Cartographic boundary files (CBFs) contain the boundaries of standard geographic areas together with the shoreline around Canada. Selected inland lakes and rivers are available as a supplementary
layer.

The 2011 Census Boundary Files depict boundaries of standard geographic areas established for the purpose of disseminating census data. A diagram illustrating the hierarchy of standard geographic units is included in Appendix B of this guide.

The 2011 Census Boundary Files provide a framework for mapping and spatial analysis. They are available for download in two types: cartographic and digital. Cartographic boundary files depict the geographic areas using only the shorelines of the major land mass of Canada and its coastal islands. Digital boundary files depict the full extent of the geographic areas, including the coastal water area. Figure 2.1 illustrates an example of cartographic and digital boundary files.

The 2011 Census Boundary Files are similar to the 2006 Census Boundary Files in format. New for the 2011 Census, each boundary file includes the unique identifiers, names and types (where applicable) of all higher level geographic areas available at time of release.

• Census Division
• Census of Population
• Geographic Areas
• Geographic Information Systems
• Mapping
• Reference Maps

Open Government Licence - Canada (https://open.canada.ca/en/open-government-licence-canada)

The purpose of the 2011 Census Boundary Files is to provide a framework for mapping to support Geographic Information System (GIS) applications used for land use and demographic studies, or social, economic and market research. Geographic identifiers permit linkage of statistical data to geographic areas depicted in the boundary files. Boundary files can also be used to create new geographic areas by combining standard geographic areas. The boundary files are positionally consistent with the 2011 Census Road Network File, which provides additional reference for geographic context for mapping applications.

Source: https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/cc2f27e3-b20f-4472-8a65-13bb7556a658