Canada’s a big country — like, really big. And with all that space, it’s no wonder there are some pretty massive cities to go along with it. From coast to coast, the largest cities in Canada aren’t just sizable in population; they cover a ton of land too.
10 Most Populous Cities in Canada
When it comes to sheer numbers, these cities dominate the map. Canada’s most populous cities are cultural and economic powerhouses, attracting locals and tourists alike.
1. Toronto (6.2 million residents)
As Canada’s largest city and part of the Greater Toronto Area, Toronto is a bustling metropolis sitting on the shores of Lake Ontario. Known for its diverse population, Toronto is home to world-class museums, theaters and sports teams.
Fun fact: The world’s tallest freestanding structure from 1975 to 2007, the CN Tower, calls Toronto home.
2. Montreal (4.2 million residents)
Montreal, located along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, is Canada’s second-largest city and a cultural hotspot. Famous for its mix of old-world charm and modern flair, the city hosts numerous festivals and is the world’s second-largest French-speaking city. It’s also a former Olympic host city, after putting on the 1976 Summer Games.
3. Vancouver (2.7 million residents)
This West Coast gem in British Columbia is known for its natural beauty, surrounded by water and mountains. Vancouver is a major hub for film production, and that’s earned it the nickname “Hollywood North.” Its diverse culinary scene and outdoor activities make it one of Canada’s most livable cities.
4. Calgary (1.6 million residents)
Nestled in Alberta on the edge of the North Saskatchewan River, Calgary is famous for its annual Calgary Stampede, a rodeo that brings in over a million visitors every year. It’s also a growing tech hub, with plenty of future development planned in this vibrant city.
5. Edmonton (1.5 million residents)
Also in Alberta, Edmonton is home to the largest mall in North America: West Edmonton Mall. The south side of the city is a retail mecca, but it’s also got a thriving arts scene and is known as “Festival City.” It’s also where you can find Wayne Gretzky’s former hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers.
6. Ottawa (1.4 million residents)
As Canada’s capital and the heart of its provincial government, Ottawa offers a fascinating blend of history, culture and politics. It’s home to the stunning Parliament Hill, historic buildings and some of the best museums in the country.
7. Winnipeg (825,000 residents)
The capital of Manitoba, Winnipeg is an up-and-coming city known for its cold winters and friendly people. The city is rich in culture and history, with landmarks like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and The Forks, a historic site where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet.
8. Quebec City (800,000 residents)
Stepping into Quebec City feels like stepping into Europe. Known for its preserved historic architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest cities in North America. Its cobbled streets and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River make it a tourist favorite.
9. Hamilton (775,000 residents)
Located in Southern Ontario near Toronto, Hamilton has transformed from an industrial town to a booming city filled with art, culture and community spirit. It’s also home to stunning waterfalls and a lively food scene.
10. Kitchener-Waterloo (570,000 residents)
This urban agglomeration in Ontario might not be as well-known, but it’s growing fast! Kitchener-Waterloo is a tech hub, with companies like Google setting up offices in the area. It’s also famous for Oktoberfest, which draws visitors from all over the world.
10 Largest Canadian Cities by Land Area
When it comes to sheer space, these Canadian cities spread out far and wide. From northern wilderness areas to urban parks and sprawling suburbs, the largest cities in Canada by land area are as diverse as the country itself. Let’s explore the cities that have the most room to roam.
1. La Tuque, Quebec (11,197 square miles; 29,000 square km)
Topping the list, Quebec’s La Tuque covers a staggering 11,197 square miles — larger than some small countries! Despite its size, the city’s population remains relatively small, hovering around 12,000 residents. Much of La Tuque is covered by forests, rivers and lakes, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Senneterre, Quebec (6,000 square miles; 15,540 square km)
Senneterre stretches across 6,000 square miles of land, much of which is untouched wilderness. With a population of only about 3,000 people, this city has a peaceful atmosphere and gorgeous natural surroundings.
While it may not boast the urban hustle and bustle of some of Canada’s more populated cities, it’s a hidden gem for those looking to experience a slower, nature-filled lifestyle.
3. Val-d’Or, Quebec (4,800 square miles; 12,432 square km)
Continuing with Quebec’s dominance in terms of land area, Val-d’Or covers about 4,800 square miles. Historically, Val-d’Or was a bustling mining town known for its rich deposits of gold, which is how it earned its name, meaning “Valley of Gold.” Today, while the mining industry is still significant, the city has also embraced tourism.
4. Greater Sudbury, Ontario (1,246 square miles; 3,227 square km)
Moving to Ontario, Greater Sudbury claims the title of the largest city by land area in the province, encompassing 1,246 square miles. Beyond its industrial roots, it’s become a vibrant center for education and culture, with residents and visitors alike enjoying its many lakes (over 300 within the city limits!) and parks.
5. Timmins, Ontario (1,111 square miles; 2,878 square km)
Also located in Ontario, Timmins covers a vast area of 1,111 square miles and is often described as a gateway to the northern wilderness. Like Val-d’Or, it’s primarily known for its historic role in Canada’s gold mining industry. To this day, this city of about 40,000 people still plays a critical part in mining precious metals and other metals.
6. Ottawa, Ontario (1,081 square miles; 2,800 square km)
Canada’s capital city is not only rich in history and culture but also impressively large by land area, covering 1,081 square miles. Despite being a bustling capital, Ottawa boasts vast green spaces and parks, including the massive Greenbelt, which surrounds much of the urban core.
