The Five Regions of Canada

Canada has five main regions: the Atlantic Provinces, Central Canada, the Prairie Provinces, the West Coast (British Columbia), and the Northern Territories. For the citizenship test, you should be able to name these regions and the provinces or territories in each one.

The five regions at a glance

Each region groups together neighbouring provinces or territories. Here is how to remember them.

• Atlantic: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
• Central Canada: Ontario and Quebec
• Prairies: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta
• West Coast: British Columbia
• Northern Territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut

Atlantic and Central Canada

The Atlantic Provinces lie in the east of the country, near the ocean, and their history is tied to the sea and fishing. Central Canada, made up of Ontario and Quebec, is home to a large share of the country's population and economic activity.

Prairies, West Coast, and the North

The Prairie Provinces are known for their wide farmland. The West Coast, meaning British Columbia, borders the Pacific Ocean and stands out for its mountains and forests. The Northern Territories cover a vast, sparsely populated area marked by a cold climate.

What to remember for the test

The test may ask you to name a region or to place a province within one. The regions also touch on the theme of official languages and bilingualism in Canada, especially for Quebec. For an overview, see the guide Canada Explained, then review with our chapter quizzes.

Frequently asked questions

What are the five regions of Canada? The five regions are the Atlantic Provinces, Central Canada, the Prairie Provinces, the West Coast (British Columbia), and the Northern Territories.

Which provinces make up Central Canada? Central Canada is made up of Ontario and Quebec, where a large share of the country's population lives.

Which territories make up the North? The Northern Territories are Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.