Canada Travel Statistics From 2019 to Now

Canada Travel Statistics From 2019 to Now

Updated On: March 06, 2024 by   ConnollyCoveConnollyCove

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for travellers, thanks to its diverse natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural heritage. Visitors flock from around the globe each year to the country, hoping to immerse themselves in its indigenous culture and embark on a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure through its natural wonders.

Canada’s diverse attractions cater to a wide array of interests and preferences. As a result, analysing travel statistics provides valuable insights into visitor trends, preferences, and the overall impact of tourism on Canada’s economy and infrastructure. To help you understand this more, we have compiled some of the most important Canadian travel statistics below.

Here, we will demonstrate the travel statistics we have compiled for Canada from the year 2019 to the predictions for the year ahead (2024).

Canada Travel Statistics in 2019: A Record-Breaking Year

Canada Travel Statistics From 2019 to Now
Toronto street view

In 2019, Canada experienced a record influx of international tourists, welcoming a staggering 22.1 million visitors from abroad. This figure surpassed the previous year’s record of 21.1 million, marking the sixth consecutive year of increased tourist arrivals to Canada. The sustained growth in tourist arrivals reflects Canada’s enduring appeal as a premier travel destination, attracting visitors from diverse corners of the globe.

Growth in Tourist Arrivals from the United States and Overseas

Data from Statistics Canada indicates an increase in tourist arrivals to Canada in 2019, fueled by growth from both the United States and overseas countries. The number of tourists from overseas countries, excluding the United States, reached 7.1 million arrivals, representing an increase of 454,000 compared to the previous year. Similarly, the number of US tourists to Canada rose to 15.0 million arrivals, reflecting an increase of 554,000 arrivals. This increase in tourist arrivals from diverse geographical regions underscores Canada’s appeal as a popular travel destination.

Significant Tourism Expenditure

Canada’s tourism sector saw robust spending in 2019, coinciding with the record-breaking number of tourist arrivals. According to sources like Destination Canada, tourism expenditure in Canada in 2019 was approximately $105.1 billion. This significant contribution highlights the economic importance of the tourism industry for Canada, supporting various industries and generating employment opportunities across the country.

Top Source Countries and Visited Provinces

Data from Statistics Canada suggests that in 2019, the United Kingdom, France, and China were among the top source countries for overseas tourists arriving in Canada by air, with approximately 679,000, 589,000, and 578,000 arrivals, respectively. This highlights Canada’s global appeal as a travel destination, attracting visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds and geographical regions.

Among the provinces, Ontario was the most visited destination, welcoming around 14.4 million arrivals in 2019, followed by British Columbia with around 6.6 million and Quebec with around 6.0 million arrivals. These provinces showcase Canada’s rich diversity of landscapes, attractions, and cultural experiences, catering to the varied interests of international travellers.

Canada Travel Statistics in 2020: Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges to Canada’s travel industry as the global COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, leading to a profound disruption in travel patterns and behaviours.

COVID-19 Impact: Border Restrictions

Canada implemented stringent border restrictions in early 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures aimed to curb the spread of the virus but had significant implications for the tourism sector. As a result, international arrivals to Canada in 2020 saw a dramatic decline compared to the previous year. Statistics Canada suggests the decrease was around 98%.

Shift Towards Domestic Tourism

Data suggests that during the pandemic, Canadians increasingly turned to domestic destinations and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. This trend might be linked to factors such as travel restrictions and a potential preference for safer and closer travel options.

International Arrivals

According to the World Bank, international arrivals to Canada in 2020 were 2,658,000, representing a significant decrease compared to 2019, when the country welcomed over 32 million international visitors.

Tourism Spending

Estimates suggest that tourism spending in Canada decreased by approximately 70% in 2020 compared to 2019, reflecting the significant economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector. This decline in spending impacted businesses, workers, and communities that rely on tourism revenue.

Jobs

The tourism sector in Canada, like many others, was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Employment within the industry dropped from 2.1 million in 2019 to 1.6 million in 2020, highlighting the economic consequences of the pandemic.

Canada Travel Statistics in 2021: Resilience and Recovery

Data suggests that Canadians took approximately 38.7 million trips within Canada or abroad in the second quarter of 2021. This figure represents an increase compared to the same period in 2020. However, it remains below pre-pandemic levels, with the number of trips being roughly half of those taken during the same period in 2019. Notably, nearly all (around 99.1% according to StatCan) of the trips undertaken in the second quarter of 2021 were domestic, highlighting a significant shift in travel behaviour compared to pre-pandemic times, when approximately 15% of trips were to the United States or overseas destinations.

Spending Patterns Amidst the Pandemic

Data from Statistics Canada suggests that spending on domestic trips in the second quarter of 2021 was around $5.5 billion. This figure is lower than the $13.7 billion reported in the same quarter of 2019. The travel industry, like many others, was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, which likely contributed to the decrease in spending.

International Tourist Arrivals

International tourist arrivals to Canada showed initial signs of recovery in 2021, but the figures remained substantially below pre-pandemic levels. Overall, the country welcomed around 3.1 million international tourists in 2021, a fraction of the over 22 million recorded in 2019. While the numbers increased slightly compared to the previous year, the pace of recovery highlighted the continued challenges faced by the global tourism industry.

U.S. Tourist Arrivals

Data suggests that the number of international tourists from the United States to Canada in 2021 was approximately 3.3 million, representing a decrease of 15.5% compared to 2020. Despite this decline, the United States likely remained the leading source country for international tourists to Canada, followed by the United Kingdom, China, France, and Germany.

