, Cirque du Soleil and the Ice Hotel.
The province is divided into 21 tourist regions, including Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, and Montreal.<ref name="u437">Template:Cite web</ref> The St. Lawrence River, one of the world's largest rivers, is crucial in connecting different regions and offers picturesque landscapes, marine life, and various recreational opportunities, including whale watching in places like Tadoussac. The province is home to 27 national parks, the well-known is La Mauricie National Park was established in 1970. Another popular park is Jacques-Cartier National Park, ideal for canoeing and kayaking.<ref name="m522">Template:Cite web</ref> Museums in Quebec also contribute significantly to the province's cultural landscape.<ref name="r309">Template:Cite web</ref> The Musée de la civilisation in Quebec City is the prime cultural example. In Montreal, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts boasts an impressive collection of Canadian and international art. As of July 2019, there were 198 National Historic Sites designated in Quebec, 30 of which are administered by Parks Canada.<ref name=Parks>Directory of Federal Heritage Designations - Quebec, Parks Canada</ref><ref>Quebec, National Historic Sites of Canada - administered by Parks Canada</ref>
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
Visitor visa
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.<ref name="r896">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="c309">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="c309"/>
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.<ref name="r897">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="u415">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:-
See also
To display all subcategories below click on the ► <categorytree depth=0>Lists of tourist attractions in Canada</categorytree>
References
Template:Reflist Template:Statistics Canada
External links
- Canadian Tourism Commission - Official Government Website
- Tourism statistics - Statistics Canada
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