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To tell the story of Canada’s provinces and territories without exploring history would be impossible, or at least incomplete. The story of how each province and territory came into being is woven into the history of the nation itself, stretching from the rugged Atlantic coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador to the towering mountains of British Columbia, from the fertile plains of the Prairies to the frozen Arctic islands of Nunavut.

Over thousands of years, Indigenous peoples shaped and cared for this vast land long before European explorers arrived. The arrival of the French and British, the fur trade, the struggle for control of North America, Confederation in 1867, western expansion, and the creation of the northern territories all contributed to the remarkable story of Canada. Along the way, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, together with French, British, Irish, Scottish, Ukrainian, Chinese, and countless other immigrant communities, helped build one of the world’s most diverse and multicultural nations.

What an extraordinary country it is! Canada is the second-largest nation on Earth, a land of breathtaking landscapes and remarkable natural diversity. Endless forests, soaring mountain ranges, mighty rivers, crystal-clear lakes, dramatic coastlines, windswept prairies, rolling hills, Arctic tundra, and glaciers cover a country that spans six time zones. Polar bears roam the north while whales patrol the surrounding oceans, and moose, bears, wolves, and countless other species thrive across its wilderness. Northern lights illuminate winter skies, while spectacular autumn colors transform forests each year. Powerful storms sweep in from the Atlantic and Pacific, blizzards blanket entire provinces, and highways and railways connect communities separated by thousands of miles. Few countries can match the sheer scale and beauty of Canada’s natural environment.

Yet Canada’s story has been shaped not only by its landscapes, but by its people. Every province and territory has produced explorers, scientists, artists, athletes, inventors, political leaders, entrepreneurs, and cultural icons whose achievements have left their mark on Canada and the wider world. Their discoveries, creativity, determination, and leadership have helped define the country’s identity and contributed to its reputation as a peaceful, innovative, and welcoming nation.

Canada is made up of ten provinces and three territories, each with its own unique character, traditions, and history. How, why, and when these regions joined Confederation—or, in the case of the territories, evolved into the jurisdictions they are today—is a fascinating story that spans centuries. It would take an entire forest of paper to tell every tale in full, so it’s time to begin the journey. From coast to coast to coast, let’s explore the provinces and territories that together form the remarkable nation of Canada.