Fourth Quarter Resurgence: Signs of Optimism

Data suggests encouraging signs of recovery for Canadian travel in the fourth quarter of 2021. Canadians took approximately 53.9 million trips within Canada or abroad, reflecting an increase of nearly 20 million trips compared to the same period in 2020. Domestic travel rose by 63.4%, travel to the United States increased by 28.6%, and overseas travel saw a notable 75.9% uptick. These figures suggest a potential shift towards more travel activity, with Canadians venturing beyond domestic borders.

Data suggests that Canadians took around 96.7 million trips within Canada or abroad in the third quarter of 2022, marking an increase of 9.7 million trips compared to the same period in 2021. This increase in travel activity suggests a potential shift towards more travel among Canadians.

Spending Patterns: Domestic Dominance

Data suggests that in the third quarter of 2022, Canadian residents continued to prioritise domestic travel, with spending on domestic trips reaching around $27.3 billion. This figure surpassed spending in the same quarter of 2019 by 26.2% (potentially exceeding $21.6 billion in 2019). This emphasis on domestic exploration aligns with trends observed during the pandemic and might be influenced by ongoing global uncertainties, such as travel restrictions or economic concerns.

International Tourist Arrivals: A Revival

Data suggests a substantial increase in non-resident visitors to Canada in the third quarter of 2022, with a notable rise compared to June 2021. The United States likely remained the leading source country for international tourists. This rise in arrivals underscores the ongoing recovery of cross-border tourism, potentially driven by easing travel restrictions and enhanced safety measures.

Business Travel Dynamics

Data suggests that business travel spending in Canada in 2022 declined compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, with estimates indicating an approximate 12% decrease. Despite ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, the sector continued to generate significant economic activity, with preliminary estimates suggesting business travel spending reached around $20.1 billion USD in 2023. This ongoing activity highlights the potential for the corporate travel sector to adapt to evolving global dynamics and embrace new norms in the business travel landscape.

Statistics Canada data indicates that Canadians took around 66.5 million trips within Canada or abroad in the first quarter of 2023, a significant increase compared to the same period in 2022. Consistent with existing trends, the majority of these trips (87.6%) were likely related to domestic travel. This increase in travel activity suggests a potential shift towards more travel among Canadians.

Domestic Travel Expenditures

Statistics Canada data suggests that in the second quarter of 2023, Canadian residents continued to prioritise domestic travel, with spending on domestic trips reaching around $17.7 billion. This represents a 2.6% increase compared to the second quarter of 2022. Furthermore, according to Statistics Canada, domestic travel expenditures showed a notable 29.0% increase compared to the same period in 2019. This sustained growth in domestic travel expenditures highlights the resilience of the domestic tourism sector and its significance in driving economic activity within Canada.

International Tourist Arrivals: A Resurgence

Data suggests a significant increase in non-resident visitors to Canada in 2023, with a notable rise compared to June 2021. The United States likely remained the leading source country for international tourists. This rise in arrivals underscores the ongoing recovery of cross-border tourism and Canada’s continued appeal to global travellers.

Business Travel Dynamics

Despite challenges, business travel spending in Canada remained resilient in 2023, albeit experiencing a slight decline compared to 2019. Preliminary estimates by GBTA forecasted $20.1 billion USD in business travel spending for Canada in 2023, reflecting a continued commitment to business engagements and corporate activities. As businesses adapt to evolving global dynamics, the resilience of the corporate travel sector underscores its integral role in facilitating economic growth and fostering international collaborations.

Predictions for Canada Travel Statistics in 2024

Canada Travel Statistics
2024 is looking promising for Canadian tourism

A recent survey conducted by British Airways indicates a growing interest in travel among Canadians in 2024. According to the survey, 58% of respondents expressed a desire to travel, with 33% specifically mentioning exploring new destinations. These findings suggest a potential increase in travel activity in Canada, but it’s important to note that the survey represents a specific sample of respondents and might not be fully representative of the entire Canadian population.

Projected Tourism Spending and GDP Growth

Projections from the survey indicate that Canadian tourism spending is expected to recover and reach pre-pandemic levels of 2019 by 2024. This growth is anticipated to be fueled by increased spending on both domestic and international travel. Additionally, the Canadian tourism sector is projected to contribute significantly to the country’s economic recovery, with forecasts suggesting a potential GDP increase of 11.9%.

Full Recovery of Non-Resident Visitors

Experts project that the number of non-resident visitors to Canada will recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024 as travel restrictions ease and global travel demand resumes. The United States is expected to remain the leading source country for international tourists to Canada. Canada’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings are likely to continue attracting visitors from various countries.

Challenges in the Business Travel Sector

The business travel sector in Canada may face ongoing adjustments in 2024. The increasing adoption of remote work and virtual meeting technologies may potentially influence business travel patterns. While the total expenditure of corporate travellers in Canada is estimated to reach roughly $30 billion USD in 2024, it’s important to acknowledge the evolving nature of workplace dynamics and the potential for business travel to adapt to these changes.

In conclusion, the predictions for Canada travel statistics in 2024 suggest a promising outlook for the tourism industry, characterised by increased travel enthusiasm among Canadians, projected growth in tourism spending, and the anticipated recovery of international visitors. However, challenges persist in the business travel sector as companies adapt to new modes of operation in the post-pandemic landscape. As the year unfolds, these projections will provide valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the Canadian travel market and its impact on the broader economy.

The travel statistics in Canada tell a story of resilience, adaptation, and a gradual rebound in the face of the ongoing global pandemic. As travel patterns continue to evolve, these insights provide valuable context for understanding the changing dynamics of the Canadian travel landscape.

Sources: The above data has been obtained from the following sources: Statistics Canada, Statista, Statistique Canada, Made in CA, Destination Canada, and Travel Pulse.

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