The Largest And Smallest Canadian Provinces/Territories By Area

**Largest Canadian Provinces/Territories by Area

Quebec: The Largest Province in Canada

Quebec, located in eastern Canada, is the largest province in terms of area.

It covers approximately 1,542,056 square kilometers (595,391 square miles), accounting for about one-quarter of Canada’s total land area.

The vast territory of Quebec stretches from the US border to the coast of Hudson Bay and James Bay, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and tundras.

Quebec is a predominantly French-speaking province, with about 80% of its population identifying as French speakers.

The capital city of Quebec, also known as Quebec City, is located in the southeastern part of the province and features many historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Citadelle and the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral.

Quebec has a strong economy based on forestry, mining, hydroelectric power generation, and manufacturing.

The province is also known for its vibrant culture, which is shaped by its rich history, diverse population, and unique blend of European, Indigenous, and American influences.

**Top 5 Largest Canadian Provinces/Territories by Area:**

Quebec (1,542,056 km² / 595,391 sq mi)

Territory of Nunavut (2,093,190 km² / 809,363 sq mi)

Territory of Yukon (482,443 km² / 186,272 sq mi)

Provincial Territory of Northwest Territories (1,144,800 km² / 442,110 sq mi)

Alberta (661,848 km² / 255,541 sq mi)

Note: The sizes of the territories and provinces are approximate and based on Statistics Canada data from 2020.

* Covers approximately 1,542,056 km² (595,391 sq mi) of land

The largest Canadian provinces/territories by area can be measured in terms of land size, with some territories covering vast expanses of territory.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 largest Canadian provinces/territories by area:

Nunavut: approximately 2,038,722 km² (786,850 sq mi) Nunavut is the largest province/territory in Canada and covers about 20% of its landmass.
Quebec: approximately 1,542,056 km² (595,391 sq mi)
Territories (Northwest Territories): approximately 1,144,000 km² (442,100 sq mi) The Northwest Territories cover a vast area in northern Canada and include some of the country’s most remote communities.
British Columbia: approximately 944,735 km² (364,764 sq mi)
Alberta: approximately 661,848 km² (255,541 sq mi) Alberta is a large province located in western Canada and is home to the Rocky Mountains.
Saskatchewan: approximately 592,534 km² (229,165 sq mi)
Newfoundland and Labrador: approximately 108,860 km² (42,030 sq mi)
Ontario: approximately 1,076,395 km² (415,598 sq mi)
Prairies (Manitoba): approximately 553,556 km² (214,000 sq mi)
Territories (Yukon): approximately 482,443 km² (186,272 sq mi)

Each of these provinces/territories offers a unique geography and environment, ranging from the vast wilderness areas of northern Canada to the rugged mountain ranges in western British Columbia.

* Represents about 28% of the country’s total area

CANADA IS THE SECOND-LARGEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD BY LAND AREA, AND IT IS DIVIDED INTO 10 PROVINCES AND 3 TERRITORIES.

THE LARGEST CANADIAN PROVINCE IS QUEBEC, WHICH COVERS ABOUT 25% OF THE COUNTRY’S TOTAL AREA.

QUEBEC HAS A LAND AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 1.5 MILLION SQUARE KILOMETERS AND ACCOUNTS FOR ABOUT ONE-QUARTER OF CANADA’S TOTAL AREA.

THE SECOND-LARGEST PROVINCE IS MANITOBA, WHICH COVERS AN AREA OF AROUND 552,370 SQUARE KILOMETERS.

THE OTHER LARGE PROVINCES IN TERMS OF AREA ARE ONTARIO, WITH A LAND AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 1.07 MILLION SQUARE KILOMETERS, AND THE TERRITORY OF YUKON, WHICH COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 482,443 SQUARE KILOMETERS.

THE THREE LARGEST CANADIAN PROVINCES/TERRITORIES BY LAND AREA ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN HALF OF CANADA’S TOTAL AREA.

QUEBEC IS NOT ONLY THE LARGEST PROVINCE IN TERMS OF AREA BUT ALSO HAS A POPULATION OF OVER 8.4 MILLION PEOPLE, MAKING IT THE SECOND-MOST POPULOUS PROVINCE IN CANADA AFTER ONTARIO.

