The Urban Area Boundary Files portray the urban area boundaries for which census data are disseminated. They are available for download in two types: cartographic and digital. Cartographic boundary files depict the geographic areas using only the shorelines of the major land mass of Canada and its coastal islands. Digital boundary files depict the full extent of the geographic areas, including the coastal water area. The files provide a framework for mapping and spatial analysis using commercially available geographic information systems (GIS) or other mapping software.

This table presents the 2021 population counts for census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations, and their population centres and rural areas.

Urban population (% of total population) in Canada was reported at 81.98 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Canada - Urban population (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

There are two types of boundary files: cartographic and digital. Cartographic boundary files portray the geographic areas using only the major land mass of Canada and its coastal islands. Digital boundary files portray the full extent of the geographic areas, including the coastal water area.

Data on broad age groups and gender for the population 15 years of age and older in private households of Canada and census metropolitan areas.

Contained within the 3rd Edition (1957) of the Atlas of Canada is a plate consisting of four condensed maps that show urban populations of the people living in Canada. The two maps at the top of this plate show the night-time distribution of population, circa 1956 for Metropolitan Toronto and part of Montreal Island. These two maps actually show the distribution of persons in their permanent homes, without adjustments for such persons that may be absent from their homes at night. Persons in short term, transient residence, such as those in hotels and hospitals are not represented. Another map shows the distribution of urban population across Canada, circa 1951. The definition of urban includes all persons residing in cities, towns and villages of 1000 population or more, whether incorporated or unincorporated, as well as the population of all parts of the census metropolitan areas. A smaller scale map of Canada shows urban areas. These are areas in which urban communities of 1000 or more population are 15 or fewer miles apart.

This table presents the 2021 and 2016 population and dwelling counts, land area, population density and population ranking for the census metropolitan area or census agglomeration, and for the census subdivisions in that census metropolitan area or census agglomeration. It also shows the percentage change in the population and dwelling counts between 2016 and 2021.

Canada's largest metropolitan area is Toronto, in Ontario. In 2022. Over 6.6 million people were living in the Toronto metropolitan area. Montréal, in Quebec, followed with about 4.4 million inhabitants, while Vancouver, in Britsh Columbia, counted 2.8 million people as of 2022.

Annual population estimates as of July 1st, by census metropolitan area and census agglomeration, single year of age, five-year age group and gender, based on the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) 2021.

This table presents the 2021 and 2016 population counts and the 2021 dwelling counts, land area and population density for a census metropolitan area or a tracted census agglomeration and the census tracts within the census metropolitan area or tracted census agglomeration.

As of July 1, 2022, there were approximately 13.87 million males and 14.13 million females living in metropolitan areas across Canada. This statistic breaks down this figure by metropolitan area. Toronto was the most populated city in the country, counting over 3.2 million males and 3.4 million females.

Canada's urban population now accounts for over 80 percent of it's total population. Canada's urbanization rate has increased steadily in recent years, as technological advancements have lowered the labor demand in the agriculture and energy sectors, while Canada's service industries have grown. The vast majority of Canada's population lives in the south, with over half the population found in the southeast between Quebec City and the Great Lakes region.

This table presents the 2021 and 2016 population and dwelling counts, land area, population density and population ranking for the census metropolitan area or census agglomeration, and for the census subdivisions in that census metropolitan area or census agglomeration. It also shows the percentage change in the population and dwelling counts between 2016 and 2021.

Canada CA: Urban Population Growth data was reported at 3.067 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.933 % for 2022. Canada CA: Urban Population Growth data is updated yearly, averaging 1.319 % from Dec 1961 (Median) to 2023, with 63 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.523 % in 1971 and a record low of 0.665 % in 2021. Canada CA: Urban Population Growth data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Urban population refers to people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated using World Bank population estimates and urban ratios from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects.;World Bank staff estimates based on the United Nations Population Division's World Urbanization Prospects: 2018 Revision.;Weighted average;

Multi-temporal Local Climate Zone maps for seven functional urban areas (Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg), and seven census years (1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016). Regions of interest are defined by each cities' functional urban area, and the LCZ maps are available per city and census year, on a 100 m spatial resolution.

Health characteristics, two-year period estimates, by age group and sex, Canada, provinces, territories, census metropolitan areas and population centres.

Canada Land Cover: Artificial Surfaces: Urban Areas data was reported at 12.632 sq km th in 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 12.380 sq km th for 2018. Canada Land Cover: Artificial Surfaces: Urban Areas data is updated yearly, averaging 11.641 sq km th from Dec 1992 (Median) to 2019, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 12.632 sq km th in 2019 and a record low of 7.330 sq km th in 1992. Canada Land Cover: Artificial Surfaces: Urban Areas data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.OECD.ESG: Environmental: Land Cover: OECD Member: Annual.

Data on broad age groups and sex for the population of Canada and census metropolitan areas.

This table is part of a series of tables that present a portrait of Canada based on the various census topics. The tables range in complexity and levels of geography. Content varies from a simple overview of the country to complex cross-tabulations; the tables may also cover several censuses.

Data on long-form data quality indicators for 2021 Census expenditures content, Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas, census agglomerations and census subdivisions.