Canada Travel Statistics: Fluctuating or Increasing?

Canada Travel Statistics and Information

Canada is one of the world’s biggest and most accommodating countries. They are a culturally diverse nation with people of French and British origins. Canada has a population of about 34 million people, over one-third of which live in the country’s three largest cities Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Canada’s sophisticated cities are national treasures with a lot of main attractions.

Every one of Canada’s 10 provinces in the three territories has something special to offer its visitors, from wildlife tours and fishing in the north to kayaking and nature tours in the Maritimes, from snowboarding and skiing in British Columbia to enjoying the snowboarding and resorts of Quebec, from sightseeing and canoeing in Ontario to exploring unique museums and areas on the prairie. The variety of scenic beauty is breathtaking. Domestic travel is one of the features in Canada along with international travel. Statistics Canada National Travel Survey is responsible for the statistics in Canada about travel and tourism. 

What is Statistics Canada?

Statistics Canada is a government agency tasked with collecting data from across Canada. They analyze and publish this data as statistics and as written reports and infographics. These statistics help Canadian better figure out their country, economy, resources and more. All the information provided by Statistics Canada is confidential. So not only do they have a responsibility to collect data and publish statistics, but they also have to maintain the privacy of those with who they collect data. The delicate balance between openness and privacy is often the reason why information is collected but not published by Statistics Canada. 

Travel by Canadian Residents in Canada and Abroad by Trip Purpose

Travel Statistics by Canadian Residents in Canada and Abroad by Trip Purpose

According to Statistics Canada, travel by Canadian residents in Canada and abroad is studied from the fourth quarter of 2018 to the fourth quarter of 2021 according to the main trip purpose. Domestic travel for all trip purposes faced normal fluctuation. The highest number of entries was 86.787 trips in the third quarter of 2021. While the minimal number observed in the first quarter of 2021 was 27.144 trips. 

Travel for holidays, leisure and recreation was also fluctuating. However, there is a harsh drop in the fourth quarter of 2020, Number dropped from 42.993 trips in 2020, the third quarter to 11. 481 2020, the third quarter. Another sharp drop in 2021, the fourth quarter, from 44.448 trips in the third quarter of 2021 to 16.887trips. 

Travel for visiting friends or relatives was regular from the fourth quarter of 2018 to the fourth quarter of 2019. Then, numbers significantly dropped in the first quarter of 2020 to 17.654 trips. The smallest number of trips was in the first quarter of 2021 at 8.048 trips. While the highest number was 31.959 trips in the fourth quarter of 2018. 

Travel for shopping and non-routine is regularly low. The highest number was in the fourth quarter of 2018 at 5.896 trips. While the lowest number was in the first quarter of 2021 at 1.752 trips. 

Travel for Personal conferences, conventions or trade shows was at a steady low from the fourth quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2020. The average number of trips was 1200 trips. Then, numbers were gradually going higher from 319 trips in the third quarter of 2021 to 564 trips in the fourth quarter of 2021. 

Travel for Business conferences, conventions or trade shows is steady low. However, a sharp drop was observed from 2020, the third quarter at 79 trips. The highest number of trips was 2.148 trips. The minimal number observed was in the first quarter of 2021 at 20 trips.

Travel for other businesses was fluctuating from the fourth quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2020. The numbers are steady from the third quarter of 2020 to the fourth quarter of 2021. The highest number recorded was in 2018,  the fourth quarter, at 6.078 trips while the minimal number observed was in the first quarter of 2021 at 3.205.

The Most Visited Domestic Destinations in Vancouver

Stanley Park: It is a fertile peninsula of large trees which lies next to Downtown Vancouver. It is the ideal place to get outside and enjoy some nature. A paved seawall path surrounds the green area. You can explore this wonderful place on foot or by bicycle.

Inland, There are various things to do, and you can spend a full day exploring attractions such as the Vancouver Aquarium or the Totem poles at Brockton Point. The park is popular with its spectacular views either back towards the city or out to the ocean.

During the spring season, the trees and the gardens bloom into a rainbow of attractive colours. You can enjoy the amazing scenery of cherry trees followed by the rhododendrons. In the summer, You can enjoy the 80-meter heated pool right at the edge of the ocean. Most families prefer this pool due to its gently sloped entry.

Granville Island: It was earlier mainly industrial. Granville Island has a unique and relaxed atmosphere being a prosperous centre. The Granville Island Public Market is one of the most well-known attractions. You can buy fruit and vegetables, seafood, and various specialities as well as prepared meals. It is also connected to residential areas. You can go to the south by one road and footbridges, and you can get to the Downtown peninsula by ferry.

The Brockton Point Totem Poles: The Brockton Point Totem Poles have to be on your must-see list when visiting Stanley Park. These inscribed poles are one of the top attractions in British Columbia. Earlier in the 1920s, the Totem poles were first placed at a different place in the park. Later by time, the collection grew and was eventually placed at Brockton Point.

