Canada’s Oil Industry

Oil is a powerful and versatile source of Canadian energy that will be a part of the global energy mix for decades to come. Canada has about six billion barrels of remaining oil reserves located outside the oil sands, found primarily in Alberta, Saskatchewan and offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.

Oil Sands 101

What are the Oil Sands?

Oil sands are a mixture of sand, water and bitumen (oil that is too heavy or thick to flow on its own). Learn what are the oil sands, why they're important and how they work.

Technology

Oil Sands Virtual Tour

Learn how oil was created, how it’s extracted, shipped and more in our Oil Sands Virtual Reality Tour.

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Origin

History of the Oil Sands

Bitumen

Alberta’s oil sands were formed millions of years ago in a warm tropical sea. Efforts to tap the oil sands resource began in the early 20th century and have been improved upon continuously since then.

Technology

Oil Extraction

Mining & Drilling

Oil is recovered using two main methods: mining and in situ. The method employed depends on how deep the oil sands reserves are deposited.

Uses for Oil

Oil is an important part of daily life in Canada and all over the world. This powerful source of energy moves us, heats our homes and creates jobs – and it’s a component of many everyday products.

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Offshore Oil

Atlantic Canada has a thriving offshore oil and natural gas industry, with six producing projects and ongoing exploration activity in the area.

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