Parliament Hill flags

There are usually five Canadian flags that fly on Parliament Hill: one on the Peace Tower, two on the East Block and two on the West Block.

Each year, approximately 250 flags fly on the Peace Tower and 200 on both the East and West blocks.

Changing of the flags

The Peace Tower flag is changed every weekday, and on days when it is half-masted. The flags on the East and West blocks are changed once a week and on days when they are half-masted.

Parliament Hill flags are not changed on statutory holidays and, for safety reasons, during poor weather conditions such as snowstorms or high winds.

Upon being removed from its pole, a flag is dried, folded as per the folding protocol and stored for distribution.

Watch the flag master changing the Canadian flag on the Peace Tower.

Receiving the National Flag

Any Canadian resident can add his or her name to the waiting list for a Canadian flag that has flown on Parliament Hill. The protocol is to give only one flag per person and per household. Public Services and Procurement Canada does not charge recipients for flags. However, it should be noted that they cannot be sent outside Canada.

Send a request to receive a flag that has flown on Parliament Hill.