The data for 1851 to 1976 is drawn primarily from Historical Statistics of Canada, 2nd edition.
[3] With the exception of Nunavut prior to 1996, the population figures largely reflect modern provincial boundaries; prior to 1996, the population of modern Nunavut is reported with Northwest Territories.
[4] Shaded blocks indicate periods before the province or territory joined the Canadian Confederation.
Instances where the reported figure came from a different year's population count (primarily pre-1861 and for Newfoundland) are noted.
Estimates from The Canada Year Book (1867) based on various provincial census records.