What does the Canadian flag look like?
Quick answer: White with a red border on each end and a red maple leaf in the centre. In our practice tests 89% of 107 answers were correct, and the most common mistake is choosing “Red with a white maple leaf”.
Why is this the correct answer?
The Canadian flag is white with a red border on each end and a red maple leaf in the centre. It was adopted on February 15, 1965, now celebrated as National Flag Day.
Study Tip
The Canadian flag features two main colours. It also has a distinctive symbol that is closely associated with Canada.
What should you know about this topic?
Canada's national flag was raised for the first time in 1965. Discover Canada describes it as red and white, the national colours of Canada since 1921, with a red maple leaf in the centre. The flag has a white square in the middle containing an 11-point red maple leaf, with a red band on each side. It is one of the most recognized symbols of Canada around the world.
Before 1965, Canada used flags that included symbols of Britain, such as the Red Ensign. A national debate took place before the current design was chosen, and the maple leaf was adopted because it had long been a symbol of Canada. The maple leaf appeared on Canadian military badges and was worn by Canadian soldiers. National Flag of Canada Day is marked each year on February 15, the anniversary of the flag's first raising.
This topic connects to other Canadian symbols on the test, including the Crown, the beaver, the Coat of Arms, the Parliament Buildings, the national anthem "O Canada", and the two official languages. Each province and territory also has its own flag with its own symbols, such as Quebec's fleur-de-lys flag. Knowing the colours and layout of the national flag will help you answer questions about national symbols. Canadians fly the flag proudly on Canada Day, July 1, and it is lowered to half-mast on days of mourning.
Why are the other answers wrong?
- Red and white with a beaver: The beaver is an official symbol of Canada, but it does not appear on the national flag.
- Red with a white maple leaf: The colours are reversed; the national flag has a red maple leaf on a white centre square.
- Red and white with provincial emblems: Provincial emblems appear on provincial flags and the Coat of Arms, not on the national flag.
What is the most common mistake?
Some learners pick "Red with a white maple leaf" by mixing up the colours. The leaf is red, on a white square, with red bands on each side.
How can you remember the answer?
Picture a red leaf falling onto white snow, with a red border on each side: red leaf, white centre, red ends.
Original data
How many people get this question right?
89% of 107 practice answers from about 83 people were correct. The most common wrong answer is "Red with a white maple leaf", chosen 11% of the time. The data covers practice tests on BecomeACitizen.ca from March 31, 2026 to September 30, 2026.
How hard is this question compared with others?
It is the 41st easiest of the 167 questions we have enough data to rank. The average for the Canadian Symbols chapter is 74% correct, and the average across all questions is 75%. You need 75% to pass the real test.
These are practice questions written from the official Discover Canada guide. IRCC does not publish the real test questions. See the full ranking in the 20 most-missed citizenship test questions or browse more Canadian Symbols questions.
Practice This Chapter
Test yourself with questions from Canadian Symbols. Timed mock tests, instant scoring, and detailed explanations.
Which part of Discover Canada is this question from?
This question is from the Canadian Symbols section of the Canadian citizenship test. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official Discover Canada study guide. You need to score at least 75% (15 out of 20 correct) to pass.
This chapter has 24 questions in our database. Studying chapter by chapter is one of the most effective ways to prepare, as it helps you build deep understanding of each topic before moving to the next.
How should you study for the citizenship test?
Start by reading the complete how-to-pass guide, then work through each chapter in the study mode. When you feel ready, take a full exam simulation with the real 45-minute time limit.