Canada, home to the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, French-speaking Quebec, and endless wilderness, is one of the most visited countries in the Americas.
In 2024, Canada welcomed around 23.5 million international visitors, marking a strong recovery toward its pre-pandemic peak of 22.1 million in 2019.
Tourism in Canada is driven by both its natural wonders and vibrant cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
The sector generates billions in spending and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide.
Canada is a tourism superpower. We have majestic mountains, dynamic downtowns, friendly folks and so much more. We have what the world wants!
How Many Tourists Visit Canada Each Day?
With 23.5 million international visitors in 2024, Canada welcomed an average of ~64,000 tourists per day.
Add to that a robust domestic tourism market of more than 250 million overnight trips by Canadians, and the country sees impressive daily tourism flows across cities, national parks, and cultural attractions.
Canada stands out as a destination on the world stage. With our long-standing reputation as friendly, open, and welcoming, we’re well positioned to win the hearts of even more international travelers this year. Rendez-vous Canada is our moment to secure a larger share of the $2.9 trillion in global travel spending projected for 2025—driving prosperity in communities from coast to coast to coast.
How Many Tourists Visit Canada Each Year?
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): 22.1 million international visitors.
- 2020–2021: Declined below 5 million due to border restrictions.
- 2022: 15.6 million international arrivals.
- 2023: 20.2 million arrivals.
- 2024: 23.5 million arrivals (close to a new record).
- 2025 (forecast): Expected to surpass 24 million international visitors.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Canada?
- In 2024, international tourists spent about CAD $31 billion (~US$23B).
- Domestic travelers spent ~CAD $73 billion, making them the backbone of the industry.
- On average, an international visitor spends CAD $1,300–$1,400 per trip.
- Tourism contributes ~2% of Canada’s GDP and supports ~1 in 10 jobs.
Being together in Vancouver for the 2024 Tourism Congress filled me with renewed energy and optimism for our industry.
Which Countries Visit Canada the Most?
Canada’s tourism is dominated by its southern neighbor — the United States, which supplies over half of all international arrivals.
But Europe adds millions more, with the UK and France leading thanks to cultural and historic ties.
Meanwhile, Mexico, China, and India are rapidly growing markets, contributing to Canada’s diverse visitor profile.
| Country | Visitors (2024) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~15.2M | By far the largest market. |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~950K | Strong family & heritage links. |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~840K | Major source for Quebec & Montreal. |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | ~720K | Growing steadily. |
| 🇨🇳 China | ~600K | Strong recovery post-COVID. |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~520K | Long-haul adventure tourism. |
| 🇮🇳 India | ~500K | Rapidly growing VFR (visiting friends & relatives). |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ~350K | Leisure + students. |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | ~310K | Steady inflows. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ~280K | Long-haul leisure & work-holiday visas. |
What Are the Most Visited Cities in Canada?
Canada’s urban centers are magnets for international visitors. Toronto stands at the top with over 5 million foreign arrivals, while Vancouver benefits from cruise tourism and access to the Rockies.
Montreal shines as a hub of festivals and French culture. Smaller cities like Quebec City and Halifax round out the list by offering unique cultural and historical experiences.
| City | International Visitors (2024 est.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | ~5.5M | CN Tower, multicultural hub. |
| Vancouver | ~3.8M | Gateway to Rockies & cruises. |
| Montreal | ~3.5M | Festivals, Old Port, French culture. |
| Calgary | ~1.6M | Calgary Stampede, Rockies gateway. |
| Ottawa | ~1.5M | Parliament Hill, museums. |
| Quebec City | ~1.2M | UNESCO-listed Old Town. |
| Niagara Falls (Ontario) | ~12M total visitors | Natural wonder, mostly US day-trippers. |
| Edmonton | ~900K | Festivals, West Edmonton Mall. |
| Halifax | ~600K | Maritime culture, cruise tourism. |
| Victoria | ~550K | Vancouver Island charm. |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Canada?
Canada’s attractions are a mix of natural wonders and urban landmarks.
Niagara Falls is the undisputed star with over 12 million visitors annually, while Banff National Park and the Rockies define Canada’s outdoor appeal.
