Atlas editions and historical maps

Content warning: Some historical Atlas of Canada products contain geographic feature names, place names, boundaries and boundary features that reflect the information at the time of publication and do not necessarily reflect the Government of Canada’s position on international issues of recognition, sovereignty or jurisdiction.

Timeline of publications

Travel through the history and evolution of the Atlas of Canada, from the 1st edition published in 1906 to present day. The past editions are available in multiple formats: complete PDF, digital flipbook or downloads of individual maps.

1906

First edition published

In 1906, the Department of the Interior published the first edition of the Atlas of Canada. The first edition was only published in English.

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1915

Second edition published

In 1915, the Department of the Interior published the second edition of the Atlas of Canada, like the first edition, it focused on transportation, immigration and the physical environment. The second edition was only published in English.

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1958

Third edition published

In 1958 the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys published the third edition of the Atlas of Canada. It was the first edition to be published in both English and French.

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1974

Fourth edition published

In 1974, the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources Canada published the fourth edition, renamed the National Atlas of Canada.

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1993

Fifth edition published

In 1993, the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources Canada completed the fifth edition of the National Atlas of Canada. The maps were loose sheets and published over 15 years, starting in 1978.

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1994

Launch of the National Atlas Information Service (NAIS)

Following the fifth edition, the internet became the focus for disseminating new national maps and geographical information to a broader audience. The first version of the National Atlas online was launch in 1994.
1999

Sixth edition published

The sixth edition, the National Atlas Online, was launched in 1999.

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2006

100-year Anniversary

A selection of cartographic products on core geographical themes was released, such as political divisions, relief, road transportation network, and physiographic regions. As part of the anniversary, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society recognized the Atlas with its Gold Medal award.
2024

Present day and new updates

The shift to open data, the availability of new map application technologies, and changes to how users interact with data, maps and the web, marked the need for a redesigned Atlas of Canada web presence and new map visualizations.