Flag of Canada

The flag of Canada is red and white. In the centre there is an 11-pointed red maple leaf (on white background). This has been the national flag of Canada since 1965. It is also known as the Maple Leaf.

Red and white are Canada's national colours. History records that these colours were used in the first crusade. King George V. approved red and white as Canada's official colours in the proclamation of the royal arms of Canada in 1921.

The 11 points of the maple leaf do not stand for the territories or provinces like e.g. the stars in the flag of the USA. On older flags the maple leaf has 13 or even 15 points.

From about 1868 - 1965 the Red Ensign, a red flag with the Union Jack in the upper corner, was used as the flag of Canada. The shield on the right was often replaced. The flag shown on this page was Canada's official flag from 1957 - 1965.

With permission of the Department of Canadian Heritage.