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Displaying the National Flag of Canada — quick reference

This is a reference tool on how to display the National Flag of Canada in some common situations. These rules are established by Canadian Heritage and are mandatory for use across all Federal properties and during Federal events. Other jurisdictions and private companies, institutions and individuals are also encouraged to use these rules as a guideline.

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Displaying the National Flag of Canada — quick reference [PDF version - 1.02 MB]

Displaying the National Flag of Canada

The National Flag of Canada displayed vertically from the top of a doorway with the top point of the leaf facing left.
Vertically
(The maple leaf points to the left)
Flag displayed from the upper floor of a brick building on an angled flagpole.
At an angle, from a building (The maple leaf points away from the building)
The National Flag on a flagpole displayed on stage to the right of the podium from the perspective of the audience.
On a stage, with a podium
(To the left of the speaker, as seen by the audience)

Displaying the National Flag of Canada in situations of mourning

Draping of the National Flag of Canada and symbolic items when placed on a casket for civilian (wreath) and military (wreath with military regalia) ceremonies.
When draping a casket
The National Flag at half-mast on a flagpole with base.
At half-mast

Positions of honour

Two flags on stationary flagpoles with The National Flag of Canada in the position of honour - to the left of the second flag.
2 flags
Three flags on stationary flagpoles with the National Flag of Canada in the center position.
3 flags
A lineup of eight flags on stationary flagpoles with the National Flag of Canada on either end.
Multiple flags
(The second National Flag of Canada on the right is optional)
Three flags on tall stationary exterior flagpoles topped with sphere finials in front of a glass building with the National Flag of Canada in the center position.
3 poles
A semi-circle of seven flags on stationary flagpoles behind a water fountain with the National Flag of Canada in the leftmost position.
In a semi-circle
(Leftmost position as viewed from the main approach)
The National Flag of Canada in the front and centre position in a circle of flags on stationary poles surrounding a raised circular garden bed at the entrance of a brick building.
In a full-circle
(Central position as viewed from the main approach)

Positions of honour in a procession

The poles used to carry flags in a procession should be 2.10 to 2.40m (7 or 8 feet) in length.

A procession of three figures walking in line carrying flags with the National Flag of Canada in the lead position.
In a single line procession
A procession of four walking side-by-side carrying flags with the figures on the far left and far right carrying the National Flag of Canada.
In line abreast, when two National Flags of Canada are available
(Preferable option)
Three figures walking side-by-side carrying flags. The National Flag of Canada is carried by the middle figure.
Three flags in line abreast, when only one National Flag of Canada is available
A procession of four figures carrying flags with the National Flag of Canada carried on the far left.
More than three flags in line abreast, when only one National Flag of Canada is available

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