Today’s nine Totem poles are inscribed from red cedar as well as three gateway portals. The colourful Totem poles border a broad walkway and are placed against tall evergreen trees. You can also find a visitor centre that provides an additional understanding of First Nations history and the Totem poles themselves.

Ski Grouse Mountain: Grouse Mountain has a unique panorama in clear weather regardless of winter or summer, especially when the lights on the city are on in the evening. You can enjoy the scenery of the gondola. It runs daily. It stretches from street level to the summit. There are various activities to do. You can explore the wildlife as well all year round.

When the snow comes, Grouse Mountain turns into a winter wonderland offering outdoor snowshoeing, skating, skiing, and snowboarding. You can enjoy a fun family outing in Grouse Mountain. It’s also an ideal place to practice how to ski. When summer comes, Grouse Mountain is a paradise for hiking lovers with trails, such as the famed Grouse Grind which is called Mother Nature’s StairMaster.

Visit the Museum of Anthropology: 

The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Colombia Vancouver houses over 500000 archaeological objects reflecting the arts and cultures of the world and highlighting the indigenous culture of the pacific northwest. It has a large collection of local carvings. Two interior house poles would have helped support the enormous beams of the large buildings that used to house several related families. The traditions of carving Totem poles date back several hundred years. It was not uncommon for several hundred people to attend ceremonial feasts and gatherings at the community big house. There are large house dishes carved out of wood which would hold large quantities of food to feed the masses. They used figures during winter ceremonies inside the big house. The person who had the privilege of speaking on behalf of the hosts would conceal himself behind the figure and project his voice forward as though it was an ancestor calling to the assembled guests.

Many indigenous cultures had the tradition of putting sculpted figures of birds, animals, humans or other supernatural beings on display. The sculpted animals often represented the ancestral histories and supernatural origins of the house family. There is the Haida bear varved by Bill Reid which is a more recent carving. It’s just one of several of Bill Reid’s creations that are highlighted at the museum. 

Bill Reid was a well-known force in the development of modern indigenous art, bringing the ancestral traditions of indigenous peoples to the wider public. He set out to learn about his mother’s Haida culture and then translate it into new forms. He worked in many mediums inc, using jewellery, sculpture, painting and poetry. 

Beyond local first nations, the museum also has an extensive collection of artefacts from around the world such as the brick stamped with cuniform which dates back to over 2000 years bc. It would have been created at the time of the last Sumerian dynasty in ancient Mesopotamia. 

Outside the museum grounds, you can see the recreation of a 19th century Haida village. This includes a large Haida house as well as a mortuary house and several memorial and mortuary polls which dated back to 1951. Carved by the likes of Jim Hart, Chief Walter Harris and Mungo Martin.

Kitsilano Beach: It is a breathtaking sandy shoreline. It is ideal for the laid-back, fun-loving Vancouver lifestyle. It features an outdoor heated seawater swimming pool. The wide beach here is famous for sunbathers in the summer. There are wonderful views from Kitsilano over the city centre.

Apart from the beach and oceanfront, there are several cafés and walking trails. It also features a lively shopping strip which is located a few blocks south on West Fourth Avenue.

Vanier Park is a short walk to the east of Kitsilano. You can also find wide-open spaces and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. You can also go to Vancouver or Granville Island by a small Aquabus. 

Gastown: It is the most ancient part of the city.  Gastown is popular for stores, restaurants, shops, and galleries placed in restored Victorian buildings. It has a distinctive atmosphere due to iron lampposts, heritage structures, and cobblestone streets. Gastown is a short stroll from Canada Place.

Gastown was created in 1867 John Deighton came to the scene. Deighton used to launch long stories and soon had the nickname Gassy Jack. So, the area was familiar with the name “Gassy’s Town” or “Gastown.”

A statue of the proprietor now watches over the neighbourhood in Maple Tree Square. You can take photos with Gassy Jack. You can also visit the nearby Steam Clock, which puffs steam-powered chimes every 15 minutes.

Tour Canada Place: If you get to Vancouver on a cruise ship, Canada Place is where you begin your trip. The unique roof design gives the impression of a huge sailing vessel. It has a remarkable architectural structure including a convention centre and hotel, a cruise ship terminal, and a hub for sightseeing bus tours.

You can enjoy panoramic views at the end of the dock. There is also the Flyover Canada attraction which is a flight simulator that addresses all your senses while having a Canadian geography lesson. You can also find the  Waterfront Station which is the main transportation hub. You can find ferries leaving for the public market at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.

On the right-hand side of the building, there is a fabulous waterfront walk toward Stanley Park. Along the way, you can observe the seaplanes take off and land, and huge marine container ships going out to sea.

Chinatown: It features several colourful signs that decorate the storefronts of Chinatown’s main streets. It is the way for pedestrians through many fresh fruit markets, speciality restaurants and shops that border the roads. After setting plans for the construction of City Hall in the 1950s, Chinese immigrants and offspring of Chinese Canadian Pacific Railway workers were forced to migrate. They left the original Chinatown Toronto and moved a few blocks west to Dundas West and Spadina. They first lay down the roots and then grew into the prosperous community that represents today’s Chinatown. It’s an active and special commerce district and a place where people bond with their families and culture. It is a fruitful and immersive visit to experience Toronto’s rich multicultural landscape. The area is also a high collection of smells, sights, and sensations. You can go on an adventure to explore Toronto Tourist Attractions. 

