Geography of Canada

It is hard to comprehend the total mass of Canada. The world's second-largest country by total area, Canada extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It is 9,984,670 km2 or 3,855,100 sq miles (land: 9,093,507 km2 or 3,511,023 sq miles; water: 891,163 km2 or 344,080 sq miles) which makes it slightly less than three-fifths as large as Russia and slightly larger than Europe.

Covering 41% of northern North America, the country is divided into ten provinces and three territories. Canada shares the world's longest land border with its neighbor to the south and northwest (Alaska), the United States of America. Greenland lies is to the northeast and off the southern coast of Newfoundland lies Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, an overseas collectivity of France. Since 1925, Canada has claimed the portion of the Arctic between 60 degrees W and 141 degrees W longitude to the North Pole - however, this claim is contested.

The physical geography of Canada is widely varied. Boreal forests cover much of the country, with ice taking over the northerly Arctic regions and through the Rocky Mountains, and the flat Canadian Prairies of agriculture occupying the southwest. The Appalachian Mountains (more specifically the Notre Dame and Long Range Mountains) are approximately 380 million years in age and include notable mountains of Mount Jacques-Cartier of Québec (Elevation: 1,268 meter or 4,160 feet) and Mount Carleton of New Brunswick (Elevation: 817 meter or 2,680 feet). The Great Lakes feed into the St. Lawrence River in the southeast, which along with history has made it the host to much of Canada's population.

Environmental concerns include air pollution and the resulting acid rain. These factors have adversely affected lakes, forests, and ocean. Metal smelting, coal-burning utilities, and vehicle emissions have all been blamed for these effects. As part of the larger picture, global climate change and the warming of the polar region will affect the world at large, and in particular - Canada.

Canadian Provinces

Canada is a federation composed of ten provinces and three territories in four main regions (Western Canada, Central Canada, Atlantic Canada, Northern Canada; "Eastern Canada" refers to Central Canada and Atlantic Canada together). Provinces have more autonomy than territories such as social programs like health care, education, and welfare.

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Québec
• Saskatchewan

Canadian Territories

• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut
• Yukon

Climate in Canada

As Canada is such a large nation, average temperatures and climate vary from region to region. Coastal Canada is more temperate, offering moderate highs and lows, with the interior and Prairie provinces experiencing more dramatic shifts. In the north, snow can cover the ground year-round. The National Climate Data and Information Archive offers detailed information on climate throughout the country.

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Geography of Toronto

In Huron-Indian, Toronto means "meeting place, which appropriately describes the City of Toronto. Known for being "the world within a city," Toronto is the largest city in Canada with 2.7 million residents and the fourth most populous city in all of North America. Toronto is one of the most multicultural and multiracial cities in the world with more than half (51.5 %) identifying as a visible minority. While the primary language of Toronto is English, there are over 160 difference languages spoken throughout the city.

Toronto Cityscape

Toronto has a hilly terrain throughout the city that has be compared to those seen in the city of San Francisco and operates on a grid system which makes maneuvering through the city easier on residents.

Climate of Toronto

If you're planning a move to Toronto, be sure to bring along both your summer and winter wardrobe to ensure you will be comfortable in every season. Because Toronto has a semi-continental climate, summers are hot, and winters will be cold. Toronto's proximity to the Great Lakes ensure that Toronto will experience summer humidity. While Toronto may have slightly warmer winters than the rest of "The Great White North," winter can still be severe and harsh. You should expect snow on the ground December-March. Summers and winters tend to last longer than springs and autumns. The weather can vary within the spring and fall seasons, both experiencing varying periods of rain and sun. Snow can also occur during the spring and fall seasons.

For up-to-date weather information, consult Toronto Weather.

Time Zone in Toronto

Toronto's time zone is Eastern Standard Time (EST) and the province of Ontario is an observer of Daylight Savings Time

Districts of Toronto

Often called the "City of Neighborhoods", Toronto is home to many different neighborhoods with distinct personalities. In fact, the city is home to 140 different neighborhoods.

Some of the main neighborhoods include:

• Downtown Toronto (Downtown core) -  Here you will find culture and commerce. Home to many historical landmarks
• Yorkville – a wealthy neighborhood home to many high-end bars and fashion stores
• Yonge & Eglinton – with easy access to the downtown core, this neighborhood is close to the affluent parts of Toronto, there is still affordable housing in this neighborhood with all the necessary amenities
• Leslieville – a family-friendly neighborhood mixed with creative types
• Bloordale Village – a family friendly neighborhood with shopping and grocery stores nearby to aid in your weekly needs
• West Queen West – full of vintage clothes shops and art galleries, this neighborhood is known as the "cool" neighborhood in Toronto
• Corktown – a quiet residential area great for those looking to escape the chaos of downtown
• The Beaches – a family-friendly neighborhood of the middle-class with easy access to public transport
• Moss Park – Because of it's historically bad reputation, this up-and-coming neighborhood has lower rent than many other neighborhoods. Don't let the bad reputation scare you, things have been increasingly improving over the years
• Riverdale – this residential area is great for families. Has a park that is popular during the summer months in Toronto
• King West – located right in downtown, this neighborhood is full of high-rise apartment buildings for those who want to be fully emerged into Toronto city life
• Liberty Village – Many young professionals live in this popular neighborhood because of it's quick commute to downtown Toronto
• Roncesvalles – This hipster neighborhood used to be the Polish neighborhood of Toronto. Known for it's beauty, young people are flocking to "Roncy" because it is cheaper than other parts of Toronto.
• High Park North – this quiet neighborhood is popular for it's proximity to city life, without all the noise and fast paced vibes. One of the best features is the 400 acres park.
• Parkdale – This trendy neighborhood is home to a diverse community with easy access to the downtown core of Toronto
• Bloor West Village – this quiet neighborhood has everything you need including schools, bars, supermarkets and restaurants
• Chinatown – home to Toronto's Chinese community, many people love to come here for their shopping needs due to their lower prices than many other neighborhoods in Toronto
• Danforth-Greektown – With easy access to the downtown core, this neighborhood is popular with newcomers looking for a low-key atmosphere
• Little Italy – a fun and exciting neighborhood with great food and atmosphere

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