Canada Flag: Meaning, 11-Point Maple Leaf, History, Ratio & Facts

The National Flag of Canada is a red-and-white flag twice as long as it is high. A white square occupies the centre, with equal red vertical panels on each side. A stylized red maple leaf with eleven points sits in the middle of the white square.

The eleven points do not represent provinces or territories. The final stylized leaf was simplified so it would remain recognizable at a distance and while moving in the wind. For the design process and common misconceptions, see the 11-point maple leaf guide.

Canada’s modern flag emerged from the Great Flag Debate of 1964. Parliament selected the single-maple-leaf design, it was proclaimed in January 1965 and first raised on February 15, 1965. Read the full Canada flag history for the Red Ensign era and parliamentary selection process.

The final design was collaborative: George F. G. Stanley proposed the single-leaf concept, Jacques St-Cyr refined the maple leaf, George Bist contributed to graphic proportions, and MP John Matheson played a major role in the parliamentary process. See the Canadian flag designers guide for their roles.

The Canadian flag uses a 2:1 length-to-height ratio. The central white field is square, with equal red side panels creating a 1:2:1 width pattern. For exact construction and maple-leaf placement, see how to draw the Canada flag.

Red and white are Canada’s national colours. Canadian Heritage notes their long historical use and also records popular associations with red autumn maple leaves and white winter snow. Accurate production flags should follow the applicable Canadian General Standards Board standards rather than relying only on screen colour values.

Canadian guidance covers respectful display, precedence, replacement of damaged flags and federal half-masting rules. For practical protocol and the distinction between federal guidance and non-federal use, see the Canadian flag etiquette and half-masting guide.