Largest Cities in Canada by Land Area & Population

Largest Cities in Canada: Canada, with its expansive landscapes and diverse population, is home to some of North America’s liveliest and most populous cities. From the lively metropolises like Toronto and Vancouver to the historically charming Quebec City, Canadian cities bring together a mix of modern and traditional elements.

In this article, let us look into the top 10 largest cities in Canada, each playing a significant role in shaping the country’s cultural diversity and economic strength. Let’s get started!

Largest City of Canada by Area 2024

In 2024, La Tuque, Quebec, is Canada’s biggest city when it comes to land size. It covers an area of 28,099 square kilometers. La Tuque is located next to the St. Maurice River and is home to around 11,000 people, mainly in the city areas. The name “La Tuque” comes from a rock formation nearby that looks like a Canadian tuque hat.

List of Top-10 Biggest Cities in Canada

Rank	Country	Province	Land Area (in sq. km)
1.	La Tuque	Quebec	28,099.00
2.	Senneterre	Quebec	16,324.00
3.	Rouyn-Noranda	Quebec	6,441.00
4.	Val-d’Or	Quebec	3,955.00
5.	Greater Sudbury	Ontario	3,201.00
6.	Kawartha Lakes	Ontario	3,059.00
7.	Timmins	Ontario	2,962.00
8.	Ottawa	Ontario	2,778.00
9.	Gillam	Manitoba	1,996.34
10.	Sept-Îles	Quebec	1,764.13

Largest City in Canada – La Tuque

La Tuque, Quebec, is the biggest city in Canada based on land size, with an area of 28,099 square kilometers. Despite its vast expanse, La Tuque has a population of just over 11,000 people. It’s situated along the St. Maurice River and got its name from a nearby rock formation that looks like the famous Canadian tuque hat.

• Province: Quebec
• Land Area: 28,099.00 square kilometers
• Population: 11,001 (2016)

The Second Largest City in Canada – Senmeterre

In Canada, Senneterre, Quebec, is the second-largest city, covering a massive area of 16,324 square kilometers. This extensive territory includes undeveloped areas from Bell River to the Maurice Region, with Parent Lake and Tiblemont Lake as its boundaries. Despite its vast size, Senneterre has a relatively small population of only 3,000 residents.

• Province: Quebec
• Land Area: 16,324 square kilometers
• Population: 2,953 (2011)

The Third Largest City of Canada – Rouyn-Noranda

Rouyn-Noranda, located in Quebec, is Canada’s third-largest city, covering 6,441 square kilometers. It sits by Osisko Lake in Abitibi-Temiscamingue and had a population of over 41,000 according to the 2011 census, showing its importance in the region.

• Province: Quebec
• Land Area: 6,441 square kilometers
• Population: 42,334 (2016)

The Fourth Largest City of Canada – Val-d’Or

Val-d’Or, located in Quebec, is Canada’s forth-largest city, covering an area of 3,955 square kilometres. The city is located in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region near La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve. The Algonquin toponym of the town is Ozawaconia Odena.

• Province: Quebec
• Land Area: 3,955 square kilometres
• Population: 31,862 (2011)

The Fifth Largest City of Canada – Greater Sudbury

Greater Sudbury, located in Ontario, is Canada’s fifth-largest city, covering an area of 3,201 square kilometres. Perhaps the world’s centre of hard rock mining, Sudbury has nine active mines, two mills, two smelters, and a nickel refinery. The Sudbury Basin, the third-largest and oldest crater on Earth, is located near Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. It is a significant geological formation.

• Province: Ontario
• Land Area: 3,201 square kilometres
• Population: 1.65 lakhs (2017)

The Sixth Largest City of Canada – Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha Lakes, located in Ontario, is Canada’s sixth-largest city, covering an area of 3,059 square kilometres. The Kawatha Lakes region is also known for its many hiking trails, including spots around Eels Creek and the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail.

• Province: Ontario
• Land Area: 3,059 square kilometres
• Population: 75,423 (2016)

The Seventh Largest City of Canada – Timmins

Timmins, located in Ontario, is Canada’s seventh-largest city, covering an area of 2,962 square kilometres. The Timmins region is recognised worldwide as one of the richest gold regions in the world and is the biggest producer of gold (the most valued mineral output in Ontario, valued at around $4 billion yearly).

