# The 50 largest research institutes in Canada

Tamtam tracks 156 research institutes headquartered in Canada. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by University of Toronto, The University of British Columbia and University of Alberta. Their median headcount is 6,886. Half of them were founded in 1957 or later. The most common headquarters are Montreal (8), Toronto (8) and Ottawa (5).

These Canadian institutions are primarily large universities, with a strong focus on research and education across various disciplines. Notable examples include the University of Toronto, a leading Canadian university focused on research and innovation, and The University of British Columbia, a global center for research and teaching. Other significant entities are McGill University, a research-intensive university with diverse international students, and Unity Health Toronto, a health network providing care, research, and education.

A clear pattern is the concentration of these large research institutes in major Canadian cities. Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Edmonton host several of the largest organizations, indicating these urban centers serve as key hubs for higher education and medical research in Canada.

🇨🇦 Canada · 50 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [University of Toronto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-toronto) (defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca)<br>Leading Canadian university focused on research, innovation, and global education to address pressing societal challenges and prepare students for success | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Toronto | 28,832 |  |
| 2 | [The University of British Columbia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-university-of-british-columbia) (ubc.ca)<br>a global center for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities worldwide. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Vancouver | 25,036 |  |
| 3 | [University of Alberta](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-alberta) (ualberta.ca)<br>Top Canadian university offering a wide range of programs in various disciplines, dedicated to using knowledge for the benefit of society | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Edmonton | 16,185 | 1908 |
| 4 | [McGill University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mcgill-university) (mcgill.ca)<br>Leading research-intensive university with diverse international students, multiple campuses, extensive programs, and partnerships with teaching hospitals for healthcare education. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Montreal | 15,235 | 1821 |
| 5 | [University of Calgary](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-calgary) (ucalgary.ca)<br>A leading Canadian university in Calgary focused on becoming one of the top five research universities, emphasizing research, teaching, and community engagement | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Calgary | 14,818 | 1966 |
| 6 | [McMaster University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mcmaster-university) (mcmaster.ca)<br>Leading Canadian university known for innovation in education and research, serving 30,000 students and a global alumni network. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Hamilton | 13,160 | 1887 |
| 7 | [Université de Montréal](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-de-montreal) (umontreal.ca)<br>Leading higher education institution in Quebec with extensive alumni network, affiliated schools, and recognized as a top Canadian employer. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Montreal | 12,234 | 1878 |
| 8 | [University of Ottawa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-ottawa) (uottawa.ca)<br>The company is the largest bilingual university in the world, offering education in English and French with a focus on research and global advancements | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Ottawa | 12,220 |  |
| 9 | [Western University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/western-university) (uwo.ca)<br>A leading research-intensive university with a global community of students and alumni focused on making change in the world Welcome scholars worldwide | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 London | 12,137 | 1878 |
| 10 | [University of Waterloo](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-waterloo) (uwaterloo.ca)<br>Driving economic and social prosperity through talent development, groundbreaking research, and a strong entrepreneurial culture, creating solutions for global challenges through extensive industry collaboration. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Waterloo | 11,393 | 1957 |
| 11 | [York University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/york-university) (yorku.ca)<br>Educates students, fosters career advancement, and drives positive societal change through research and community engagement. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Toronto | 11,154 | 1959 |
| 12 | [Queen's University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/queen-s-university) (queensu.ca)<br>A prestigious university known for its research, innovation, and commitment to addressing global challenges through scholarship and international engagement | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Kingston | 9,891 | 1841 |
| 13 | [Université Laval](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-laval) (ulaval.ca)<br>This organization is a French-language university that trains individuals, fosters knowledge, promotes change, and contributes to societal advancement through research and development | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Quebec City | 9,785 | 1852 |
| 14 | [Unity Health Toronto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/unity-health-toronto) (unityhealth.to)<br>A health network in Toronto providing primary, community, specialized, and long-term care services, as well as investing in research and education | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Toronto | 8,686 | 2017 |
| 15 | [The Hospital for Sick Children](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-hospital-for-sick-children) (sickkids.ca)<br>Leading pediatric hospital integrating patient care, research, and education to advance children's health and develop innovative treatments globally. | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Toronto | 8,636 | 1875 |
| 16 | [Toronto Metropolitan University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/toronto-metropolitan-university) (torontomu.ca)<br>Innovative urban university in Toronto, focusing on creativity, entrepreneurship, inclusivity, and global community engagement to serve societal needs | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Toronto | 8,478 |  |
| 17 | [University of Manitoba](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-manitoba) (umanitoba.ca)<br>A global community dedicated to positive change, innovation, and impactful research in areas such as human rights, global health, and climate change | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Winnipeg | 8,475 | 1877 |
| 18 | [Concordia University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/concordia-university) (concordia.ca)<br>A top-ranked university in Montreal, continually reimagining higher education, offering experiential learning and cross-functional research to a diverse, engaged student body. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Montreal | 8,419 | 1974 |
| 19 | [Dalhousie University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dalhousie-university) (dal.ca)<br>Leading university in Canada with outstanding academic quality and teaching, offering diverse educational and research opportunities, inspiring global contributions since 1818 | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Halifax | 7,970 | 1818 |
| 20 | [Simon Fraser University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/simon-fraser-university) (sfu.ca)<br>A leading university in Canada delivering world-class education, fostering innovation, and connecting research to real-world solutions for global impact | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Burnaby | 7,773 | 1965 |
| 21 | [University of Guelph](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-guelph) (uoguelph.ca)<br>Dedicated to improving quality of life through innovative research and education in essential areas like water, food, health, and environment | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Guelph | 7,725 | 1964 |
| 22 | [Université de Sherbrooke](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-de-sherbrooke) (usherbrooke.ca)<br>A French-speaking institution in Canada's Quebec province, Université de Sherbrooke offers recognized academic education to over 40,000 students, including international students | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Sherbrooke | 7,200 | 1954 |
| 23 | [London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/london-health-sciences-centre-lhsc) (lhsc.on.ca)<br>Acute care teaching hospital offering specialized clinical services, leading in discovery and innovation, providing exceptional patient care and training healthcare professionals | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 London | 7,092 |  |
| 24 | [University of Saskatchewan](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-saskatchewan) (usask.ca)<br>Leading research and education addressing global challenges in water, food security, health, and innovation with diverse academic programs and world-class facilities. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Saskatoon | 7,086 | 1907 |
