Canadian symbols
Chapter 8 of 10 in the official guide, Discover Canada (“Canadian Symbols”). This summary is ours: it does not replace the guide.
Flag, motto, anthem, sports: symbols make for easy points, as long as you remember the dates.
The main symbols
- The Crown is a symbol of government, including Parliament, the legislatures, the courts, the police and the Armed Forces.
- The maple leaf flag was first raised in 1965.
- The motto “A mari usque ad mare” means “from sea to sea”.
- “O Canada” has been the national anthem since 1980. “God Save the King” is the royal anthem.
- The beaver, a long-standing emblem of Canada, appears on the five-cent coin.
- The fleur-de-lys appears on Quebec's flag, adopted in 1948.
Places, honours and holidays
- The Peace Tower, at the centre of the Parliament Buildings, was completed in 1927 in memory of the First World War.
- The Victoria Cross is the highest honour available to Canadians.
- July 1 is Canada Day; November 11 is Remembrance Day.
Sports
- Hockey is the national winter sport; lacrosse, an ancient Indigenous sport, is the national summer sport.
2 free questions to test yourself
Question 1 of 2
Symbols
In what year was the current national flag, with the maple leaf, first raised?
The red and white national flag with the maple leaf was raised for the first time in 1965.
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C. 1965 The red and white national flag with the maple leaf was raised for the first time in 1965.
Question 2 of 2
Symbols
What is Canada's national winter sport?
Hockey is Canada's most popular spectator sport and its national winter sport. Lacrosse is the national summer sport.
Show the answer
D. Hockey Hockey is Canada's most popular spectator sport and its national winter sport. Lacrosse is the national summer sport.