According to new data from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI)Canada's welfare economy is among the fastest growing in the world.
Between 2019 and 2023, the welfare market in the country grew by 7.3 %The sector is one of the top ten globally in terms of growth rate. In 2023, the sector will be worth USD 143.8 billion.
The latest GWI report breaks down the Canadian welfare economy into 11 sectors, providing a detailed picture of market composition and performance.
In 2023, Canada ranked eighth in the world in the wellness economy, exceeding its pre-pandemic valuation of $108.5 billion in 2019 by 33 %. As in many other countries, the market suffered a contraction during the pandemic, falling to $100.9bn in 2020. However, it has been recovering steadily, reaching $118.8bn in 2021 and $134.4bn in 2022.
Analysis of key sectors
The report The Global Wellness Economy: Canada details the main segments of the market, highlighting their size, growth rate and global ranking (out of 218 countries). Several sectors are among the top ten globally:
- Healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss: USD 25.84 billion (#9)
- Personal care and beauty: USD 25.48 billion (1Q5Q12)
- Physical activity: USD 24.46 billion (#8)
- Public health, prevention and personalised medicine: USD 19.47 billion (1TP5Q6)
- Welfare real estate: USD 13.33 billion (#8)
- Wellness tourism: USD 13.29 billion (1Q15Q14)
- Traditional and complementary medicine: USD 11.56 billion (#8)
- Mental well-being: USD 11.47 billion (#3)
- Spas: USD 2.41 billion (1Q15Q14)
- Well-being in the workplace: USD 1.93 billion (1TP5Q6)
- Thermal and mineral waters: USD 120 million (#36)
The 2025 report is available on the 2025 platform. Geography of Wellness The GWI, backed by an ongoing collaboration with Blueprint Global, a luxury real estate and hospitality company.
"We are delighted to continue working with Blueprint Global to showcase the wellness landscape in Canada", commented Susie Ellis, president and CEO of the GWI. "With its focus on wellness-led residential projects, Blueprint Global is an ideal partner to make this data accessible.
Robin Conners, CEO of Westwood 360 International, parent company of Blueprint Global, added: "The programme Geography of Wellness highlights the growing importance of Canada's wellness economy and its global competitiveness. Our wellness ecosystem is expanding rapidly and ranges from technology to traditional approaches.
Well-being in Canada
Canada's vast natural beauty, surrounded by the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans, offers Canadians multiple opportunities for wellness.
From national parks and hot springs to mountains and lakes, entrepreneurs and innovators contribute to a broad wellness ecosystem, providing unique activities and experiences with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
The GWI describes Canada as a country that integrates wellness principles as a fundamental part of living a long and healthy life. This is reflected in nature-centred designs, with an emphasis on green spaces, accessibility and community wellbeing, fostering holistic living environments.
To learn more about the welfare economy in Canada, visit the page Geography of Wellness on the GWI website.
