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Booming Ecotourism in Canada

  • Writer: Christian Poole
    Christian Poole
  • Jun 10
  • 2 min read

Canadian travellers now stay closer to home and choose nature. According to the 2024 Blue Cross Travel Study, Canadians took over 344 million trips last year, and nearly 86% stayed within the country. Not surprisingly, interest in staying in Canada is more popular this year, and ecotourism continues to rise. Now, 82% of Canadians express a desire to explore nature responsibly.

ecotourism sign wooden

For a more in-depth look, check out Ecotourism in Canada: What is It and Why Does It Matter? by Summer Rylander.


What Is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism focuses on exploring natural environments while minimizing environmental impact. But it goes beyond that. According to UN Tourism, true ecotourism must:


  • Educate travellers about ecosystems and culture

  • Support conservation and biodiversity

  • Direct economic benefits to local communities

a person with binoculars in the forest

Canada offers all of this without leaving the country. From polar bear viewing in Manitoba to whale watching in Nova Scotia, travellers can access world-class eco-adventures without crossing a border. 


Indigenous Knowledge Makes Ecotourism in Canada More Meaningful

Canada’s Indigenous peoples, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, have stewarded the land for generations. Their traditions and knowledge bring a deeper, more respectful perspective to eco-travel.


  • Parks Canada now works directly with Indigenous communities to protect ecosystems.

  • The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) promotes authentic Indigenous-owned experiences, from cultural tours to eco-lodges.

  • According to Deloitte, 54% of Canadians want to include Indigenous activities in their travel plans.

indigenous group dancing

By choosing Indigenous-led experiences, travellers can support reconciliation and gain insight into the spiritual and cultural value of the land.


Why Ecotourism Helps More Than the Environment

Ecotourism offers major environmental and economic benefits:


  • It relies on low-impact activities like hiking, paddling, and nature tours.

  • It encourages longer stays and higher spending in rural areas, benefiting local economies.

  • According to Market.US, eco-travellers spend 10–25% more per trip, often because they choose locally guided tours and eco-conscious accommodations.

kayaking on Canadian lake

So, when you pick a backcountry trail over a cruise, you support both sustainability and small business.


The Challenges: Greenwashing and Overtourism

Even the most eco-friendly trip can cause harm if travellers don’t choose carefully.


  • Greenwashing happens when companies pretend to be eco-conscious without real accountability. Look for transparency and proof of sustainable practices.

  • Overtourism strains fragile ecosystems. For example, Banff National Park now faces crowding, wildlife disruption, and trail erosion due to over 4 million annual visitors.


Solution: Seek lesser-known destinations and experiences that truly protect the environment.


Where to Go for a Genuine Ecotourism Experience

Looking for ideas? These Canadian destinations deliver on natural beauty and sustainability:


  • Grasslands National Park, SK – Hike prairies and see bison roam

  • Manitoulin Island, ON – Explore Indigenous culture and nature

  • Bay of Fundy, NB – Spot whales and walk ocean-floor trails

  • Torngat Mountains, NL – Trek remote mountains with Inuit guides

  • Wanuskewin, SK – Learn about Plains Cree history and watch bison rewilding


Ecotourism in Canada offers more than scenic views. It creates connection, supports Indigenous communities, and protects the planet. With the right choices, travellers can enjoy unforgettable experiences while giving back to the land they explore.


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