Norway & Canada C$3.8B Trade & Toronto-Oslo Flights 2027

[OTTAWA, Oct 29, 2026] — A surging bilateral commercial alliance valued at C$3.8 billion ($2.75 billion) between Canada and Norway is set to transform transatlantic tourism and corporate travel, anchored by Air Canada’s scheduled launch of direct non-stop flights between Toronto and Oslo aboard the Airbus A321XLR in June 2027.

[!NOTE] Bilateral Corridor Overview: Driven by C$3.8 billion in bilateral merchandise trade in 2025—including C$1.377 billion in Canadian critical mineral exports—Canada and Norway are leveraging modernized diplomatic and trade ties under the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to open new visitor markets. Air Canada will introduce four weekly non-stop flights connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Oslo Airport (OSL) on June 3, 2027, deploying its new 182-seat Airbus A321XLR aircraft to serve growing leisure and business travel demand.

CANADA-NORWAY ECONOMIC & TOURISM CORRIDOR ARCHITECTURE

Column 1
[ BILATERAL MERCHANDISE TRADE ENGINE (2025): C$3.8 BILLION ]
- Canadian Exports to Norway: ~C$2.3 Billion (Nickel, copper, mineral fuels, tech)
- Canadian Imports from Norway: ~C$1.6 Billion (Industrial machinery, maritime tech)
- Critical Minerals Axis: C$1.377 Billion exported to Norwegian refining facilities
v
[ DIPLOMATIC & INSTITUTIONAL CATALYST: EFTA MODERNISATION (2026) ]
- Expanding 2009 Free Trade Agreement beyond raw goods into services & investment
- Deepening scientific alliances: AI, space exploration, satellite tech & clean energy
v
[ PHYSICAL AVIATION BRIDGE (LAUNCHING 3 JUNE 2027) ]
Air Canada Direct Non-Stop Service: Toronto Pearson (YYZ) <======> Oslo Airport (OSL)
- Frequency: 4 Weekly Flights during summer and autumn operating seasons

Economic Foundations: The C$3.8 Billion Bilateral Trade Framework

The commercial relationship between Canada and Norway has expanded beyond traditional resource extraction into an integrated industrial and technological partnership. In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade between the two northern nations reached approximately C$3.8 billion ($2.75 billion). Canadian exports to Norway totaled roughly C$2.3 billion, while imports from Norway stood at approximately C$1.6 billion.

Norway serves as an essential Nordic trading partner for Canada, with bilateral exchanges conducted under the Canada–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Free Trade Agreement, which has governed commercial relations since entering into force in July 2009.

This commercial foundation provides stability for the wider visitor economy. High-value trade flows naturally generate demand for corporate travel, corporate site inspections, and academic symposiums. As companies in both nations invest across complementary industrial sectors, corporate travel budgets expand, creating direct revenue streams for international airlines, airport hubs, boutique business hotels, and regional ground operators.

CANADA-NORWAY TRADE BALANCE BREAKDOWN (2025)

Column 1
TOTAL BILATERAL MERCHANDISE TRADE: C$3.8 BILLION
CANADIAN EXPORTS TO NORWAY (~C$2.3B):
[=======================================================] C$2.3 Billion (60.5%)
- Primary Goods: Refined nickel, copper, precious metals, mineral fuels, aerospace parts.
CANADIAN IMPORTS FROM NORWAY (~C$1.6B):
[======================================] C$1.6 Billion (39.5%)
- Primary Goods: Specialized maritime technology, industrial machinery, seafood, chemical goods.
CRITICAL MINERAL COMPONENT: C$1.377 Billion exported from Canada; C$122 Million imported.

The strength of these trade metrics reflects shared regulatory standards, commitments to environmental sustainability, and common geopolitical interests across the North Atlantic and Arctic basins.

Critical Minerals: Driving Technical Exchanges and Business Tourism

A major growth catalyst within the bilateral relationship is the trade in critical minerals and transition metals. Natural Resources Canada reports that Canadian critical mineral exports to Norway reached approximately C$1.377 billion in 2025, while mineral imports from Norway totaled C$122 million.

