Final answer:
Rural settlements in Canada are mainly located in the southern and eastern parts of the country with suitable farmlands along the St. Lawrence River and in the Prairie Provinces, utilizing historical patterns such as the long lot system in Quebec.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rural settlement in Canada occurs predominantly in southern and eastern areas where the climate and geography are suitable for agriculture. Quebec has historically been a region with rural settlements of farmers, using long lot systems to maximize access to transportation routes like rivers. Today, rural farms can still be seen in this pattern. Some of Canada's best farmland is found along the St. Lawrence River and in the southern Prairie Provinces, including areas in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, which have fertile land supporting varied agricultural activities.
In contrast, Northern Canada, the Canadian Maritimes, and areas with adverse conditions are less suitable for rural settlement and agriculture due to factors like poor soil quality and harsh climates. The growth of rural populations migrating to cities for opportunities in factories and commerce, especially during periods before World War I, has seen a decline in rural living, although certain practices and settlement patterns have persisted.