One of the largest industries in Canada is the tourism industry. It is made up of many thousands of small and large businesses and is in turn, one of Canada's major employers and as well a major contributor to our national wealth. The businesses that compose the tourism industry are hotels, restaurants, travel businesses, recreation and entertainment, and arts and cultural businesses. Throughout Canada's environment and economy, there are many factors that contribute to the success of the tourism industry. They are Canada's abundant supply of natural resources, diverse cultural experiences and year round leisure activities. I feel that it is because of these factors that tourism can be identified as an exceedingly significant factor in the perseverence of the tertiary sector.

             The tertiary sector of the labour force is the vast range of services needed to support the primary and secondary sectors. It makes up approximately 70% of the labour force and contributes approximately 60% of Canada's Gross National Product. Within the tertiary sector are many of the businesses that make up the tourism industry such as transportation, as well as consumer services such as health care, mechanizing, and entertainment. .

             There are three different types of tourism within Canada. They are Adventure/outdoor and eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and heritage tourism. All of these types of tourism can be found throughout Canada and they all are a part of the tertiary sector. Adventure/outdoor and eco-tourism is the fastest growing and largest type of tourism in Canada. Our natural outdoor environment presents resources for hard and soft adventure tourism for generally enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Such activities as hiking, backpacking, climbing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, nature study, wildlife viewing, x-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and many more can be enjoyed throughout Canada's provinces and territories.