Canada is in North America, with a population of almost 33 million people. We know Canada as the second-largest country in the world by total area and the tenth most populous. Canada's capital and largest city is Ottawa. The three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
It has a diverse geography, including vast wildernesses, dense boreal forests, tall hills, cold rivers, and expansive lakes.
The climate is highly variable across its immense territory, from the Arctic tundra to the subarctic desert, as well as mountains that run from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Aboriginal peoples have significantly impacted Canada's culture, economy, and history. Beginning in the 17th century, French and British traders began to explore what is now known as Canada.
By 1763, France ceded New France to Great Britain under the Treaty of Paris, after which settlement by British Columbia's First Nations began.
With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Canada became one of only seven countries with a majority population from Europe (the other six being Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Spain and Switzerland).
Canadian Provinces and Territories
Canada is geographically divided into provinces and three territories.
The provinces of Canada include the following.
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario (including the city of Toronto)
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec (including the city of Montreal)
- Saskatchewan
The three Canadian territories are as follows.
- Nunavut (Nunavut Land Northwest Territories
- Nunatsiavut
- Yukon
Each territory has its own unique legal status.
The Canadian Economy
The Canadian economy is the ninth largest in the world, with a nominal GDP of $2.587 trillion as of 2016, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The country's two most important economic sectors are manufacturing and services, which account for about 60% of Canada's GDP.
Agriculture accounts for only about 3%. Canada also has a highly diversified industrial base, with products ranging from aircraft and defense equipment to forestry products and automobiles. In 2013, an estimated 635 thousand millionaires were living in Canada.
15 Richest Cities in Canada
If you're thinking about visiting, living, or working in Canada, it is important to know what options are available. While the city of Toronto is officially the richest city in Canada, wealthy cities in Canada are found in almost every province.
Below is an overview of the wealthiest cities in Canada based on the per capita GDP of each city.
#1. – Abbotsford-Mission British Columbia
Abbotsford-Mission B.C is a rapidly growing city in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia. It was officially incorporated as a municipality on April 1, 2002, and has since experienced significant economic and population growth.
Today, Abbotsford-Mission B.C boasts a population of over 158,000 residents, making it one of North America's fastest-growing cities. Several factors, including increased, skilled immigration, a robust economy, and favorable real estate market conditions, have fueled this rapid growth.
The city is home to many well-known companies, including the following.
- Toyota Canada Inc.,
- Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation,
- Telus Corp.,
- Herschel Supply Co.,
- Canadian Tire Corporation (parent company),
- Intact Financial Corp., Canaccord Genuity Group Incorporated (equity investor).
Abbotsford-Mission offers its citizens access to world-class facilities, such as Vancouver General Hospital Campus, used for research purposes by top medical institutions worldwide.
Others include BC Children's Hospital and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Numerous educational institutions within the city limits offer excellent quality education for students from Canada and abroad. These include Simon Fraser University, Pacific Christian College, Mount Royal University, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
#2. – Burnaby, British Columbia
Burnaby, British Columbia, is a rapidly growing city that offers many opportunities to start or grow a small business. It has an excellent infrastructure, including world-class hospitals, universities, and technology companies.
The temperate climate has mild winters and hot summers, making it ideal for outdoor and indoor activities. Burnaby also boasts some of the most affordable housing in North America, thanks to its proximity to Vancouver.
There are plenty of recreational attractions available in Burnaby, such as fitness centers, parks, golf courses, and ski resorts. And if you're looking for something more cultural or educational, you can visit theatres and galleries or take classes at nearby colleges and universities.
#3. – Calgary, Alberta
Calgary, Alberta is a vibrant and growing city that is known for its rich history and culture. It has a famously mild climate that makes it great year-round, and the natural landscape provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The economy in Calgary is diversified, with a strong presence in manufacturing, health care, technology, finance/investment services/marketing research firms as well as oil & gas exploration and production.
There are also many high-tech companies located here such as:
- Telus Corporation
- Scotiabank
- AT&T Inc.
#4 – Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton is one of the rich cities in Canada, which was founded by Charles Stewart Mott on April 6, 1882. The city has since expanded to become the capital of Alberta and the fifth most populous municipality in Canada, with over 430,000 residents.
It is known for its lush green spaces and warm weather year-round. Edmonton is home to the University of Alberta and MacEwan University, as well as various other colleges and universities.
