Parks Canada spend $150,000 on survey to discover visitors love parks

The Canadian government has spent $150,000 on a survey to find out what they already knew.

A woman stands on a dock on the Vermillion Lakes near Banff, Alberta, Sunday, July 16, 2017. Source: AAP

A $150,000 survey has revealed Canadians have a special affiliation with national parks.

Data from an expensive satisfaction survey, carried out by the government, has revealed very little to Canada Parks other than people enjoy the scenery and physical activity.

The survey revealed an overwhelming number of Canadians "enjoyed their visit", while only five per cent found the adventure "average".

A bear warning sign in a Canadian National Park. Source: AAP

"Enjoyment from the visit was almost universal at 94 per cent, with enjoyment of the natural beauty and scenery topping the list of parks visitors," the survey summary read.

Only one per cent of visitors in 2017 did not enjoy their visit and three per cent said continuing free access would make their next trip more enjoyable.

The most popular reason to visit a park was to enjoy a gathering with friends and family (52 per cent), to enjoy its beauty (13 per cent) and because it was nearby (15 per cent).

Importantly, more than eight of 10 people in Canada visiting national parks agreed the national park or historic site has meaning to them.

When participants were asked what could be done to make their next trip more enjoyable, five per cent agreed free admission was the most important.

The report conducted by EKOS Research Associates was released last November, but only just made available to the public.

The survey interviewed 3,000 participants and was undertaken following record levels of visits after admission was made free in 2017.