Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) released its first-ever Canada annual report as a part of the newly reimagined Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report. Camping and outdoor experiences in Canada have held an important place in outdoor hospitality, and this report shares consumer research and insights on how camping across Canada has evolved over the last decade and continues to grow.
The Canadian Camper
Key findings include:
- As of 2023, more than 10 million Canadian households identify themselves as campers and outdoor hospitality participants.
- Since 2014, the typical Canadian camper has skewed younger with 44% currently under 35, compared to just 28% of total campers a decade ago.
- In the last decade camping has seen a 54% increase in participation by people of color.
- Camping with children has become increasingly popular among younger Canadian residents. Since the inception of the report, Canadian campers who bring children along on camping trips has more than doubled.
“Our data shows that of the 16 million households in Canada, 65 percent of them camp. This demonstrates a love for the outdoors ingrained in many Canadian family lifestyle choices and values,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America. “This beloved tradition continues to attract both younger and more diverse campers, which surely aided in increasing year-over-year camper nights among Canadians.”
Canada is emerging as a popular camping destination, with key shifts and findings revealing that one-third of all U.S. campers surveyed are considering a trip to Canada, a rate significantly higher among millennials. However, notably, one in five U.S. campers do not have the proper credentials to travel to Canada.
Looking Ahead in 2024
Key findings include:
- Canadian campers reported their primary travel goals for 2024 include taking things at a slower pace (51%), experiencing the moment while at the same time allowing them to recharge (50%), having a variety of experiences (38%) and the ability to check off bucket list items (30%).
- New accommodation types are on the rise and 67% of Canadian campers are likely to make an accommodation switch in 2024.
- Key camper motivations are spending time in nature, food tourism and visiting small towns.
- Canadian campers expressed the benefits of camping tied to enhancing their well-being and sleep. Six out of 10 campers say that sleeping outdoors allows them to breathe fresh air.
READ THE REPORT HERE
ABOUT KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has been the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years. United under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” the company consists of two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. KOA, the world’s largest system of privately-owned, open-to-the-public campgrounds, consists of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. With unrivaled brand visibility, KOA also offers campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology. Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping venture, opened its first flagship property in Bar Harbor, Maine in 2020. Literally meaning ‘Love of Land,” the brand focuses on delivering a refined and upscale outdoor experience. For more information, visit KOA.com and TerramorOutdoorResort.com.
To learn more about joining the KOA Family of Campgrounds, contact us:
CALL US (406) 709-3536
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