The smoking rates in Canadian cities vary based on a combination of cultural, economic, and demographic factors. While exact city-by-city data isn’t always available due to privacy concerns and regional reporting differences, studies and surveys have identified regions with higher smoking prevalence. Here are ten Canadian cities that historically tend to have higher smoking rates or are located within provinces known for higher tobacco consumption.

1. Montreal, Quebec

Known for a long-standing culture of smoking, Montreal is often cited as having one of the highest smoking rates among major Canadian cities.

2. Quebec City, Quebec

As the provincial capital, Quebec City also reflects the province’s higher smoking rates, with cultural norms that make smoking more prevalent.

3. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador has high smoking rates, and St. John’s, its largest city, follows this trend with one of the highest rates of smoking in the country.

4. Gatineau, Quebec

Located near Ottawa, Gatineau has a relatively high smoking rate, influenced by Quebec’s cultural attitudes toward smoking.

5. Moncton, New Brunswick

New Brunswick has high provincial smoking rates, and Moncton, as a key urban center, has a significant number of smokers.

6. Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John is another New Brunswick city where smoking rates are relatively high, in line with provincial trends.

7. Edmonton, Alberta

Alberta has a moderate smoking rate, but Edmonton has higher-than-average smoking prevalence, partly due to a mix of demographic and cultural factors.

8. Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg often shows higher smoking rates than the national average, influenced by socioeconomic factors.

9. Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton has a higher rate of smoking compared to other cities in Ontario, partly attributed to its industrial background and socioeconomic diversity.

10. Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thunder Bay has one of the highest smoking rates in Ontario, with factors such as socioeconomic challenges contributing to higher tobacco use.

These rankings are based on provincial trends and historical data, but they provide a useful snapshot of cities where smoking is more common.

To get specific, up-to-date information for each city, you can check the following sources:

Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) – Conducted by Statistics Canada, it provides data on health indicators, including smoking rates by region, which can give insights into smoking prevalence across provinces and larger urban areas.
Provincial Health Ministries and Public Health Agencies – Reports from health agencies such as Santé Québec (Quebec’s Public Health Institute), Health Canada, and similar agencies in each province may offer provincial and sometimes city-specific smoking data.
The Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) – This survey, conducted every two years, provides national and provincial smoking statistics and could have data on cities or regions within provinces.
Canadian Cancer Society and Non-Governmental Health Organizations – These organizations often publish reports on smoking trends and may reference specific areas or cities with higher smoking prevalence.