Canadian Map Gallery

The Canadian Map Gallery, is an online resource dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of Canadian cartography!

We believe that maps are more than just tools for navigation; they are powerful artistic representations of our identity and heritage.

Historic Maps for the Canadian Maps Gallery

This gallery showcases an extensive collection of maps that span diverse landscapes and histories, that help illustrate Canada’s geographical insights. From early explorers work to modern digital maps, each piece tells a unique story, inviting users to explore the intricate relationship between people and place.

Each map in the map gallery is accompanied with details and references to help provide context and encourage educators, students, and map enthusiasts alike to explore more maps.

In addition to our online presence, we have been participating in a variety of cartography related events across the country (Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and more), where we have printed many maps to share with the geospatial community. This has provided a unique opportunity to engage with fellow map lovers, and learn about the fascinating world of cartography.

We invite you to join us explore the Canadian Map Gallery, participate in cartography events, and be inspired by the beautiful maps that illustrate the diverse landscape of Canada.

If you would like to contribute maps to the map gallery, or advise us of any incorrect details about information included then please feel free to contact us. (feedback is always welcome).

1778 Isle de Terre-Neuve Map

October 12, 2024

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This 1778 map of Newfoundland (or Isle de Terre-Neuve in French) by explorer and cartographer James Cook is a detailed and historically significant depiction of the island.

The Maritime Provinces of Canada Map 1963

1963 Maritime Provinces of Canada Map

October 10, 2024

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This 1963 Maritime Provinces of Canada Map is an artistic pictorial map of the Maritime Provinces created by Peter Furse. Find out how to view a high resolution image that you can zoom into details and scan with, or how to download a copy.

Indigenous Place Names in Canada Map

February 16, 2023

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The map depicts Indigenous Place Names in Canada, shared by several First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. A high resolution digital version is provided that may be downloaded for free and printed for personal or educational uses.

1921 Map of Alberta

February 2, 2023

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Historic map of Alberta taken from Putnam's Handy Volume Atlas of the World that was published in 1921

1898 Vancouver Panoramic Map

January 13, 2020

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The 1898 Vancouver Panoramic Map provides an oblique look at the City of Vancouver looking from the north. There are also pictorial representations of buildings, industrial activity, various boats and vegetation. Streets, names of buildings and businesses are labeled, as well as the locations of the City foundry, machine works and more. Check out this historic look at Vancouver ...

1895 Ottawa Panoramic Map

June 21, 2019

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This 1895 Ottawa panoramic map provides viewers an oblique aerial view in a south direction from the east looking west up the Ottawa river. It contains detailed sketches of several principal business buildings at that time, that are displayed around the edges of the map. You also get a look at the transit rail system and a view of Parliament Hill before the big fire in 1916. Find out how to get a high resolution copy of this historic map ....

Map of the North Circumpolar Region

November 5, 2017

To help showcase Canada’s dynamic Arctic landscape, Natural Resources Canada released an updated version of the North Circumpolar Region Map. This unique bilingual map map is viewed from a different angle then most maps, using the azimuthal equidistant projection with the geographic North Pole serving as the central point of the map. We encourage all Canadians to take advantage of this free high resolution map available for download from NRCAN and help promote a unique perspective of our prodigious nation.

1878 Bird’s-eye View of Victoria Map

May 27, 2015

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Panoramic view of the City of Victoria Map published in 1878, providing viewers an oblique aerial view from the harbour into the city. In 1871, British Columbia joined Canada and the population of Victoria was around 7900 but dropped to less then 6000 around the time the image was published economic decline. These days the population of Victoria is over 78,000.

Thompson’s 1826 Map of Northwestern North America

June 25, 2013

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I recently returned from giving a presentation at Carto2013; an annual Canadian cartographic themed conference that was held at the University of Alberta co-hosted by the Canadian Cartographic Association (CCA) & the Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives (ACMLA). One of the key themes evident at the conference was related to history of cartography and history through maps", a topic that many of the presentations were related to and several of these talks were about 1826 maps of Northwestern North America created by David Thompson. I myself have never really had much interest in history however these presentations provided me with a much different perspective on history and maybe I have found myself a new (or old??) to explore. Yesterday while searching for some Canadian maps with my daughter I stumbled across yet some more historic themed cartography, so I thought perhaps we should start a new section on CanadianGIS.com related to Historic Cartography since it is pretty evident that this is becoming topic of interest to many in the Canadian Geomatics community. Find out more about Canadian Geographic Maps & Thompson’s 1826 Map of Northwestern North America ...