Canada's Amusement Sector Earns $18.0 Billion

Amusement and recreation businesses across Canada grew revenue 8.1% in 2025, led by fitness centres and golf courses.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Canada

Canada's Amusement Sector Earns $18.0 Billion

Live Poll

Do you plan to spend more on recreation or leisure activities this year?

Canada's amusement and recreation subsector earned $18.0 billion in 2025, up 8.1% from 2024. Fitness and recreational sports centres and golf courses posted strong gains, with golf reaching a record $4.5 billion in operating revenues.

Why it matters

The growth reflects rising demand for fitness services and renewed participation in recreational sports across the country. Stronger tourism activity may continue to support the subsector, while weather volatility in 2026 could weigh on outdoor facilities.

Statistics Canada operating revenue data shows the subsector earned $18.0 billion in 2025, with fitness centres at $6.1 billion and golf courses at a record $4.5 billion. The full effect of 2026 weather volatility on outdoor facilities is not yet captured in the figures.

The players

Statistics Canada

Canada's national statistical agency, which publishes the annual operating revenue and expense data for the amusement and recreation subsector.

The details

Other amusement and recreation industries grew 8.5% to $16.9 billion, while fitness centre operating expenses rose 7.0% to $5.4 billion, leaving a 12.7% operating profit margin. Ski facilities recorded 19.5 million skier visits in the 2024/2025 season, with Quebec and British Columbia posting the largest ski revenue increases.

The 2024/2025 ski season recorded 19.5 million skier visits across Canada.
Calendar year 2025 saw the subsector earn $18.0 billion in operating revenue.
In December 2025, the fitness centre count rose 6.0% year over year.
The first two quarters of 2026 saw recreation and entertainment tourism spending rise 2.9%.

Seasonal Patterns

The 8.1% revenue gain extends the recovery tracked in Statistics Canada's annual amusement and recreation operating revenue series. Weather-driven swings in ski visits and outdoor play remain the main seasonal variable for this subsector.

Travellers planning winter or outdoor trips in Canada can expect ski and golf facilities to be operating at higher capacity given record revenues. Booking early may help secure tee times and lift passes during peak seasons.

The takeaway

Canada's recreation sector is growing as Canadians spend more on fitness and outdoor activities. Travellers can benefit from planning ahead as demand keeps rising.