Canada's Regions Flashcards
What is the area of Canada?
10 million square kilometres
Which oceans line Canada’s frontiers?
- Pacific Ocean
- Atlantic Ocean
- Arctic Ocean
What lies along the southern edge of Canada?
The Canada-United States boundary
How many distinct regions does Canada have?
Five
Name the five distinct regions of Canada.
- The Atlantic Provinces
- Central Canada
- The Prairie Provinces
- The West Coast
- The Northern Territories
Which city was chosen as the capital of Canada in 1857?
Ottawa
Who chose Ottawa as the capital of Canada?
Queen Victoria
What is the size of the National Capital Region surrounding Ottawa?
4,700 square kilometres
How many provinces does Canada have?
Ten
How many territories does Canada have?
Three
What should you know about your province or territory?
The capital city
What is the approximate population of Canada?
34 million people
Where do most Canadians live?
In cities
Fill in the blank: Canada is the ______ largest country on earth.
second
True or False: Ottawa is Canada’s largest metropolitan area.
False
What is the capital of Canada?
Ottawa
Fill in the blank: The majority of Canadians live in ______.
cities
What natural resources are important to the Atlantic Provinces?
Fishing, farming, forestry, mining
These resources have contributed significantly to the history and development of Atlantic Canada.
What climate characteristics does the Atlantic Ocean bring to the Atlantic Provinces?
Cool winters and cool humid summers
This climate is typical for the region due to its coastal location.
What is the most easterly point in North America?
Newfoundland and Labrador
This province has its own time zone and a unique heritage linked to the sea.
What economic activities contribute to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy?
Fisheries, off-shore oil and gas extraction, hydro-electric resources
The province has a long history linked to its fisheries and natural beauty.
What is Prince Edward Island known for?
Beaches, red soil, agriculture (especially potatoes)
It is the smallest province in Canada and the birthplace of Confederation.
What connects Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada?
Confederation Bridge
This bridge is one of the longest continuous multispan bridges in the world.
Who wrote ‘Anne of Green Gables’?
Lucy Maud Montgomery
The story is set in Prince Edward Island and features the adventures of a little red-headed orphan girl.
What is the most populous Atlantic Province?
Nova Scotia
It has a rich history and serves as the gateway to Canada.
What is significant about the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia?
It has the world’s highest tides
This natural phenomenon is a key aspect of the province’s geography.
What roles has Halifax played in Atlantic Canada?
Gateway for trade and defence, home to Canada’s largest naval base
Halifax is Canada’s largest east coast port, deep-water and ice-free.
What cultural influences are prominent in Nova Scotia?
Celtic and Gaelic traditions
These traditions contribute to a vibrant cultural scene in the province.
How many annual festivals does Nova Scotia host?
Over 700
This includes a spectacular military tattoo in Halifax.
Fill in the blank: Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its __________ heritage linked to the sea.
unique
This heritage is part of the province’s identity and history.
True or False: Nova Scotia has a long history of coal mining, forestry, and agriculture.
True
These industries have played a significant role in the province’s economy.
What is the geographical feature that New Brunswick is situated in?
Appalachian Range
The Appalachian Range is a mountain range in eastern North America.
Who founded the province of New Brunswick?
United Empire Loyalists
The United Empire Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the British crown during the American Revolutionary War.
What is the second largest river system on North America’s Atlantic coastline?
St. John River system
The St. John River system is significant for its size and the role it plays in the region’s economy.
What are the principal industries in New Brunswick?
- Forestry
- Agriculture
- Fisheries
- Mining
- Food processing
- Tourism
These industries contribute significantly to the province’s economy.
Which city is the largest in New Brunswick?
Saint John
Saint John is also a major port and manufacturing center.
What is the principal Francophone Acadian center in New Brunswick?
Moncton
Moncton serves as a cultural hub for the Acadian community.
What is the historic capital of New Brunswick?
Fredericton
Fredericton is known for its historical significance and cultural heritage.
What is unique about New Brunswick’s status in Canada?
It is the only officially bilingual province
Approximately one-third of the population speaks French.
What are the dominant climates in Central Canada?
Cold winters and warm humid summers
This climate is typical for southern Ontario and Quebec.
What percentage of Canadian manufactured goods are produced by Ontario and Quebec?
More than three-quarters
This highlights the industrial importance of these provinces.
