The magazine was created by Clem Compton-Smith and his business partner, Margaret Smeeth, in 1975,[2] with the financial backing of Labatt's.

Canadian Living began as a half-million circulation title sold exclusively through supermarkets; the gimmick was a split run that enabled the magazine to devote a full page in each issue to each supermarket chain that carried it.

To that end, along with the fashion and cooking sections that later became its mainstay, Canadian Living offered travel articles, wine-making tips and a woodworking column.

A new publisher, Ken Larone, was parachuted in to replace Compton-Smith, who remained on staff until late 1976.

The magazine was subsequently acquired by Telemedia, which also owned a French language counterpart, Coup de pouce.