10.1.3 Provinces, Territories and Their Capitals

Ten provinces and three territories make up Canada, and each one has a capital city of its own. Two capitals you must learn: the national one, and the one where you live. Look first at the Atlantic side. St. John's serves Newfoundland and Labrador. Charlottetown serves Prince Edward Island. Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, and Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick. Move west into Central Canada: Quebec is governed from Quebec City, while Ontario is governed from Toronto.

Key Facts

Ten provinces and three territories, each with a capital of its own
Atlantic capitals: St. John's, Charlottetown, Halifax, Fredericton
Quebec City is Quebec's capital; Toronto is Ontario's
Know your own capital and the national capital

Illustration: Provinces, Territories and Their Capitals

Now take the west and the north. On the Prairies, Winnipeg is the capital of Manitoba, Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan, and Edmonton is the capital of Alberta. On the West Coast, British Columbia is governed from Victoria. In the north, Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut, Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwest Territories, and Whitehorse is the capital of Yukon. One point catches people out: Ottawa is the capital of the whole country, not the capital of Ontario.

Key Facts

Prairie capitals: Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia
Northern capitals: Iqaluit, Yellowknife, Whitehorse
Ottawa is the national capital, not Ontario's capital

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