French Canadians: Population, Immigration Trends & Demographics
French Canadians are people living in Canada who have full or partial French ancestry. They represent one of the country’s founding European-origin communities, with a strong historical and cultural presence, particularly in Quebec and parts of Atlantic Canada. People of French ancestry are also found in notable numbers across North and South America.
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, 4,917,985 people in Canada reported French ancestry, accounting for approximately 13.54% of the total population. Of these, 4,011,670 individuals (11.04%) identified their origin as French, while 906,315 people (2.94%) specifically reported French Canadian ancestry.
also read: French population in United States
French Population by Canadian Provinces
French ancestry is strongly concentrated in eastern Canada. Quebec has by far the largest French-Canadian population, with 2,386,750 people reporting French ancestry, followed by Ontario (1,242,885) and Alberta (374,130).
By share of total population, Quebec also leads with 28.73% of residents reporting French ancestry. It is followed by New Brunswick (18.07%) and Prince Edward Island (14.85%), reflecting the continued strength of French heritage in Atlantic Canada.
List of Provinces by French Ancestry Population
( French Origin + French Canadians)
| # | Province | Responses | Percentage |
| 1 | Quebec | 2,386,750 | 28.73% |
| 2 | Ontario | 1,242,885 | 8.86% |
| 3 | Alberta | 374,130 | 8.96% |
| 4 | British Columbia | 353,750 | 7.20% |
| 5 | New Brunswick | 137,185 | 18.07% |
| 6 | Manitoba | 133,790 | 10.23% |
| 7 | Nova Scotia | 119,895 | 12.54% |
| 8 | Saskatchewan | 113,965 | 10.33% |
| 9 | Newfoundland and Labrador | 23,755 | 4.73% |
| 10 | Prince Edward Island | 22,340 | 14.85% |
| 11 | Yukon | 4,865 | 12.29% |
| 12 | Northwest Territories | 3,660 | 9.06% |
| 13 | Nunavut | 1,020 | 2.79% |
| Canada | 4,917,990 | 13.54% |
Source: Canada Census 2021
also read: European Population in Canada
Top Canadian metropolitan areas by French population
French Canadians are heavily concentrated in eastern Canada’s major metropolitan regions. The Montreal metropolitan area has the largest French-Canadian population, with 1,032,125 people reporting French ancestry. It is followed by Ottawa–Gatineau (314,765) and Quebec City CMA (304,240), reflecting the historical and linguistic core of French settlement in Canada.
Outside Quebec, large metropolitan areas such as Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Calgary also host sizable French-Canadian communities, driven by interprovincial migration and economic opportunities.
Top Cities in Canada by French Population
| # | City (Metropolitan Area) | Province | French origins | French Canadian | Total Population 2021 |
| 1 | Montreal | Quebec | 821,985 | 210,140 | 1,032,125 |
| 2 | Ottawa – Gatineau | Ont./Que | 251,310 | 63,455 | 314,765 |
| 3 | Quebec CMA | Quebec | 227,360 | 76,880 | 304,240 |
| 4 | Toronto | Ontario | 167,930 | 32,465 | 200,395 |
| 5 | Edmonton | Alberta | 123,310 | 11,705 | 135,015 |
| 6 | Vancouver | B.C | 108,720 | 15,575 | 124,295 |
| 7 | Calgary | Alberta | 94,680 | 10,670 | 105,350 |
| 8 | Winnipeg | Manitoba | 78,505 | 8,965 | 87,470 |
| 9 | Windsor | Ontario | 75,545 | 11,210 | 86,755 |
| 10 | Sherbrooke | Quebec | 59,370 | 18,210 | 77,580 |
| 11 | Halifax | N.S | 53,145 | 3,525 | 56,670 |
| 12 | Greater Sudbury | Ontario | 46,875 | 12,290 | 59,165 |
| 13 | Hamilton | Ontario | 45,105 | 10,335 | 55,440 |
| 14 | St. Catharine’s – Niagara | Ontario | 41,095 | 7,410 | 48,505 |
| 15 | London | Ontario | 36,820 | 6,165 | 42,985 |
| 16 | Kitchener – Cambridge – Waterloo | Ontario | 36,560 | 5,945 | 42,505 |
| 17 | Trois-Rivières | Quebec | 36,400 | 14,780 | 51,180 |
| 18 | Victoria | B.C | 31,445 | 4,415 | 35,860 |
| 19 | Saguenay | Quebec | 31,360 | 18,355 | 49,715 |
| 20 | Saskatoon | Saskatchewan | 31,110 | 1,810 | 32,920 |
Source: Canada Census 2021
also read about: Top Cities in Quebec by population
FAQ: French Ancestry in Canada
How many French Canadians are there?
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, 4,917,985 people in Canada reported French ancestry, representing approximately 13.54% of the total population.
Which province has the most French Canadians?
Quebec has the largest French-Canadian population, with 2,386,750 residents reporting French ancestry in the 2021 Census.
Which Canadian city has the largest French population?
The Montreal metropolitan area has the largest French-Canadian population, with 1,032,125 people reporting French ancestry.
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