Canada has the world’s longest coastline, measuring about 202,080 kilometres when its mainland and islands are counted.
Canada’s coastline borders the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. Its enormous total is largely explained by the country’s Arctic Archipelago, which contains thousands of islands, including Baffin Island, Victoria Island and Ellesmere Island. The mainland coastline is also deeply indented by bays, inlets and fjords.
Coastline totals vary slightly between sources because measurements depend on map scale and the level of detail used. This is known as the coastline paradox: a more detailed map usually reveals more bends and produces a longer result. Even with different methods, Canada remains the accepted global leader.
Canada’s coastal geography also helps explain its maritime climate, fishing industries and northern sovereignty concerns. The country’s longest international land border is with the United States, but its maritime boundaries extend across three oceans.