Scope of Water-based Recreation
Table 1 shows that water-based recreation is very popular in Canada.
In a recent year (1996), more than a third of adult Canadians engaged
in these activities, with nearly 90 million trips and outings being
taken for them.
Table 1. Participation in Water-based Activities, 1996
Participation in Water-based Activities, 1996
| Total
days |
134 520 000 |
| Total
trips |
89
423 000 |
| Same-day |
59
239 000 |
| Overnight |
30
184 000 |
|
Source: Canada. Environment Canada. Recreation:
Importance of water for Tourism and Recreation in Canada. Ottawa,
2001.
The presence of water also greatly enhances activities such as
camping, sightseeing and nature photography. A significant portion
of the $12 billion that nature-based tourism and recreation contribute
to the Canadian economy results from activities that depend on clean
and abundant water. For example, nearly $2 billion results from
expenditures on recreational fishing, alone.
Canada's vast number of lakes and rivers encourages boating of
all kinds. Despite the seasonal limitations imposed by climate,
Canadians own more than twice as many boats per capita as do residents
of the United States. At present, outboard motorboats account for
roughly half of all watercraft in Canada, with canoes being another
20% of the total, and sailboats about 10%. An older form of boat,
the kayak, is regaining popularity in Canada.
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