The Wallaroos were clear underdogs for the last-eight clash, with their English coach Jo Yapp admitting before her last game in charge it was going to be a "do or die" moment against such formidable opponents.
By half-time the world No.2 ranked Maple Leafs had quickly asserted their authority by building a solid five-try lead.
And despite a gutsy second-half response from Australia, restricting their opponents to just two more scores, it was Canada who deservedly secured a mouthwatering last-four showdown with world champions New Zealand on Friday.
Canada burst into an early lead with winger Asia Hogan-Rochester running in a well-worked try before the Wallaroos responded when Desiree Miller sprinted down the left touchline to cross for an excellent equalising score, Sam Wood missing the conversion.
Canada's DaLeaka Menin had a try ruled out by the TMO official before Alysha Corrigan crossed for a dazzling score to put them back on top, with the Saracens winger going over again on 21 minutes.
And from there it was all Canada, with Sophie de Goede touching down and loosehead prop McKinley Hunt barging over to give Canada a 31-5 advantage at the break.
The Aussies were punished again after the restart when Canada's number eight Fabiola Forteza stretched to score under the posts just as the predicted rain started pouring down on the Ashton Gate stadium.
With nothing to lose, it was Australia's turn to up the ante as they began taking the game to their opponents, earning plenty of possession as Canada were forced on the defensive.
But that momentum was swiftly halted when Canada opted to kick a penalty goal before the Maple Leafs reasserted their supremacy as 37-year-old flanker Karen Paquin glided over for try number six.
Player-of-the-match De Goede, who also kicked four conversions, was thrilled to be in the last four: 'It sounds pretty sweet," she said.
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