Territorial Evolution of Canada, 1867 to 2003

This map presents the history of the political boundaries in Canada, from Confederation in 1867 to 2003. Canada’s boundaries are dynamic political structures that reflect the changing political, economic, and cultural conditions of the country through time. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate eastern and western Canada. In the east, the evolution of the Atlantic provinces’ boundaries are the outcome of 200 years of colonial competition for both land and resources. Similarly, Quebec and Ontario grew from frontier settlements to industrialized economies between 1760 and the early 1900s. As well, in the boundaries of eastern Canada closely conform to natural features such as drainage basins. In contrast, the boundaries of western and northern Canada reflect the administrative organization of these lands by, first, the Hudson’s Bay Company and, later, the Government of Canada. Here, geometric lines radiate northward from the 49th parallel, creating boundaries that often divide communities and regions into two different provincial jurisdictions. Each of the western provinces has a unique history…

Publisher

Natural Resources Canada

Resources

6

Updated

2026-08-27