Canadian Symbols You Must Know for the Citizenship Test: Complete Guide
Learn every Canadian symbol tested on the citizenship exam — from the flag and anthem to the beaver and maple leaf.
Canadian symbols are a favourite topic on the citizenship test. From the maple leaf to the national anthem, this guide covers every symbol you need to know.
The Canadian Flag
The Canadian flag features a red maple leaf on a white background, with red bars on either side. It was adopted on February 15, 1965, after a long national debate. Before 1965, Canada used the Red Ensign, which featured the Union Jack.
Key Facts
National Colours
Red and white were declared Canada's official national colours by King George V in 1921.
O Canada — The National Anthem
"O Canada" was composed by Calixa Lavallée in 1880 with French lyrics by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. It became the official national anthem on July 1, 1980 — exactly 100 years after it was first performed.
The first line in English: "O Canada! Our home and native land!"
Key Facts
The National Motto
"A Mari Usque Ad Mare" — From Sea to Sea (Latin). This reflects Canada's geographic span from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
The Coat of Arms
The coat of arms (Royal Arms of Canada) features:
National Symbols
The Maple Leaf
The maple leaf has been associated with Canada since at least the 1700s. It appears on the flag, the coat of arms, and the one-cent coin (before it was discontinued).
The Beaver
The beaver is an official symbol of Canada. It represents the fur trade, which was the economic foundation of early Canada. The Hudson's Bay Company traded beaver pelts across the world.
The Canadian Horse
The Canadian horse is a national symbol, descended from horses sent to New France by King Louis XIV in the 1600s.
The Loon
The common loon appears on the one-dollar coin, which is why it is called the "loonie." The two-dollar coin is called the "toonie."
National Holidays
Canada Day — July 1
Celebrates Confederation (1867). The biggest national celebration, with fireworks, parades, and community events across the country.
Victoria Day — Late May
Celebrates the birthday of the Sovereign. Named after Queen Victoria.
Remembrance Day — November 11
Honours Canadians who have served and died in wars and peacekeeping missions. The red poppy is its symbol, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — September 30
Established in 2021 to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities. Also known as Orange Shirt Day.
Thanksgiving — Second Monday in October
A day to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.
Other Important Symbols
Parliament Buildings and Peace Tower
Located on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the Peace Tower is one of Canada's most recognisable landmarks.
Inukshuk
A stone figure made by Inuit people, used as a landmark in the Arctic. An inukshuk was the symbol of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
The Fleur-de-lis
A symbol of Quebec and French heritage in Canada.
The Order of Canada
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognises outstanding citizens. It has three levels: Companion (C.C.), Officer (O.C.), and Member (C.M.).
Notable Canadians on Currency
Viola Desmond ($10 bill)
A civil rights pioneer who challenged racial segregation in a Nova Scotia movie theatre in 1946.
Other denominations feature images of national leaders, symbols, and landmarks.
Sports Symbols
Stanley Cup
The oldest professional sports trophy in North America, awarded since 1892 to the NHL champion.
Grey Cup
The championship trophy of the Canadian Football League (CFL), first awarded in 1909.
Hockey
Ice hockey is Canada's national winter sport. Lacrosse is the national summer sport.
The Crown
The Crown is a symbol of the Canadian state and the constitutional monarchy. It represents the continuity of government.
Remembrance Symbols
The Red Poppy
Worn from the last Friday of October until November 11, the poppy symbolises remembrance of fallen soldiers. It is inspired by "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Located at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, it honours all Canadians who have died in military service.
Test Preparation Tips
For the citizenship test, focus on:
Master these symbols with our [keynote flashcards](/dashboard/study) — Chapter 10 has 40 keynotes covering all symbols in detail.
Citizenship Test Editorial Team
Our editorial team consists of Canadian immigration specialists and citizenship test preparation experts. We have been helping newcomers pass their citizenship test since 2011.
This article is for general information only. Always check with IRCC for the most current official requirements.