An aerial view of the Tablelands waterfall in Gros Morne National Park/Barrett & MacKay Photo, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Parks Canada administers 224 protected places that are close to 600 neighbouring communities and include some of the world’s most iconic tourism destinations, like Banff National Park and Gros Morne National Park.

These national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas attract more than 21 million visitors a year who connect with, and learn from, Parks Canada team members and tourism operators and contribute significantly to local economies.

To support its role in providing meaningful experiences to visitors, Parks Canada collaborates with tourism partners, including Indigenous peoples, local partners, businesses, service providers and industry leaders.

It has recently signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Destination Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) to collaborate and support a sustainable and resilient tourism sector and offer people meaningful opportunities to connect with nature and culture.

“Canada is world-renowned for the beauty of its wide-open space, awe-inspiring parks, marine life and majestic wildlife,” Destination Canada President/CEO Marsha Walden said in a news release. “As an industry, we must help protect our greatest tourism assets. This collaboration with Parks Canada is another step towards building a more resilient and regenerative future for tourism. We truly believe that tourism can only flourish in the long-term when supported by a healthy environment and welcoming communities. When tourism thrives, we all thrive."

Visitors want more sustainable tourism experiences and to support destinations that provide meaningful social, economic and ecological benefits to local communities, pointed out Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.

Moraine Lake is in Banff National Park in Alberta, one of Canada's iconic mountain parks/Parks Canada

Before the global pandemic that began in 2020, tourism generated $102 billion ($75 billion USD) in economic activity and 1.8 million jobs every year. Tourism is an important economic driver, particularly in rural and remote areas, where 56 per cent of Canada’s tourism jobs are located.

Destination Canada is a Crown corporation owned by the federal government that promotes the country as a four-season leisure and business tourism destination to domestic and international markets in Canada, the United State, Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

TIAC’s mission is to be the voice of Canada's tourism industry and improve its global competitiveness as an international destination through leadership and advocacy. Its MOU with Parks Canada will support the development, renewal and promotion of responsible tourism products, including visitor experiences at Parks Canada-administered places, associated regional tourism offers, and Indigenous tourism products.

“Domestic and international travelers alike are seeking authentic experiences, unique activities and a deeper connection to community and culture, especially Indigenous cultures and traditions,” said Parks Canada President/CEO Ron Hallman.