THE YUKON TERRITORY HAS THE LOWEST DENSITY OF ANY PROVINCE OR TERRITORY IN CANADA, WITH JUST 0.5 PEOPLE PER SQUARE KILOMETER.

THE QUEBEC PROVINCE IS ALSO HOME TO MANY OF CANADA’S MOST FAMOUS NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE RESERVES.

QUEBEC CITY, WHICH SERVES AS THE CAPITAL CITY OF THE PROVINCE, HAS A POPULATION OF OVER 531,000 PEOPLE AND HOSTS MANY INTERNATIONAL EVENTS EVERY YEAR.

THE NORTHERN TERRITORIES OF CANADA ARE SOME OF THE MOST REMOTE AND WILDERNESS-SCENERY IN THE WORLD, WITH MUCH UNDISCOVERED LAND AND MINERALS TO EXPLORING.

QUEBEC’S ECONOMY IS STRONGLY FOCUSED ON MINING, TIMBER PRODUCTION, TOURISM, AND THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, WHICH SUPPORTS OVER 25% OF CANADA’S TOTAL MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY.

CANADA IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST MINERS OF METALS SUCH AS IRON ORE, COBALT, AND NICKEL, WITH SOME OF THESE RESOURCES BEING FOUND ONLY IN QUEBEC PROVINCE.

* Features a diverse geography, from mountains to forests and coastlines along the Saint Lawrence River

The largest province in Canada by area is Nunavut, which covers approximately 2 million square kilometers.

Nunavut has a diverse geography, featuring vast tundras, mountains, and ice caps. The region’s terrain is also characterized by numerous rivers, lakes, and fjords.

The second-largest province in Canada is Quebec, covering around 1.5 million square kilometers.

Quebec boasts an equally diverse geography, with the Saint Lawrence River forming its southern boundary and coastlines along Lake Ontario and the Atlantic Ocean.

The third-largest province in Canada is British Columbia, spanning approximately 944,735 square kilometers.

This region features a mix of mountains and forests, as well as extensive coastline along the Pacific Ocean, including the famous Inside Passage.

The largest three territories by area are Yukon (482,443 km^2), Northwest Territories (523,783 km^2), and Nunavut (2 million km^2). In terms of smallest Canadian provinces/territories by area, the list includes New Brunswick (72,908 km^2) at #8, Prince Edward Island (5,683 km^2) at #9.

Below is a list of all 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada by area:

Nunavut – 2 million km^2
Quebec – 1.5 million km^2
British Columbia – 944,735 km^2
Yukon – 482,443 km^2
Northwest Territories – 523,783 km^2
Territories (average) – 533,109.33 km^2
Prairie Provinces (average) – 646,933 km^2
New Brunswick – 72,908 km^2
Prince Edward Island – 5,683 km^2
Ontario – 1.076 million km^2
Alberta – 661,848 km^2

**Smallest Canadian Provinces/Territories by Area

Nunavut: The Smallest Territory in Canada

Nunavut, located in the far north of Canada, is the smallest territory by area.

Nunavut has a total area of approximately 2 million square kilometers (772,974 sq mi), making it the second-largest administrative division in the world after Russia.

It is also the newest Canadian territory, having been created on April 1, 1999, when it separated from Northwest Territories and became an independent territory.

Nunavut has a very unique landscape, featuring vast tundras, mountains, and numerous islands in Hudson Bay and James Bay.

The territory’s climate is predominantly Arctic, with extremely cold winters and short cool summers.

There are 25 incorporated municipalities in Nunavut, including the capital city of Iqaluit, which has a population of around 8,000 people.

Nunavut is home to 36,991 Inuit and other Indigenous peoples, making up about 87% of the territory’s total population.

Nunavut by the Numbers:

Total Area: Approximately 2 million square kilometers
Population (2020 est.): 36,991
Density: 0.025 people per square kilometer

Nunavut is a vast and remote territory with a unique cultural heritage, rich in Inuit traditions and history.

Key Facts:

Capital City: Iqaluit (Inuktitut)
Largest Island: Baffin Island
Language(s): Inuktitut, English, French
Climate: Arctic

Nunavut is a fascinating and beautiful territory with an incredible natural environment.

* Covers approximately 2,093,190 km² (808,186 sq mi) of land

The smallest Canadian provinces and territories by area are Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nunavut.

