canada tourism

Canada just set a new record for the most tourists ever

Canada just experienced its third consecutive record-breaking year for tourism — and it isn't just because our country offers some really good poutine.

According to Statistics Canada, 22.1 million travellers visited Canada in 2019. Most tourists arrived in July and August, with January being the least popular month to visit.

Minister of Economic Development Mélanie Joly said, "This record number of arrivals shows once more that tourism is a strong and sustainable sector."

"By working together, we are inspiring travellers to visit more parts of the country in all four seasons, to experience Canada's diversity and inclusivity, to taste its culinary delicacies and to discover its Indigenous peoples."

Travellers primarily came to Canada from the United States, comprising almost 75 per cent of all tourists in 2019.

The United Kingdom, China, France, Mexico, Germany, Australia, India, Japan and South Korea also ranked in the top 10.

canada tourism

Destination Canada

So why the sudden influx of visitors?

Well, Destination Canada — the government's marketing branch — is running an impressive "signature experiences" campaign, where once-in-a-lifetime Canadian experiences are advertised to visitors across the world.

The list currently includes eating fondue on top of a mountain, sea kayaking with otters, and grooming horses with the RCMP.

Air Canada has also introduced a ton of new international flight routes in 2019, so it's more convenient than ever before for visitors from Australia and Europe to fly over.

Plus, the Government of Canada is maintaining renewed visa requirements for key markets, making it easier for more people to travel to Canada.

Hopefully Canada's tourism industry will continue to shatter records in the coming years.

Lead photo by

Paul Wasneski


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