Natural Resources Canada

In the period 1742 to 1749, the British renewed their search for a northwest passage. Part of this involved exploring the « East Main » – the eastern shore of Hudson and James Bays. Four exploration routes are shown: Middleton (1742), Mitchell and Longland (1744), Moor and Smith (1747) and Coats...

In the period between 1654 and 1670, missionaries were the principal explorers in the Great Lakes area. This map shows expeditions covering all parts of the Great Lakes except for southern Lake Michigan. The six expeditions shown are: Des Groseilliers (1654 to 1656), Des Groseilliers and Radisson...

Between 1654 and 1656, except for a few trader's agents, missionaries were the principal explorers in the Iroquois country (an area covering much of present-day southern Ontario). The map shows three explorer routes: Le Moyne (1654), Chaumonot and Ménard (1656) and Chaumonot (1656). The map also...

Exploration in the period 1731 to 1757 was dominated by the rapid thrust of French exploration into the western interior of Canada, particularly by Pierre Gaultier de la Vérendrye and his five sons who made nine expeditions between 1731 to 1743. As well, the map shows the exploration routes of...

Depicted on this map is British North America less than one hundred years after the fall of New France. It also shows the emergence of British influence prior to Confederation. British North America circa 1823 was comprised of Lower Canada, Upper Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward...

Depicted on this map is the extent of New France at its territorial height circa 1740 prior to its great territorial losses to British North America. Also shown on the map are the territorial claims, administrative divisions, and the distribution of population and settlement (including fur...

This map shows the colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick united in a federal state. The provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick retain their established boundaries, and Canada is divided into the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. New provisional boundaries are assigned to northern...

Canada had a relatively small area when created in 1867, but it then expanded greatly to become, by area, the second largest country in the world. This map is a composite of 18 Atlas maps which show territorial changes at specific times during the period 1867 to 1999. Not only did Canada as a...

Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory are acquired to form the Northwest Territories. The province of Manitoba is created. In 1877, boundaries of Manitoba are adjusted to conform to the Dominion Lands Survey System.

In 1871, British Columbia joins the federation as a province with the boundaries it attained in 1866. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

In 1873, Prince Edward Island joins the Confederation as the seventh province. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

New provisional boundaries are assigned to northern Ontario in 1874. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

The District of Keewatin is formed from part of the Northwest Territories in 1876. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

In 1880, Canada acquires title to the Arctic Islands that become part of the Northwest Territories. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

Manitoba is enlarged in 1881 by extending its boundaries westward, northward and eastward. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

The provisional district of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Athabaska and Alberta are created in 1882. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

The south-western boundary of Keewatin is adjusted in 1886 to conform to the boundaries of the districts created in 1882. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

In 1889, Ontario is enlarged west to Lake of the Woods and north to the Albany River. The southwestern boundary of Keewatin is adjusted to conform with boundaries of the districts created in 1882. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of...

Ungava, Mackenzie, Yukon and Franklin are established in 1895 as additional districts in the Northwest Territories. The districts of Athabaska and Keewatin are enlarged. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate...

Boundaries are changed in 1897 for the districts of Franklin, Keewatin, Mackenzie, Ungava and Yukon. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.