10 Best Free Sources of Satellite Data for Canada

Summary

• Pera Portal: Unlimited free Sentinel-2 browsing with 45+ pre-configured spectral indices (NDVI, NDWI, EVI, etc.) viewable in-browser. Advanced band ratio calculations, zero setup required. Global coverage including comprehensive Canadian imagery. Plus access to 100+ commercial satellites for premium imagery when needed

• Natural Resources Canada Open Data: Best comprehensive source for Canadian government satellite and geospatial data

• GeoGratis: Best for free downloads of topographic maps, satellite imagery, and aerial photography across Canada

• Canadian Wildland Fire Information System: Best for wildfire monitoring and near real-time active fire detection across Canada

• Google Earth: Best for general purpose viewing and basic exploration of your property

• Provincial Resources:

  • GeoBC (British Columbia)
  • AltaLIS (Alberta)
  • Ontario GeoHub Best for high-resolution provincial imagery and local planning data

• Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem: Best for environmental monitoring and agricultural applications with frequent Sentinel updates

• NASA Earthdata Search: Best for scientific research and comprehensive North American satellite data

• Maxar Open Data Program: Best for disaster response imagery during floods, wildfires, and emergencies

• Zoom Earth: Best for near-current weather and environmental condition tracking across Canada

Overview

Looking for satellite images of your house in Canada? Want to view historical satellite imagery of your property for free? You’re in the right place.

This guide will help you explore the various sources of satellite data available to Canadians, whether you want to view imagery directly in your browser or download data for further analysis.

Understanding Real-Time Satellite Imagery

Many people search for “live satellite view” or “real-time satellite images” of their house, but here’s the truth — despite what movies might suggest, live satellite imagery isn’t possible with current technology. What you see on mapping platforms is usually imagery captured weeks or even months ago.

What’s Available in Canada

If you’re searching for free satellite imagery in Canada, it’s important to understand what’s available:

• Most free satellite images are updated every few months to years.
• Free imagery generally has lower resolution (you can see buildings, but not detailed features).
• High-resolution imagery with clear details often requires a paid subscription.
• Real-time satellite imagery does exist but is typically limited to weather forecasting or emergency services.

Fortunately, Canada offers several excellent free sources of satellite data through federal and provincial government platforms. Whether you are a property owner, researcher, or just curious, we’ll walk you through the best free and paid options available.

1. Natural Resources Canada Open Data

Natural Resources Canada Open Data is the primary gateway to Canadian government satellite imagery and geospatial datasets. It provides comprehensive access to Earth observation data collected over Canada.

Key Features:

• Free access to RADARSAT-2 and RCM (RADARSAT Constellation Mission) satellite imagery.
• Landsat data specifically processed for Canadian territories.
• Historical archives dating back decades.
• Advanced search by location, date, and satellite sensor.
• Ideal for researchers, environmental monitoring, and natural resource management.

2. GeoGratis

GeoGratis is Natural Resources Canada’s free data distribution service offering satellite imagery, aerial photography, and topographic maps.

Key Features:

• Free downloads of Landsat imagery covering all of Canada.
• High-resolution aerial photography for many populated regions.
• Digital elevation models and terrain data.
• No registration required for many datasets.
• Comprehensive coverage of northern and remote Canadian territories.

3. Pera Portal

Our Pera Portal provides completely free, unlimited access to Sentinel-2 satellite imagery with advanced analytical capabilities that surpass most free platforms.

Key Features:

• Unlimited free Sentinel-2 browsing with no registration walls or download limits.
• 45+ pre-configured spectral indices viewable instantly in your browser:
  • NDVI (vegetation health and forestry monitoring)
  • NDWI (water detection and lake monitoring)
  • EVI (enhanced vegetation index for Canadian agriculture)
  • SAVI, MSAVI, NDBI, and many more
• Custom band ratio calculations — create your own indices for specialized analysis.
• Zero setup required — view processed imagery immediately without downloading or installing software.
• Global coverage including comprehensive Canadian imagery updated every 5 days.
• Ideal for Canadian applications:
  • Agricultural monitoring across prairie provinces
  • Forestry management in BC and Quebec
  • Mining exploration and monitoring
  • Northern territory environmental tracking
• Premium commercial imagery access — upgrade to browse 100+ commercial satellites with sub-meter resolution when you need more detail.

Unlike other platforms that require technical knowledge or large downloads, Pera Portal makes advanced satellite imagery analysis accessible to everyone — from prairie farmers monitoring crop health to researchers tracking permafrost changes in the Arctic.

4. Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS)

The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System provides near real-time satellite-based fire detection and monitoring across Canada.

Key Features:

• Active fire detection updated multiple times daily.
• Historical fire perimeter mapping.
• Satellite-based smoke and air quality monitoring.
• Essential for wildfire season monitoring, especially in BC, Alberta, and northern territories.
• Free access to fire danger ratings and fire weather data.

5. Google Earth

Google Earth provides high-resolution satellite imagery across Canada, including remote northern regions. It’s the easiest platform for casual users who want to view satellite images of their house.

Key Features:

• Simple, intuitive interface accessible from any web browser.
• Historical imagery slider to view changes over time.
• 3D terrain visualization perfect for mountainous regions like the Rockies.
• Coverage of remote northern communities and territories.
• Not suitable for downloading raw satellite data or technical analysis.

6. Provincial GIS Platforms

Canadian provinces provide their own high-resolution imagery and geospatial data, often with more frequent updates than federal sources:

British Columbia - GeoBC

GeoBC offers comprehensive geospatial data for BC including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and forestry data.

Alberta - AltaLIS

AltaLIS provides satellite imagery and geospatial data for Alberta, with emphasis on agricultural and oil & gas applications.

Ontario - GeoHub

Ontario GeoHub offers satellite imagery, land use data, and property boundaries for Ontario.

Other Provincial Resources

• Quebec: Données Québec
• Saskatchewan: ISC GeoWarehouse
• Manitoba: Manitoba Land Initiative

7. Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem

The European Union’s Copernicus program offers free, high-quality Sentinel satellite data with global coverage including all of Canada.

Key Features:

• Sentinel-2 optical imagery updated every 5 days with 10-meter resolution.
• Sentinel-1 radar data for all-weather monitoring (crucial for cloudy Canadian conditions).
• Free access without download limits or registration barriers.
• Ideal for agricultural monitoring, forestry, and environmental research.
• Particularly valuable for monitoring Canada’s northern regions.

8. NASA Earthdata Search

NASA Earthdata Search provides comprehensive satellite datasets with excellent coverage of North America including Canada.

Key Features:

• Complete Landsat archive dating back to 1972.
• MODIS data for large-scale environmental monitoring.
• Free registration and unlimited downloads.
• Advanced search filters by location, date, and cloud cover.
• Essential for scientific research and climate studies.

9. Maxar Open Data Program

Maxar offers high-resolution commercial satellite imagery for free during natural disasters and emergencies in Canada.

Key Features:

• Sub-meter resolution imagery during floods, wildfires, and other disasters.
• Released within 24-48 hours of disaster events.
• Critical for emergency response in remote northern communities.
• Before-and-after imagery for disaster recovery planning.
• Partnerships with Canadian emergency management agencies.

10. Zoom Earth

Zoom Earth provides frequently updated satellite imagery, focusing on weather patterns and environmental conditions across Canada.

Key Features:

• Near-current weather and storm tracking.
• Updated multiple times daily with latest satellite passes.
• Excellent for tracking severe weather, winter storms, and atmospheric rivers.
• Time-lapse animations showing weather system development.
• No registration required for basic viewing.

Tips for Making the Most of Free Satellite Imagery Platforms

1. Find the Right Platforms. We’ve highlighted some of the best satellite data providers for Canadian applications. Starting with the platforms above will save you time and ensure access to Canada-specific datasets.

2. Understand Platform Capabilities. Each platform offers unique features. Familiarise yourself with their resolution, data quality, and update frequency to match your project’s needs. Consider weather patterns — radar-based Sentinel-1 data is often more useful than optical imagery in cloudy regions.

3. Define Your Requirements. Specify what you need — the area of interest, time range, spatial resolution, and spectral bands — and use search filters to narrow down the results. Canadian territories are vast, so precise targeting saves time.

4. Use Visualisation Tools. Many platforms provide built-in tools to help you explore and analyse the data. Pera Portal’s spectral index capabilities, for example, can provide insights into vegetation health, water resources, and land use without needing external software or technical expertise.

5. Be Selective with Downloads. Rather than downloading full datasets, focus on specific tiles or areas of interest to save time and storage space. For many use cases, cloud-based platforms like Pera Portal eliminate the need for downloads entirely.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of the available satellite imagery resources in Canada, whether you’re conducting research, evaluating property, monitoring agricultural land, or tracking environmental changes across this vast country.