Canada hits record $59B tourism boom in summer 2025

Canada's tourism sector achieved a record-breaking summer in 2025, with revenue between May and August reaching nearly $60 billion, according to Destination Canada. 

This strong performance, representing a six per cent year-over-year increase, was defined by robust demand that successfully spread economic benefits across the entire country.

The record revenue was driven by a strong base of Canadian travellers who chose to explore our country like never before, with the highest domestic growth coming from Canadians travelling outside of their home province.

Rising international interest also powered the record summer, particularly from overseas markets, where visitor spend surged 10 per cent. Overall, international visitors are spending more per trip, resulting in higher yield this summer, says Destination Canada. 

The Canadian tourism sector's total revenue between May and August 2025 was $59 billion, with $44.4B coming from Canadian travellers and $14.6 billion coming from international travellers.

Regional leaders emerge

Tourism in Canada delivered a national economic boost this summer.  

An impressive 89 per cent of Canadian regions reported year-over-year gains, underscoring how widespread the benefits of the tourism rebound have become, says Destination Canada. 

More than half of all regions (59 per cent) outperformed the average growth rate of Canada’s largest metropolitan areas, a clear sign that tourism activity — including international visitors — is spreading beyond traditional urban centres. Atlantic Canada was a standout, recording some of the strongest growth rates in the country and demonstrating the region’s growing appeal.

Domestic travel hits new highs

Canadians continued to explore their own country in record numbers, with domestic tourism spending up seven per cent year over year during summer 2025.

Notably, inter-provincial travel grew faster than trips within travellers’ home provinces, reflecting a growing appetite among Canadians to discover new destinations across the nation.

Accommodations break records

Canada’s accommodation industry enjoyed broad-based gains across both urban and rural destinations.

National hotel occupancy reached 80.7 per cent in August 2025, the highest level in more than a decade.

Both hotels and short-term rentals saw higher occupancy rates throughout the summer, even as available supply expanded — a clear indicator of robust travel demand.

Hotel revenue up

Hotel Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) increased 6.6 per cent nationally, driven by steady demand and rising visitor spending.

The strongest occupancy growth was seen in Manitoba, Vancouver Island, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, showcasing how the tourism boom extended far beyond major city hubs.

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