These trade flows center on refined nickel, copper cathodes, cobalt, and precious metals mined in Canada and shipped to specialized processing and smelting complexes in southern Norway, such as the Glencore Nikkelverk refinery in Kristiansand. These refined materials supply European electric vehicle battery gigafactories, clean energy storage plants, and advanced aerospace manufacturing hubs.

CRITICAL MINERAL VALUE CHAIN & CORPORATE MOBILITY

Column 1
[ CANADIAN MINING & EXTRACTION NODES ]
Sudbury Basin (Ontario), Thompson (Manitoba), Voisey's Bay (Newfoundland & Labrador)
v (Maritime Bulk Logistics across North Atlantic)
[ NORWEGIAN METALLURGICAL & PROCESSING HUBS ]
Kristiansand Refining Complex, Glencore Nikkelverk, Porsgrunn Industrial Park
v
[ RESULTING CORPORATE & SCIENTIFIC BUSINESS TRAVEL ]
- Metallurgical engineering audits, chemical refining reviews, and sustainability certifications
- Geological symposiums, carbon-capture site inspections, and joint research conventions
- Corporate hotel room-night blocks in Toronto, Montreal, Oslo, Stavanger, and Kristiansand

This mineral partnership generates steady business travel between the two countries:

Technical Audits and Engineering Exchanges: Mining engineers, metallurgists, and environmental auditors travel regularly between Canadian operational sites and Norwegian processing centers.
Academic and Geological Research: Scientists from institutions such as the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) and the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU) conduct joint research on sub-Arctic geology and sustainable mineral processing.
Corporate Delegations: Executives, institutional financiers, and commodity trading firms meet frequently to negotiate multi-year supply contracts and joint ventures.

This specialized corporate activity supports premium business hotels, private dining rooms, and conference facilities in primary commercial centers like Toronto, Montreal, Oslo, and Stavanger.

Historic Direct Aviation: Air Canada Launches Toronto–Oslo in June 2027

The most tangible development for travelers connecting Canada and Scandinavia is the introduction of direct scheduled air service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Oslo Airport (OSL).

Air Canada has scheduled the inaugural flight for June 3, 2027, establishing the first direct, non-stop air link between Canada’s largest commercial gateway and the Norwegian capital. Operating four times weekly throughout the summer and autumn peak seasons, the route addresses a long-standing gap in transatlantic aviation.

AIR CANADA TORONTO-OSLO ROUTE PROFILE (JUNE 2027)

ORIGIN GATEWAY: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Ontario, Canada
DESTINATION: Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL), Ullensaker, Norway
COMMENCEMENT: 3 June 2027 (Seasonal 4x Weekly Schedule through Autumn)
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS: AIRBUS A321XLR (EXTRA LONG RANGE)
- Total Cabin Capacity: 182 Passenger Seats
- Cabin Architecture: 14 Lie-Flat Signature Class Suites + 168 Economy Class Seats
- Range Capability: Up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km) with 30% reduced fuel burn per seat
- Passenger Experience: Whisper-quiet Airspace cabin, oversized overhead bins, fast Wi-Fi
CONNECTIVITY: Eliminates transit layovers at London Heathrow, Frankfurt, or Reykjavik.

Air Canada will deploy its newly delivered Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) single-aisle aircraft on the route. Configured with 182 seats—including a dedicated premium cabin with lie-flat suites alongside ergonomic economy seating—the A321XLR provides the range efficiency required to serve point-to-point secondary transatlantic routes economically. The aircraft features state-of-the-art Pratt & Whitney or CFM LEAP high-bypass turbofan engines, reducing fuel burn and carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to previous-generation twin-aisle jets, perfectly matching the environmental sustainability priorities of Canadian and Nordic travelers.

Historically, travelers journeying between Canada and Norway faced mandatory flight connections through European hubs like London Heathrow (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), or Reykjavik Keflavik (KEF). The non-stop YYZ–OSL service reduces total travel time by three to five hours, eliminates missed-connection risks, and simplifies travel for families, vacationers, and business travelers alike. Passengers will also benefit from seamless codeshare connectivity across both ends of the route: arriving in Toronto, Norwegian travelers can connect across Air Canada's extensive domestic network spanning 50 Canadian cities, while Canadian arrivals in Oslo can connect smoothly onto regional Scandinavian services operated by Star Alliance partners.

