Spanish Canadians: Population, Immigration Trends & Demographics
Spanish Canadians are Canadians who report full or partial Spanish ancestry. People of Spanish origin form a notable diaspora across North and South America, with established communities in several countries, including Canada.
Spanish ancestry represents a small but significant share of Canada’s population. According to the 2021 Canadian Census, approximately 342,040 people reported Spanish origins, accounting for about 0.94% of the total population of Canada.
Over time, Spanish Canadians have contributed to Canada’s cultural diversity, particularly in major urban centers. Their population is shaped by historical immigration waves from Spain as well as more recent migration, with concentrations varying by province and metropolitan area.
also read about Hispanic and Latino Americans
Spanish population by Canadian Provinces
Ontario, with 143,840 people of Spanish ancestry, has the largest population of Spanish Canadians in Canada, followed by Quebec (77,735) and British Columbia (54,365).
In percentage terms, British Columbia (1.11%) has the highest share of residents reporting Spanish ancestry, followed by Ontario (1.03%) and Yukon (1.00%).
List of Provinces by Spanish Ancestry Population
| # | Province / Territory | Population (2021) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ontario | 143,840 | 1.03% |
| 2 | Quebec | 77,735 | 0.94% |
| 3 | British Columbia | 54,365 | 1.11% |
| 4 | Alberta | 40,165 | 0.96% |
| 5 | Manitoba | 10,845 | 0.83% |
| 6 | Saskatchewan | 5,670 | 0.51% |
| 7 | Nova Scotia | 4,015 | 0.42% |
| 8 | New Brunswick | 3,060 | 0.40% |
| 9 | Prince Edward Island | 560 | 0.37% |
| 10 | Newfoundland and Labrador | 1,160 | 0.23% |
| 11 | Yukon | 395 | 1.00% |
| 12 | Northwest Territories | 180 | 0.45% |
| 13 | Nunavut | 55 | 0.15% |
| Canada | 342,045 | 0.94% |
Source: Canada Census 2021
Also read about race and ethnicity in Canada
Top Canadian metropolitan areas by Spanish population
The Toronto metropolitan area, with 82,745 people of Spanish ancestry, has the largest population of Spanish Canadians in Canada. It is followed by Montreal (59,520) and Vancouver (36,270), reflecting the strong concentration of Spanish ancestry in Canada’s largest urban centers.
Top Cities in Canada by Spanish Population
| # | City (Metropolitan Area) | Province | Population (2021) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toronto | Ontario | 82,745 | 1.35% |
| 2 | Montreal | Quebec | 59,520 | 1.41% |
| 3 | Vancouver | British Columbia | 36,270 | 1.39% |
| 4 | Calgary | Alberta | 18,915 | 1.29% |
| 5 | Ottawa – Gatineau | Ont./Que. | 15,110 | 1.03% |
| 6 | Edmonton | Alberta | 13,510 | 0.97% |
| 7 | Hamilton | Ontario | 11,805 | 1.06% |
| 8 | Winnipeg | Manitoba | 8,935 | 1.09% |
| 9 | Kitchener – Cambridge – Waterloo | Ontario | 5,380 | 0.95% |
| 10 | London | Ontario | 5,190 | 0.97% |
Source: Canada Census 2021
➡️ Also read about the Top Cities in Canada by population
FAQ: Spanish Ancestry in Canada
How many Spanish Canadians are there?
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, 342,045 people in Canada reported Spanish ancestry, representing approximately 0.94% of the total population.
Which province has the most Spanish Canadians?
Ontario has the largest Spanish-Canadian population, with 143,840 residents reporting Spanish ancestry in the 2021 Census.
Which Canadian city has the largest Spanish population?
The Toronto metropolitan area has the largest Spanish-Canadian population, with 82,745 people reporting Spanish ancestry.
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