I think it's a bit more about the insularity and risk aversion of Canadian policymaking. No one wants the blame if cases can be sourced to a foreign traveler/student/whatever. The restrictions are far more severe than most realize, partly because the Trudeau government is very good at media relations: the majority of provinces/territories are not open even to domestic travel with no plans to change pre-vaccine, foreign tourism is completely banned, and foreigner visas are much more restricted than most Western countries (~40% of new foreign students at my university still don't have a study permit, with no word on when this will be resolved, so it is not at all the case that the "universities are open"). In any case, it is both frustrating, and there are good people at high levels pushing the government for changes on this.

On some personal data points: went to the Gaspesie, Quebec City, Tofino, Victoria, and the Bruce Peninsula since July 1. Gaspe and the Bruce were booked pretty solid, although the number of rooms/campsites available was smaller than a normal season. Tofino - booked the Wick on a weekend with a few days notice, no problem getting into whatever restaurant either, so it certainly didn't feel like a summer weekend level of tourism. Victoria and Quebec City were both dead compared to normal summer - paid less than 1/2 normal high season rates and hotels were very quiet. I 100% believe you on places like Jasper and Waterton - the outdoors is all we are allowed to do!

I imagine high-end lodges like Churchill Wild, the bear camps, the northern fishing lodges, etc. which must be 90% foreign travel are getting creamed (or, in many cases, just closed for the year).