Canada’s amusement and recreation businesses generated a record $18 billion in operating revenue in 2025, an 8.1 per cent increase from the previous year, as demand for fitness services, golf and skiing supported growth across the sector, according to Statistics Canada.
The growth was led by the other amusement and recreation industry group, which includes businesses outside amusement parks and arcades. Its operating revenue increased 8.5 per cent to $16.9 billion, while amusement parks and arcades recorded a 3.1 per cent increase to $1.1 billion.
The figures point to continued revenue growth across several recreational industries, although the performance of individual businesses remains influenced by factors such as operating expenses, participation levels and weather conditions.
Fitness centres report higher revenue and profitability
Fitness and recreational sports centres generated $6.1 billion in operating revenue in 2025, up 9.4 per cent from 2024. Statistics Canada attributed part of the increase to rising demand for fitness services, which also supported growth in the number of businesses operating in the industry.
The number of fitness and recreational sports centres operating in Canada with employees was 6.0 per cent higher in December 2025 than in the same month a year earlier.
Operating expenses increased 7.0 per cent to $5.4 billion during the year. Because expenses grew more slowly than revenue, the industry's operating profit margin rose to 12.7 per cent, marking the fifth consecutive annual increase.
Salaries, wages and benefits represented the largest share of operating expenses at 38.1 per cent. Rental and leasing costs accounted for 17.6 per cent, while amortization and depreciation represented another 7.0 per cent.
The figures suggest fitness operators were able to increase revenue while keeping expense growth below the pace of sales, contributing to improved operating margins.
Golf courses benefit from increased participation
Golf courses and country clubs also recorded higher revenues in 2025, continuing a period of growth that has followed the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased participation and sustained interest in the sport have supported the industry's expansion.
Golf participation in Canada was 36.4 per cent higher in 2025 than in 2019, while operating revenue across the industry increased 68.9 per cent over the same period.
Operating revenue for golf courses and country clubs reached a record $4.5 billion in 2025, an increase of 8.9 per cent from the previous year. Operating expenses rose 8.1 per cent to $4 billion, leaving the industry with an operating profit margin of 10.3 per cent.
Labour costs were a significant contributor to higher expenses. Salaries, wages and benefits increased 9.9 per cent to $1.7 billion, the largest dollar-value increase among expense categories.
The increase accounted for just over half, or 51.2 per cent, of the total rise in operating expenses for golf courses and country clubs.
Ski operators rebound after weaker season
Canada's ski industry returned to revenue growth during the 2024-25 season following a weaker 2023-24 season, when poor snow conditions affected operators.
According to the Canadian Ski Council, skier visits across the country increased to 19.5 million during the 2024-25 season, compared with 17.9 million in the previous season.
Higher participation and more favourable operating conditions contributed to a 12.7 per cent increase in ski facility operating revenue, which reached $1.6 billion in 2025.
Quebec and British Columbia recorded the largest dollar-value revenue increases, at $59.2 million and $54.2 million, respectively.
Operating expenses for ski facilities increased 8.4 per cent to $1.4 billion nationally. Despite the higher costs, the industry's operating profit margin widened to 14.3 per cent.
Salaries, wages and benefits rose 11.3 per cent to $606.9 million, reflecting another significant expense increase for operators.
Weather and tourism could influence 2026 performance
Looking ahead, Statistics Canada identified weather volatility as a potential challenge for outdoor recreational businesses in 2026, including golf courses, amusement parks and ski hills.
Changing weather conditions could affect operating activity at facilities that depend on favourable outdoor conditions, potentially influencing revenue and business performance.
However, stronger tourism activity could provide support for the amusement and recreation subsector. International visitors contributed to growth in Canadian tourism spending during the second quarter of 2026.
Tourism expenditures on recreation and entertainment during the first two quarters of 2026 were 2.9 per cent higher than during the same period in 2025.
The combination of weather-related uncertainty and increased tourism spending will be among the factors shaping the performance of Canada's amusement and recreation businesses in 2026.