Canada’s trade-reliant economy depends on an efficient and reliable transportation system to move goods and people and to remain nationally and globally competitive.

The Northern region of Canada comprises a vast and varying geography with the 3 territories alone accounting for around 40% of the total area of Canada and a very small percentage of the total population. The geographic contrasts include the taiga (boreal) forests of the subarctic region, to the tundra, permafrost and barren landscape of the Arctic.

The Atlantic Corridor is relatively less populated than other Canadian regions. It is home to 2.3 million people, concentrated in small and scattered urban areas. Nevertheless, its network plays an important role in facilitating domestic and international trade.

Central Canada is the most densely populated and industrialized region in the country. Its transportation network is a key enabler of international trade with the US through its connections into the American Midwest and Northeast. Using the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway System, this network is key to moving goods to and from Europe and other international markets. Key international exports included automotive products and parts, wood products, metal and minerals.

Canada’s transportation system is composed of unique regional transportation networks which have their own characteristics, challenges and opportunities. For more detailed regional maps (1 to 4), refer to Annex.