Canadian Provinces by Population 2025

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Top 5 Most Populous Provinces

15,996,989

9,030,684

4,849,906

1,484,135

10 provinces

Province
2024 Pop.
2022 Pop.
2016 Pop.
2011 Pop.
Change
Ontario15,996,98915,262,66013,448,49412,851,8212.19%
Quebec9,030,6848,751,3528,164,3617,903,0001.27%
British Columbia5,646,4675,368,2664,648,0554,400,0572.46%
Alberta4,849,9064,601,3144,067,1753,645,2572.22%
Manitoba1,484,1351,420,2281,278,3651,208,2681.88%
Saskatchewan1,231,0431,205,1191,098,3521,053,9601.44%
Nova Scotia1,072,5451,030,953923,598921,7271.89%
New Brunswick850,894820,786747,101751,1711.64%
Newfoundland541,391528,818519,716514,5360.51%
Prince Edward Island177,081172,707142,907140,2042.72%

Differences Between Province and Territory

Province A self-governing region of Canada that derives its powers directly from the Constitution Act of 1867, with jurisdiction over areas like education, healthcare, and property rights while functioning as a co-sovereign division within the Canadian federation.
Territory A region of Canada that receives its powers through federal legislation rather than the Constitution, administered with greater federal oversight and typically characterized by smaller populations and larger federal funding per capita to support development and services.

Province Powers vs Federal Powers

Canada's federal system divides powers between the Federal Government and 10 Provincial Governments. This distribution of powers is outlined in the Constitution Act, 1867, and has evolved through court interpretations and constitutional amendments.

Provincial Powers
Federal Powers
EducationNational Defense
HealthcareCurrency and Banking
TransportationImmigration and Citizenship
Property and Civil RightsPostal Service
Natural ResourcesInternational and Interprovincial Trade
Administration of JusticeFisheries
Municipal InstitutionsIndigenous Affairs
Labor RelationsCriminal Law
Liquor LicensingTelecommunications
Provincial Civil ServiceInterprovincial Transportation

It's important to note that while this table provides a general overview, the actual distribution of powers is more complex. Some areas, such as agriculture, immigration, old-age pensions, and supplementary benefits, are shared between the federal and provincial governments. In cases of conflict in shared jurisdictions, federal law typically prevails for agriculture and immigration, while provincial law prevails for old-age pensions.

Provinces and Territories

Alberta

Alberta
Population
4,849,906
Status
Province
Known For
Rocky Mountains
Visit Alberta Page  >

Alberta is famous for its stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes, home to Banff and Jasper National Parks. It is also a major hub for Canada's oil industry.

British Columbia

British Columbia
Population
5,646,467
Status
Province
Known For
Pacific coastline
Visit British Columbia Page  >

British Columbia boasts breathtaking coastal scenery, with lush rainforests and rugged shorelines. Vancouver is one of Canada's most diverse and vibrant cities.

Manitoba

Manitoba
Population
1,484,135
Status
Province
Known For
Polar bears
Visit Manitoba Page  >

Manitoba is home to Churchill, the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World,' attracting visitors from around the globe. The province also features vast prairies and over 100,000 lakes.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland
Population
541,391
Status
Province
Known For
Icebergs
Visit Newfoundland Page  >

Newfoundland and Labrador offer dramatic coastal landscapes where icebergs drift south from the Arctic. St. John's is North America’s oldest city, filled with colorful row houses and maritime history.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia
Population
1,072,545
Status
Province
Known For
Lighthouses
Visit Nova Scotia Page  >

Nova Scotia is famous for its scenic coastal drives, historic towns, and over 150 lighthouses. The province is also known for its seafood, particularly lobster and scallops.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick
Population
850,894
Status
Province
Known For
Bay of Fundy
Visit New Brunswick Page  >

New Brunswick is known for the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world. It is also the only officially bilingual province in Canada.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island
Population
177,081
Status
Province
Known For
Red beaches
Visit Prince Edward Island Page  >

Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, known for its red sand beaches and rolling farmland. It is also the setting of the famous novel 'Anne of Green Gables.'

Northwest Territory

Northwest Territory
Population
44,920
Status
Territory
Known For
Northern lights
Visit Northwest Territory Page  >

The Northwest Territories is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. It is also home to Great Bear Lake, the largest lake entirely in Canada.

Ontario

Ontario
Population
15,996,989
Status
Province
Known For
Niagara Falls
Visit Ontario Page  >

Ontario is Canada’s most populous province, home to Toronto, Ottawa, and the famous Niagara Falls. It has a diverse economy, from finance and tech to vast agricultural regions.

Nunavut

Nunavut
Population
40,758
Status
Territory
Known For
Arctic tundra
Visit Nunavut Page  >

Nunavut is Canada’s newest and largest territory, covering a vast Arctic landscape. It is home to Inuit communities, who maintain strong cultural traditions in one of the world's most remote regions.

Quebec

Quebec
Population
9,030,684
Status
Province
Known For
French culture
Visit Quebec Page  >

Quebec is Canada’s French-speaking province, rich in history and European-style architecture. Its capital, Quebec City, is the only walled city in North America.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan
Population
1,231,043
Status
Province
Known For
Wheat fields
Visit Saskatchewan Page  >

Saskatchewan is known for its endless golden wheat fields and open skies. It is a major agricultural hub and one of the sunniest provinces in Canada.

Yukon

Yukon
Population
45,750
Status
Territory
Known For
Gold rush
Visit Yukon Page  >

Yukon was the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800s. Today, it offers stunning wilderness and is home to Canada’s tallest peak, Mount Logan.