At noon on February 15, 1965 (60 years ago!), Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. On the same day in 1996, National Flag of Canada Day was declared.

The National Flag of Canada – the maple leaf – is a symbol that unites Canadians and reflects the common values we take pride in — democracy, inclusion and equity.

On February 15, the National Flag of Canada will be officially 60 years old!

Did you know — National Flag of Canada Day

•     National Flag of Canada Day was officially proclaimed on February 15, 1996.
•     The first National Flag of Canada to be flown in Ottawa in 1965 was made in what is now Mississauga.
•     Canada is the only country with a maple leaf on its flag.
•     The maple leaf has been used historically as a decorative and ornamental symbol in Canadian art, medals, badges and coat of arms. It has often served to distinguish Canadians abroad.
•     The stylized maple leaf on the flag has eleven points.
•     Red and white are the national colors of Canada.
•     The Canadian flag is twice as long as it is wide. The white square and its maple leaf make up half the surface of the flag equal to the two red bars combined.
•     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.
•     Every province and territory in Canada has its own flag. The one symbol that represents us all at home and abroad is the red and white National Flag of Canada.
•     In 1984, the Canadian flag reached new heights when it was launched into space on the flight along with the first Canadian astronaut 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.

For more information, here are two PDFs with details: