Canada: Metropolitan Area Population, by city
City, provinceNumber of residents,
in thousands
Toronto, Ontario6,685.62
Montréal, Quebec4,378.80
Vancouver, British Columbia2,842.73
Calgary, Alberta1,608.34
Edmonton, Alberta1,516.72
Ottawa - Gatineau, Ontario/Quebec1,498.61
Winnipeg, Manitoba871.78
Québec, Quebec848.78
Hamilton, Ontario821.84
Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario622.50
London, Ontario574.24
Halifax, Nova Scotia480.58
St. Catharines-Niagara, Ontario450.50
Oshawa, Ontario447.08
Victoria, British Columbia423.14
Windsor, Ontario359.67
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan347.54
Regina, Saskatchewan268.80
Kelowna, British Columbia235.47
Sherbrooke, Quebec231.06
Barrie, Ontario228.98
St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador219.12
Abbotsford-Mission, British Columbia208.96
Kingston, Ontario180.07
Greater Sudbury, Ontario175.36
Guelph, Ontario172.40
Moncton, New Brunswick171.61
Trois-Rivières, Quebec167.73
Saguenay, Quebec165.19
Brantford, Ontario158.39
Saint John, New Brunswick135.62
Peterborough, Ontario135.01
Lethbridge, Alberta133.06
Thunder Bay, Ontario125.33
Belleville, Ontario116.01
  • Region: Canada
  • Time period: 2022
  • Published: Jan 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 27, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Metropolitan Area Populations in Canada Highlight Toronto and Montréal's Dominance

Toronto, Ontario, with a population of 6,685.62 thousand, and Montréal, Quebec, with 4,378.80 thousand, clearly dominate as Canada's most populous metropolitan areas. Combined, they account for nearly 11,064.42 thousand residents, showcasing the significant concentration of the country's population in these two cities.

British Columbia's Varied Urban Landscapes

British Columbia's urban centers display a range of sizes, from Vancouver 's large population of 2,842.73 thousand to smaller yet significant populations in Victoria and Kelowna, with 423.14 thousand and 235.47 thousand residents, respectively. This spread highlights the province's diverse urban appeal and varying scales of metropolitan areas.

Alberta's Close Competition Between Calgary and Edmonton

In Alberta, Calgary and Edmonton present a close population race with 1,608.34 thousand and 1,516.72 thousand residents, respectively. Their combined population totals nearly 3,125.06 thousand, underlining Alberta's substantial urban concentration in these two cities.

Ontario's Extensive Urban Network

Ontario boasts a broad urban network beyond Toronto, with cities like Ottawa - Gatineau, Hamilton, and Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo having populations of 1,498.61 thousand, 821.84 thousand, and 622.50 thousand, respectively. This indicates a widespread distribution of urban populations across the province.

Quebec's Urban Diversity Beyond Montréal

Beyond Montréal, Quebec features cities like Québec City and Sherbrooke with populations of 848.78 thousand and 231.06 thousand, highlighting the province's urban diversity and the presence of significant metropolitan areas outside its largest city.

Emergence of Medium-Sized Urban Centers

Medium-sized urban centers such as Halifax, Nova Scotia, with 480.58 thousand residents, and St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, with 219.12 thousand, underscore the emergence of significant metropolitan areas in regions outside the dominant provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Growth Potential in Smaller Cities

Smaller cities like Guelph, Ontario, and Moncton, New Brunswick, with populations of 172.40 thousand and 171.61 thousand respectively, reveal potential growth areas that may emerge as increasingly important urban centers in the future, especially given current population trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the most populous metropolitan areas in Canada?

Toronto, Ontario, and Montréal, Quebec are the most populous areas with 6,685.62 thousand and 4,378.80 thousand residents, respectively.

Terms and Definitions

A metropolitan area includes a core city as well as its surrounding suburbs and towns that are linked with it for commuting or actively economic interactions. It's commonly defined by its population concentration and the presence of a specific number of inhabitants within a specified area.

Population refers to the total number of individuals living within a certain geographic area such as a city, province, or country at a given time. It includes all persons residing within its boundaries regardless their age, gender, or nationality.

Jurisdiction is the area or territory within which authority can be exercised by a government or law enforcement agency. In this context, it refers to the geographic area, such as city or province, under which population statistics are being measured and governed.

Demographics refer to the statistical study of populations, including size, structure, and distribution, which provides information about the age, gender, race, income, education, and other attributes of people within specific geographic locations.

Urbanization is the process by which towns and cities are formed and grow due to an increase in population and migration to these areas. This process is often associated with significant economic and societal changes.
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Demography studies the characteristics of human populations, including aspects such as birth rate, death rate, migration, and how these elements can influence societal structure and development. Read more »