Parks Canada Reports Record Visitation and $5.9B GDP Impact in 2025-26 — Parks Canada Agency

Event summary

Parks Canada welcomed 26.2 million visitors in 2025-26, a 45% increase in GDP contribution since 2023.
Visitors spent $6.5 billion in communities near national parks and historic sites, adding $5.9 billion to Canada's GDP.
The Canada Strong Pass, offering free admission and discounts, drove steady visitor growth and job creation.
Parks Canada's sites contributed $3.4 billion in labor income and $839 million in taxes to local communities.

The big picture

Parks Canada's record visitation and economic impact underscore the growing intersection of tourism, conservation, and public health. The Canada Strong Pass has proven a strategic tool in driving both visitor numbers and local economic benefits, positioning Parks Canada as a key player in Canada's environmental and economic resilience. The organization's ability to balance growth with conservation will be critical in sustaining long-term value.

What we're watching

Sustainable Growth: Whether Parks Canada can maintain visitor growth while preserving natural and cultural heritage sites.
Economic Leverage: How the Canada Strong Pass will continue to drive economic benefits for local communities.
Climate Resilience: The pace at which Parks Canada can expand conservation efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.