What's new in Canada for 2025
Every year reshapes Canada in small and large ways — new attractions open, policies change, festivals return or debut, and the ongoing development of the country’s tourism infrastructure produces options that didn’t exist a year before. For anyone planning a Canada trip in 2025, or adjusting plans made before these changes, here’s a clear-eyed look at what’s actually new and worth knowing about.
Entry requirements: what changed going into 2025
Canada’s eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) requirement remains in place for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada. The eTA costs CAD $7 and is linked to your passport; it’s valid for five years or until your passport expires. Apply at the official IRCC website before travel — there are many fraudulent third-party sites charging inflated fees for this service.
The ArriveCAN app, which was mandatory during and immediately after the COVID period, is no longer required for entry to Canada. Border crossings and airport arrivals have returned to pre-pandemic procedures. Travellers should carry standard documentation: valid passport, return travel evidence, proof of accommodation if required.
US citizens crossing by land retain their existing arrangements, though border wait times at major crossings (particularly in summer) can be significant. The NEXUS trusted traveller program expedites crossing for frequent Canada-US travellers and is worth the application effort for anyone crossing regularly.
Parks Canada updates for 2025
Parks Canada has been investing heavily in visitor infrastructure across the national parks system, and several significant projects completed ahead of the 2025 season.
The reservation system for popular national parks continues to evolve. If you’re planning to camp in Banff, Jasper, or other high-demand parks, the reservation window opens in January for the summer season — high-demand dates sell out within hours. Register an account on the Parks Canada reservation system before the window opens.
The Moraine Lake shuttle system has been revised again for 2025 following ongoing access management discussions. The shuttle model — replacing private vehicle access to Moraine Lake in summer months — is now well established, but booking details and routes sometimes change. Check the current Parks Canada guidance before planning your visit. Guided tours to Moraine Lake provide access that sidesteps some of the individual booking complexity.
The Jasper National Park recovery process following the 2024 wildfire — which burned significant portions of the townsite and surrounding forest — is ongoing. The town of Jasper has reopened and is welcoming visitors, but some trails and facilities remain affected. Check Parks Canada’s Jasper fire recovery page for current access conditions before planning.
New and expanded experiences
Indigenous tourism growth: Canada’s Indigenous tourism sector continues to expand significantly. New experiences in 2025 include several new operator-led cultural programs in BC, Ontario, and the territories. Indigenous Tourism BC and Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada maintain updated listings. This is one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most culturally significant travel sectors.
Urban developments: Toronto’s waterfront continues to evolve with the Port Lands development — the largest urban flood-protection and park project in North America — with new park areas and public spaces opening in phases. The Ontario Science Centre relocated from its original North York building to the Ontario Place waterfront site, a process that generated significant political controversy but produced a new waterfront cultural facility.
Rocky Mountaineer expansion: The luxury train operator Rocky Mountaineer expanded its Rockies to the Red Rocks route (connecting Calgary to Denver via the Canadian Rockies and Colorado) and continues to develop its scheduling and package options for 2025. The original Vancouver-Banff-Jasper routes remain the flagship.
Vancouver accommodation: Several new hotels opened in Vancouver ahead of the 2025 season, adding options in the downtown core. Vancouver remains one of Canada’s most expensive cities for accommodation; new supply has moderated some of the peak-season pricing pressure.
Major events and festivals 2025
Calgary Stampede (July 4-13, 2025): The world’s largest outdoor rodeo returns for its annual ten days of chuckwagon racing, rodeo events, concerts, and the famous midway. If you’re in Calgary in July, the Stampede is unmissable as a cultural experience. Book accommodation months in advance.
Montreal Jazz Festival (late June/early July): One of the world’s largest jazz festivals, centred on the Place des Arts outdoor stages in downtown Montreal. Many shows are free; headliner concerts require tickets that sell quickly.
Winterlude (Ottawa, February): The annual winter festival centred on the UNESCO-recognised Rideau Canal Skateway continues. When conditions allow, the canal becomes the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink (7.8 km). Ice sculptures, outdoor concerts, and skating in -15°C are all part of the package.
Edmonton Folk Music Festival (August): One of North America’s best folk festivals in terms of lineup quality and site experience. Gallagher Park on the North Saskatchewan River is a genuinely pleasant festival site.
Quebec Winter Carnival (late January/early February): The world’s largest winter carnival, centred in Quebec City, featuring ice palaces, night parades, and the iconic Bonhomme mascot. The 2025 edition marks a milestone anniversary with expanded programming.
Travel cost trends for 2025
Canada travel costs have been elevated since 2022 as post-pandemic demand combined with increased operating costs across the hospitality and transport sectors. Some moderation was visible going into 2025:
Flights: International airfares to Canada’s major airports (Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal) have stabilised somewhat from 2023 peaks. Early booking (three to six months for peak season) continues to produce better pricing than last-minute purchases.
Accommodation: Urban hotel rates remain high in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. National park accommodation (especially Parks Canada campgrounds and the few lodges within park boundaries) is often the best value in the country, but must be booked months in advance.
The Canadian dollar: The CAD/USD and CAD/EUR rates have remained relatively consistent, with the Canadian dollar trading at a discount that benefits visitors paying in stronger currencies. Check the current rate before budgeting.
Outdoor recreation updates
Wildfire smoke has been an increasingly relevant factor in Canadian outdoor travel, particularly in BC and Alberta. The 2024 fire season was significant, and while individual fire seasons are unpredictable, summer visitors to BC and Alberta should be aware that smoke conditions can reduce visibility and air quality in ways that affect hiking, photography, and general enjoyment. Monitor the BC Wildfire Service and Alberta Wildfire websites for current conditions.
The Parks Canada reservation system for backcountry permits and campsites remains competitive for high-demand routes. The Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park, the Skyline Trail in Jasper, and the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park all sell out within minutes of reservations opening. If these are on your list, set calendar reminders for the reservation opening dates.
Final thoughts
Canada in 2025 is navigating the continued recovery of its tourism sector, the ongoing development of access management systems for overwhelmed natural sites, and the maturation of new offerings in Indigenous tourism and urban culture. The country remains one of the world’s most rewarding long-haul destinations — the scale, the variety, and the quality of the experience across different regions is genuinely world-class.
The key planning advice remains consistent: book early for anything involving popular national parks in summer, watch for wildfire conditions in BC and Alberta, and be aware that the Indigenous tourism sector is producing some of Canada’s most meaningful travel experiences right now.
Frequently asked questions about What’s new in Canada for 2025
Do I still need ArriveCAN to enter Canada?
No. The ArriveCAN app is no longer required for entry to Canada. Standard documentation (valid passport, eTA for visa-exempt visitors arriving by air) applies.
Are the Jasper fire areas safe to visit in 2025?
The town of Jasper has reopened and is welcoming visitors. Some trails and backcountry areas remain closed or have modified access while recovery continues. Check Parks Canada’s Jasper fire recovery page for current closure information before planning your itinerary.
When do Parks Canada campsite reservations open?
The reservation window for most national park campgrounds opens in January for the following summer season. High-demand sites (popular Banff and Jasper campgrounds, Berg Lake in BC) sell out within minutes of opening. Create your Parks Canada account before the window opens and be ready at the exact release time.
Has Canada’s entry tax or exit tax changed?
Canada levies an Goods and Services Tax (GST) and various provincial taxes. There is no specific entry or exit tax for tourists. The Air Travellers Security Charge is included in airline ticket prices. Duty-free allowances for returning Canadians have specific limits; international visitors do not pay duties on goods they bring into Canada for personal use.