Edmonton is a beautiful city that has undergone exponential growth in the past few years. It's home to several Fortune 500 companies and is ranked as one of Canada's most livable cities by Relocate-Canada.
The city of Edmonton is also known for its abundant natural resources, including oil and gas reserves, precious metals, agriculture, forestry, etc.
This makes it an ideal place to invest or a business location. In addition to this exciting economic development news, recent updates have been made to the infrastructure, such as new bridges and highways, which make commuting easier for residents and businesses.
Edmonton offers world-class educational facilities from elementary through college level.
#5. – Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is the second most populous city in Canada, with a population of over 5 million people. It is home to many multinational companies, such as Bell Canada, Bombardier Inc., CGI Group Inc., and Scotiabank Financial Corp.
The Quebec City-Windsor Corridor (QCW) has emerged as one of the most substantial economic zones in North America due to its strong presence of engineering firms, research centers, and high-tech businesses, including telecoms equipment manufacturers。
#6. – Oakville, Ontario
With its lush forests, picturesque lakeshores, and charming villages, this municipality is known for its beautiful landscapes and tranquil lifestyle.
As one of Canada's top live-work communities, Oakville offers an abundance of opportunities to work in a variety of industries while still enjoying all that this vibrant community has to offer.
From cultural events like Shakespeare in the Park or Jazz festivals to nature walks by waterfalls or hikes through famous wildlife preserves like Don Valley Provincial Park or Algonquin Park Highlands (home to the world's second-largest wild population of black bear), there is something for everyone here.
And with year-round weather conditions that range from mild winters and warm summers to torrential downpours during the fall and winter months – no matter what time of year it is – residents can always find something enjoyable to do!
#7. – Ottawa-Gatineau, Metropolitan Area
Ottawa-Gatineau is a city in eastern Canada home to over 1 million people. It was founded as Bytown in 1792 and later became Ottawa in 1855. The city has played an essential role in Canadian history, being the seat of government for Canada from 1867 until it moved to Toronto in 1985.
The city is known for its environment, architecture, and entertainment options. Some of the most popular attractions include Parliament Hill (the national parliament building), Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Lansdowne Park (home of the Canadien Football League team Ottawa REDBLACKS). In addition, Montrealers are often seen commuting into Ottawa-Gatineau for work or leisure.
#8. – Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City, Quebec is a beautiful and vibrant city that has been attracting tourists for centuries. Originally founded by the French in 1608, it became one of Canada's most important colonial cities. Today, it is home to over 2 million people and boasts an array of attractions that make it a popular destination for visitors from all around the world.
Montreal may be larger in terms of population, but Quebec City has its own charm and is known for its architecture (including some UNESCO World Heritage Sites), festivals (such as Fete Nationale), cuisine (try poutine!), wineries, and more.
Canadian residents and tourists looking to experience something different in Canada can find a wealth of art, entertainment, and recreational activities in Quebec City.
#9. – Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina may be a perfect choice if you're looking for an exciting and diverse city to call home. With a population of over 159,000 people, Regina is home to numerous attractions, including the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and Canada's largest indoor water park – aquaCITY. Additionally, this city offers plenty of opportunities for cultural exploration with its abundance of museums and theaters.
There are also tons of delicious restaurants waiting to be explored, thanks to its diverse culinary scene. And if outdoor activities are more your thing, take advantage of Regina's extensive trails and parks that offer everything from hiking to biking. In summation, there is something for everyone in this vibrant metropolis!
#10. – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Saskatoon is located in the heart of North America and is situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. It has a population of about 298,000 people and plays a vital role in Canada's economy as it is home to many major corporations and Fortune 500 companies.
It also has a vibrant cultural scene that includes conventional arts like theater and music and more experimental forms of expression. Saskatoon was founded by European settlers in 1882, but its history goes back much further.
There are several aboriginal nations whose cultures have been integrated into mainstream society over time, making Saskatoon a culturally rich city with something for everyone!
#11. – Surrey, British Columbia
Surrey, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, is known for its beautiful waterways and lush greenery. It's also home to some of Canada's most prestigious universities – including Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia (UBC), and Camosun College – and several prominent companies such as Shaw Communications and North American Properties Corporation.
The city has a population of over half a million people. It is considered one of Canada’s most ethnically diverse cities due to its sizeable Chinese community, Arabic community, South Asian community, Italian community, Ukrainian Community, Greek Community, and more.