| 25 | [Carleton University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/carleton-university) (carleton.ca)<br>University located near government and high tech companies, combining research and teaching to provide superior education and solve real problems. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Ottawa | 6,886 | 1942 |
| 26 | [Hamilton Health Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hamilton-health-sciences) (hamiltonhealthsciences.ca)<br>Healthcare organization delivering specialized cardiac, stroke, trauma, cancer, palliative, and pediatric care to southwestern Ontario and beyond. | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Hamilton | 6,690 |  |
| 27 | [UQAM \| Université du Québec à Montréal](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/uqam-universite-du-quebec-a-montreal) (uqam.ca)<br>A public French-language university known for quality programs, social research, and innovation in creative arts, offering training on campus and regional centers | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Montreal | 6,602 | 1969 |
| 28 | [University of Victoria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-victoria) (uvic.ca)<br>Leading university on Canada's West Coast focused on innovation, engagement, and respect for knowledge to address global challenges. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Victoria | 6,493 | 1963 |
| 29 | [St. Michael's Hospital](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/st-michael-s-hospital) (unityhealth.to)<br>A leading hospital providing compassionate care, medical education in 27 disciplines, and research through the Keenan Research Centre for global impact | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Toronto | 4,868 | 1892 |
| 30 | [National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-research-council-canada-conseil-national-de-recherches-canada) (nrc.canada.ca)<br>Largest government research organization supporting innovation, helping SMEs scale, connecting Canadian innovators with advanced R&D capabilities, fostering partnerships. | Research Services | 🇨🇦 Ottawa | 4,732 | 1916 |
| 31 | [Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/southern-alberta-institute-of-technology-sait) (sait.ca)<br>Equips students with essential skills for career success, enabling lifetime learning and enhancing global competitiveness through action-based learning and industry partnerships. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Calgary | 4,707 | 1916 |
| 32 | [Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/natural-resources-canada-nrcan) (natural-resources.canada.ca)<br>A department of the Government of Canada focused on advancing sustainable resource management, economic growth, and environmental stewardship through innovative policies and programs | Government Administration | 🇨🇦 Ottawa | 4,579 |  |
| 33 | [CHUM - Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/chum-centre-hospitalier-de-l-universite-de-montreal) (chumontreal.qc.ca)<br>Provides general, specialized, and highly specialized care to adult patients, conducts research, offers teaching, and promotes health to 40% of Quebec's population. | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Montreal | 4,507 | 1996 |
| 34 | [CAMH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/camh) (camh.ca)<br>A leading teaching hospital in Canada focused on transforming lives through clinical care, research, education, and advocacy for mental health and addiction issues | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Toronto | 4,477 | 1998 |
| 35 | [Sinai Health](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sinai-health) (sinaihealth.ca)<br>A leading academic health science centre focused on integrated care, innovative research, and educating future healthcare leaders for comprehensive patient care | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Toronto | 4,083 |  |
| 36 | [Wilfrid Laurier University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wilfrid-laurier-university) (wlu.ca)<br>Canadian university focusing on teaching, research, and student satisfaction with programs in arts, business, science, social work, and education. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Waterloo | 4,060 |  |
| 37 | [British Columbia Institute of Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/british-columbia-institute-of-technology) (bcit.ca)<br>A leading post-secondary institution in British Columbia offering practical career credentials, degrees, diplomas, and certificates in various fields Engages in applied research to drive the economy | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Burnaby | 3,851 | 1964 |
| 38 | [Providence Health Care](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/providence-health-care-vancouver) (providencehealthcare.org)<br>Faith-based health care organization in Canada providing compassionate care across 17 sites for heart, lung, HIV/AIDS, mental health, renal, seniors, and urban populations | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Vancouver | 3,828 | 1997 |
| 39 | [University of New Brunswick](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-new-brunswick) (unb.ca)<br>Established in 1785, this university in Canada offers over 75 programs to 10,500+ students on two campuses and online worldwide Conducts 70% of provincial research | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Fredericton \| Saint John | 3,689 | 1785 |
| 40 | [CHU de Québec](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/chu-de-quebec) (chudequebec.ca)<br>Leading healthcare institution in Quebec, providing general, specialized, and super-specialized care to nearly two million people Strong focus on education, research, and technological advancements in health | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Quebec City | 3,643 | 2012 |
| 41 | [Polytechnique Montréal](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/polytechnique-montreal) (polymtl.ca)<br>Engineering university offering over 120 programs, conducting extensive research, educating thousands of engineers, and leading Quebec's engineering community. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Montreal | 2,991 | 1873 |
| 42 | [St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/st-joseph-s-healthcare-hamilton) (stjoes.ca)<br>A values-based academic health science centre affiliated with McMaster University and Mohawk College, committed to providing integrated, compassionate care and advancing research and education | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Hamilton | 2,983 | 1890 |
| 43 | [École de technologie supérieure](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ecole-de-technologie-superieure) (etsmtl.ca)<br>Trains engineers, researchers for industry, specializing in engineering education, technological transfer, and applied research with a practical, innovative approach. | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Montreal | 2,874 | 1974 |
| 44 | [CHEO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cheo) (cheo.on.ca)<br>A global leader in pediatric health care and research, providing excellence in complex care, education, and community partnership for children and youth | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Ottawa | 2,784 | 1974 |
| 45 | [Niagara College](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/niagara-college) (niagaracollege.ca)<br>Leader in applied education and training, established in 1967 in Welland and now expanding across the Niagara region for top student satisfaction | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Welland | 2,686 | 1967 |
| 46 | [Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-du-quebec-a-trois-rivieres) (uqtr.ca)<br>Specialized university offering innovative fields of study and research, such as leisure, small business management, hydrogen research, chiropractic, midwifery, criminalistic chemistry, philosophy, and arts | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Trois-Rivières | 2,649 | 1969 |
| 47 | [University of Regina](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-regina) (uregina.ca)<br>Leading university in Saskatchewan offering experience-based learning, innovative programs, and a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees Alumni contribute locally and globally | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Regina | 2,618 | 1974 |
| 48 | [CHU Sainte-Justine](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/chu-sainte-justine) (chusj.org)<br>The largest mother-child hospital in Canada, CHU Sainte-Justine employs 5,000 staff and 500 healthcare professionals, prioritizing innovation and patient-centered care | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇨🇦 Montreal | 2,482 |  |
| 49 | [Ontario Tech University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ontario-tech-university) (ontariotechu.ca)<br>Innovative university focusing on advancing knowledge, integrating social and ethical implications of technology, and collaborating on solutions with partners | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Oshawa | 2,479 | 2003 |
| 50 | [RRC Polytech](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rrc-polytech) (rrc.ca)<br>Manitoba's largest institute of applied learning offering over 110 full-time programs in various fields to train future leaders for success | Higher Education | 🇨🇦 Winnipeg | 2,341 | 1938 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

