National Flag of Canada Day

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Canadian Civic
Where:: Canada
Date change rule:: Every February 15
Holiday emoji:: 🇨🇦

National Flag of Canada Day unfurls every February 15, commemorating the inauguration of Canada’s distinctive red and white maple leaf flag. This day symbolizes the shared values of equality, diversity, and inclusion that unite Canadians. Reflect on its rich history and discover meaningful ways to display your national pride.

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Expected National Flag of Canada Day Deals

While National Flag of Canada Day is not typically a commercial holiday, many Canadian retailers and brands embrace the spirit of national pride. Expect to see special promotions on Canadian-made goods from brands like Roots or Canada Goose. Local businesses may offer themed discounts or highlight products with a Canadian connection. Organizations such as The Royal Canadian Legion often host educational events. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 15 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Flag of Canada Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #CanadianFlagDay. Share how your workplace celebrates Canadian heritage and values.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalFlagOfCanadaDay. Post photos of the flag flying, or share historical facts about its adoption.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CanadaFlagDay. Share community events or family activities that honor the flag’s significance.

National Flag of Canada Day Hero

George F.G. Stanley

George F.G. Stanley (1907–2002) was a Canadian historian, author, and educator, best known for designing the current National Flag of Canada. His proposal, featuring a single red maple leaf on a white field flanked by red bars, was officially adopted in 1965. Stanley's design became a unifying symbol for the nation, reflecting Canada's unique identity independent of colonial ties.

History of National Flag of Canada Day

The history of Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag is quite eventful. You might be surprised to know that it hasn’t been around for all that long. Although Canada’s quest for a national flag had begun in the late 19th century, the current version of the flag only emerged during the 1960s.
Even after Confederation in 1867, Canada showcased the royal union flag of the United Kingdom as its own. By the 1870s, the Red Ensign — a combination of the Union Jack and the shield of Canada — began to be used unofficially as a national symbol. As the nation started growing, its people felt the need for distinct symbols to represent their nationality. In 1921, King George V granted Royal Arms to Canada, and this found its place on the Red Ensign. This new version was used as a patriotic emblem during World War II.

In the following years, several protests were carried out, with a number of Canadians losing their lives in the struggle. Then, in 1960, Lester B. Pearson, the leader of the opposition, decided to put an end to the problem of the flag. This eventually led to the Great Flag Debate which ended in the approval of the present design of the Canadian flag. George Stanley was the person behind the design, which features a stylized red maple leaf on a white surface flanked by red borders.

The new flag became official after Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed it on January 28, 1965. On February 15 that same year, it was hoisted on Parliament Hill at the stroke of noon. That’s how the maple leaf flag came into being!

National Flag of Canada Day timeline

1965

The First Flag Raising

Queen Elizabeth II proclaims Canada’s iconic flag with its red and white stripes and it is raised for the very first time.

1982

The Flag is Hiked Up Mount Everest

The Canadian flag travels to the highest peak in the world — Mount Everest — with mountaineer Laurie Skreslet.

1984

Reaching Interstellar Heights

The National Flag of Canada takes its first flight to space on NASA’s space shuttle, Challenger.

2011

The Recognition of Patriotism

Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada, observes National Flag of Canada Day by presenting the flag to two citizens for their honorary contribution to the military.

National Flag of Canada Day FAQs

When is National Flag of Canada Day?

In 2027, National Flag of Canada Day is on Monday, February 15. It’s a perfect opportunity for schools and workplaces to recognize the flag’s enduring legacy.

How was the Canadian flag chosen?

The process of selecting the Canadian flag involved a parliamentary committee that reviewed thousands of submissions. Ultimately, a design based on Colonel George Stanley’s recommendation, featuring the iconic red maple leaf, was approved by Parliament and proclaimed by Queen Elizabeth II.

What do the colors and symbols on the flag represent?

The red color on the flag is derived from the Cross of St. George and the Royal Red Ensign, while the white comes from the French royal emblem. The eleven-point maple leaf is a distinctively Canadian symbol, representing the nation’s natural heritage, unity, and sovereignty.

Is National Flag of Canada Day a public holiday?

While not a day off, National Flag of Canada Day encourages Canadians to reflect on their national identity and display the flag. Celebrations often include flag-raising ceremonies and educational events in schools and communities across the country.

National Flag of Canada Day Activities

Wear the colors of the flag
On this holiday, add a flash of red and a dab of white to your outfit and carry the pride of your nation in your clothes. One idea would be to throw a red tie over your formal suit for a change. Ladies, a pair of red trousers might go well with a plain white shirt.
Organize a flag-hoisting ceremony
Invite your friends over for a little flag-raising ceremony and sing the national anthem. Think about all the reasons that you’re grateful to be Canadian — or the reasons you wish you were Canadian.
Get creative
A great way of paying tribute to the national flag would be to create something of your own. You could try making your own flag or creating some artwork using the color code of the flag.

5 Important Facts About The Canadian Flag

A million flags were handed out
In 1996, a million flags were distributed among Canadians as part of the One in a Million National Flag Challenge so they could display them the following year.
The Betsy Ross of Canada
Joan O’Malley, a retired civil servant, sewed the first samples of the present Canadian flag.
The flag is a thing of beauty
Flag experts often regard the Canadian flag as one of the world's most beautiful owing to its uniform color contrast and captivating design.
The design is incredibly precise
The maple leaf on the Canadian flag was styled with eleven points.
There are flag rules to follow
When the Canadian flag is raised, lowered, or carried in a parade, men must remove their hats, and everyone must face the flag in silence.

Why We Love National Flag of Canada Day

It’s a historic day
This holiday is a historic one as it commemorates the day the Canadian flag was raised for the first time. This was a proud moment in Canada’s history.
It symbolizes national values
This is a day for all Canadians to come together and celebrate the values that their flag stands for. It’s an opportunity to remember to uphold kindness, equality, and politeness.
It’s a chance to unite with your fellow countrymen
This holiday calls for all Canadians to leave behind their differences and join hands as one people. This isn’t limited to just one day — it is a reminder to always be kind and just.