Flag of Canada facts for kids

The Maple Leaf flag became Canada's official flag on February 15, 1965. This was a big change for the country.

Before 1965, Canada used a flag called the British Red Ensign. This flag had the Union Jack in one corner and Canada's coat of arms on the other side. Flag experts sometimes say the Red Ensign was "defaced" by the coat of arms.

The Unique Design of Canada's Flag

Flag and heraldry experts have a special name for the design of the Canadian flag. They call it a "Canadian Pale."

What is a Canadian Pale?

A "pale" in heraldry is a wide, vertical stripe in the middle of a flag. On the Canadian flag, the white stripe in the middle is very wide. It takes up half the width of the whole flag. This was the first time such a wide pale was used in a flag design. This unique design makes Canada's flag stand out.

The Royal Union Flag

On certain days, the Canadian government flies another flag alongside the Maple Leaf Flag. This flag is called the Royal Union Flag.

Why Fly the Royal Union Flag?

The Royal Union Flag is actually the British Union Jack. It is flown to show that Canada is a member of the Commonwealth. It also reminds everyone that Canada and Britain share a long history. Both countries also share the same monarch, the King or Queen.

The Queen's Role in the Flag's Design

The Queen of Great Britain had some input on what the new Canadian flag should look like. She believed that the maple leaf was a great symbol. She felt it truly represented the country of Canada.

Images for kids

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  The Maple Leaf Flag of Canada.

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  The Red Ensign Flag of Canada (1957-1965). Before 1957, the maple leaves were green.

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  A Red Ensign Flag of Canada (1921-1957). In 1921, Canada got a new coat of arms.

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  A Red Ensign Flag of Canada (1868-1921). Before 1921, Canada's coat of arms was a collection of provincial coats of arms.

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  A drawing of Jacques Cartier meeting with Iroquoians at Stadacona. Another person is holding the royal banner of France.

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  A Canadian postcard from 1911. It marks the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. It shows the Union Flag and a version of the Canadian Red Ensign.

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  The official paper that announced the national flag of Canada in January 1965.

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  The Canadian flag flying at Peace Tower in Ottawa. A special ceremony for the flag was held here in 1965.

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  The Canadian Red Ensign, Maple Leaf, and Royal Union Flag flying at a war memorial in Cartwright, Manitoba.

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  The Hartland Covered Bridge, with the Canadian flag on its tallest flagpole.

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  Some items from the Parliamentary Flag Program, which gives out flags.

See also

In Spanish: Bandera de Canadá para niños