Like any other country, Canada has its own national flag that symbolizes its freedom and has a history marked by interesting events. However, the iconic maple leaf flag also has hidden facts that you may want to know - here we got you covered. In this article, you’ll find everything from symbolism to the important Canadian flag protocols to be followed.

History Of Canada Flag

Different flags were flown in Canada till it won freedom from the UK. The history of the first flag of Canada dates back to the 1400s when St. George’s Cross was carried out by John Cabot. In 1534, by Jacques Cartier, the France flag was also flown in Canada. After the 1763's Treaty of Paris, Canada became a colony of Britain, with that Union Jack (the national flag of UK) became the national flag of Canada.

Even after the independence and freedom from the UK, the flag continued to be used in Canada. However, after the Great Flag Debate, the national flag of Canada came into existence. A special committee with the members of all political parties was formed to find a new flag design. The discussion went on for months, and then George Stanley’s single maple leaf design was approved as the national flag of Canada.

Color Of Canada Flag

The national colors of Canada's flag are red and white. However, the RGB, HEX, and CMYK colour codes are as follows.

Color Types Red White
RGB 239 51 64 255 255 255
CMYK 0 86 63 0 0 0 0 0
HEX #EF3340 #FFFFFF

Symbolism of the Flag of Canada

The colors and maple leaf in the national flag symbolize hope, tranquillity, neutrality and peace in the country. The 11-pointed red Maple leaf is the national symbol of Canada that shows unity across the country. Moreover, it also represents the natural resources of the country. (Maple trees contribute valuable wood products and promote Canada as a world leader in sustainable management of forests).

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Canada Flag FAQS

The maple leaf on the Canadian flag represents the country natural resources and symbolizes the pride, courage, and loyalty of people.
The half-masting of the national flag of Canada is referred to as mourning and a sign of sorrow.
Red and White. In 1921, King George V proclaimed these two as the official colors of the country.
The maple leaf flag was designed by George Stanley.
The first Canadian, Marc Garneau, took the Canadian flag to space in 1984.
There is no standard size of Canada flag. However, the proportion of the Canada flag is 2:1 and should be twice as long as the hoist.
On 15 February 1965, the present flag was adopted as the national flag of Canada.
In early times, the flags made of wool were either buried or burnt. However, the flags made of Nylon and other synthetic fibers should be destroyed in a respectable and dignified way.
No, it’s not allowed to wear or use the National flag of Canada as a cape.
The motto of Canada is “Mari Usque Ad Mare” which means “Sea to Sea”.

Interesting Facts about Canada Flag 

  • The national flag of Canada is cited as the World’s most beautiful flag by Vexillologists due to its simple & minimal design and the limited number of colors.
  • The Red & White and maple leaf designed Canada flag was suggested by Dr George Stanley in 1964.
  • Over 5000 designs were submitted as suggestions in the Great Flag Debate, and the one by Stanley got selected.
  • In 1921, Red and White were proclaimed as official colours by King George V in 1921.
  • The Canada flag is unique in its dimensions - twice as long as of its width. Moreover, no other flag has such dimensions.
  • The flag flying on the parliament hill is given free to the public, but you need to wait a minimum of 40-60 years.
  • Laurie Skreslet took pride in raising the Canada flag for the first time on World’s highest point (Mount Everest) in 1982.
  • The National flag of Canada went to space in 1984 by the first astronaut Marc Garneau.
  • The largest Canadian flag that was ever made was 38 meters by 76 meters and cost $15,000.
  • The Canada Maple Leaf flag is also known as l'Unifolié (one-leaf) in French.
  • The national flag design was inspired by the royal military college of Canada.

Different Flags of Canada 

Each province and territory of Canada has a different and its own flag. Most of the designs are based on the specific province’s coat of arms. Likewise, the Queen of Canada, governor general, and provincial lieutenant governors have their official flags. Let’s dive into the list of different flags of Canada to know more about it.

British Columbia Flag

The British Columbia Flag has a white Union jack on the top of the flag defaced by a crown in the center. The bottom of the flag has half-sun and wavy blue lines.

Manitoba Flag

The Manitoba Flag has a Red Ensign with a shield of the provincial coat of arms -a buffalo standing on the rock. The flag design’s purpose was to remember and preserve the Canadian Red Ensign.

Alberta Flag

It is used as the official symbol of province Alberta, featuring Ultramarine blue and Alberta coat of arms in the center.

Newfoundland and Labrador Flag

The uniquely designed Newfoundland and Labrador Flag has white, red, and gold colour that symbolizes the sea, rivers, and lakes water, efforts of people, and confidence in a better future, respectively.

Northwest Territories Flag

With the blue field and Canadian Pale, Northwest Territories Flag has a shield of the coat of arms Northwest Territories.

New Brunswick Flag

The New Brunswick Flag has an upper strip of red color with the golden lion, and the golden stripe has Lymphad in the center. Moreover, the bottom region of the flag has blue-white-blue stripes.

Nunavut Flag

The Nunavut Flag has a red and golden color with a blue star. The blue and golden color symbolizes the sea, sky, and land riches, where the red color is referenced to Canada.

Nova Scotia Flag

The Nova Scotia Flag has a white field with the royal arms of Scotland and a blue saltire. It symbolizes the Nova Scotia and Scotland Link with each other.

Ontario Flag

The provincial flag of Ontario features the Red field with Ontario shield of arms and Royal Union Flag in fly and Canton, respectively.

Quebec Flag

The Quebec Flag, also known as Fleurdelisé or Lily flowered, features a blue field with a white cross and four white fleurs-de-lis. It symbolizes the French presence on the continent.

Prince Edward Island Flag

The red and white striped flag has an elongated golden lion, oak saplings, and tree adopted in 1964.

Saskatchewan Flag

The Saskatchewan Flag has red and gold stripes with the Saskatchewan coat of arms. It symbolized agriculture and natural resources. 

Yukon Flag

The tricolour Yukon Flag has green, blue, and white colours with a coat of arms in the center. It symbolizes the territory’s forests, rivers & lakes, and Arctic snow.

Protocols for flying the National Flag of Canada 

The national flag of Canada can be used on buildings and houses in different ways. However, some of the rules and protocols must be followed whenever the flag is flown.

  • The National Flag of Canada should always be flown alone on its flagpole.
  • The flag can be flown at night without being illuminated.
  • Nothing should be written or marked on the flag.
  • The flag should always be treated with respect and dignity and not lowered or touched the ground.
  • The faded or fainted flag should not be used.
  • In the parade or review, when the flag is lowered or raised, then people should face the flag and remain silent. Moreover, men wearing hats should remove them.
  • Half-masting of the flag is the sign of mourning or sorrow.
  • To maintain the dignity and respect of the flag, it should not be used as a table cover, curtain, or wearing apparel.
  • The flag can be used to cover the coffin with the canton placement on the upper left corner.