It lies between two of Toronto’s main highways. Pedestrians and cars are complete to find precious street space, particularly on weekends. Public transportation is the best way to move in the area as there is a limited parking space. Fortunately, Chinatown sits at the intersection of many streetcar lines. If this is your first visit to Chinatown, it is ideal to take a tour to dig deep into the history and culture. 

The Beyond Kensington Market Toronto Food Tour takes you to many of the best sites in Chinatown. You can also dive into the food and culture of neighbouring Kensington Market for a total of 7 food tastings. There is an expert local guide who leads the tour for a 3-hour experience with enchanting tales from the area’s history, its existing residents and some personal stories as well. Food is one of the main reasons to visit Chinatown. The area has plenty of options for Chinese food and other East Asian cuisines. There are a lot of fun things to do after having food. You can just walk down the street and buy souvenirs. There are also storefronts which sell imported ingredients, herbal remedies and a lot more. 

Chinatown celebrates a couple of main festivals annually.  First off, the Chinese New Year Celebrations are the first festival that fills the area every year with a spirit of celebration. It features the Lion Dance along with many more activities. The other main festival is the Toronto Chinatown Festival which happens in mid-August. Artists, local vendors, performers and community organizers also go to the streets to display and celebrate Chinese heritage through cultural events and activities.

English Bay: It lies in the West End of Vancouver next to Stanley Park. English Bay is the major bay in Vancouver, BC, Canada. It is one of the top things on the must-to-do list. English bay is the spot where the city meets the ocean! For over 100 years, English Bay represents a big part of the History of Vancouver. English Bay features various attractions to see including the bay itself, the English Bay Seawall, English Bay Beach, and the Inukshuk Monument. You can enjoy many activities such as walking on the English Bay Seawall, relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, or sitting on one of the many benches to enjoy the scenery.

English Bay is also host to some of Vancouver’s largest events such as the Celebration of Light Fireworks and Festival and the Polar Bear Swim.

It also features many bars, restaurants, and concession stands including the Cactus Club Cafe on the beach. There are a number of Hotels if you want to saty in the English Bay including the historic Sylvia Hotel within a few blocks of the beach.

Capilano Suspension Bridge: To experience a really unique attraction close to the city, you need to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The crown jewel of this park is the Suspension Bridge. In addition to the sways of the bridge, making it spooky, when a lot of people get on it, it is quite high up. You can see the stream down below the bridge. If it is a cloudy day, it feels very mystical with the low hanging clouds. Even though it is a theme park, it seems very natural because you hear birds twittering, and you see the waterfall coming down the cliff. It is a great way to experience nature, but still close to the City Centre. 

The Bridge can get really busy. If you want the bridge all to yourself, try to get there as early as possible. As soon as you cross the bridge, there is a little snack shop selling coffees and beaver balls. It is like a couple of hour visit at most. Just above the boardwalk, there is a tree top walk. There is also a rainbow coloured waterfall. As for having food, there is the Loggers Grill which is right outside in front of the gift shop. It serves fries, burgers, mini doughnuts and a lot more. There is another restaurant at the back but set down table service costs more. There is one more attraction below the gift shop which is the Cliff Walk. It is scarier than the other one but it doesn’t sway. 

A Ride on the Aquabus: It is one of the cheapest trips to enjoy breathtaking scenes. You can ride on the small Aquabus and go across and around False Creek while enjoying the stunning views. You can choose one of the eight pickup points placed around the downtown waterfront. There is not a long wait time as there are 13 colourfully painted Aquabuses to pick up people every 15 minutes. You can also ride boats where pets, bikes and wheelchairs are allowed. The Aquabus is available if you are walking around downtown and would like to get lunch or go for a bit of shopping at Granville Island.

The Museum of Vancouver: It is a great museum that has a lot of awesome exhibits that tell the story of Vancouver’s history. The amazing roof was designed by the architect Gerald Hamilton who was inspired by the iconic woven hat of the height of the first nations. You can explore the phenomenal room of old neon signs. The museum has a dramatic lobby with a stained glass ceiling. As you go through the museum, the exhibits tell the story of Vancouver through the decades. In the early 1900s streetcar lines stretched south and east and new developments were encouraged. In 1929 the city of Vancouver joined together with the neighbouring towns of south Vancouver. You go through such history to the present time. The museum also has some great exhibits on the area’s indigenous people including the Haida culture which developed a very sophisticated society. People had a passion for fashion and classy attire which was made clear through the amazing spruce root hats. They are just a small piece of the museum’s significant tribute to local indigenous. By the late 1950s, Vancouver had one neon sign for every 18 residents, an estimated 19000 signs. You can explore these retired signs that lit up Vancouver nights from the 1950s to the 1970s at the museum.