Flight Route Metric	Legacy Connecting Routing	New Air Canada Direct Service	Passenger Benefit
Routing Itinerary	YYZ -> LHR/FRA/AMS/KEF -> OSL	Non-stop YYZ <======> OSL	Removes intermediate transit airport hassle
Total Journey Duration	11 to 14 hours (with layover)	Approximately 7.5 to 8 hours	Saves 3 to 5 hours of total travel time
Aircraft Deployed	Mixed widebody & regional jets	Single-aisle Airbus A321XLR (182 seats)	Quiet cabin with lower carbon emissions
Baggage Handling Risk	High risk of lost transfer bags	Direct point-to-point transfer	Eliminates luggage loss at crowded hubs
Weekly Frequency	Variable across multiple carriers	4 scheduled weekly departures	Consistent flight planning for summer/autumn

Norway's Record Tourism Inflows: Expanding Canadian Visitor Markets

The timing of Air Canada's route launch aligns with record performance across Norway’s travel and hospitality sector. Statistics Norway (Statistisk sentralbyrå - SSB) reported that commercial lodging establishments registered approximately 40.6 million guest nights in 2025, representing a 5.2% increase compared to 2024.

International guest nights grew even faster, climbing 14% to reach approximately 14.2 million overnight stays. This growth highlights expanding global interest in Norway’s nature-focused tourism offerings, from the southwestern fjords to Arctic destinations above the Arctic Circle.

STATISTICS NORWAY VISITOR LODGING PERFORMANCE (2025)

Column 1
TOTAL COMMERCIAL GUEST NIGHTS: 40.6 MILLION (+5.2% Year-on-Year Growth)
DOMESTIC NORWEGIAN GUEST NIGHTS (~26.4M):
[=======================================================] 26.4 Million Stays
INTERNATIONAL VISITOR GUEST NIGHTS (~14.2M):
[===============================>] 14.2 Million Stays (+14.0% Surge)
GROWTH DRIVERS: Sustainable fjord cruises, Bergen Railway trips, and Northern Lights safaris.

Canadian travelers represent an attractive target audience for Norwegian destination marketers. Accustomed to vast wilderness landscapes, Canadian visitors tend to appreciate nature-based activities, scenic rail journeys, and wildlife exploration:

Fjord Exploration: Cruising the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord aboard quiet electric vessels.
Scenic Rail Travel: Journeying on the Bergen Line across the Hardangervidda plateau or descending the steep Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana).
Arctic and Northern Lights Tourism: Exploring Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands during the winter shoulder seasons for dog sledding and whale watching.

Direct flights into Oslo allow Canadian tour operators to design regional packages that begin in the capital before exploring the western fjords, without the logistical delays of intermediate European transfers.

Canada as a Gateway: Attracting High-Spending Nordic Visitors

In the opposite direction, the direct air corridor provides Canadian tourism operators with streamlined access to Norway’s affluent consumer market. Norwegians possess significant disposable income and enjoy extended statutory annual leave, making them attractive long-haul international visitors.

Statistics Canada reported that Canada welcomed approximately 6.8 million overseas visitor trips in 2025, a 7.5% increase over 2024. Spending by non-resident visitors reached approximately C$32 billion, highlighting the importance of international travel to the Canadian economy.

STATISTICS CANADA INTERNATIONAL VISITOR PROFILE (2025)

Column 1
OVERSEAS VISITOR VOLUME: 6.8 Million Inbound Trips (+7.5% YoY)
TOTAL NON-RESIDENT SPENDING: C$32.0 Billion Injected into the National Economy
GATEWAY ROUTING DYNAMICS (VIA TORONTO PEARSON):
[ OSLO DEPARTURE ] ===> [ TORONTO PEARSON (YYZ) ]
+-------------------------+-------------------------+
v (Regional Highway/Rail Transit) v (Domestic Air Connections)
[ EASTERN HERITAGE & NATURE ] [ WESTERN ADVENTURE HUBS ]
- Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region - Calgary & Edmonton (Alberta)
- Ottawa (National Museums & Rideau Canal) - Banff & Jasper National Parks
- Montreal & Quebec City (French-Canadian culture) - Vancouver & the Pacific Coast

Using Toronto Pearson as an arrival hub, Norwegian travelers can experience major urban and natural attractions across eastern Canada before connecting onward to western provinces:

Eastern Excursions: Taking direct road or rail excursions from Toronto to Niagara Falls, the vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula, the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, or the historic districts of Montreal and Quebec City.
Western Connections: Connecting through Air Canada’s domestic network to Calgary and Edmonton to explore Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Canadian Rockies, or flying to Vancouver for coastal cruising along the Pacific rim.

