Tourism in Canada

Tourism in Canada is a major economic driver in the service sector, 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. The summer months are especially popular for travellers both domestically and internationally. 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.

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. Domestic statistics also indicate that travel within provinces is prevalent, with residents supporting local businesses and attractions. 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. Visitors from Asia have become more popular in recent decades. 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.

Federal, provincial, municipal and local government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and attracting foreign tourists play a major role in the industry. Canada is known for its safety and security, 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) sporting events (e.g.,Grey Cup), amusement parks (e.g., Canada's Wonderland) 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. Provincial parks including Algonquin Provincial Park, Bow Valley Provincial Park and Cabot Beach Provincial Park also attract a multitude of visitors annually. 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. 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. Provincial museums that attract significance amount of tourist include, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Nova Scotia museum system.