Major Cities in Canada

Discover Canada's major cities through focusing on the industries and sectors that are currently driving and shaping investment strengths, it becomes clear what is bringing new and growing businesses to these places across Canada.

The Top 10 Major Cities in Canada

Canada has provinces and territories with cities of varied sizes. Three territories and ten provinces control distinct regions. Canadian provinces classify cities differently. Alberta cities must have 10,000 citizens and meet additional criteria, including land tract size. A BC city can have 5,000 residents. Quebec has "villages," not cities.

In addition, Two-thirds of Canadians live in over 30 cities and urban areas. Canada has 33 census metropolitan areas and 114 agglomerations in 2011. The census counted 1,137 cities, towns, and villages. Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Mississauga are Canada's most populous cities.

1. Toronto, Ontario

Firstly, Toronto is the biggest city in Canada and one of the most critical places in the world for business, banking, technology, entertainment, and culture. Toronto is also one of the most multicultural towns because so many people moved there from around the world.

Toronto evening cityscape showing illuminated buildings including the CN Tower.

2. Montreal, Quebec

Secondly, The Canadian city of Montreal is in the province of Quebec. It is the most populous city in the province, the second most populous in Canada, and the ninth most populous in North America. In 2011, 1,649,519 people were living in the city.

Montreal downtown at dusk

3. Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is a city on the coast of Canada's British Columbia. With more than 2.5 million people living in the Greater Vancouver area, it is the province's biggest city and the third-largest in the country. Vancouver is known for its beautiful scenery and warm weather. Some places to visit are Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is also a center for arts, culture, and food.

False Creek, located within Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

4. Calgary, Alberta

It is the largest city in the province and the fourth largest in the country. The breathtaking Rocky Mountains surround it and offer easy access to attractions like Banff National Park and Lake Louise. The city boasts a diverse cultural scene, a strong economy driven by the oil, gas, technology, and creative industries, and hosts popular events such as the Calgary Stampede. With a population of over 1.3 million, Calgary is a vibrant and exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors worldwide.

Calgary downtown skyline at sunset.

 5. Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton is the capital city of the province of Alberta, Canada. With a population of over 1 million, it is the second-largest city in the province and the sixth-largest city in Canada. Edmonton is located in central Alberta, with the North Saskatchewan River running through the city's heart. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, which includes world-class museums, galleries, and festivals. Edmonton is also home to a strong economy, with industries such as mining, petroleum, and tourism driving growth.

Skyline of downtown Edmonton Alberta Canada.

6. Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in the province of Ontario. With a population of around 1 million, it is the fourth-largest city in the country. Situated on the Ottawa River, the city is known for its beautiful architecture, including the iconic Parliament Hill. Ottawa is home to many national landmarks and attractions, such as the Rideau Canal, which becomes the world's longest skating rink in the winter. The city also boasts numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural festivals

An aerial view of Ottawa in Canada

7. Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of the province of Manitoba. With a population of around 750,000 people, it is one of the most populated cities in Western Canada. Winnipeg is located at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. The impressive Canadian Museum for Human Rights is one of the most prominent landmarks.

Night view of Winnipeg Manitoba Canada

 8. Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton is located in southern Ontario, Canada, with approximately 580,000 people. It is situated on the western end of Lake Ontario and is known for its vibrant arts scene, rich history, and outstanding natural beauty. Hamilton is sometimes called the "Ambitious City" due to its strong economic growth and diverse economy. Key industries in Hamilton include advanced manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and education.

Downtown Hamilton, Ontario during winter

9. Kitchener, Ontario

Kitchener is located in southwestern Ontario, Canada, with approximately 250,000 people. The city is part of the larger Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge metropolitan area, with over 500,000 people. Kitchener is known for its thriving tech industry, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history.

Kitchener Clock Tower

10. Brampton

Finally, Brampton is located in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada, with over 600,000 people. It is known for its cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene, and strong economy. Canada has many diverse and thriving cities offering unique cultural, economic, and natural landscapes.

A View of Sikh temple Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar in Brampton, Canada

Map of 10 Major Cities in Canada

The map of Canada's ten significant cities highlights a diverse landscape, featuring urban hubs like Toronto and Montreal, each with its distinct cultural identity. Vancouver's coastal beauty, Calgary's economic significance, and Ottawa's role as the capital stand out, creating a visual representation of Canada's varied geography and regional importance.

Map of Canada

Conclusion

Canada's top 10 significant cities showcase diverse cultures, economic strength, and natural beauty. From Toronto's urban vibrancy to Vancouver's scenic landscapes, each city uniquely contributes to Canada's rich mosaic of traditions and prosperity.

What is the best city to visit in Canada?

The best city to visit in Canada varies based on personal preferences. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are some of the most popular cities for tourism.

Which city in Canada is the most expensive to live in

Vancouver is considered to be the most expensive city to live in Canada due to its high cost of housing.

What is the most populous city in Canada?

Toronto

is the most populous city in Canada, with a population of approximately 3 million people.

Which city in Canada is the political capital?

Ottawa

is the political capital of Canada and home to many government buildings

Which city in Canada is famous for its music history

Kingston, Ontario has a rich history in music, with famous artists like The Tragically Hip and Bryan Adams hailing from the city.

What is the climate like in Canada's major cities?

The climate in Canada's major cities varies depending on the location. Some cities like Vancouver have mild, rainy winters, while others like Ottawa have cold, snowy winters.

What is the biggest city in Canada by land area?

The biggest city in Canada by land area is Quebec City, which is roughly 45 square miles in size.

Which city is considered to be the financial hub of Canada

Toronto is considered to be the financial hub of Canada, with many of the country's largest banks and financial institutions headquartered there.

Which city in Canada is known for its street art?

Montreal is known for its abundance of street art, which can be found throughout the city.