The National Flag of Canada
The maple leaf was historically used from the early days of Canada to symbolize the land and its people. It was first proposed as an emblem of Canada in 1834 when the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste was founded; shortly thereafter, in 1836, Le Canadien, a newspaper published in Lower Canada, referred to it as a suitable emblem for Canada.

It was also used in the decorations for the visit of the Prince of Wales to Canada in 1860. It appears on the coats of arms granted to Quebec and Ontario in 1868 and as a distinctive emblem on the royal arms of Canada proclaimed in 1921. The maple leaf was for many years the symbol of the Canadian Armed Forces and was used to identify Canadian contingents in the two world wars. But it wasn't to receive official status until the National Flag of Canada was proclaimed by Her Majesty the Queen in 1965.

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Welcome to CanadianFlags.com!

CanadianFlags.com is proud to feature the web's largest selection of Canadian flags, flag poles, banners, bunting and patriotic memorabilia. We carry car flags, deluxe flag kits, oversize flags, flag posters, flag art and more. With thousands of satisfied customers in North America and beyond, we are committed to furthering Canadian pride around the world. Feel free to browse our site for complete information about the National Flag of Canada, its complete history and etiquette for displaying and handling our flag. Please take a moment to browse our wide selection of Canadian Flags and be sure to show your Canadian pride everyday!

Click here to view our standard 3' X 5' foot Canadian Flag.

Some Canadian Flag History: The official ceremony inaugurating the new Canadian flag was held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on February 15, 1965, with Governor General Georges Vanier, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, the members of the Cabinet and thousands of Canadians in attendance.

The Canadian Red Ensign, bearing the Union Jack and the shield of the royal arms of Canada, was lowered and then, on the stroke of noon, our new maple leaf flag was raised. The crowd sang the national anthem O Canada followed by the royal anthem God Save the Queen.

The following words, spoken on that momentous day by the Honourable Maurice Bourget, Speaker of the Senate, added further symbolic meaning to our flag: "The flag is the symbol of the nation's unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief or opinion."

Official Lyrics of O Canada!

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Message from the Minister...
National Flag of Canada Day (February 15th) is a time to celebrate one of our most meaningful and recognizable symbols.

This relatively simple pattern of a maple leaf framed between two bands of red has taken on a particular significance for countless people across the globe. For many new Canadians who take their citizenship oath today, it represents hope and freedom. For travelers visiting Canadian embassies around the world, it is a sign of security and of belonging to their country. For athletes striving for excellence at international competitions, it is a reminder of Canada's proud tradition of outstanding achievement in sport. In fact, for all Canadians, the maple leaf is an object of national pride and is a powerful symbol of unity.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I invite all Canadians to take a moment today to think about what the Canadian flag means to you, to your community, and to our nation. Let's all join together and celebrate this important symbol that represents the values all Canadians hold dear—freedom, diversity, and respect.

Happy National Flag of Canada Day!

Hélène Chalifour Scherrer