How many people live in Quebec?
Nearly eight million
The majority of the population resides along or near the St. Lawrence River.
What is the primary language spoken by more than three-quarters of Quebec’s population?
French
French is the predominant language, reflecting Quebec’s cultural identity.
What resources have helped Quebec develop important industries?
Resources of the Canadian Shield
The Canadian Shield is rich in minerals and natural resources.
What is Quebec’s main industry in terms of pulp and paper production?
Forestry
Quebec is recognized as Canada’s leading producer of pulp and paper.
What is Quebec’s status in hydro-electricity production?
Canada’s largest producer
The province’s abundant fresh water resources contribute to this status.
Which cutting-edge industries are Quebecers leaders in?
- Pharmaceuticals
- Aeronautics
These industries are crucial for Quebec’s economic growth and innovation.
What international association is Quebec’s cultural works recognized in?
La Francophonie
La Francophonie is an organization of French-speaking countries.
What is significant about Montreal in terms of size and language?
Canada’s second largest city and second largest mainly French-speaking city in the world after Paris
Montreal is renowned for its cultural diversity and vibrant arts scene.
What percentage of Canadians live in Ontario?
More than one-third
Ontario’s population exceeds 12 million.
What is the largest city in Canada?
Toronto
Toronto is also the main financial centre of the country.
Which industries are significant in Ontario’s economy?
Service and manufacturing industries
These industries produce a large percentage of Canada’s exports.
What is the Niagara region known for?
Vineyards, wines, and fruit crops
The Niagara region contributes to Ontario’s agricultural diversity.
What types of livestock and crops are raised in Ontario?
- Dairy cattle
- Beef cattle
- Poultry
- Vegetable crops
- Grain crops
Ontario has a diverse agricultural sector.
Who founded Ontario?
United Empire Loyalists
This historical context contributes to Ontario’s cultural heritage.
What is significant about Ontario’s French-speaking population?
It is the largest outside of Quebec
Ontario has a proud history of preserving their language and culture.
Name the five Great Lakes located between Ontario and the United States.
- Lake Ontario
- Lake Erie
- Lake Huron
- Lake Michigan
- Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world.
Which provinces are known as the Prairie Provinces?
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Alberta
These provinces are rich in energy resources and fertile farmland.
What is Manitoba’s economy based on?
- Agriculture
- Mining
- Hydro-electric power generation
These sectors contribute significantly to the province’s economy.
What is the most populous city in Manitoba?
Winnipeg
Winnipeg’s Exchange District is notable for its famous street intersection.
What unique cultural community is found in Winnipeg?
Western Canada’s largest Francophone community
St. Boniface has about 45,000 French speakers.
What percentage of Manitoba’s population reports Ukrainian origins?
14%
Manitoba is a significant center of Ukrainian culture in Canada.
What is Saskatchewan known for in terms of agriculture?
Largest producer of grains and oilseeds
Saskatchewan has 40% of the arable land in Canada.
What resources does Saskatchewan boast?
- World’s richest deposits of uranium
- Potash
- Oil
- Natural gas
These resources are crucial for agriculture and energy.
What is the capital of Saskatchewan?
Regina
Regina is home to the training academy of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Which city in Saskatchewan is the largest?
Saskatoon
Saskatoon is an important educational and research center.
What is Alberta known for in terms of population?
Alberta is the most populous Prairie province.
Alberta has a significant population compared to other Prairie provinces.
Who is Alberta named after?
Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, fourth daughter of Queen Victoria.
The naming reflects the historical influence of the British monarchy in Canada.
How many national parks does Alberta have?
Five national parks, including Banff National Park.
Banff National Park was established in 1885.
What notable geological features are found in Alberta’s Badlands?
Some of the world’s richest deposits of prehistoric fossils and dinosaur finds.
The Badlands are a unique landscape that attracts paleontologists and tourists alike.
What is Alberta’s role in Canada’s energy production?
Alberta is the largest producer of oil and gas.
The oil sands in the north are being developed as a major energy source.
What agricultural industry is Alberta known for?
Cattle ranching, making Canada one of the world’s major beef producers.
Alberta’s vast ranches contribute significantly to its economy.
What is British Columbia known for in terms of geography?
Majestic mountains and as Canada’s Pacific gateway.
The province’s natural beauty and location are key to its identity.
