Which glaciation was the most significant in shaping Canada's landscape?

The Wisconsin Glaciation was the most significant in shaping Canada's landscape because it represents the most recent and extensive glacial period, which occurred during the last Ice Age, approximately 70,000 to 10,000 years ago. This glaciation led to the advance of massive ice sheets over much of Canada and parts of the northern United States. The weight and movement of these ice sheets sculpted the land, creating features such as the Great Lakes, as well as various landforms including moraines, drumlins, and glacial valleys.

Moreover, the Wisconsin Glaciation caused significant alterations to drainage patterns, influencing river systems and contributing to changes in flora and fauna in the region. As the ice began to retreat, it left behind rich deposits of sediment that have contributed to the fertile soils of parts of Canada, aiding in agriculture and ecosystem development.

In contrast, while the Last Glacial Maximum refers to the peak of glaciation during the Wisconsin Glaciation and the Illinoian and York Glaciations occurred earlier and primarily affected different regions of North America, their impact on the current landscape of Canada was less pronounced than that of the Wisconsin Glaciation.