The new direct route provides Canadian regional destination marketing organizations with a valuable tool to promote multi-province holiday packages across Scandinavia.

EFTA Modernization: Expanding Beyond Merchandise into Services and Hospitality

Complementing the aviation and resource partnerships, diplomatic efforts are underway to modernize the institutional trade framework governing Canada-Norway relations.

In March 2026, trade representatives from Canada and the EFTA member states (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) agreed to modernize their 2009 free trade agreement. While the original treaty focused primarily on reducing tariffs on industrial machinery, forestry goods, and seafood, the modernization negotiations seek to expand the agreement's scope.

CANADA-EFTA TRADE AGREEMENT EVOLUTION

Column 1
ORIGINAL EFTA AGREEMENT (JULY 2009):
- Primary Scope: Tariff elimination on industrial merchandise, fish, and agricultural commodities.
- Exclusions: Limited coverage of digital services, temporary mobility, and hotel investments.
v
MODERNIZATION INITIATIVE (MARCH 2026 ONWARD):
- Cross-Border Trade in Services: Streamlines licensing for tour operators & travel-tech firms.
- Foreign Direct Investment: Enhances legal protections for hospitality & resort acquisitions.
- Temporary Professional Mobility: Simplifies business visas for executives & event organizers.
- Digital Commerce & Procurement: Facilitates shared platforms for airline ticketing & booking.

Key areas of the modernization agenda with direct implications for tourism include:

Cross-Border Trade in Services: Lowering administrative barriers for tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), and digital travel platforms operating across both jurisdictions.
Foreign Direct Investment Protections: Providing transparent legal protections for cross-border hospitality investments, encouraging Norwegian hotel management groups to expand into Canadian urban markets and vice versa.
Professional Mobility: Streamlining business visa procedures to facilitate temporary transfers for hospitality managers, executive chefs, specialized wilderness guides, and conference organizers.

While negotiations remain ongoing, the process reflects both governments' desire to build a modern, comprehensive economic framework that supports services and experiential tourism.

Scientific, Clean Energy, and Space Alliances: Fueling MICE Business Travel

Beyond traditional resource trade, Canada and Norway have deepened their technological and scientific cooperation. Both nations manage large Arctic and sub-Arctic territories, cold-climate infrastructure, and energy sectors transitioning toward net-zero emissions.

Throughout 2026, ministerial delegations advanced several bilateral agreements covering clean energy technology, geological data sharing, and space science:

BILATERAL SCIENTIFIC ALLIANCES & BUSINESS TRAVEL

Column 1
[ MARCH 2026: CLEAN ENERGY & MINERAL EXTRACTION ]
- Focus: Deep-well carbon capture and storage (CCS), green hydrogen production, and sustainable
tailings processing.
- Travel Impact: Engineering delegations traveling between Calgary, St. John's, and Stavanger.
[ SEPTEMBER 2026: SPACE TECHNOLOGY & SATELLITE SENSING ]
- Focus: Arctic sea-ice monitoring, maritime vessel radar tracking, and aurora atmospheric study.
- Travel Impact: Scientific symposiums linking Andøya Spaceport with the Canadian Space Agency.
[ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & SUB-ARCTIC LOGISTICS ]
- Focus: Cold-weather autonomous shipping, drone navigation, and electrical grid resilience.
- Travel Impact: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) bookings in hubs.

