Facts About Our Flag

• The National Flag of Canada was raised for the first time fifty two years ago on February 15, 1965
• National Flag of Canada Day was officially proclaimed on February 15, 1996.
• The one symbol that represents us all at home and abroad is the red and white national flag of Canada.
• Canada is the only country in the world with a maple leaf on its flag.
• The white square and its red maple leaf make up half the surface of the flag equal to the two red bands on the side borders.
• The maple leaf has been used historically as a decorative and ornamental symbol in Canadian art, medals, badges and coat of arms.
• Vexillologists (flag experts) often cite the national flag of Canada as one of the world’s most beautiful based on its compelling design and measured use of colour.
• The flag of Canada was brought to the highest point in the world, Mount Everest.
• The Canadian flag was taken into space by the first Canadian astronaut to fly on the NASA space shuttle Challenger.
• When the national flag flies along with the flags of the 10 provinces and three territories, the flags of the provinces and territories follow in the order that they entered Confederation.