In addition to its cultural diversity, Surrey is also home to world-renowned hospitals like Vancouver General Hospital and Royal Columbian Hospital-Victoria.
#12. – Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is the fifth most populous city in Canada and has a population of over 8 million people. It also carries the distinction of being the wealthiest city in Canada. This Ontario-based city is one of the richest towns in Canada because it is home to many Fortune 500 companies.
Toronto's major industries include finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, media, and real estate. Tourism also plays a vital role in Toronto's economy and government spending on infrastructure projects such as transit networks and hospitals.
#13 – Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a vibrant and thriving city with everything – from stunning natural surroundings to world-renowned educational institutions. The city of Vancouver is home to some of the most iconic tourist destinations in North America, including The Lion's Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, and Granville Island Market.
This city in the province of British Columbia also boasts an impressive array of cultural attractions, such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (formerly Theatre Royal), which was recently awarded five stars by Forbes magazine. In addition to its incredible nightlife scene, Vancouver is well known for being environmentally friendly – ranking first globally on several environmental indices.
#14. – West Vancouver, British Columbia
West Vancouver is a picturesque coastal town located on the West Coast of Canada. The municipality has an estimated population of just over 53,000 people and encompasses a land area of about 252 square kilometers (97 sq mi).
It is home to world-renowned schools such as the Early Childhood Education Centre, Sir George Williams University, Langara College, and Mount Douglas Secondary School.
The economy in West Vancouver relies heavily on high-value service industry jobs such as health care services, consulting work related to environmental law or sustainability initiatives, real estate development and management activities within the luxury segment –
There is also heavy emphasis on wine production — particularly Sauvignon Blanc and eco-tourism operations promoting nature tourism experiences in its many scenic areas.
Scenic areas in and nearby West Vancouver include the following.
- Ucluelet Bay Marine Park Reserve – near Tofino British Columbia
- Cowichan Valley Golf Club – offers championship golfing opportunities at one of British Columbia's most challenging courses.
- Bear Mountain Resort – panoramic views from its spa facilities overlooking the downtown North Van cityscape below.
#15. – Winnipeg Manitoba
Winnipeg is one of the fastest-growing major Canadian cities and has seen an increase in its population for nearly two decades.
Canadians know Winnipeg for its rich cultural heritage, including French and Scottish influences. It has been home to many famous people over the years, including
- Sir Alexander Macdonald
- Andrew Carnegie
- Harry Houdini
- Grant McCord (the “Man Who Sketched Saskatchewan”)
- Oscar Peterson (a jazz pianist)
- Winnie Mandela (wife of Nelson Mandela)
- Manon Rhéaume (an Olympic gold medalist swimmer
- Terry Fox (the athlete who ran across Canada).
What makes Winnipeg so unique are its lush landscapes and abundant natural resources such as waterfalls, lakes/reservoirs, and forests, making it an idyllic place to live or visit year-round. Known as the “Grain City,” Winnipeg is a thriving and growing city with something for everyone.
This prairie metropolis is home to attractions like The Forks, which offers visitors a riverside promenade surrounded by shops, restaurants, and galleries; Centennial Park with its botanical garden; and Osborne Village, showcasing artisanship by local artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money does Canada have invested in various businesses and projects?
As of 2016, Canada had an estimated net outward investment (NEOI) of $1.291 trillion, according to the IMF. This figure represents the total amount of investment that was moved out of Canada during that year, both direct and indirect.
What are some popular tourist destinations in Canada?
Some famous tourist destinations in Canada include Niagara Falls, Calgary, and Vancouver.
How much does Canada generate in GDP each year?
In 2016, Canada generated $2.587 trillion in nominal GDP, according to the IMF. This figure represents the value of all goods and services produced within Canada during that year.
What are the major industries in Canada?
The two most important industries in Canada are manufacturing and services. Manufacturing makes up about 60% of the country's GDP, and services account for about 40% of the GDP. The other main sectors are agriculture (3%), oil and gas (2%), natural resources (1%), and construction (1%).
What is the unemployment rate in Canada?
According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate in Canada was 5.9% as of January 2019. This figure represents the percentage of employed people who were not unemployed but wanted a job but did not have one available during that month.
What are the major companies based in Canada?
Some major companies based out of Canada include Bell, BCE, Canadian Pacific Railway, CIBC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Company, and Rogers Communications.