These technical initiatives generate business tourism within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector:

Carbon Capture and Clean Energy: Bilateral research into carbon capture and storage (CCS) links energy engineering teams from Alberta and Newfoundland with offshore energy specialists in Stavanger and Bergen.
Space and Atmospheric Sciences: Joint satellite research projects link the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, with the Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway, generating regular travel for astrophysicists and satellite engineers.
Cold-Climate Infrastructure: Universities in Tromsø, Trondheim, Montreal, and Calgary collaborate on cold-weather engineering and marine logistics, organizing academic conferences and symposia.

These professional visits provide consistent, high-yield room nights for hotel operators throughout the year, helping stabilize hospitality revenues outside peak summer vacation months.

Multi-Sector Benefits: Opportunities Across the Travel Ecosystem

The combination of growing trade, modernized agreements, and direct flight service creates opportunities across multiple segments of the visitor economy.

VISITOR ECONOMY BENEFIT PATHWAYS

[ AIR CONNECTIVITY ] ------------> Eliminates multi-hub transfers; lowers flight costs
v
[ LEISURE TOURISM ] -------------> Direct access to Norwegian fjords & Canadian national parks
v
[ CORPORATE & MICE TRAVEL ] -----> Expands conferences, mining expos & scientific summits
v
[ HOSPITALITY REVENUE ] ---------> Drives hotel room nights, regional dining & car rentals
v
[ ADVENTURE & ECO-TRAVEL ] ------> Promotes sustainable hiking, rail journeys & wildlife tours

Tourism Sector	Primary Commercial Catalyst	Expected Market Benefit
Aviation Logistics	Air Canada non-stop A321XLR service (4x weekly)	Direct passenger capacity between Toronto (YYZ) and Oslo (OSL)
Leisure & Holiday Travel	Elimination of European hub layovers	Streamlined vacations for outdoor and cultural travelers
Corporate Business Travel	C$3.8B merchandise and mineral trade flows	Frequent corporate exchanges, contract negotiations, and site audits
Hospitality & Lodging	Inbound traveler growth in both directions	Increased hotel occupancy in Toronto, Oslo, Bergen, and Calgary
MICE & Conferences	Scientific, energy, and aerospace agreements	Growth in international congresses and academic symposia
Adventure & Ecotourism	Shared northern landscape appeal	Demand for fjord cruises, alpine hiking, and national park packages
Hospitality Investment	EFTA services and investment modernization	Potential cross-border hotel development and brand partnerships
Travel Technology	Digital trade and commerce alignment	Integrated booking systems for multi-modal rail and ferry travel

Adventure Tourism: Parallels Between Norwegian Fjords and Canadian Wilderness

At the heart of the leisure travel opportunity is the natural alignment between Norwegian and Canadian landscapes. Both countries are known globally for expansive northern scenery, pristine waterways, and outdoor-oriented cultures.

PARALLEL NATURE TOURISM ATTRACTIONS

Column 1
NORWAY ADVENTURE ASSETS CANADIAN ADVENTURE ASSETS
----------------------- -------------------------
- Western Fjords: Geiranger & Nærøy - Canadian Rockies: Banff, Jasper & Lake Louise
- Scenic Mountain Rail: Flåm & Bergen lines - Transcontinental Rail: Rocky Mountaineer & VIA
- Coastal Exploration: Hurtigruten voyages - Maritime Coastal Routes: Cabot Trail & Inside Pass
- Arctic Wonders: Midnight sun & Auroras - Northern Territories: Yukon & Northwest Auroras
- Active Pursuits: Glacier hikes & kayaking - Active Pursuits: Canoe trekking & alpine climbing

Direct aviation connectivity makes it practical for travelers to plan immersive wilderness and cultural itineraries:

Canadian Travelers in Norway: Visitors can take the train from Oslo to Bergen along the picturesque Bergen Line, cruise through narrow fjords flanked by cascading waterfalls, hike to cliffside viewpoints like Preikestolen, or travel north to experience the midnight sun and Northern Lights in Tromsø. Culinary tourists can sample fresh King crab in Kirkenes, cold-water Atlantic cod in the Lofoten archipelago, and farmstead cheeses across western valleys.
Norwegian Travelers in Canada: Visitors arriving in Toronto can view Niagara Falls before taking domestic flights west to Banff and Jasper National Parks, experience scenic train travel through the Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, or canoe across Ontario's lake country. Culinary tourism in Canada introduces Nordic visitors to Pacific wild salmon, Quebec maple syrup traditions, Atlantic lobster feasts, and award-winning ice wines from the Okanagan and Niagara peninsulas.

