Why over 70% of Canadians live in just three urban corridors
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by total area, covering approximately 9.98 million square kilometres (3.85 million square miles). It spans six time zones and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic.
Canada's population is, however, relatively small—around 40 million people as of 2025. That gives it one of the lowest population densities in the world: about 4 people per square kilometre.
Despite the vastness of the country, more than 70% of Canada's population resides in three densely populated regions: the Quebec-Windsor Corridor, Greater Vancouver, and the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor.
The three key urban clusters
- Quebec-Windsor Corridor: Stretching from Quebec City through Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Windsor, this is Canada’s most densely populated region. It is home to more than half of the national population. The corridor serves as the economic, political, and cultural heart of the country.
- Greater Vancouver Area: Snuggled between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains of British Columbia, Metro Vancouver is Canada’s third-largest metropolitan area and a major hub for trade, immigration, and tech innovation.
- Calgary-Edmonton Corridor: This central Alberta region, rich in natural resources and energy infrastructure, is home to two of Canada's fastest-growing cities.
Why the concentration?
Experts point to a mix of geographic, economic, and climatic factors that explain this intense clustering:
- Geography and climate: Much of Canada's landmass is either mountainous, forested, or arctic tundra. The southern border offers a milder climate and easier terrain for agriculture, transportation, and settlement (Natural Resources Canada).
- Economic hubs: According to Statistics Canada, the majority of jobs, infrastructure, and educational institutions are located within these corridors. Urbanisation continues to drive internal migration toward these areas.
- Historical development: The Quebec-Windsor Corridor, in particular, has historically been the centre of colonial settlement, industrialisation, and political power.
