How well do you really know the National Flag of Canada — For ages 5 to 12

Let’s test your knowledge and find out!

1. What type of maple leaf is in the centre of the Canadian flag?

   1. A mountain maple leaf
   2. A silver maple leaf
   3. A sugar maple leaf
   4. A stylized maple leaf

   (View answer to question 1)

   Answer to Question 1

   D. A stylized maple leaf

   To be fair, this is a bit of a trick question because the leaf on the Canadian flag does not represent any specific species of maple. However, it is inspired by the leaf of the sugar maple.

2. Which of the following symbols was the first to emerge as an emblem of Canada?

   1. The beaver
   2. The maple leaf
   3. Hockey
   4. The canoe

   (View answer to question 2)

   Answer to question 2

   A. The beaver

   One of Canada’s first emblems was... the beaver! This is because of the importance of the beaver to the fur trade, which was a major economic factor that drove exploration in Canada from the 17th to the 19th century.

3. What does “half-masting” refer to?

   1. It is a flag position used to indicate mourning
   2. It is a flag position used as a symbol to celebrate an achievement
   3. It is a short (half-size) flagpole used in special ceremonies to honour dignitaries
   4. It designates the removal of half the flags in an arrangement to showcase important flags during a special event

   (View answer to question 3)

   Answer to question 3

   A. It is a flag position used to indicate mourning

   This position speaks to the sense of loss that is shared by all Canadians. Flags are half-masted as a sign of respect and to express a collective sense of sorrow during a time of national mourning. As a general rule, when flying the national flag or any other flag at half-mast, the centre of the flag should be exactly halfway down the flagpole.

4. In what year was the current Canadian flag officially adopted?

   1. 1921
   2. 1942
   3. 1965
   4. 1979

   (View answer to question 4)

   Answer to question 4

   C. 1965

   The National Flag of Canada was declared official by proclamation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on January 28, 1965.

5. When is National Flag of Canada Day celebrated each year?

   1. July 1
   2. February 15
   3. September 10
   4. December 8

   (View answer to question 5)

   Answer to question 5

   B. February 15

   The National Flag of Canada was first raised on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, on February 15, 1965. February 15 was declared National Flag of Canada Day in 1996 to honour this important anniversary.

6. True or False: Canada is the only country with a maple leaf on its flag.

   1. True
   2. False

   (View answer to question 6)

   Answer to question 6

   A. True

   The maple leaf is the most recognizable symbol of Canada and has served to represent Canadian identity since the 19th century. It is featured on flags and coats of arms throughout Canada, including those of the Canadian Armed Forces.

7. What does it indicate when the Canadian flag is flown upside-down?

   1. Election day
   2. Mourning
   3. Declaration of war
   4. None of the above

   (View answer to question 7)

   Answer to question 7

   D. None of the above

   The national flag should never be flown upside-down, except as a signal of distress in instances of extreme danger to life.

8. True or False: Every province and territory in Canada has its own flag.

   1. True
   2. False

   (View answer to question 8)

   Answer to question 8

   A. True

   Every province and territory in Canada has its own flag, among other provincial and territorial symbols. The one symbol that represents us all at home and abroad is the red and white National Flag of Canada.

9. When should the flag be replaced?

   1. At the end of the year
   2. On February 15
   3. When it is faded or damaged
   4. Upon the arrival of a dignitary

   (View answer to question 9)

   Answer to question 9

   C. When it faded or damaged

   As a sign of respect, the national flag must be in good condition when it flies. If it is no longer in good condition because it is frayed or has faded colours, it must be replaced with a new flag.

10. Bonus question — What is the name of the first Canadian astronaut to bring a Canadian flag into space?

    1. Marc Garneau
    2. Chris Hadfield
    3. Roberta Bondar
    4. David Saint-Jacques

    (View answer to question 10)

    Answer to question 10

    A. Marc Garneau

    In 1984, the Canadian flag reached new heights when it was launched into space. It made its way to space on the flight along with the first Canadian astronaut on the NASA space shuttle Challenger, Marc Garneau. Canadian astronauts also wear a patch of the Canadian flag on their uniforms and flight suits.