In 1844, French Canadian settler Benjamin Gervais moved north from Saint Paul to claim land in order to build the first grist mill in Minnesota that was independent from the government. Today, the large lake on the east side of Little Canada bears his name (Lake Gervais). The grist mill was converted into a park, which is recognized as the birthplace of the city. Little Canada began as the township of New Canada in 1858. In the 1950s the township was threatened by the suburban sprawl of the ensuing larger communities that were formed, such as Maplewood. In 1953, the city leaders came together and established the village of Little Canada. It became a city in 1974.

The city displays the Canadian influence in its history in several ways. Its official symbol is an initial LC on a white fleur-de-lis with a red Maple Leaf background, and the Flag of Canada is displayed in council chambers.

The city itself also hosts an annual celebration named Canadian Days in early August with its sister city Thunder Bay, Ontario, in Canada.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.48 square miles (11.60 km²), of which 3.89 square miles (10.08 km²) is land and 0.59 square miles (1.53 km²) is water.

Interstate Highway 35E, Interstate Highway 694, and Minnesota Highway 36 are three of the main routes in the city. Nearby places include Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, and Saint Paul.

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