What is a symbol?
A symbol is a picture, object or sign that stands for something else. A red heart can stand for love. A stop sign tells drivers to stop.
Countries have symbols too. When people see these symbols, they think of their country and feel proud. Canada has many symbols you can learn about.
The flag of Canada
Canada’s flag is red and white, with a big red maple leaf in the middle. It is sometimes called the Maple Leaf flag.
- The flag became Canada’s official flag on February 15, 1965. That date is now National Flag of Canada Day.
- Red and white are Canada’s official colours.
- The maple leaf has 11 points.
You can see the flag on government buildings, schools, hockey jerseys and even on the money!
The maple leaf
Maple trees grow across much of Canada. In the fall, their leaves turn bright red, orange and yellow. The maple leaf has been a symbol of Canada for a very long time. Canada is also famous for making maple syrup from the sap of maple trees.
The beaver
The beaver is Canada’s national animal. Beavers are hard workers: they build dams and lodges with sticks and mud. Long ago, beaver fur was very important in Canada’s history, during the fur trade. You can find a beaver on the Canadian nickel.
"O Canada"
An anthem is a special song for a country. Canada’s national anthem is "O Canada." People sing it at hockey games, school assemblies and other events. It has words in both English and French, because both are official languages of Canada. People usually stand when the anthem is played, to show respect.
Other Canadian symbols
| Symbol | What it is |
|---|---|
| Coat of arms | a special design with lions, a unicorn and maple leaves |
| Parliament Buildings | where the government meets in Ottawa, Canada’s capital |
| RCMP Mountie | police officers in red jackets, often seen on horses |
| Canada goose | a big bird known for its honking and long flights |
| Inukshuk | a stone figure made by Inuit in the Arctic, used as a guide |
| Hockey and lacrosse | Canada’s national sports (winter and summer) |
Celebrations in Canada
A celebration is a happy event people share together.
Canada Day
Canada Day is on July 1. It is Canada’s birthday! On July 1, 1867, several colonies joined together to make the country of Canada. People celebrate with:
- fireworks
- parades
- picnics and barbecues
- face painting in red and white
- singing "O Canada"
Other special days
- Remembrance Day (November 11): people wear red poppies to remember those who served and died in wars.
- National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21): celebrates First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures.
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30): people wear orange shirts to remember children who were sent to residential schools.
- Thanksgiving (second Monday of October): families share a meal and give thanks.
- Victoria Day (a Monday in late May): often the start of summer fun.
Try it yourself
- Draw and colour the flag of Canada.
- Count the points on a maple leaf picture.
- Find the beaver on a nickel.
- Plan a Canada Day party: What food, decorations and activities would you have?
- Make a red poppy for Remembrance Day.
Tip for families
Go on a "symbol hunt" around your neighbourhood or the grocery store. How many maple leaves can you find?
Quick recap
- A symbol stands for something else.
- Canada’s flag has a red maple leaf on a red-and-white background.
- The beaver is Canada’s national animal, and "O Canada" is the national anthem.
- Canada Day, on July 1, is Canada’s birthday.
- Other special days include Remembrance Day and National Indigenous Peoples Day.