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Canadian Topography
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Canada is the second largest country in the world, spanning 7,730 kilometres
(4,803 miles) from coast to coast and covering 9,970,610 square kilometres (6,195,737
square miles). With such a large landmass, Canada's topography is varied. The
country is surrounded by oceans, with the exception of its southern border,
which connects to the U.S., and Alaska in the northwest.
Much of the land is covered with rivers and forests; in fact, approximately
25% of the country is covered in forest. The country's tallest mountain is Mt.
Logan (5,951 metres or 19,524 feet) in the southwestern portion of the Yukon
Territory.
The Pacific Ocean borders the western side of British Columbia. The area including
British Columbia, Yukon and parts of western Alberta is called the Western Cordillera
(Mountain) Region. Canada is home to the world-renowned Rocky Mountains, which
lie on the border between Alberta and British Columbia. Many rivers, lakes,
plateaus and gorges exist in British Columbia's mainland, and it is considered
to be one of the most scenic areas in the country.
Alberta (the eastern half of the province), Saskatchewan and Manitoba are known
as the Prairies, or the Great Plains. This area is characterized by rolling
plains, grasslands and countless farmer's fields. The Canadian Shield, an area
of undeveloped rugged terrain, dominates northern Manitoba, Ontario and Québec.
There is plenty of uncharted territory here to be explored by visitors. The
Laurentian Mountains are located in Québec, north of Montréal, and they provide
both scenery and year-round recreation for locals and visitors alike. Hudson
Bay, located literally in the centre of the country, borders on Nunavut, Manitoba,
Ontario and Québec. This huge water mass is well known in Canadian History as
port of entry for trade in Canada. The Great Lakes are another important part
of Canada's geography, which are located between southern Ontario and the U.S.
border. The shores of four out of the five great lakes are in Ontario. Consequently,
this area offers stunning lake views and plenty of water recreation.
The eastern provinces (also called the Atlantic Provinces), extend east from
Québec and include Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova
Scotia. This area is dominated in many ways by the Atlantic Ocean. The land
here, aside from the coastal areas, is wooded and hilly.
Finally, the Arctic region includes Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
The Arctic Ocean lies north of these Canadian territories. This area encompasses
several national parks and clean coastlines that are ideal for fishing.
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Canada