However, if we’re looking at the five smallest provinces and territories in Canada, we have to consider their respective areas. According to data from Statistics Canada, the following are the top 5 smallest provinces/territories by area:

Nunavut covers an area of approximately 2,038,722 km² (786,470 sq mi), making it the largest territory in Canada.

However, when considering only the five smallest provinces and territories, we have to rearrange our list as follows: Yukon is actually the second-largest territory by area with a total land area of around 482,443 km² (186,272 sq mi).

The next smallest province/territory on this list would be Nunavut’s neighbor, the Northwest Territories, which covers an area of approximately 1.144 million km² (441,000 sq mi)

However, if we continue our ranking from smallest to largest:

The smallest province in Canada is actually Newfoundland and Labrador, covering a total land area of around 108,860 km² (42,030 sq mi).

New Brunswick is the second-smallest province with an approximate total land area of around 72,908 km² (28,150 sq mi).

Prince Edward Island, which has no bordering provinces and its own unique history, has a much smaller territory at 5,683 km² (2,197 sq mi).

The final member of our list of the five smallest Canadian provinces and territories by area would be Nova Scotia, which covers a total land area of approximately 55,286 km² (21,345 sq mi).

* Represents about 20% of the country’s total area

The smallest provinces and territories by area in Canada are a significant part of the country’s diverse geography.

Starting with the smallest, here are the Canadian provinces and territories listed below:

Nunavut

Nunavut is the largest of the three Canadian territories and holds approximately 20% of Canada’s land area, but it has a small population.

Below is a list of the remaining smallest provinces and territories in Canada:

1. Prince Edward Island

• Located off the coast of mainland Canada

• Has a total area of approximately 5,683 square kilometers

2. New Brunswick

• Located on the eastern coast of Canada

• Shares borders with Quebec and Nova Scotia

• Total area is approximately 72,908 square kilometers

3. **Quebec

• The only province to use French as an official language

• Has a total area of approximately 1,542,056 square kilometers

4. Ontario

• Shares borders with Manitoba and Quebec in the east and west respectively

• Total area is approximately 1,076,395 square kilometers

5. **Newfoundland and Labrador**

• Located on the eastern coast of Canada

• Has a unique history due to its colonial past

• Total area is approximately 108,860 square kilometers

* Features a vast and sparsely populated territory with numerous rivers, lakes, and coastlines along the Arctic Ocean

The smallest Canadian province/territory by area is **Nunavut**.

It covers approximately **181,923 square miles (471,690 square kilometers)** and has a total population of around 36,991 people as of the 2016 census.

The territory is characterized by its vast and sparsely populated landscape, with numerous rivers, lakes, and coastlines along the Arctic Ocean.

Nunavut’s unique geography includes:

**Arctic tundra**, a treeless region of cold and windy land that covers much of the territory.
**Tight ice caps** in some regions, which are large areas of thick sea ice that form during the winter months.
Numerous **glaciers**, including the famous Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world.

Despite its small size, Nunavut boasts some of the most striking natural features in Canada:

The **Northern Lights** (Aurora Borealis) can be seen on clear nights from late August to early April.
Abundant wildlife such as polar bears, muskoxen, caribou, and Arctic foxes inhabit the territory’s vast wilderness areas.

Nunavut has a harsh climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers, making it difficult for humans to settle in certain areas. However, the territory is home to many thriving communities, each with their unique culture and traditions.

**Comparison and Interesting Facts

Differences in Population Density

The population density of a region plays a significant role in shaping its urbanization, economic growth, and overall way of life for its residents.

In the context of Canada’s provinces and territories, there are interesting facts and differences worth exploring regarding their population densities.

One of the key factors contributing to these variations is the size of each region. The largest province by area is Quebec, covering approximately 1,542,056 km2. In contrast, Nunavut is the smallest territory in terms of land area, with a vast expanse of 2,093,190 km2.

Given their differing sizes, it’s no surprise that there are substantial disparities in population density among Canada’s provinces and territories. Quebec has an estimated 9.4 million people spread out over its vast territory, resulting in a relatively low population density of 5.6 people per square kilometer (km2).

In stark contrast, the three largest cities in Ontario—Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton—boast high population densities, often surpassing 8,000 inhabitants per km2.

Nunavut, on the other hand, has a significantly lower population density of just over one person per square kilometer. This is largely due to its remote location and harsh climate, making it challenging for people to inhabit and settle in this region.

