Tourism saw a big boost this summer, helped in part by major international events like the G7 summit held in Kananaskis Country, Alberta. CBC
Tourism operators across Canada are celebrating a record-breaking summer. Between May and August 2025, tourists spent an incredible $59 billion, marking the highest summer total ever. The figure represents a six per cent jump from the same period last year, according to new data from Destination Canada.
Domestic tourism led the charge, as more Canadians chose to explore their own country instead of travelling abroad. Spending by local travellers rose seven per cent, showing a strong appetite for homegrown adventures. Meanwhile, international tourism remained robust, especially from overseas markets, which saw a 10 per cent boost compared to 2024.
The only drop came from U.S. visitors, whose spending fell slightly by 1.7 per cent. Still, the overall picture painted a bright future for Canada’s travel industry.
Travellers Rediscover Canada
Destination Canada officials said they began noticing a tourism surge early in the year. “We were seeing bookings growing from all of our target international markets and from Canadians who are looking to travel domestically,” said Joe Amati, senior executive director with the organization.
Amati added that the agency remains “cautiously optimistic” about maintaining that success into the next year. “Travellers still want to come to Canada and are telling us overwhelmingly they want to visit,” he said.
The strong summer season reflected how many Canadians opted for local adventures instead of international trips. From coast to coast, cities, small towns, and rural getaways all enjoyed the benefits of this tourism boom.
Hotels and Tour Operators Thrive
Canada’s hotels had one of their best summers in years. In August, national hotel occupancy reached 80.7 per cent, the highest level since 2014. Popular destinations such as Banff, Canmore, and Whistler saw packed bookings throughout the season.
In Canmore, Alberta, Andrew Shepherd, general manager of the Malcolm Hotel, said the Rocky Mountains drew both local and international travellers. “We get guests from around the world, and they’re in awe every minute that they’re here,” he said. Shepherd expects higher revenue this year compared to 2024.
Outdoor tourism also enjoyed a major boost. Brent Koinberg, owner of Crowsnest Adventures in southwest Alberta, said his guided ATV tours saw business soar. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “We had four times more tours than last year, and I already have families booked for next year too.” Roughly 40 per cent of his customers came from outside Canada.
Growth Across the Map
The growth wasn’t limited to one region. According to Destination Canada, 89 per cent of areas across the country reported increases in tourism revenue. Atlantic Canada, in particular, saw some of the strongest results, welcoming visitors eager to enjoy its beaches, seafood, and festivals.
The summer of 2025 proved that Canada remains one of the world’s most inviting travel destinations. Whether it’s the natural beauty of the Rockies, the culture of Quebec, or the charm of the Maritimes, travellers—both local and international—found something to love.
