Statistics highlight record visitation, economic growth, and wide-ranging benefits for communities and conservation across the country
As cornerstones of Canada's tourism industry, Parks Canada administered places provide visitors with high quality and meaningful visitor experiences and support tourism in communities across the country.
Parks Canada welcomed 26.2 million visitors in 2025-26 from over 100 countries to enjoy some of Canada's most memorable tourism experiences in some of the world's most iconic natural and cultural heritage destinations. Further, visitors to Parks Canada administered places spent $6.5 billion in communities located in or near national parks and national historic sites, resulting in a direct contribution of $5.9 billion to Canada's GDP, which represents $16 million every day in communities across the country. This is an increase of 45% since 2023.
This success can be credited in part to the Canada Strong Pass which provides free admission to Parks Canada administered places, as well as a 25% discount on camping and roofed accommodations. Parks Canada has seen a steady increase of visitors over the last several years, allowing for the development of new and innovative programs and services that enable more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience the outdoors and learn about the environment and history.
Beyond their iconic landscapes and historical significance, Parks Canada administered places are powerful economic engines-driving local prosperity, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, and enriching urban, rural and northern communities across the country. Parks Canada has created approximately 59,000 fulltime jobs, adding $3.4 billion in labour income, and adding $839 million in taxes back into communities.
Parks Canada administered sites also boost physical and mental health - keeping Canadians healthy and saving an estimated $30 million annually in healthcare costs.
Parks Canada's focus on protection and conservation helps protect Canadians from climate change. Canada's protected and conserved areas store approximately 51,400 gigatonnes of carbon, with an estimated societal value of over $51 trillion in avoided climate damages using the federal social cost of carbon. Additionally, ecosystem services in Parks Canada places like climate regulation, nutrient cycling, waste treatment, and pest and disease control, among others, can be worth $372 billion annually.
Together, these results highlight the enduring value of Parks Canada administered places, not only as destinations of exceptional wonder and meaning, but as vital contributors to Canada's economic strength, environmental resilience, and collective well-being. As more people continue to discover and connect with these extraordinary places, Parks Canada remains committed to protecting them while fostering sustainable growth and memorable experiences for generations to come.
