Canada Agritourism Market Overview, 2029

Agritourism in Canada represents a burgeoning sector that merges agriculture with tourism. It encompasses a wide range of experiences, from farm stays and culinary tours to agricultural workshops and festivals. This industry offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with rural life, understand sustainable farming practices, and savor local produce. As a growing segment of the tourism industry, Agritourism contributes to rural economies, supports farmers, and promotes regional food systems. With a growing desire for authentic experiences and connection to the source of food, Agritourism is emerging as a significant driver of economic diversification within Canada's agricultural sector. This trend is particularly relevant in British Columbia. British Columbia boasts a diverse agricultural landscape, from sprawling vineyards and U-pick fruit farms to working ranches and oceanfront aquaculture operations. This variety positions the province to cater to a wide range of tourist interests, encompassing educational farm tours, hands-on workshops, on-farm accommodation, and unique culinary experiences that showcase local agricultural products. According to the research report "Canada Agritourism Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Canadian Agritourism market is projected to add more than 100 Million USD from 2024 to 2029. One of the main drivers of Agritourism in Canada is the increasing interest in where food comes from. People are becoming more conscious about the food they eat and want to connect with the farmers who produce it. Farm-to-table dining, which highlights locally sourced ingredients, has gained popularity, attracting food enthusiasts to agricultural regions. Additionally, the growing urban population, often disconnected from agriculture, seeks authentic rural experiences, providing a market for farm stays, agricultural festivals, and educational tours. Canada’s natural beauty also plays a crucial role in driving agricultural tourism. The country’s stunning landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and forests, create an attractive backdrop for farm visits. Many farms offer outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, appealing to adventure-seeking tourists. Moreover, the growing trend of sustainable tourism aligns well with the values of many farms, which often prioritize environmental stewardship and animal welfare. One significant hurdle is the seasonal nature of agriculture. Many farm activities are tied to specific times of the year, limiting the tourism season. To overcome this, farms need to diversify their offerings to attract visitors year-round. Another challenge is the competition from other tourism sectors, such as adventure tourism and cultural tourism. Agritourism needs to differentiate itself to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Furthermore, the high cost of farm operation and the need for specialized skills can be barriers to entry for new Agritourism businesses. Many farmers lack the business expertise required to successfully operate a tourism venture. To address this, there is a need for education and training programs to equip farmers with the necessary skills.

One key segmentation is based on visitor activities. On-farm sales, for instance, target consumers seeking fresh, local produce, artisanal food products, or unique agricultural goods directly from the source. This segment often appeals to health-conscious individuals, foodies, and those interested in supporting local economies. Accommodations on farms, such as farm stays or bed and breakfasts, cater to travelers desiring immersive rural experiences, relaxation, and a connection with nature. This segment includes families, couples, and solo adventurers seeking a tranquil escape. Entertainment-focused Agritourism provides opportunities for fun and leisure, with activities like farm festivals, corn mazes, hayrides, and live shows. This segment targets a broad audience, including families, young adults, and groups seeking entertainment and outdoor experiences. Educational tourism focuses on learning about agriculture, food production, and rural life. This segment appeals to students, teachers, and adults interested in sustainability, food systems, and rural heritage. Outdoor recreation on farms, such as hiking, biking, fishing, or horseback riding, attracts adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. This segment often overlaps with other segments, as many visitors combine outdoor activities with other farm-based experiences. Travel agents, with their expertise and networks, play a significant role in packaging and selling Agritourism experiences to both domestic and international visitors. These agents often cater to groups, offering curated itineraries that include farm stays, culinary experiences, and agricultural demonstrations. On the other hand, direct sales involve farmers and agricultural businesses selling their products and experiences independently. This channel is more common for smaller, niche offerings such as farm-to-table dining, agritainment activities, or specialized workshops. While direct sales can foster a more personal connection with visitors, it often requires significant marketing and sales efforts. The balance between travel agent distribution and direct sales varies depending on the size and nature of the Agritourism business, with many operators utilizing a hybrid approach to reach a wider audience. The Canadian Agritourism market can also be segmented based on the type of tour offered. Group tours, characterized by multiple participants sharing a common itinerary, are often organized by travel agents or tour operators. These tours typically cater to a broader market, including families, seniors, and international visitors seeking a structured and convenient experience. Group tours often involve scheduled visits to multiple farms, wineries, or food producers, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's agricultural offerings. In contrast, individual travel allows visitors to create their own itineraries and explore agricultural destinations at their own pace. This segment appeals to independent travelers, foodies, and those with specific interests, such as winemaking or cheese production. Individual travelers often seek authentic and immersive experiences, opting for farm stays, culinary workshops, or volunteer opportunities. While group tours generate higher revenue per booking, individual travelers tend to have higher spending power and are more likely to engage in additional activities beyond the core agricultural experience. Considered in this report • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029 Aspects covered in this report • Agritourism market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Activity • On-farm Sales • Accommodations • Entertainment • Educational Tourism • Outdoor Recreation • Others By Sales Channel • Travel Agents • Direct Sales

By Tour • Group • Individual Travel ? The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Agritourism industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry. Considered in this report • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029 Aspects covered in this report • Agritourism market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Activity • On-farm Sales • Accommodations • Entertainment • Educational Tourism • Outdoor Recreation • Others By Sales Channel • Travel Agents • Direct Sales By Tour • Group • Individual Travel ? The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Agritourism industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.