• Province: Ontario
• Land Area: 2,962 square kilometres
• Population: 41,788 (2016)

The Eighth Largest City of Canada – Ottawa

Ottawa, located in Ontario, is Canada’s eighth-largest city, covering an area of 2,778 square kilometres. Ottawa is Canada’s capital, and is located east of southern Ontario, close to Montréal and the US border. Sitting on the Ottawa River, the city’s focal point is Parliament Hill, home to opulent Victorian buildings and renowned collections of Indigenous and other Canadian art at the National Gallery of Canada and other institutions.

• Province: Ontario
• Land Area: 2,778 square kilometres
• Population: 9.95 lakhs (2017)

The Ninth Largest City of Canada – Gillam

Gillam, located in Manitoba, is Canada’s ninth-largest city, covering an area of 1996 square kilometres. The renowned “Nonsuch,” which sailed through this area during the fur trade, was named for Captain Gillam, who is honoured by the town of Gillam. In Gillam’s early settlement in the 1900s, families and railway workers lived. These days, the region is well-known for its hydroelectric power plants.

• Province: Manitoba
• Land Area: 1996 square kilometres
• Population: 1,265 (2016)

The Tenth Largest City of Canada – Sept-Îles

Sept-Îles, located in Quebec, is Canada’s tenth-largest city, covering an area of 1,764 square kilometres. Sept Iles is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: Vieux-Poste de Sept-Îles, Tourisme Côte-Nord, Musee Regional de la Cote-Nord., Les Jardins de l’Anse & Parc du Vieux-Quai.

• Province: Quebec
• Land Area: 1,764 square kilometres
• Population: 28,534 (2016)

List of Largest Cities in Canada by Population

Here’s a list of largest cities in Canada by Population:

City	Population
Toronto	2,794,356
Montreal	1,762,949
Calgary	1,306,784
Ottawa	1,017,449
Edmonton	1,010,899
Winnipeg	749,607
Mississauga	717,961
Vancouver	662,248
Brampton	656,480
Hamilton	569,353

Facts Related to Largest Cities in Canada

Here are some interesting facts related to the largest cities in Canada!

• Moncton, New Brunswick, is experiencing impressive growth with a 3% increase in its population, making it Canada’s fastest-growing city.
• Canada’s largest and most densely populated urban areas are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. People are drawn to the southern regions near the Canada-US border because of milder climates and better economic opportunities.
• Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton are popular choices for Canadian immigrants seeking both economic opportunities and cultural diversity.
• La Tuque, Quebec, holds the record for the largest Canadian city by area, covering about 28,099 square kilometers. On the other hand, Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, Quebec, has the smallest population, with just 251 residents.

Largest Cities in the World

The ranking of the largest cities in the world can vary depending on the criteria used, such as population within city limits, population density, metropolitan area population, or urban area population. Here’s a list of some of the largest cities globally by metropolitan area population:

1. Tokyo-Yokohama, Japan
2. Jakarta, Indonesia
3. Delhi, India
4. Manila, Philippines
5. Seoul, South Korea
6. Shanghai, China
7. Mumbai, India
8. New York City, United States
9. São Paulo, Brazil
10. Beijing, China

Smallest City in Canada

The smallest city in Canada by population is Greenwood, British Columbia. As of the 2016 Canadian Census, Greenwood had a population of only 665 people. It is located in the southern interior of British Columbia, near the Canada–United States border. Despite its small population, Greenwood has a rich history, particularly as a former mining town, and it is known for its scenic surroundings and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Conclusion

Canada’s biggest cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, represent a mix of modern and traditional aspects, contributing to the country’s diverse culture and strong economy. From bustling city life to the historical charm of places like Quebec City, these cities are more than just locations—they embody Canada’s rich heritage and lively spirit. Exploring the top 10 largest cities in Canada reveals not only their size but also their essential role in shaping the nation’s identity and energy.

FAQs on Largest Cities in Canada

Which is the largest city in Canada by land area?

La Tuque in the province of Quebec is the biggest city in Canada, covering 28,099 square kilometers.

Which is the largest city in Canada by population?

Toronto has the largest population in Canada. Toronto is the largest city and most populated city in Canada and is the capital of Ontario.

Which is the smallest city in Canada?

Greenwood officially became a city in 1897, and by 1899, its population had grown to over 3,000 people. Once a place is declared a city, it keeps that title, even if the population later decreases. So, even though Greenwood currently has around 700 residents, it still holds the distinction of being Canada’s smallest city.

Which is the second-largest city in Canada?

Senneterre, Quebec, is the second-largest city in Canada, spanning 16,324 square kilometers.

Name the top-5 largest cities in Canada.

The top-5 largest cities in Canada are: La Tuque, Senneterre, Rouyn-Noranda, Val-d’Or, and Greater Sudbury.