This data file contains the R code and data that are used in the manuscript Leroux et al. (in press). Legislative correlates of the size and number of protected areas in Canadian jurisdictions. The data file includes information on Canadian protected areas. Specifically, it includes the name, area, IUCN category, jurisdiction, time of establishment, ecozone, governing legislation and whether it includes provisions for scientific knowledge, operating and/or capital cost recovery and stakeholder involvement in planning and management.