Report: The Economic Impact of Canada’s Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor recreation is more than a leisure activity—it’s a vital driver of Canada’s economy. According to a recent report by Protect Our Winters Canada called “Outdoor Recreation Economic Report 2024,” the sector contributes over $101 billion (yes, that’s a “B”) annually to the nation’s economy and supports more than 1 million jobs. It also has a direct connection to Canada’s natural resources, particularly for those in manufacturing and outdoor-related fields.
In this article, we explore the key insights from the report and focus on its connection to British Columbia, Canada’s main hub of outdoor recreation.
1. The Outdoor Recreation Economy by the Numbers
One of the most incredible stats to come out of the POW report is the fact outdoor recreation is a significant economic powerhouse, generating $101.6 billion annually. It rivals and, in most cases, surpasses other major Canadian industries such as agriculture ($66.9 billion), forestry ($97 billion), and oil and gas ($71.4–$139.2 billion).
This vast economic impact stems from diverse industries, including manufacturing, product design, retail, tourism, and sustainability, underlining the integral role of manufacturing in outdoor recreation.
2. Economic and Employment Opportunities
The second most interesting statistic from the report is the fact the outdoor recreation industry sustains 1,096,849 full-time equivalent jobs, making it one of Canada’s largest employers. It employs almost double the numbers of people involved in the Oil & Gas industry, three times more than Fisheries and 10 times more than Pharmaceuticals. The only industry that comes close is Forestry, which accounts for 830,000 jobs. The Outdoor Recreation sector is particularly vital in rural and Indigenous communities, helping these regions transition from resource-based industries to sustainable economic models. British Columbia stands out as a province where outdoor recreation not only supports livelihoods but also attracts workforce talent. In addition, communities with strong outdoor recreation infrastructure can see faster-growing wages and enhanced quality of life.
3. The Growth of Outdoor Recreation
According to the POW report, a growing number of Canadians are participating in outdoor recreation activities. In fact, 78% of the country’s population took part in an outdoor activity in 2021 compared to 75% a decade earlier. Even more telling is the fact 80% of Canadians want to see more public funding invested in parks and 9 in 10 residents of BC want increased government investment in outdoor recreation.
This public sentiment reflects the sector’s importance to both local identity and economic vitality and the highlighting of British Columbia proves it is at the forefront of Canada’s outdoor economy, not only in terms of its visitation and tourism but also as a hotspot for manufacturing outdoor equipment.
The report concluded that policy makers need to shift focus away from investing in resource-based economies, such as oil and gas, and “measure, monitor and invest in the economic and social benefits of outdoor recreation.” It also concluded that Canada’s lands and waters must be protected as the are the foundation of the outdoor recreation economy and “are crucial for future generations.”
To download and read the entire report, visit the Protect Our Winters website.
