By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Toronto’s tourism industry experienced a record-breaking year in 2025, welcoming 28.2 million visitors and generating $9.1 billion in direct spending, a 4% increase from the previous year. The growth was driven by a significant surge in international arrivals, particularly from the UK and Germany, while domestic travel within Canada also increased. Meetings and conventions saw a substantial rebound, with a 51% increase in events, leading to a substantial economic impact. Looking ahead, Toronto is poised for continued growth in 2026 as it prepares to host the FIFA World Cup matches and several major conferences.
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Toronto tourism hits record 28.2 million visitors in 2025, fuelling $13.5B economic boost, and wow, that’s a seriously impressive number! Thinking about it, if you factor in Canada’s population of roughly 41.7 million, that means Toronto hosted a visitor count equivalent to about 67% of the entire country’s population. That’s a huge endorsement for a single city.
Having been to Toronto myself several years ago, it’s easy to see why. It’s a cool city, and it’s great to see it getting the recognition it deserves. Sure, some might joke about the traffic on the 401, but overall it’s a fantastic place to be. As someone who travels quite a bit, both for work and leisure, it’s a city I’d happily call home.
There’s no doubt that Toronto is a gateway to so many other attractions. You can hop in a car and be in Niagara Falls and its surrounding wine region, or hit the beaches and vineyards of Prince Edward County. Plus, it’s super easy to jump on a train and explore Ottawa, Montreal, or Quebec. This makes it an ideal spot for tourists, especially those looking to experience a wide range of Canadian highlights in one trip.
From what I gather, it seems a lot of the boost in tourism is coming from Canadians themselves. It seems many Canadians are choosing to travel within their own country. This is great for the Canadian economy, and really, the same phenomenon seems to be boosting tourism across the country, with places like British Columbia also seeing a surge.
Of course, a good chunk of the visitors are also coming from outside of Canada. There’s a noticeable increase in tourists from Europe, Mexico, and Asia, which is certainly a positive sign. While the numbers are impressive, it’s worth noting that only 37% of the visitors are international.
That being said, the overall economic impact is huge. The $13.5 billion economic boost is nothing to sneeze at. This revenue stream will no doubt benefit countless businesses and contribute significantly to the city’s overall prosperity.
It’s clear that Toronto has a lot to offer. The city’s diverse culinary scene gets a lot of praise, with some calling it one of the best food cities in the world. Plus, there are gems like the Toronto Islands, which are considered a must-see. And let’s not forget the famous peameal bacon sandwich – definitely worth a trip in itself!
While some express concerns about certain aspects of the city, like its public transport, the overwhelming consensus is positive. The fact that repeat visitors are common is also a testament to the city’s appeal. When compared to a city like New York, with its 65 million visitors in 2025, Toronto’s numbers are still strong.
There is definitely something special about Toronto. It’s a modern and comfortable place with a good vibe. Regardless of where the visitors are coming from, the city is benefiting from a huge tourism boom, solidifying its place as a major global destination. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.