Flood Risk in Canada
Overland flooding is Canada's costliest natural hazard. NRCan flood hazard maps identify 100-year and 200-year return intervals — but standard home insurance typically excludes overland flood damage.
What the data shows
Natural Resources Canada publishes national flood hazard layers used by insurers, municipalities, and engineers. Riverine flooding, pluvial (urban storm) flooding, and coastal surge each carry distinct risk profiles. Our city pages map municipal exposure to NRCan flood risk categories.
After the 2013 Alberta floods and recurring events in BC, Quebec, and Ontario, provincial governments introduced limited disaster financial assistance programs. These are not insurance substitutes — homeowners in moderate or high flood zones should verify whether overland flood coverage is available in their postal code.
Key resources
- NRCan Flood Map →
Interactive federal flood hazard layers
- FCAC flood insurance guide →
Consumer guidance on flood coverage gaps
- Browse city flood profiles →
86 communities with at least one high-rated hazard
Highest flood-risk cities
Sample from OpenStats hazards atlas