Back in the spring, we reported on how the loosening of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions had helped bring about a gradual return to some cultural and sporting events.
Months later, let’s have a look at how our spending has increased in current prices and on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Rising inflation over the past several months accounts for at least some of the spending increases reflected in these data.
In the second quarter (April to June) of 2022, Canadian households spent nearly $3.1 billion on recreational and sporting services, a category that includes live sports and recreational events.
This is up by nearly 13% from the previous quarter, and by three-fifths (+60.8%) from the first quarter of 2021, but 5.3% lower than the nearly $3.3 billion spent in the fourth quarter of 2019—the last full quarter before the pandemic.
Canadian household expenditures on other cultural services, including performances at opera houses, and at concert and musical halls, totalled $684 million in the second quarter of 2022, up by 16.0% from the previous quarter. Compared with the first quarter of 2021, these expenditures were up by nearly half (+48.7%).
At $153 million, Canadian households spent much less at cinemas than at concerts or games in the second quarter, but the increase was sharper—a jump more than seven-fold (+765%) from the $20 million spent in the same quarter of 2021.
Spending on both cinemas and other cultural services has yet to match or surpass pre-pandemic levels.
Grabbing a bite or beverage before hitting the road
Gotta fuel up before crowd-surfing or doing the wave, right? Canadian households spent almost $18.2 billion on food and non-alcoholic beverage services (including food delivery fees) in the second quarter of 2022, surpassing the $17.2 billion spent in the fourth quarter of 2019.
At over $3.2 billion, households also spent more on going out for alcoholic beverages in the second quarter than the $3.0 billion spent in the fourth quarter of 2019.
After settling up, it’s time to head out! How are we getting there?
Urban transit has yet to see a full recovery from pre-pandemic numbers. Households spent $792 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared with nearly $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Heading out of town to be entertained? Household expenditures of $90 million on railway transport were far ahead of the $4 million spent in the second quarter of 2020, at the onset of the pandemic.
Like urban transit, air transport has yet to fully recover from the pandemic. But household expenditures of over $3.1 billion in the second quarter of 2022 flew at an altitude of 70% higher than in the previous quarter.
Some Canadian households opted for a taxi, ridesharing service or limousine instead, spending $437 million in the second quarter and eclipsing the $397 million spent in the fourth quarter of 2019. A total of $304 million was spent on car rentals, 11% higher than the previous quarter but 12.4% lower than the fourth quarter of 2019.
Whether it’s for a show, game or any other getaway, accommodation is in demand again. Households spent $3.6 billion in the second quarter of 2022, up 23.5% from the previous one, and surpassing the nearly $3.5 billion spent in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Dressing up for the show
We Canadians like to arrive in style. That perfect look all comes down to the right hat, accessories, boots or jacket.
Household expenditures on garments ($10.6 billion); footwear ($2.3 billion); jewellery, clocks and watches ($1.7 billion); and personal grooming services ($2.6 billion) have all increased in the second quarter of 2022, compared with the first quarter.
Contact information
For more information, contact the Statistical Information Service (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).