Canadian Symbols and Emblems
Learn about the symbols and emblems that represent Canada and her provinces and territories, including the Canadian flag, coat of arms, motto, colours and music.
Flying the Canadian Flag
It wasn't until 1965 that Canada had its own national flag. Learn more about the Canadian flag, its significance and flag etiquette in Canada.
It wasn't until 1965 that Canada had its own national flag. Learn more about the Canadian flag, its significance and flag etiquette in Canada.
How Canada Got Its Name
The name Canada was first used by Jacques Cartier in 1535. It wasn't the only name considered by the Fathers of Confederation in 1867 though.
The name Canada was first used by Jacques Cartier in 1535. It wasn't the only name considered by the Fathers of Confederation in 1867 though.
Order of Canada
How to nominate a deserving Canadian for the Order of Canada, the country's highest honour for lifetime achievement.
How to nominate a deserving Canadian for the Order of Canada, the country's highest honour for lifetime achievement.
Time for a New Motto for Canada?
There's a move afoot by northern premiers and members of parliament to change the motto of Canada to more accurately reflect the country's geographic reality.
There's a move afoot by northern premiers and members of parliament to change the motto of Canada to more accurately reflect the country's geographic reality.
Arms of Canada
The significance of each of the elements of the Arms of Canada. From Canada's Heritage Department.
The significance of each of the elements of the Arms of Canada. From Canada's Heritage Department.
Heraldry
The history and art of heraldry in Canada today. From the Governor General of Canada.
The history and art of heraldry in Canada today. From the Governor General of Canada.
Applying for a Coat of Arms
A coat of arms may be granted in recognition of service to Canada. The Governor General's site describes how to apply. Development costs can run from $2000 to well over $4000.
A coat of arms may be granted in recognition of service to Canada. The Governor General's site describes how to apply. Development costs can run from $2000 to well over $4000.
Beaver
The beaver's role in Canadian history, and why it became "a symbol of the sovereignty of Canada." From Canada's Heritage Department.
The beaver's role in Canadian history, and why it became "a symbol of the sovereignty of Canada." From Canada's Heritage Department.
Canadian Geographical Names
An online reference service on more than 500,000 geographical names in Canada. From Natural Resources Canada.
An online reference service on more than 500,000 geographical names in Canada. From Natural Resources Canada.
Motto of Canada - "A Mari usque ad Mare"
The derivation of the official motto of Canada. From the Canadian Encyclopedia.
The derivation of the official motto of Canada. From the Canadian Encyclopedia.
National Colours of Canada
The national colours of Canada are red and white. Canada's Heritage Department explains why.
The national colours of Canada are red and white. Canada's Heritage Department explains why.
Great Seal of Canada
The seal used on official government documents. A new seal is struck at the beginning of the reign of a new monarch. From Canada's Heritage Department.
The seal used on official government documents. A new seal is struck at the beginning of the reign of a new monarch. From Canada's Heritage Department.
Maple Leaf
A little background on how the maple leaf became a Canadian symbol. From Canada's Heritage Department.
A little background on how the maple leaf became a Canadian symbol. From Canada's Heritage Department.
Maple Tree
The role of maple trees in the development of Canada. From Canadian Heritage.
The role of maple trees in the development of Canada. From Canadian Heritage.
Canadian National Anthem "O Canada"
Lyrics, history, audio and sheet music for "O Canada," the official national anthem of Canada. From the Canadian Heritage Department.
Lyrics, history, audio and sheet music for "O Canada," the official national anthem of Canada. From the Canadian Heritage Department.
Royal Anthem "God Save the Queen"
History and protocol, as well as lyrics and audio for "God Save the Queen." From the Canadian federal government Heritage Department.
History and protocol, as well as lyrics and audio for "God Save the Queen." From the Canadian federal government Heritage Department.
RCMP Musical Ride
Traditional cavalry drill movements link today's RCMP Musical Ride to the early days of the North West Mounted Police in Canada.
Traditional cavalry drill movements link today's RCMP Musical Ride to the early days of the North West Mounted Police in Canada.