Italian Canadians: Population, Immigration Trends & Demographics
Italian Canadians are Canadians who report full or partial Italian ancestry. They form a prominent European-origin community in Canada, with historical immigration dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Italian Canadians also have established communities across North and South America.
Italian ancestry represents a significant share of Canada’s population. According to the 2021 Canadian Census, approximately 1,546,395 people reported Italian ancestry, accounting for about 4.26% of the total population.
Over the years, Italian Canadians have contributed to Canada’s cultural, culinary, and economic landscape, particularly in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, where population concentrations are highest.
👉 Also read about the Italian population in the United States
Italian Population by Canadian Provinces
Ontario, with 905,105 people of Italian ancestry, has the largest population of Italian Canadians in Canada, followed by Quebec (316,320) and British Columbia (162,485).
By share of total population, Ontario (6.45%) has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry, followed by Quebec (3.81%) and British Columbia (3.31%), reflecting the historical settlement and community growth in these provinces.
List of Provinces by Italian Ancestry Population
| # | Province / Territory | Population (2021) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ontario | 905,105 | 6.45% |
| 2 | Quebec | 316,320 | 3.81% |
| 3 | British Columbia | 162,485 | 3.31% |
| 4 | Alberta | 98,725 | 2.36% |
| 5 | Manitoba | 22,835 | 1.75% |
| 6 | Nova Scotia | 16,575 | 1.73% |
| 7 | New Brunswick | 8,250 | 1.09% |
| 8 | Northwest Territories | 445 | 1.10% |
| 9 | Prince Edward Island | 1,655 | 1.10% |
| 10 | Yukon | 710 | 1.79% |
| 11 | Saskatchewan | 10,835 | 0.98% |
| 12 | Newfoundland and Labrador | 2,295 | 0.46% |
| 13 | Nunavut | 160 | 0.44% |
| Canada | 1,546,395 | 4.26% |
Source: Canada Census 2021
Also read about the population of Italy
Top Canadian metropolitan areas by Italian population
The Toronto metropolitan area, with 444,755 people of Italian ancestry, has the largest population of Italian Canadians. It is followed by Montreal (267,240) and Vancouver (83,200), reflecting historical migration patterns and Italian community growth in major urban centers.
Italian ancestry is particularly notable in Ontario cities, including Toronto, Hamilton, and St. Catharines – Niagara, where Italian Canadians form significant percentages of the local population.
Top Cities in Canada by Italian Population
| # | City (Metropolitan Area) | Province | Population (2021) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toronto | Ontario | 444,755 | 7.24% |
| 2 | Montreal | Quebec | 267,240 | 6.35% |
| 3 | Vancouver | British Columbia | 83,200 | 3.19% |
| 4 | Ottawa – Gatineau | Ont./Que | 55,950 | 3.82% |
| 5 | St. Catharines – Niagara | Ontario | 50,210 | 11.80% |
| 6 | Hamilton | Ontario | 49,430 | 4.43% |
| 7 | Calgary | Alberta | 41,620 | 2.84% |
| 8 | Windsor | Ontario | 37,665 | 9.06% |
| 9 | Edmonton | Alberta | 32,235 | 2.31% |
| 10 | London | Ontario | 22,755 | 4.25% |
| 11 | Oshawa | Ontario | 22,745 | 5.53% |
| 12 | Kitchener – Cambridge – Waterloo | Ontario | 19,475 | 3.43% |
| 13 | Winnipeg | Manitoba | 19,060 | 2.33% |
| 14 | Thunder Bay | Ontario | 16,615 | 13.74% |
| 15 | Barrie | Ontario | 16,190 | 7.70% |
| 16 | Sault Ste. Marie | Ontario | 14,945 | 19.82% |
| 17 | Guelph | Ontario | 14,075 | 8.61% |
| 18 | Greater Sudbury | Ontario | 12,935 | 7.72% |
| 19 | Victoria | British Columbia | 12,750 | 3.28% |
| 20 | Quebec City | Quebec | 9,725 | 1.19% |
Source: Canada Census 2021
Also read about Top Cities in Canada by population
FAQ: Italian Ancestry in Canada
How many Italian Canadians are there?
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, 1,546,395 people in Canada reported Italian ancestry, representing about 4.26% of the total population.
Which province has the most Italian Canadians?
Ontario has the largest Italian-Canadian population, with 905,105 residents reporting Italian ancestry.
Which Canadian city has the largest Italian population?
The Toronto metropolitan area has the largest Italian-Canadian population, with 444,755 people reporting Italian ancestry.
English
Español
Português
Deutsch