## More company lists in Canada

- [The largest companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-canada) (11,083)
- [Multinational companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-canada) (1,934)
- [Manufacturers in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-canada) (946)
- [Retail chains in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-canada) (851)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-canada) (767)
- [Public sector organisations in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-canada) (699)
- [Financial services firms in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-canada) (687)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-canada) (678)
- [Logistics companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/logistics-companies-canada) (593)
- [Truck Transportation companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/truck-transportation-companies-canada) (581)
- [SaaS companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-canada) (543)
- [Hardware manufacturers in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-canada) (502)
- [Energy companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/energy-companies-canada) (497)
- [Software Development companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-canada) (484)
- [Professional services firms in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-canada) (481)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-canada) (477)
- [Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/transportation-logistics-supply-chain-and-storage-companies-canada) (464)
- [Distributors and wholesalers in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/distributors-and-wholesalers-canada) (452)
- [Financial Services companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-canada) (432)
- [Healthcare providers in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-canada) (416)
- [Construction companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/construction-companies-canada) (391)
- [Oil and Gas companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/oil-and-gas-companies-canada) (380)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-canada) (367)
- [Retail companies in Canada](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-companies-canada) (358)

## The same list elsewhere in Canada

- [Research institutes in Ontario](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-ontario) (64)
- [Research institutes in the province of Quebec](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-province-of-quebec) (52)
- [Research institutes in Toronto](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-toronto) (31)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686)
- [Research institutes in North America](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-north-america) (1,216)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-canada