Destination Canada Aims for Global Top 7 Rank with Four New Tourism Corridors in 2024

Destination Canada is building on the success of its pilot Tourism Corridor Strategy Program by launching four new tourism corridors in 2024, designed to enhance the nation's tourism infrastructure. This initiative forms a crucial part of Destination Canada's bold 2030 Tourism Strategy, which aims to elevate Canada back into the top 7 global tourism destinations. By fostering cross-border collaboration between provincial and territorial tourism organizations, the program will create iconic travel experiences for visitors while boosting local economies across the country.

This corridor links existing bike routes in Ottawa, Cornwall, and Montreal while developing new paths in partnership with local communities. Cycle Ontario and Quebec will emphasize connecting local businesses, artisans, and Indigenous groups to ensure the benefits of tourism are widely shared. Year-round, bike-friendly routes will provide accessible opportunities for physical activity, mental wellness, and reduced environmental impact.

Cycling tourism continues to thrive in Canada, especially in Quebec, where Velo Quebec data reveals:

Located in one of the world’s largest agricultural regions, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are positioned to become global leaders in agritourism. This corridor, the first with a culinary focus, is supported by the Culinary Tourism Alliance and features major cities like Winnipeg, Brandon, Saskatoon, and Regina.

Visitors will enjoy farm-to-table experiences, Indigenous agritourism, and educational workshops that connect them to Canada’s agricultural heritage. Field to Fork also offers a unique opportunity for business travelers attending conventions to explore industrial processes and their societal and environmental impacts. According to Destination Canada's research, tasting local food and drink is the most desired travel activity among global travelers.

Connecting Edmonton, Alberta to the Northwest Territories, the Northern Sky Corridor celebrates the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Canada's north. As demand for Indigenous and northern experiences outpaces supply, this corridor aims to address gaps by developing new itineraries, forming transportation partnerships, and identifying infrastructure needs.

Destination Canada's Global Traveller Research shows that 67.7% of international visitors to Canada are highly interested in experiencing Indigenous cultural tourism.