This partial list of provincial and territorial nicknames in Canada compiles the nicknames, sobriquets, and slogans that the provinces and territories are known by (or have been known by historically), officially and unofficially, to provincial and territorial governments, local people, outsiders, tourism boards, or chambers of commerce.
Provincial and territorial nicknames can help in establishing a provincial or territorial identity, helping outsiders recognize a community or attracting people to a community because of its nickname; promote provincial or territorial pride; and build community unity. They are also believed to have economic value, but their economic value is difficult to measure.
Some unofficial nicknames are positive, while others are derisive. The unofficial nicknames listed here have been in use for a long time or have gained wide use.
Provinces
Alberta
Official Nicknames/Slogans
"The Energy Province" — Alberta produces most of Canada's crude oil and natural gas, as well as a large share of its coal. "The Sunshine Province" "The Princess Province" "Wild Rose Country" — currently used on its license plates.
Unofficial Nicknames/Slogans
"Texas of the North" — referring to Alberta's significance as an oil producer in Canada, similar to that of Texas to the US. The name is also used in reference to the province notably leaning to the political right, comparable to Texas.
British Columbia
Official Nicknames/Slogans
"The Pacific Province" "Beautiful, British Columbia" — currently used on its license plates. "B.C."
Former Nicknames/Slogans
"Super, Natural, British Columbia" — dated provincial slogan, formerly seen on license plates.
Unofficial Nicknames/Slogans
"The Left Coast" — a name shared with the U.S. West Coast, referring to the region notably leaning politically left. "Bring Cash" - a play on the initials of the province where the reference is about everything costing so much topped up by a higher sales tax (especially as compared to Alberta next door that only charges GST on goods and products)
Manitoba
Official Nicknames/Slogans
"The Keystone Province" — due to its position in the center of Canada. "Canada's Heart Beats" — Travel Manitoba's current slogan since 2014. "Friendly Manitoba" — currently used on its license plates.
Former Nicknames/Slogans
"The Postage Stamp Province" — in its original form upon joining Confederation, Manitoba's size and shape resembled a postage stamp when viewed a map of Canada. The name faded after the province's boundaries were extended in 1881 and 1912. "The Land of 100,000 Lakes" — dated provincial slogan, formerly used in tourism campaigns; also formerly used on its license plates from 1971 to 1975.
Unofficial Nicknames/Slogans
"Manisnowba" — a blend between Manitoba and snow because of how snowy the province can get. "The 204" — referring to the province's original area code. "Toba" — unofficial name used by several organizations.
Ontario
Official Nicknames/Slogans
"The Heartland Province" "The Loyalist Province" — referring to Upper Canada (what is now Ontario) being one of the main destinations for Loyalists fleeing the United States during the American Revolution. "Yours to Discover" (and ) — used on license plates issued since 1982.
Former Nicknames/Slogans
"The Province of Opportunity" — dated, official provincial slogan, formerly seen on provincial highway construction project signs. "A Place to Stand" — after the eponymous 1967 film made for the provincial pavilion at Expo 67, later used for the unofficial provincial anthem. "A Place to Grow" (and ) — briefly used on license plates in 2020, originally from the unofficial provincial anthem.
Unofficial Nicknames/Slogans
"Onterrible" - derived from former residents of Ontario, as well residents of other provinces
New Brunswick
Official Nicknames/Slogans
"The Bilingual Province" — since the passing of The Official Languages Act in 1969, New Brunswick has officially been the only province in Canada to be bilingual in both English and French. New Brunswick also remains the only province whose provincial government is able to provide equal access to services for either English or French.
Former Nicknames/Slogans
"The Picture Province" — formerly used on its license plates.
Unofficial Nicknames/Slogans
"Petit Québec"
Newfoundland and Labrador
Official Nicknames/Slogans
"The Big Land" (Labrador) "The Rock"