What is the significance of the Port of Vancouver?
It is Canada’s largest and busiest port, handling billions of dollars in goods.
The port plays a crucial role in international trade.
What climatic influence does British Columbia’s coast experience?
Warm airstreams from the Pacific Ocean give the B.C. coast a temperate climate.
This climate supports diverse ecosystems and agriculture.
What percentage of British Columbia’s goods are forestry products?
About one-half of all goods produced in B.C. are forestry products.
This includes lumber, newsprint, and pulp and paper products.
What other industries is British Columbia known for?
Mining, fishing, and the fruit orchards and wine industry of the Okanagan Valley.
These industries contribute to the province’s economic diversity.
How extensive is British Columbia’s park system?
Approximately 600 provincial parks.
B.C. has the most extensive park system in Canada, supporting conservation and recreation.
What languages are most spoken in British Columbia’s cities after English?
Chinese and Punjabi.
The presence of large Asian communities influences the cultural landscape of B.C.
What is the capital of British Columbia?
Victoria.
Victoria is also a tourist centre and headquarters of the navy’s Pacific fleet.
What three territories make up the Northern Territories of Canada?
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
What is the approximate population of the Northern Territories?
100,000
What natural resources are mined in the Northern Territories?
- Gold
- Lead
- Copper
- Diamond
- Zinc
What phenomenon is the North often referred to as due to its long summer days?
Land of the Midnight Sun
How long can daylight last in the Northern Territories during summer?
Up to 24 hours
What happens to the sun in winter in the Northern Territories?
It disappears for three months
What type of climate do the Northern Territories have?
Long cold winters and short cool summers
What is the tundra?
A vast rocky Arctic plain with permanently frozen soil
What types of traditional livelihoods are practiced in the Northern Territories?
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Trapping
What type of art is sold throughout Canada and around the world from the Northern Territories?
Inuit art
What historical event brought thousands of miners to the Yukon in the 1890s?
Gold Rush
Who celebrated the Yukon Gold Rush in poetry?
Robert W. Service
What railway opened in 1900, connecting Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse?
White Pass and Yukon Railway
What record does Yukon hold in Canada?
Coldest temperature ever recorded (-63°C)
When were the Northwest Territories originally made up from Rupert’s Land and the North-Western Territory?
1870
What is the capital of the Northwest Territories?
Yellowknife
What nickname is given to Yellowknife?
Diamond capital of North America
What percentage of the Northwest Territories population is Aboriginal?
More than half
What are the Aboriginal groups found in the Northwest Territories?
- Dene
- Inuit
- Métis
What is the length of the Mackenzie River?
4,200 kilometres
What is the Mackenzie River’s significance in North America?
Second-longest river system after the Mississippi
What area does the Mackenzie River drain?
1.8 million square kilometres
What is the capital of the Western Territory?
Yellowknife
Yellowknife has a population of 20,000 and is known as the ‘diamond capital of North America.’
What percentage of the Western Territory’s population is Aboriginal?
More than half
The Aboriginal groups include Dene, Inuit, and Métis.
What is the second-longest river system in North America?
Mackenzie River
The Mackenzie River drains an area of 8 million square kilometers.
What does ‘Nunavut’ mean in Inuktitut?
‘our land’
Nunavut was established in 1999 from the eastern part of the Northwest Territories.
What was the former name of the capital of Nunavut?
Frobisher Bay
The capital is now called Iqaluit.
Who was Iqaluit named after?
Martin Frobisher
He was an English explorer who explored the Arctic for Queen Elizabeth I in 1576.
How is the premier and ministers chosen in Nunavut’s Legislative Assembly?
By consensus
The assembly consists of 19 members.
What percentage of Nunavut’s population is Inuit?
About 85%
Inuktitut is an official language and the first language in schools.
What role do the Canadian Rangers play in Canada’s North?
Security and sovereignty
They are part of the Canadian Forces Reserves and deal with harsh weather conditions.
How do the Canadian Rangers travel in winter?
By snowmobile
In summer, they use all-terrain vehicles.
What is a popular game for hunters in Canada’s North?
Caribou (reindeer)
The caribou is also a symbol of Canada’s North.
True or False: Iqaluit is located in the western part of the Northwest Territories.
False
Iqaluit is located in Nunavut, which was formed from the eastern part of the Northwest Territories.
