The Canadian Shield is one of the oldest parts of the earth’s surface at over 4 billion years and covers roughly half of Canada’s land mass. Its name comes from its shape. On a map, it resembles a shield used in hand-to-hand combat. Once a large mountainous area, the shield eroded over the last 800 million years by wind, rain and glacial ice. The last glacial retreat 11,000 years ago removed most of the soil while creating rolling hills and thousands upon thousands of lakes. Today, over seven million people live in this geographical area.
Fast Facts
The Canadian Shield is the largest physiographic region in Canada making up 48% of the country.
Lake Superior is the largest lake located entirely in the Canadian Shield. It is also the largest freshwater lake in the world.
Mount Caubvick, Labrador and Quebec (1652m/5420ft) is the highest point on the Canadian Shield.
Montreal is the largest city within the Canadian Shield
At one time, most of the geographic area of the Canadian Shield was owned by The Hudson’s Bay Company (the oldest company in North America)
The Canadian Shield is the traditional territory of several Indigenous peoples including the Innu, Cree, Anishinaabeg, Dene and Inuit.
