Student Activities for Geography of Canada
Essential Questions for The Geography of Canada
- What are the geographical features of Canada?
- What are the provinces and territories in Canada?
- What are some of the natural resources found in Canada?
- What are some important Canadian symbols?
Canadian Geography and Resources
Geography
The geography of Canada is diverse and impressive, with features such as several lakes, vast mountain ranges, rolling central plains, rivers, and forests. The Canadian Shield, which is a hilly region of swamps and lakes, is a large part of Northern Canada. The northern part of Canada is cold, icy, and filled with glaciers.
Natural Resources
Many natural resources can be found in Canada, but fresh water is by far the most important to Canadians. Some of the other natural resources that are abundant in Canada are oil, trees, minerals such as gold, silver, and copper, fish, and coal.
Symbols
Over the years, Canada has formally adopted many symbols. A few examples include:
The Maple Leaf: As early as the 1700s, Canada’s Indigenous peoples used the maple tree for sap, and the maple leaf was chosen as a national emblem in 1848.
The Beaver: In the late 1600s and early 1700s, beaver pelts were in high demand amongst fur traders. They generated so much profit that the beaver was eventually considered a national symbol. Although it was widely appreciated and loved, the beaver was near extinction by the mid 1900s due to the high demand for its fur. It became an official emblem of Canada in March of 1975.
The National Anthem: The national anthem of Canada is called “O Canada”. The song was composed in the late 1800s and adopted as the national song on July 1, 1980.
Canadian Flag: The Canadian flag consists of a red field with a white square at the center, and a red maple leaf in the middle. It was adopted on February 15, 1965.
The Canadian Horse: The Canadian horse is an important part of Canadian history and heritage. These horses were extremely useful to the settlers many years ago; they helped cultivate soil, served as transportation, made roads, and were entertaining to the people. The Canadian horse was made into an official symbol of Canada on April 30, 2002.
Nature and Wildlife
Canada is home to a large variety of wildlife due to its vast forests and many lakes and rivers. Some of the animal species that are abundant in Canada are beavers, deer, bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. The fresh water lakes and rivers contain many types of fish such as salmon and trout. Canada’s prairies are the home of bison and antelope, while the evergreen forests farther north are where you can find moose and black bears. Native wildlife is important to Canadians, and they work hard to preserve it.
Provinces, Territories, and their Capitals
State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Canada | Country capital: Ottawa |
| Alberta | Edmonton |
| British Columbia | Victoria |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg |
| New Brunswick | Fredericton |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | St. John’s |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax |
| Ontario | Toronto |
| Prince Edward Island | Charlottetown |
| Quebec | Quebec City |
| Saskatchewan | Regina |
| Territory: Northern Territories | Yellowknife |
| Territory: Nunavut | Iqaluit |
| Territory: Yukon | Whitehorse |
How Tos about Geography of Canada
How to create an interactive map activity for teaching Canadian geography
Engage students with a hands-on mapping activity that makes Canadian geography memorable! Interactive maps help students visualize provinces, territories, and key features.
Gather large map printouts or digital map tools
Provide students with physical maps (poster-size or worksheet) or access to online mapping platforms so everyone can participate easily.
Assign students to label provinces, territories, and capitals
Let each student or group write names directly on their map, placing color-coded markers for each capital city to boost recall.
Incorporate symbols and natural resources into the map
Ask students to draw or add stickers for Canadian symbols (maple leaf, beaver) and mark locations of important resources like lakes, forests, or minerals.
Facilitate a gallery walk and discussion
Invite students to share their maps with the class, pointing out unique features and explaining their choices. This encourages conversation and deeper learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Geography of Canada
What are the main geographical features of Canada?
Canada is known for its diverse geography, including vast mountain ranges, rolling plains, forests, numerous lakes and rivers, the icy northern region, and the Canadian Shield, which is a hilly area filled with swamps and lakes.
How many provinces and territories does Canada have, and what are their capitals?
Canada has ten provinces and three territories. Some major capitals include Ottawa (country capital), Toronto (Ontario), Quebec City (Quebec), Edmonton (Alberta), and Yellowknife (Northwest Territories). Each province and territory has its own unique capital city.
What natural resources are important in Canada?
Canada is rich in natural resources. Fresh water is the most important, along with oil, minerals like gold and copper, trees, fish, and coal. These resources play a big role in Canada's economy and daily life.
What are some key national symbols of Canada?
Key Canadian symbols include the maple leaf, beaver, national anthem (“O Canada”), Canadian flag, and the Canadian horse. Each represents a part of Canada's history and culture.
Which animals are native to Canada’s wildlife?
Native Canadian wildlife includes beavers, bears, deer, moose, bison, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and various fish like salmon and trout. These species are found across Canada's forests, lakes, and prairies.
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