At the same time, cultural icons like the CN Tower, Old Quebec, and the Royal Ontario Museum highlight the country’s history and diversity.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Niagara Falls | ~12M | Canada’s most famous attraction. |
| CN Tower (Toronto) | ~2M | Iconic skyscraper views. |
| Banff National Park | ~4.1M | Jewel of the Rockies. |
| Vancouver Stanley Park | ~8M | Urban nature icon. |
| Old Quebec (UNESCO) | ~2M | Historic French heritage. |
| Whistler Blackcomb | ~2.5M | Top ski resort. |
| Jasper National Park | ~2.3M | Wildlife & wilderness. |
| Canadian Museum of History (Ottawa) | ~1.2M | Popular museum. |
| Parliament Hill (Ottawa) | ~1.5M | Political & cultural landmark. |
| Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto) | ~1.3M | Canada’s most-visited museum. |
It raised the question: are we enriching local lives, or just counting heads? … That’s why we built the Tourism Wealth and Wellbeing Index. It’s our way of making sure tourism creates real value for Canadians, as well as enriching the lives of our guests.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Canada? (Seasonality)
Canada is truly a four-season destination:
| Season | Visitor Trends | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | High in ski resorts | Whistler, Banff, Quebec Winter Carnival. |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Moderate | Cherry blossoms in Vancouver, tulip festival in Ottawa. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak | National parks, city festivals, warm weather. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | High | Fall foliage, harvest festivals, Thanksgiving. |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Canada?
Events are one of Canada’s strongest tourism drivers, ranging from national celebrations like Canada Day to globally recognized festivals such as Montreal’s Jazz Festival and Toronto’s TIFF.
Regional highlights like the Calgary Stampede and Quebec Winter Carnival attract millions, reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a year-round destination.
| Event | Location | Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Day | Nationwide | Millions | July 1 celebrations. |
| Montreal International Jazz Festival | Montreal | ~2M | World’s largest jazz festival. |
| Calgary Stampede | Calgary | ~1.3M | Rodeo & western culture. |
| Quebec Winter Carnival | Quebec City | ~1M | Iconic winter festival. |
| Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) | Toronto | ~480K | Global cinema event. |
| Vancouver Celebration of Light | Vancouver | ~1.4M | Fireworks competition. |
| Ottawa Tulip Festival | Ottawa | ~650K | Dutch heritage celebration. |
| Pride Toronto | Toronto | ~1.5M | One of the largest Pride events worldwide. |
| Stratford Festival | Ontario | ~500K | Shakespeare theatre. |
| Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) | Toronto | ~1.4M | End-of-summer fair. |
How Does Tourism Impact Canada’s Economy?
- Tourism generated CAD $104 billion in 2024 (domestic + international).
- CAD $31 billion came from international visitors.
- Tourism supports over 700,000 jobs across the country.
- Canada ranks in the top 15 global destinations by international arrivals.
FAQ – Canada Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Canada each year?
In 2024, Canada welcomed 23.5 million international visitors, near its all-time high.
Which country sends the most visitors to Canada?
The United States, with ~15.2 million visitors.
What is the most visited city in Canada?
Toronto, followed by Vancouver and Montreal.
What is the most visited attraction?
Niagara Falls, with ~12 million annual visitors.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (June–August) for festivals and nature, and winter (December–February) for skiing and snow adventures.
How much do tourists spend?
International visitors spent CAD $31 billion in 2024, averaging about CAD $1,300 per trip.
Is Canada expensive for tourists?
Yes — especially in major cities and during peak summer or winter seasons, though rural destinations are more affordable.
Sources
- Statistics Canada (StatCan) — Frontier counts & international arrivals (monthly releases)
- Destination Canada — Research & Market Intelligence (Tourism Snapshot, outlooks)
- Destination Canada – RVC 2025 — Rendez-vous Canada 2025 (statements by Marsha Walden & industry leaders)
- Government of Canada — National Tourism Week statement (Minister of Tourism Soraya Martinez Ferrada)
- Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) — News & CEO messages (Beth Potter) and Tourism Congress updates
- WTTC – World Travel & Tourism Council — Economic Impact & country outlook: Canada (sector GDP, jobs)
- BDC – Business Development Bank of Canada — Outlook for Canada’s tourism economy in 2025 (analysis & expert commentary)
- Tourism Toronto (Destination Toronto) — Visitor statistics & market performance (Toronto)
- Destination Vancouver — Visitor volumes, accommodation & cruise reports (Vancouver)
- Tourisme Montréal — Annual reports & visitor statistics (Montréal)
- Niagara Parks — Visitation & annual reports (Niagara Falls)
- Parks Canada — Banff National Park visitation statistics
- CN Tower — Media centre & visitor figures
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