The shared maritime identity of both nations also fosters specialized cruise partnerships. Canadian expedition travelers increasingly embark on Norwegian coastal voyages aboard hybrid-electric expedition vessels, while Norwegian travelers venture into the Canadian Arctic to navigate the Northwest Passage and observe polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba. By connecting these two outdoor-focused cultures with direct air service, tour operators can develop multi-destination packages that emphasize sustainable nature exploration and indigenous cultural exchanges.

Why This Matters: Practical Traveler Guidance and Expert Perspective

The expansion of trade ties and air connectivity between Canada and Norway provides practical benefits for travelers, corporate travel managers, and tour operators.

STRATEGIC TRAVELER PLANNING CHECKLIST

Column 1
[ ROUTE PLANNING (FOR JUNE 2027 ONWARD) ]
- Book non-stop Toronto-Oslo flights early to secure lie-flat suites or preferred seating.
- Utilize Air Canada / Star Alliance interline options for onward Nordic and Canadian routes.
[ TRANSIT & LOGISTICAL ADVANTAGES ]
- Eliminate London Heathrow, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam transfer congestion.
- Enjoy faster customs clearance with point-to-point luggage delivery.
[ ITINERARY TIMING & SEASONALITY ]
- June through August: Peak season for fjord cruising, midnight sun, and Canadian hiking.
- September through October: Favorable shoulder season for fall foliage and lower hotel rates.

Key takeaways for travelers and industry stakeholders include:

Improved Travel Efficiency: The direct Toronto–Oslo service eliminates stressful airport transfers in London or Frankfurt, reducing transit times and lowering the risk of lost baggage or missed connections.
Accessible Point-to-Point Booking: Travelers can use Star Alliance loyalty miles (Aeroplan and SAS EuroBonus) to book direct flights, opening up convenient award redemptions between North America and Scandinavia.
Coordinated Business Planning: Companies in mining, energy, clean technology, and marine research can plan cross-Atlantic travel with greater predictability, supporting corporate collaboration between Canadian operational hubs and Norwegian refining centers.

As Canada and Norway continue to strengthen their economic and diplomatic partnership, the introduction of non-stop air service in 2027 provides a practical foundation for sustained growth in business and leisure travel between the two nations.

Frequently Asked Questions (PAA)

When do Air Canada's direct flights between Toronto and Oslo begin operating?

Air Canada is scheduled to inaugurate its direct non-stop service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Oslo Airport (OSL) on June 3, 2027. The service will operate four times weekly during the summer and autumn travel seasons, deploying the long-range Airbus A321XLR aircraft.

What aircraft will Air Canada use on the Toronto-Oslo route?

Air Canada will fly the Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) single-aisle aircraft on the Toronto–Oslo route. The plane is configured with 182 passenger seats, featuring 14 lie-flat Signature Class suites alongside 168 economy class seats, offering lower fuel burn and quiet cabin comfort on long-haul routes.

How large is the bilateral trade relationship between Canada and Norway?

In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Norway reached approximately C$3.8 billion ($2.75 billion). Canadian exports were valued at roughly C$2.3 billion—led by C$1.377 billion in critical minerals like nickel, copper, and precious metals—while Canadian imports from Norway stood at approximately C$1.6 billion.

How is Norway's international tourism sector performing?

Statistics Norway reported a record 40.6 million commercial guest nights in 2025, representing a 5.2% year-on-year increase. International guest nights grew 14% to reach approximately 14.2 million overnight stays, driven by strong global demand for fjord cruises, scenic rail journeys, and Arctic wildlife experiences.

What is the Canada-EFTA trade agreement modernization?

In March 2026, Canada and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations—including Norway—agreed to modernize their 2009 free trade agreement. While the original agreement focused primarily on merchandise goods, the modernization agenda addresses trade in services, digital commerce, professional mobility, and foreign investment protections that benefit tourism and hospitality companies.

Norway and Canada Unlock C$3.8 Billion Trade and Tourism Corridor with Historic Toronto-Oslo Direct Flights Scheduled for 2027