Families in colourful Punjabi dress walking together in a Sikh procession
Guide India → Canada · community · checked 1 Nov 2026

The Indian community in Canada

Where Indian people live, where they meet, and how to keep a piece of home close.

Photo: Pexels
In numbers

How many Indian people live in Canada?

At the 2021 census, about 1.3 million people in Canada reported Indian origin, and 2.6 million (7.1% of everyone) were South Asian. India was, for the first time, the No. 1 place of birth of new immigrants: 246,995 people who came from 2016 to 2021, or 18.6% of them.

1.3 millionIndian origin (2021)
2.6 millionSouth Asians
7.1%of Canada
No. 1birthplace of new immigrants
246,995arrived from India, 2016 to 2021

Statistics Canada, 2021 Census (The Daily, 26 October 2022; Portrait of the South Asian populations in Canada, 2025).

Where people live

Where Indian people live in Canada

Most South Asians in Canada live around Toronto and Vancouver: 46% in the Toronto area and 14% in the Vancouver area.

BRA
Brampton, OntarioMore than half of the city (52%) is South Asian. 13% of all South Asians in Canada live here.
TOR
Toronto15% of Canada's South Asians live in the city itself, with Gerrard India Bazaar in the east end.
MIS
Mississauga, Ontario25% of the city is South Asian.
SUR
Surrey, British Columbia38% of the city is South Asian, and it holds one of the world's biggest Vaisakhi parades.
AB
Calgary, Edmonton and MontréalTogether home to 16% of Canada's South Asians.
Community life

A piece of home, close by

Gdw
Ontario Khalsa DarbarOn Dixie Road in Mississauga, next to Brampton; it describes itself as the largest gurdwara in North America.ontariokhalsadarbar.ca →
Mdr
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan MandirOn Claireville Drive in north-west Toronto, built of Turkish limestone, Indian pink stone and more than 24,000 pieces of hand-carved marble.
GIB
Gerrard India Bazaar, TorontoToronto's Little India on Gerrard Street East: over 125 shops and restaurants, a Festival of South Asia in July and a Diwali Mela on 7 November 2026.gerrardindiabazaar.com →
Vsk
Vaisakhi in SurreyStarted in 1998 by Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar; over 450,000 people came in April 2026. Widely considered the largest of its kind in the world, says Global News.
Dwl
DiwaliBig celebrations every year at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto and Celebration Square in Mississauga.
CGI
Indian missionsThe High Commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver. Passports, visas and OCI cards go through BLS International centres; since 5 April 2026, OCI applications must be made in person.hciottawa.gov.in →
TV
Indian TVThe channels from home, live in Canada.Read the TV guide →
A cosy living room in the evening with a TV and warm shelf lights
Miss home?

The channels you grew up with, here

The news from home, your serials, the big matches and the kids' favourites. Live in Canada, on your TV.

How to watch Indian TV in Canada →
Advertisement: over 1,000 Indian channels, live, with VOLTIX →
Photo: Pexels
Online

Where Indian people in Canada meet online

Facebook and WhatsApp groups are where much of the community talks: jobs, rooms to rent, advice and events.

FB
Your city's groupSearch Facebook groups for "Indians in" plus your city, like "Indians in Brampton" or "Indians in Calgary". Most cities have one.
Lng
Your language and regionMany groups are by home state or language: Punjabi, Gujarati, Hindi, Tamil, Malayali, Telugu and more.
Tmp
Your temple or gurdwaraMost post their events and classes on Facebook and in WhatsApp groups.

Stay safe: groups are great for jobs and rooms, but never send money or photos of your ID to someone you only know from a group.

Quick answers

Questions people ask

How many Indian people live in Canada?

At the 2021 census, about 1.3 million people in Canada reported Indian origin, and 2.6 million were South Asian: 7.1% of everyone. India was the top place of birth of new immigrants from 2016 to 2021.

Where do most Indian people live in Canada?

Around Toronto, especially Brampton and Mississauga, and around Vancouver, especially Surrey. More than half of Brampton is South Asian, and 38% of Surrey. Calgary, Edmonton and Montréal have big communities too.

Where is the biggest Vaisakhi parade in Canada?

In Surrey, British Columbia: over 450,000 people came in April 2026, and Global News calls it widely considered the largest of its kind in the world.

How do I renew my Indian passport or get an OCI card in Canada?

Through BLS International, the High Commission's outsourcing agent: apply at a BLS centre for your area. Since 5 April 2026, OCI applications must be made in person, for biometrics.

Where can my children learn Punjabi, Hindi or Gujarati?

Many gurdwaras, temples and community centres run weekend classes. Ask at your nearest one.

Are there Facebook groups for Indian people in Canada?

Yes, lots. Search Facebook groups for "Indians in" plus your city, or for your home state or language.

Can I watch Indian TV in Canada?

Yes. Our Indian TV in Canada guide shows every option, from JioHotstar to all-in-one subscriptions.

More for Indian people in Canada

Guides for you

Indian TV in CanadaEvery Indian channel, live, and how the official options compare.The Indian community in CanadaWhere Indian people live, community life and where people meet online.
Sources