Other factors contributing to these disparities include historical settlement patterns, economic development, and access to resources such as land, water, and employment opportunities.

The varying population densities of Canada’s provinces and territories have far-reaching implications for their residents. For instance, higher population density often leads to increased social interaction, economic growth, and access to services like healthcare and education.

On the other hand, lower population density can result in limited access to amenities, reduced job opportunities, and a greater reliance on technology to connect with the outside world.

To effectively manage and mitigate these disparities, policymakers must consider factors such as urban planning, infrastructure development, and economic diversification strategies tailored to each region’s unique needs and circumstances.

* Quebec has a population density of about 6 people per km² (16/sq mi)

The province of Quebec, located in Eastern Canada, has a population density that stands out among its counterparts in the country.

This vast territory has an area of approximately 1.5 million square kilometers (579,083 sq mi), making it the largest province in Canada by land area.

However, when you consider the province’s population distribution, things look a bit different – with about 6 people per km² (16/sq mi).

To put this into perspective, Quebec has one of the lowest population densities among the Canadian provinces and territories.

Some interesting facts that highlight the vastness and sparseness of the province include:

The majority of Quebec’s population resides in urban centers such as Montreal and Quebec City, with only a small percentage living in rural areas.

The region is home to numerous national parks and nature reserves, showcasing its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

Quebec has its own unique cultural heritage, shaped by its history as a French colony and its distinct language, customs, and traditions.

Despite the relatively low population density, Quebec has made significant contributions to Canada’s economy, culture, and politics.

* Nunavut has a population density of less than 0.03 people per km² (0.08/sq mi), making it one of the most sparsely populated regions in the world

Nunavut has a unique distinction when it comes to population density, with a meager 0.03 people per km² (0.08/sq mi) making it one of the most sparsely populated regions in the world.

This is due in part to its vast and remote landscape, with much of the territory consisting of ice caps and glaciers that make up the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

Nunavut’s low population density is also a result of its harsh climate and limited accessibility, making it one of the most inhospitable places on Earth for human habitation.

Interestingly, despite being one of the least populated regions in Canada, Nunavut has a diverse range of cultures and communities, with over 25 languages spoken across the territory, including **Inuktitut** and English.

The majority of residents are of Inuit descent, with many families tracing their roots back to the region’s indigenous people.

This cultural diversity is reflected in the unique blend of traditional practices, modern technology, and European influences that can be seen throughout Nunavut’s vibrant communities.

Nunavut’s population density is also an important aspect of its economy, with many residents relying on hunting, fishing, and trapping to survive in this unforgiving environment.

Additionally, the low population density has led to significant challenges in accessing healthcare, education, and other essential services for the territory’s residents.

Despite these challenges, Nunavut remains a beautiful and unique destination for tourists and scientists alike, offering unparalleled opportunities for exploration and discovery in this vast and remote region of Canada.

* The vast size and remote location of Nunavut contribute to its low population density

The vast size and remote location of Nunavut contribute to its low population density.

Nunavut, one of Canada’s three territories, is the largest in terms of area with a landmass of approximately 2 million square kilometers.

Despite being so large, Nunavut has a relatively small population with just over 35,000 residents as per the 2020 census, giving it a population density of around 0.02 people per square kilometer.

In comparison, the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island is the smallest in terms of area, covering only about 5,600 square kilometers.

Prince Edward Island has a relatively high population density of around 26 people per square kilometer, despite being much smaller than Nunavut.

This stark contrast in size and population highlights the unique characteristics of Canada’s provinces and territories.

Nunavut’s remote location makes it one of the most sparsely populated regions on earth, with many areas accessible only by air or sea during certain times of the year.

On the other hand, Prince Edward Island is a densely populated island located off the coast of Canada, known for its scenic landscapes and vibrant culture.

Facts about Nunavut’s size:

Nunavut covers an area roughly three times the size of Texas
It is larger than many European countries, including Germany and Japan
Nunavut has a coastline longer than that of the United States

Facts about Prince Edward Island’s population:

PEI is the second-smallest province in Canada, by both area and population
The island has a relatively high percentage of residents who are descendants of Scottish immigrants
PEI’s economy is largely based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism

In conclusion, Nunavut’s vast size and remote location contribute to its extremely low population density, making it an interesting contrast to Prince Edward Island.

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