The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeCanadaGeographyMap of Canada
Canada • Geography

Map of Canada

A map of Canada is a cartographic representation of Canada that commonly shows the country's boundaries, provinces and territories, major cities, and physical features such as lakes and rivers.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A map of Canada is a cartographic representation of Canada that commonly shows the country's boundaries, provinces and territories, major cities, and physical features such as lakes and rivers. Official reference maps produced by Natural Resources Canada also show the Arctic Circle and adjacent foreign areas.

Types of Canada maps

Canada is represented in several map formats, including reference maps, topographic maps, political maps, physical maps, and satellite-image maps. Natural Resources Canada provides national map products and the Atlas of Canada reference maps.

Common map content

A standard map of Canada usually shows provincial and territorial boundaries, capital cities, major waterways, and selected settlements. Some official maps also show the Arctic Circle and neighbouring international areas.

Geographic context

Canada lies in northern North America and extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It shares the longest international land border in the world with the United States.

Government mapping resources

Natural Resources Canada maintains official map resources, including reference maps and the Atlas of Canada. Open Government Portal datasets also provide small-scale reference maps for provinces and territories.

Key facts

  • Official reference maps of Canada are published by Natural Resources Canada.
  • Canada maps commonly show provinces and territories, capitals, selected place names, lakes, and rivers.
  • Canada occupies the northern part of North America and is bordered by the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans.
  • Canada has ten provinces and three territories.
  • Many map sets include both political and physical information, such as roads, major cities, and geographic features.
🍁
Canadian context

This topic is directly relevant to Canadian geography, public mapping, and official federal cartography used by Canadian readers, educators, and researchers.

Frequently asked questions

What does a map of Canada usually show?
It usually shows Canada’s boundaries, provinces and territories, capital cities, and selected physical features such as lakes and rivers.
How many provinces and territories does Canada have on a map?
Canada has ten provinces and three territories.
Which government department provides official Canada maps?
Natural Resources Canada provides official map products, including reference maps and the Atlas of Canada.
What oceans border Canada?
Canada is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Arctic Ocean.
What country shares Canada’s land border?
The United States shares Canada’s land border.

References

  1. Natural Resources Canadahttps://natural-resources.canada.ca/maps-tools-publications/maps/atlas-canada/reference-maps
    Supports: Official reference maps of Canada showing boundaries, capitals, selected place names, selected lakes and rivers, the Arctic Circle, and adjacent foreign areas.
  2. Open Government Portalhttps://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/e9ffaaa6-c8f0-4c88-be9a-5d019a919ad8
    Supports: Atlas of Canada small-scale reference maps for provinces and territories.
  3. Natural Resources Canadahttps://natural-resources.canada.ca/maps-tools-publications/maps
    Supports: Government map resources and national, regional, and local maps.
  4. World Atlashttps://www.worldatlas.com/maps/canada
    Supports: Canada’s location in North America, surrounding oceans, and provincial/territorial structure.
  5. Geology.comhttps://www.geology.com/world/canada-satellite-image.shtml
    Supports: Canada’s location in North America and bordering oceans and the United States.
  6. Map of Canadahttps://www.map-of-canada.org/
    Supports: General map features such as major cities, roads, lakes, and rivers.