Canada’s iconic red and white maple leaf flag is the country’s most recognizable symbol. However, it wasn’t always so ubiquitous. The Canadian flag has a rich as well as storied past that has helped mold it into the instantly recognizable and beloved symbol we know today. With February 15 annually celebrated as National Flag of Canada Day, here are the intriguing insights into Canada’s iconic maple leaf flag on its 60th anniversary.

Interestingly, certain questions about the Canadian flag were asked in the citizenship tests. Thus, knowing more in detail can help newcomers ace the test while also forming deeper connections to their home. 

Canada Used Different Flags Before Adopting The Maple Leaf

One of the top intriguing insights into Canada’s iconic maple leaf flag is that before adopting the current flag, Canada used various flags, including the Union Jack and the Canadian Red Ensign. The latter was a flag authorized to be flown on Canadian vessels and included the shield of the coat of arms of Canada. 

However, as Canada matured as a nation, it became increasingly important for the country to have its own flag. 

In 1960, Lester B Pearson, Canada’s politician and former prime minister, proposed the concept of a new flag. In 1964, a parliamentary committee was made to recommend a national flag. 

Intense Debates Over Flag Design Sparked The Great Flag Debate

There were fierce arguments that took place over the design of the flag. These arguments led to a period in 1964 which was known as the Great Flag Debate. 

The debate was mostly between those who wanted to retain the symbols that tied Canada to its British Roots, while others wanted Canada to have its own distinct flag. 

Over Five Thousand Flag Designs Were Proposed And Evaluated

Another one of the intriguing insights into Canada’s iconic maple leaf flag is that around five thousand concept designs were submitted by Canadians and considered by the committee. Of these, only three were shortlisted. 

The one finally chosen was created by historian George Stanley, who served as the dean of arts at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. 

Stanley’s design was much like the flag we know today: red bars on each side, with a maple leaf in the middle on a white background. 

After all the debate, Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag was officially raised on February 15, 1965. In 1996, February 15 was announced as the National Flag Day of Canada. 

The Maple Leaf Holds Deep Historical Significance In Canada

The maple leaf was chosen to adorn the flag as it has long been used as a Canadian symbol. 

It became popular in the 19th century and was used in popular culture like books, songs, banners, etc. 

Stanley wrote that he chose a single maple leaf because it has a ‘virtue of simplicity; it emphasizes the distinctive Canadian symbol as well as suggests the idea of loyalty to a single country’.  

Canada’s Maple Leaf Features 11 Distinct Points

The original/ initial design for the maple leaf on the Canadian National Flag had 13 points. 

The 13-point design was harder to recognize when the flag was seen from a distance or in windy conditions. 

It was simplified to its present 11-point design by artist Jacques St-Cyr to improve clarity. 

Canada is the only nation to feature a maple leaf on its flag. 

Red And White Were Selected As The Official Flag Colors

Red and white also have a long history in Canada, although there’s some debate around precisely why. 

Some believe that red and white were approved as Canada’s official colors during the proclamation of the Royal Arms of Canada by King George V in 1921.

Others believe that the origin of the colors evolved from its historical roots, with red associated with England and white with France. 

Many have also come to embrace these colors as representative of the natural colors featured in Canada – the white depicting winter snow and the red depicting autumnal maple leaves. 

Proper Etiquette Exists For Displaying The National Flag

It goes without saying that, given its symbolism, the flag should always be treated with respect. 

There is also etiquette involved with flying the National flag. For example, when hung vertically, the flag must always be placed so that the upper part of the leaf points to the left. 

The Flag Has Embarked On Various Historic Journeys

Another one of the intriguing insights into Canada’s iconic maple leaf flag is that it had some epic travels. 

In 1982, Canadian mountaineer Laurie Skreslet carried the national flag to the summit of Mount Everest.

In 1984, the flag was launched into space aboard the NASA space shuttle, accompanying Canada’s first astronaut. 

You Can Request A Flag From Parliament Hill, But There’s a Catch

The Canadian flag on the Peace Tower of Parliament Hill is replaced with a new flag every weekday. 

And it’s actually possible to get a free Parliament Hill flag. 

Canadian residents can request a flag that was flown on Parliament Hill by filling in an online form. 

That said, the wait time is now more than 100 years. 

Canada’s Largest Flag Was Made By An Immigrant

A giant Canadian flag was unveiled in Stanley Park in 2017. 

It is 140 meters long and 70 meters high. 

The flag was created by Canadian immigrant Zen Zhong Li with the help of his family, as he wanted to do something to celebrate his new country. 

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490. You can also drop us an email at [email protected].