> > Home >> Ancestry Canada >> South Asians > Pakistani Canadians
Pakistani Canadians: Population, Immigration Trends & Demographics
Pakistani Canadians are people living in Canada who trace their ancestry to Pakistan, including both immigrants and Canadian-born descendants. Within the broader South Asian community, Pakistanis represent one of the largest and most established groups in Canada.
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, 303,260 people reported Pakistani ancestry, accounting for approximately 0.83% of Canada’s total population. Pakistani Canadians form the second-largest South Asian origin group in Canada, after those of Indian origin.
Pakistani communities are concentrated mainly in major urban centres, with Ontario hosting the largest population of Pakistani Canadians, followed by British Columbia and Alberta. Over time, immigration driven by family reunification, education, and skilled employment has contributed to the steady growth of this population.
Also read: Pakistani Population in the United States
Pakistani Population by Province in Canada
Pakistani Canadians are concentrated mainly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, reflecting long-standing settlement patterns and employment opportunities in major urban centres. Ontario has by far the largest Pakistani population in Canada, while Alberta and British Columbia follow at a distance.
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, Ontario is home to 212,655 people of Pakistani ancestry, accounting for 1.52% of the province’s total population. Alberta ranks second with 39,535 Pakistani residents (0.95%), followed by British Columbia with 19,050 (0.39%). In percentage terms, Saskatchewan also shows a notable share, with 0.69% of its population identifying as Pakistani.
Smaller provinces and territories have relatively modest Pakistani populations, though the community is present across all regions of Canada.
Pakistani Population by Canadian Province (2021 Census)
| # | Province / Territory | Population (2021) | % of Provincial Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ontario | 212,655 | 1.52% |
| 2 | Alberta | 39,535 | 0.95% |
| 3 | British Columbia | 19,050 | 0.39% |
| 4 | Saskatchewan | 7,640 | 0.69% |
| 5 | Manitoba | 5,030 | 0.38% |
| 6 | Quebec | 16,645 | 0.20% |
| 7 | Nova Scotia | 1,285 | 0.13% |
| 8 | New Brunswick | 835 | 0.11% |
| 9 | Prince Edward Island | 110 | 0.07% |
| 10 | Newfoundland and Labrador | 270 | 0.05% |
| 11 | Northwest Territories | 100 | 0.25% |
| 12 | Yukon | 85 | 0.21% |
| 13 | Nunavut | 30 | 0.08% |
| Canada (Total) | 303,270 | 0.83% |
Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2021
Also read: Indian Population in Canada
Pakistani Population by Metropolitan Area in Canada
Pakistani Canadians are primarily concentrated in major metropolitan areas, particularly in Ontario and Alberta, where long-established communities and newer immigrants have settled. The Toronto metropolitan area serves as the main urban centre for Pakistani Canadians nationwide.
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, the Toronto CMA has 162,710 people of Pakistani ancestry, accounting for 2.65% of the metro area’s total population. This is followed by Calgary with 24,050 Pakistani residents, and Montreal, which is home to 16,060 people of Pakistani descent. Several mid-sized metropolitan areas—such as Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo, Oshawa, and Saskatoon—also show relatively high population shares.
Top Canadian Metropolitan Areas by Pakistani Population (2021 Census)
| # | Metropolitan Area (CMA) | Province(s) | Population (2021) | % of CMA Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toronto | Ontario | 162,710 | 2.65% |
| 2 | Calgary | Alberta | 24,050 | 1.64% |
| 3 | Montreal | Quebec | 16,060 | 0.38% |
| 4 | Vancouver | British Columbia | 15,765 | 0.60% |
| 5 | Edmonton | Alberta | 12,770 | 0.91% |
| 6 | Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo | Ontario | 8,015 | 1.41% |
| 7 | Ottawa–Gatineau | Ontario / Quebec | 7,885 | 0.54% |
| 8 | Hamilton | Ontario | 7,590 | 0.68% |
| 9 | Oshawa | Ontario | 6,965 | 1.69% |
| 10 | Winnipeg | Manitoba | 4,665 | 0.57% |
| 11 | Saskatoon | Saskatchewan | 4,150 | 1.33% |
| 12 | London | Ontario | 3,845 | 0.72% |
| 13 | Windsor | Ontario | 3,645 | 0.88% |
| 14 | Regina | Saskatchewan | 2,940 | 1.20% |
| 15 | St. Catharines–Niagara | Ontario | 2,320 | 0.55% |
| 16 | Guelph | Ontario | 1,680 | 1.03% |
| 17 | Barrie | Ontario | 1,260 | 0.60% |
| 18 | Halifax | Nova Scotia | 1,060 | 0.23% |
| 19 | Wood Buffalo | Alberta | 960 | 1.31% |
| 20 | Brantford | Ontario | 905 | 0.64% |
Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2021
Also read: Top Cities in Quebec by Population
Frequently Asked Questions About Pakistani Canadians
Who are Pakistani Canadians?
Pakistani Canadians are people living in Canada who trace their ancestry to Pakistan, including both immigrants and Canadian-born descendants. They are part of the broader South Asian Canadian community.
How many Pakistani Canadians live in Canada?
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, 303,260 people reported Pakistani ancestry, representing approximately 0.83% of Canada’s total population.
Which province has the largest Pakistani population in Canada?
Ontario has the largest Pakistani population, with over 212,000 residents of Pakistani descent. Alberta and British Columbia rank next, though with much smaller populations.
Which city has the highest number of Pakistani Canadians?
The Toronto metropolitan area has the largest Pakistani population in Canada, with 162,710 people, making it the main urban centre for Pakistani Canadians.
Are Pakistani Canadians one of the largest South Asian groups in Canada?
Yes. Pakistani Canadians form the second-largest South Asian origin group in Canada, after those of Indian origin, and are one of the fastest-growing South Asian communities.
English
Español
Português
Deutsch