Our history

Since launching the first commercial oil sands development in 1967, our people – their perseverance, dedication and innovation – turned a vision into reality.

Today, we are Canada’s leading integrated energy company and have a place on the global stage as one of the largest independent energy companies in the world.
A group of employees for Sun Oil Company stand outside of a service station in the early 1900s. The majority are men wearing suits.

1917 - 1960
The early years – unlocking the oil sands

The Sun Company Inc. opened in Canada in 1917 supplying lubricating oils, kerosene and spirits to war plants in the Montreal area. Meanwhile out west, in a lab at the Alberta Research Council in Edmonton, Dr. Karl Clark worked on the hot water extraction process that separates oil from sand – a process that originated in 1923 and is still used today.

Explore how it all began
A large group of employees arrive for work at a Suncor site in the morning. Many are wearing blue hard hats and work clothes.

1960 - 1980
From the “biggest gamble in history,” to expansion, mergers and discoveries

Sun Oil, previously Sun Company Inc., invested almost a quarter-billion dollars in the Great Canadian Oil Sands project in Fort McMurray – fondly known as “the biggest gamble in history.” It pays off with an eventual merger that forms Suncor Inc. in 1979.
Explore how the gamble paid off
A female Suncor employee stands with her arms crossed in front of a line of Suncor equipment, one light vehicle and three haul trucks. She is wearing blue coveralls and a blue hard hat.

1990 - 2009
A vision of a sustainable energy company

In 1997 the word “energy” was added to the Suncor name to better reflect the company’s ability to provide a broad range of energy products. The vision was for Suncor Energy to be a successful “sustainable energy company.”
Explore how the company was reimagined
Two Suncor employees in blue coveralls and blue hard hats walk in front of fuel tanks.

2010 - 2018
Celebrating 50 years

In 2017, Suncor celebrated the 50th anniversary of launching the world’s first commercial oil sands operation. Technology and innovation have been the hallmark of our success, while dedication, ingenuity and willingness to push through challenges have prepared us for what lies ahead.
Explore our journey
Three workers on the Montreal refinery dock at sunrise

2019 - present day
Charting a path to reduce our emissions intensity.

It takes a lot of effort to produce the energy that keeps the world running. Building on the strength of our base business, we’re well-positioned to expand our lower emissions intensity energy sources through investments in power and renewable fuels.
Explore how we’re leading the way