7. Thunder Bay, Ontario (1,052 square miles; 2,725 square km)
Situated on the northern shore of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay covers an expansive 1,052 square miles. This northern Ontario city is renowned for its rugged natural beauty, including the famous Sleeping Giant, a rock formation that resembles a giant lying on its back.
8. Calgary, Alberta (319 square miles; 826 square km)
Moving to the west, Calgary in Alberta covers 319 square miles and has the majestic Rocky Mountains as its backdrop. Despite its modern skyline, Calgary has managed to retain a strong connection to its small town roots and rural culture.
9. Edmonton, Alberta (264 square miles; 684 square km)
Edmonton, Alberta’s capital is known as the “Gateway to the North,” Edmonton is a key jumping-off point for those heading further into Canada’s northern regions. One of the city’s standout features is the North Saskatchewan River Valley, the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America.
10. Toronto, Ontario (243 square miles; 629 square km)
Toronto may be Canada’s largest city by population, but by land area, it barely cracks the top 10 at 243 square miles. Even so, this densely packed urban hub has plenty to offer. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is a bustling metropolis and the financial heart of Canada.
Ranking All 10 Provinces by Population
Canada is a vast country with 10 unique provinces, each contributing to the nation’s rich diversity in culture, economy and geography. While some provinces boast bustling cities and large populations, others are defined by their wide-open spaces and smaller communities. Let’s take a look at the provinces, ranked by population.
1. Ontario (15.4 million)
Ontario is home to Canada’s largest city, Toronto, and the nation’s capital, Ottawa. With a population of 15.4 million, Ontario accounts for nearly 40 percent of Canada’s total population.
It’s a province of contrasts: The densely populated Southern Ontario region is a hub of financial and cultural activity, while the northern part of the province is sparsely populated, filled with lakes, forests and natural beauty.
Ontario has something for everyone, from the towering skyscrapers of Toronto to the serenity of Algonquin Park.
2. Quebec (8.7 million)
Next up is Quebec, comprising a population of 8.7 million people. Quebec is known for its distinct French-speaking culture, with Montreal and Quebec City serving as cultural hubs.
The province is steeped in history, with French traders being some of the first Europeans to settle here. While Quebec’s urban agglomeration includes bustling cities, much of the province is dominated by forests, rivers and vast wilderness.
3. British Columbia (5.5 million)
With a population of 5.5 million, British Columbia is the third-largest province. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, the province is known for its stunning natural beauty.
Vancouver, the province’s largest city, is often ranked among the most livable cities in the world, thanks to its mild climate, outdoor recreational opportunities and vibrant cultural scene. From skiing in Whistler to hiking in the temperate rainforests, this region offers unparalleled access to nature, which draws in locals and tourists alike.
4. Alberta (4.5 million)
Alberta, with a population of 4.5 million, is known for its vast prairies and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The province is home to two major cities: Calgary and Edmonton.
While Calgary is famous for its Stampede and as a host city for the Winter Olympics, Edmonton is the provincial capital and a hub of government and industry. Alberta is also the heart of Canada’s oil industry, which has driven much of the province’s growth and prosperity over the years.
5. Manitoba (1.4 million)
Manitoba may be known for its cold winters, but this prairie province is also home to 1.4 million people. Its capital city, Winnipeg, is a cultural and economic center, often referred to as the “Gateway to the West.”
Manitoba’s landscape is dominated by flat plains, but it also boasts thousands of lakes, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating and camping. The province has a rich Indigenous history and plays an important role in the country’s agricultural sector.
6. Saskatchewan (1.2 million)
With a population of 1.2 million, Saskatchewan is known for its endless skies and golden wheat fields. While it may have fewer major cities than some other provinces, Regina and Saskatoon are cultural hubs, offering a mix of modern amenities and historical sites.
The North Saskatchewan River runs through Saskatoon, adding to the city’s scenic charm. Agriculture and energy production are major industries here, contributing significantly to Canada’s economy.
7. Nova Scotia (1 million)
Nova Scotia, with a population of about 1 million, is known for its maritime culture. Located on the country’s east coast, this province is home to Halifax, one of the largest Canadian cities in the Atlantic region.
Nova Scotia is famous for its picturesque fishing villages, rugged coastline and historic lighthouses. The province also has a strong connection to the ocean, with industries like fishing, shipbuilding and tourism playing significant roles in the local economy.
8. New Brunswick (825,000)
With a population of 825,000, New Brunswick is a small but vibrant province located in the Maritimes. Known for its rolling hills, dense forests and stunning coastline along the Bay of Fundy, the province offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities.
Its largest city, Moncton, is an important center for transportation and commerce, while the capital city, Fredericton, houses the provincial government and has a rich cultural history.
9. Newfoundland and Labrador (522,000)
Though it’s one of Canada’s smallest provinces in terms of population, Newfoundland and Labrador (522,000 people) offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world.
The province is home to St. John’s, one of the oldest cities in North America, with colorful row houses and steep streets that reflect its deep Canadian history. The rugged coastline and vast, unspoiled wilderness make Newfoundland and Labrador a paradise for nature lovers.
10. Prince Edward Island (175,000)
Last but not least, Prince Edward Island may be the smallest province, both by population (175,000) and land area, but it packs a punch in charm. Known for its red sand beaches and rolling green hills, PEI is a popular summer destination for locals and tourists alike.
It’s also famous for being the setting of “Anne of Green Gables.” PEI’s small towns and welcoming communities offer a unique glimpse into the slow-paced, island lifestyle that defines this province.
Original article: 10 Largest Cities in Canada by Population and by Land Area
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