Canada’s outdoor recreation industry has emerged as a significant economic force, contributing over $101.6 billion annually and supporting more than 1 million full-time jobs.
A national report combining data from 23 outdoor recreation activities has highlighted the sector’s massive economic impact. Activities such as fishing, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling not only foster healthier communities but also drive economic growth across the country.
“Outdoor recreation contributes more to GDP than mining, oil and gas extraction, and telecommunications,” said POW Canada’s Executive Director, David Erb. “Yet it continues to be excluded from formal economic sector designations at the federal level.”
A Sector Hidden in Plain Sight
Despite its significant contributions, outdoor recreation is not officially recognized as a standalone industry in Canadian economic policy. This lack of formal recognition means its true size and potential are often overlooked in federal planning.
In 2021, Canada’s outdoor recreation economy supported over 1.09 million full-time equivalent jobs, surpassing employment in industries such as pharmaceuticals and telecommunications.
The sector also delivers significant public health benefits. Engagement in outdoor activities has been shown to reduce physical inactivity, stress, and long-term healthcare costs, with potential annual savings estimated between $3.9 billion and $23 billion.
What Counts as “Outdoor Recreation”?
The report defines outdoor recreation broadly, encompassing activities such as:
- Fishing and hunting
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Camping and hiking
- ATVing and snowmobiling
- Trail running and cycling
- Rock climbing and surfing
These activities contribute to personal wellbeing and generate downstream economic activity in tourism, gear, hospitality, and infrastructure.
The Call for Recognition
As one of the country’s largest yet most under-acknowledged economic engines, the outdoor recreation community is now calling for federal action. Advocates are pushing for:
- Formal sector designation in Statistics Canada
- Policy recognition in climate, land-use, and economic strategies
- Sustainable funding for outdoor infrastructure and conservation
“The fact that this industry is not tracked and prioritized alongside other major economic drivers is a missed opportunity,” said Erb. “Canada is an outdoor nation — it’s time our economy reflected that.”
Sources:
- Protect Our Winters Canada: The Outdoor Economy Report (2024)
- Statistics Canada: Outdoor recreation data portal
- Canadian Parks and Recreation Association: The Health and Economic Benefits of Outdoor Recreation
- Related reading on Fish’n Canada: Why Nature Builds Confident Kids, The Rise of Canadian Kayak Angling, Outdoor Access Issues
