Canada consists of 14 capital cities. Ottawa is the national capital, and there are 10 cities where provincial governments take place. There are also 3 that are designated as territorial capitals in Canada.
When most people think of Canada, they think of its two largest cities: Toronto and Vancouver. But Canada is a vast country with 10 provinces and 3 territories, each with its capital city. In this blog post, we will explore Canada’s capital cities.
Alberta – Edmonton
Edmonton’s name derives from Fort Edmonton, built-in 1795.
The capital of Alberta is Edmonton, which is located in the central region of the province. The city is the second largest in Alberta and the sixth largest in Canada. It is a multicultural city with a population of over 1 million people.
Edmonton is known for its many festivals and events, including the Edmonton International Fringe Festival and the Edmonton Heritage Festival. The city also has a lively arts scene, with many museums, galleries, and performance venues. Several professional sports teams are based in Edmonton, including the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos.
Edmonton is a great place to visit all year round, with something to suit everyone’s interests. Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife or outdoor adventure, you’ll find it in Edmonton!
Manitoba – Winnipeg
Winnipeg is derived from the Cree Winnipi. The translation could be -murky water- or dirty water. Winnipeg Metropolitan was an amalgamation of the adjoining municipalities that was formed on November 1, 1960. The city of Winnipeg was reorganized on January 1, 1972.
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada. It is located in the southwestern corner of the province, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. As of 2016, Winnipeg is the seventh most populous municipality in Canada.
Winnipeg is a cultural hub for Manitoba and Canada. The city has several professional sports teams, including the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). The city also has several arts and cultural organizations, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Opera, and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
British Columbia – Victoria
The city name was kept in honor of Queen Victoria (1819-1900). The Hudson’s Bay Company selected the name on June 10, 1843.
Victoria, BC, is the capital of British Columbia. The city is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is known for its mild climate, beautiful gardens, and colonial architecture. Founded in 1843 as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, Victoria became the capital of the colony of British Columbia in 1866.
Today, Victoria is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as the Empress Hotel, Craigdarroch Castle, and Butchart Gardens. The city is also home to the University of Victoria and Royal Roads.
New Brunswick – Fredericton
Fredericton was formed on February 22, 1785. The name had been kept in honor of Prince Frederick, Bishop of Osnaburg.
Fredericton is the capital city of New Brunswick, Canada. It is situated along the Saint John River. Fredericton has a population of approximately 58,000 people. The city is home to the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University. Fredericton is also a cultural hub, with many museums and art galleries.
Northwest Territories – Yellowknife
The name -Yellowknife- was taken from the Athapaskan band of Amerindians. Yellowknife got the status of a city on January 1, 1970.
The capital of the Canadian province of Northwest Territories is Yellowknife. The city is located on the north shore of Great Slave Lake, in the west-central part of the territory.
Yellowknife was founded in 1934 as a mining town and was incorporated as a city in 1970. It has since become the regional center for government, business, and industry in the Northwest Territories. The population of Yellowknife is 18,700 (2016 census), making it the largest city in the territory.
The climate of Yellowknife is cold and subarctic, with long, dark winters and short summers. The average January temperature is -17°C, and the average July temperature is +14°C.
There are many things to see and do in Yellowknife. Some famous tourist attractions include the Midnight Dome, Sambaa Deh Falls, and The Wildcat Cafe.
Newfoundland and Labrador – St. John’s
The capital city-s name was derived from the Feast of St. John the Baptist in 1497.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital city is St. John’s, located on the island of Newfoundland. The city is the oldest English-founded city in North America, founded in 1497 by explorer John Cabot. St. John’s is also one of Canada’s most historic cities, with a rich colonial history dating back to the 1600s. Today, the city is a vibrant cultural hub, home to numerous festivals and events. St. John’s is also a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic harbourfront and colorful houses.
Nova Scotia – Halifax
The capital city of Halifax was founded on June 21, 1749. The name was kept after George Montagu Dunk, Earl of Halifax (1716-1771).
The capital of Nova Scotia is Halifax. The city is located on the southeastern coast of the province, on the Halifax Harbour. Halifax is the largest city in Nova Scotia and the main economic center of the province. The city has a long history dating back to its founding as a British fort in 1749. Halifax is home to many historical landmarks, museums, and other attractions.
Ontario – Toronto
The city name -Toronto- could be of Mohawk origin.
Toronto is the capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in the south-central part of the province, on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Toronto is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city with a population of more than 2.8 million people worldwide.
Toronto is home to the CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the world, and the iconic Niagara Falls. Toronto is also an important financial center, with the second-largest stock exchange in North America (after New York City).
Nunavut – Iqaluit
The last name of Iqaluit was Frobisher Bay. It was created in 1949. The place was renamed Iqaluit, which means – a place for fish – in Inuktitut.
Nunavut’s capital is Iqaluit, located on the south coast of Baffin Island. The city has about 7,000 people and is the largest community in Nunavut.
Iqaluit was formerly known as Frobisher Bay after the English explorer Martin Frobisher who explored the area in the 1500s. In 1999, the name was changed to Iqaluit.
Iqaluit is a small but modern city with all the amenities you would expect to find in a large Canadian city. There are restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and even a movie theatre. The city is also home to Nunavut’s only university, Nunavut Arctic College.
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Iqaluit is the place for you! The city is located near many beautiful hiking trails and kayaking routes. In the winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Prince Edward Island – Charlottetown
The capital was incorporated as a city in 1875 and named after Queen Charlotte, King George III-s consort.
Prince Edward Island’s capital, Charlottetown, is located on the island’s southeastern coast. The city is home to approximately 36,000 people and is a popular tourist destination. Charlottetown is the birthplace of Confederation and is known for its Victorian architecture. The city has several parks and museums and a lively downtown area with shops and restaurants.
Saskatchewan – Regina
The Governor General, the Marquess of Lorne (1845-1914), kept the city name after his wife-s mother, Queen Victoria.
Saskatchewan’s capital city is Regina, located in the south-central part of the province. The city has a population of about 215,000 people and is Saskatchewan’s cultural, economic, and political hub. Regina is home to many important government buildings and institutions and a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is also a significant tourist destination, with attractions such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre and the Saskatchewan Science Centre.
Quebec – Quebec City
The name Quebec is of Algonquin origin. It came from the term – kebek – which in Amerindian means a narrowing channel or strait.
Situated on the St. Lawrence River in southeastern Canada, Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Founded by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1608, it was the capital of New France until 1760, when it fell to the British during the Seven Years’ War. France briefly regained it during the American Revolutionary War but eventually ceded it permanently to Britain in 1783. The city project a distinctly old-world charm with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, such as the Chateau Frontenac hotel, which overlooks the St. Lawrence River.
Yukon – Whitehorse
Whitehorse has been Yukon-s capital from 1953 onwards.
Whitehorse is the capital of Yukon and is the largest city in northern Canada. It is located in the south-central part of Yukon, on the banks of the Yukon River. Whitehorse is a vibrant and modern city with about 25,000 people. It is a great place to live, work, and play, and there are plenty of things to see and do in Whitehorse. Whitehorse is the perfect place to be if you’re looking for an adventure in the great outdoors. Endless hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and more opportunities exist. And in the winter, you can enjoy all kinds of winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Whitehorse is worth a visit if you’re looking for a city with character and charm.
Conclusion
Canada consists of 14 cities classified as either capital cities or regional capitals. The national capital is Ottawa, and every province and territory in Canada also has a capital city.