Landscape

The huge expanse of Canada can be divided into six quite distinct and contrasting regions most of which have been affected by glaciation. Much the largest region, occupying nearly half of Canada, is the Canadian Shield. This takes its name from the hard rock underlying the region which was completely covered by glaciers during the Ice Age. These glaciers removed much of the soil and flattened small hills to leave an area with thin soil and a large number of lakes. In many ways it is similar to Finland which was formed in the same way and is also covered by great areas of coniferous forests. In Canada, these forests are still home to a great variety of wildlife including beaver, bears, wolves and porcupines.

West

To the west of the Shield are the Interior Plains. These are better known as the Prairies whose name is taken from the French word for meadow. The Prairies are covered in a rich soil deposited by the same glaciers which eroded the Shield and are one of the main cereal growing areas of the world.

Still further to the west is the range of mountains known as the Western Cordillera, part of the range that runs from Alaska to the southern tip of South America. In Canada this range of mountains is in two distinct parts, a coastal range running along the coast with peaks as high as 6000m and an eastern range known as the Rocky Mountains. These two ranges are separated by a forest covered plateau.

North

Most of the area north of the Shield is within the Arctic Circle. This is a greater area of tundra, a plain eroded by glaciers and flattened by ice sheets, which is now covered in mosses, lichens, grasses and shrubs. The very thin soil and severe climate prevent any trees growing.

East

In eastern Canada, the Appalachians cover most of the Atlantic provinces. These were mountainous areas that were eroded by glaciers to form low rolling hills which reach a maximum height of about 800m. The final and smallest of the six geographical regions are the Great Lakes and St Lawrence Lowlands which can be found between the Shield and the Appalachians. This small area is a rich agricultural area and the home to 60% of all Canadians.

Map showing the main geographical areas of Canada.

Useful facts - Landscape

• Forests cover 45% of Canada.
• Tundra covers another 23%.
• Canada's lakes cover 8% of the country.
• The lakes contain 30% of all fresh water in the world.
• Although only the second largest country it has the longest coastline (244,000km) and more islands (about 52,500) than any other.
• The longest river in Canada and the second longest in North America is the Mackenzie, 4,200km long, which flows into the Beaufort Sea.

The Hunlen Falls, the highest
free falls in Canada, are in British Columbia