There are cities in Canada that are not just picturesque or historic but also really humorous, peculiar, and unforgettable. This comprehensive book covers more than 500 Canadian city names that are notable for all the right—and wrong—reasons, regardless of whether you’re a geography buff, a tourist, or just looking for a good chuckle.
Why City Names in Canada Are More Important Than You May Think
Cultural Reverberations
Canadian city names frequently serve as markers of local identity by preserving language diversity, settlement history, and Indigenous ancestry.
Travelers and trivia enthusiasts are drawn to unusual and humorous names, which encourage exploration outside of main cities.
Placement of Branding
Towns with memorable names stand out on maps, increasing tourism and fostering a feeling of community.
Distinguished Canadian City Names (With Significance)
After the explorer George Vancouver, the city is named Vancouver.
The name Quebec City is derived from the Algonquian word “Kébec,” which means “where the river narrows.”
It’s Cree for “muddy water.”
After the 2nd Earl of Halifax, the city is named Halifax.
The term “Moose Jaw” may have originated from the Cree word “moosegaw,” which refers to a river bend that resembles a moose.
Yellowknife is named for the yellow copper tools used by the Dene people of the area.
Calgary is the Gaelic word meaning “bay farm.”
Most Amusing City Names in Canada (With Backstories)
“Dildo, NL” is perhaps a reference to maritime lingo.
Before World War II, Swastika, Ontario, was named after a Sanskrit phrase meaning “good luck.”
The last name of a settler is Balls Creek, NS.
Given the high winds in the area, the name Blow Me Down, NL, was chosen.
Possible moniker for a nearby innkeeper: Punkeydoodles Corners, ON.
Etymology uncertain, but usually funny: goobies, NL.
It’s likely that a settler gave Stoner, BC, its name.
Its Y-shape probably contributes to Crotch Lake, Ontario.
The term “Spuzzum, BC” has come to mean “the middle of nowhere.”
Moose Factory, ON Instead of a real moose assembly line, it’s a fur-trading post.
Strange and Crazy City Names in Canada
Elbow, SK
SK Eyebrow
By Chance, NL
Medicine Hat, Alberta
Ignore, SK
Ontario’s Bastard Township
Ha!, QC Saint-Louis-du-Ha!
Peel, NL
NL’s Witless Bay
Face Collided with Buffalo Jump, AB
Cities in Canada with the Most Odd Names
The Deadman’s Flats
The Whiskey Gap
Lake Stinking
The mosquito
Lake of Desperation
The Ghost River
The Hungry Hill
The Thunder Bay
Court of Pain
The Skull Creek
Unpronounceable Canadian Cities
Ukkusiksalik
Tsiigehtchic
Kangiqsualujjuaq
Aklavik
Inlet of the Pond
Kugluktuk
Kuujjuaq
Tuktoyaktuk
Qu’Appelle
Iqaluit
Canada’s Longest City Names
Ha! Saint-Louis-du-Ha!
Head Collided with Buffalo Leap
By the Sea, Bonavista
Crossing of Dorchester
The Northwest River
Falls at Kakabeka
The Port-au-Choix
Lake Red Deer
Butte, a Frenchman
Saint Francis Cape
The Greatest City Names in Canada
White Horse
The City of Dawson
Banff
Jasper
The Yellowknife
Moonlight
Churchill
Lake Snow
The Peace River
The Thunder Bay
The Best Rivers in Canada for City Names
The Red River
The Peace River
The Fraser River
The Saint Lawrence River
River Saskatchewan
River Yukon
The Ottawa River
The Columbia River
The Mackenzie River
The Athabasca River
The Most Unappealing City Names in Canada
River Toad
Flin Flon
The Vulcan
Portage of Rats
The climax
Bigger
Dorking
Roost of Bummers
Eagle Spread
Beaver Big
City-Based Dog Name Ideas in Canada
Jasper
The Yukon
Moose
Banff
Churchill
In red
The elbow
Thunder
Rocky
Bear
Inspiration for Baby Names from the City
Jasper
The Aurora
Banff
The Yukon
The Selkirk
Dawson
Victoria
Charlottetown
Hudson
The Athabasca
The Funniest Town Names in Ontario
Corners of Punkeydoodles
Balls Drop
The Swastika
Dorking
Portage of Rats
The climax
Lake Crotch
The Moose Factory
Beaver Big
Roost of Bummers
Everyone Should Know These Well-Known Canadian Cities
Toronto
Vancouver
Montreal
The city of Ottawa
City of Quebec
Calgary
Edmonton
Victoria
Halifax
Winnipeg
Unsuitable Yet True Town Names in Canada
Dildo
The Swastika
Balls Drop
Eagle Spread
Lake Crotch
Beaver Big
The climax
Roost of Bummers
Stoner
Corners of Punkeydoodles
Funny French-language place names in Canada
Montréal
Quebec
Gatineau
The Trois-Rivières
Laval
The Longueuil
Rimouski
Chicoutimi
The Sherbrooke
The Saint-Jérôme
How to Create a Funny City Name in Canada
Combine Simple Nouns with Odd Adjectives
“Wiggly Hill” and “Wobbly Bridge” are two examples.
Make Use of Animal Humor
Try these: “Snorting Moose,” “Flatulent Beaver”
Engage in Sound Play
Rhyming and alliteration, such as “Croaky Creek” and “Blabby Bay,”
Cite Everyday Failings
Concepts such as “Lost Sock Lake,” “Stubbed Toe Pass,”
Make use of amusing tales or accidents
Example: “Forgotten Pants Valley”
Utilize Unexpected Things
Such as: “Rubber Boot Ridge,” “Toaster Peak.”
Add Exclamations or Phrases
“Oopsville,” “Ha-Ha Valley”
Double meanings are incredibly effective.
“Tickle Bay,” “Knob Hill”
Integrate History and Comedy
Try “Explorer’s Regret,” “Colonial Chaos,”
Include Modifiers in Simple Names
Replace “Bridge” with “Wiggly Bridge” or “Prairie” with “Tipsy Prairie.”
FAQs Regarding Cities in Canada
What Are Canada’s Territories and Provinces?
There are three territories and ten provinces in Canada.
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta are among the provinces.
Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut
What Does a Canadian Town Mean?
The term “town” in Canada refers to a governmental and population-based classification that is distinct from cities, villages, or hamlets.
How Many Canadian Cities Are There?
Canada has more than 300 officially recognized cities, with each province having a different population and size.
