Camping in Canada has long been a popular outdoor activity and has grown in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article provides an overview of recent camping statistics in Canada, highlighting growth, participation rates, and demographic trends.
How many people go camping every year in Canada?
Over 6.3 million Canadian households (identified as campers) participated in camping in 2023.
- This marked a 29% increase from 4.9 million households in 2019 and a 7% decrease from the peak of 6.8 million active camping households in 2022.
How often do people go camping each year in Canada?
- While specific data for Canada is unavailable, in North America, where Canada is included, campers typically take 1 to 3 camping trips annually, spending an average of 6.7 nights per year camping.
How much do campers spend on their camping trips in Canada?
- Although exact figures for Canada are not available, in North America, campers spent an average of $156 per day during camping trips in 2023.
Camping Demographics: Who camps the most in Canada?
Younger age groups have shown significant growth in camping participation, with 44% of all campers in Canada in 2023 under 35 years old.
- Among them, 26% were aged 25 to 34, an increase from 18% in 2014.
- The share of campers aged 18 to 24 also rose to 18% in 2023, up from 10% in 2014.
Camping Preferences: Where Did People Camp the Most in Canada in 2023?
Privately owned campgrounds accounted for 31% of camping nights in Canada in 2023, making them the most popular choice among campers.
- Provincial park campgrounds were the next most popular, comprising 18% of camping nights, followed by national park campgrounds at 12%.
- Other locations included privately owned land at 20%, public land other than campgrounds at 4%, and backcountry or wilderness areas at 5%.
- The remaining 10% included camping in municipal campgrounds, state park campgrounds and street camping, such as in parking lots or roadside areas.
Learn more about the Best Camping Destination Globally.
What are the most popular types of camping in Canada?
Tent camping has consistently remained the most popular type of camping in Canada, with 3.01 million campers in 2023.
- RV camping attracted 1.43 million campers in 2023, a 20% decline from 1.79 million in 2022 and a 17% decrease from 1.72 million in 2021.
- Glamping or cabin stays reached 1.47 million participants in 2023, marking a 5% increase from 1.4 million in 2022 and a 145% rise from 596,000 in 2021. This indicated a growing interest in glamping and cabin stays as alternative camping options.
How popular is camping in Canada?
Camping in Canada has grown in popularity, especially in recent years as outdoor activities became more popular during the pandemic.
- In 2021, camping reached a peak, with over 1 million new Canadian households engaging in the activity (a 35% increase from 2020).
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Impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s Camping Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in camping activity in Canada.
- New camping households rose to 784,613 in 2020, more than triple the 195,038 households in 2019, marking a 302% increase.
- Growth continued in 2021, with new camping households reaching a peak of 1,058,976.
- The pandemic also influenced work habits, with 50% of Canadian campers in 2020 working remotely while camping. Although this percentage dropped to 28% in 2023, the trend shows a shift toward combining work and leisure time.
Camping Statistics by Country
- Camping Statistics in the USA
- Camping Statistics in Europe & the UK
- Camping Statistics in Australia
- Camping Trends
References
KOA: Camping Report in Canada