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Canadian Symbols
A short summary of what to know, then 14 free practice questions with answers.
What to know
Canada’s motto, “A mari usque ad mare,” is Latin for “from sea to sea.” The maple leaf has been a symbol in Canada since the 1700s, when French Canadians adopted it, and the red-and-white national flag with its 11-point maple leaf was raised in 1965.
“O Canada” became the national anthem in 1980. It was first sung in Quebec City in 1880, with music by Calixa Lavallée. The royal anthem is “God Save the King.” Hockey is Canada’s most popular spectator sport and its national winter sport; lacrosse is the national summer sport.
Canada honours its citizens through awards such as the Order of Canada, created in 1967 for Canada’s centennial. The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery open to Canadians.
National holidays and observances include Victoria Day (the Monday before May 25), Canada Day (July 1), Thanksgiving (the second Monday in October), Remembrance Day (November 11) and Christmas Day (December 25).
Key facts to remember
- Motto: “A mari usque ad mare” (from sea to sea).
- The maple leaf on the flag has 11 points.
- Lacrosse is the national summer sport; hockey is the national winter sport.
- “O Canada” was first sung in Quebec City in 1880.
- The Order of Canada was created in 1967.
Read the official chapter
This summary is our own and doesn’t replace the official guide. Read “Canadian Symbols” in Discover Canada on canada.ca, then test yourself below. Next topic: Canada’s economy.
Written by ChowChow Labs from Discover Canada. Last reviewed . Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Question 1 · Canadian Symbols
How many points does the maple leaf on Canada's flag have?
- A. 3
- B. 7
- C. 13
- D. 11
Show answer
Answer: D. 11
The stylized red maple leaf on the national flag has 11 points.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 2 · Canadian Symbols
Who composed the music for "O Canada"?
- A. Sir Ernest MacMillan
- B. Oscar Peterson
- C. Healey Willan
- D. Calixa Lavallée
Show answer
Answer: D. Calixa Lavallée
Calixa Lavallée composed the music for "O Canada" in 1880.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 3 · Canadian Symbols
What does Canada's motto, "A mari usque ad mare," mean?
- A. From sea to sea
- B. Peace, order and good government
- C. Glorious and free
- D. Strong and free
Show answer
Answer: A. From sea to sea
It is Latin for "from sea to sea" and is part of the national coat of arms.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 4 · Canadian Symbols
In which city was "O Canada" first sung, in 1880?
- A. Toronto
- B. Ottawa
- C. Montreal
- D. Quebec City
Show answer
Answer: D. Quebec City
"O Canada" was first sung in Quebec City in 1880.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 5 · Canadian Symbols
Ice hockey is Canada's official national summer sport.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: B. False
Ice hockey is the national winter sport; lacrosse is the national summer sport.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 6 · Canadian Symbols
In which language is Canada's motto written?
- A. Latin
- B. French
- C. English
- D. Greek
Show answer
Answer: A. Latin
The motto is Latin, taken from a verse in the Bible's Book of Psalms.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 7 · Canadian Symbols
Which group first adopted the maple leaf as a symbol in the 1700s?
- A. French Canadians
- B. United Empire Loyalists
- C. The Hudson's Bay Company
- D. The Fathers of Confederation
Show answer
Answer: A. French Canadians
French Canadians adopted the maple leaf as a symbol in the 1700s; it has since become Canada's best-known emblem.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 8 · Canadian Symbols
What is Canada's official national summer sport?
- A. Baseball
- B. Soccer
- C. Lacrosse
- D. Canadian football
Show answer
Answer: C. Lacrosse
Lacrosse, a sport first played by Indigenous peoples, is Canada's official national summer sport.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 9 · Canadian Symbols
When is Victoria Day celebrated?
- A. The last Monday in May
- B. The Monday preceding May 25
- C. The first Monday in June
- D. The first Monday in August
Show answer
Answer: B. The Monday preceding May 25
Victoria Day falls on the Monday preceding May 25 and celebrates the Sovereign's birthday.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 10 · Canadian Symbols
Canada's national anthem is "God Save the King."
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: B. False
"O Canada" is the national anthem; "God Save the King" is the Royal Anthem.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 11 · Canadian Symbols
The Order of Canada was established in 1967, the year of Canada's centennial.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: A. True
The Order of Canada was created in 1967, the 100th anniversary of Confederation, to honour outstanding Canadians.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 12 · Canadian Symbols
Which decoration is the top award for valour open to Canadians?
- A. The Order of Canada
- B. The Victoria Cross
- C. The Medal of Bravery
- D. The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal
Show answer
Answer: B. The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross recognizes extreme bravery or self-sacrifice when facing the enemy.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 13 · Canadian Symbols
When is Thanksgiving Day celebrated in Canada?
- A. The fourth Thursday in November
- B. The second Monday in October
- C. The first Monday in September
- D. The second Monday in November
Show answer
Answer: B. The second Monday in October
Canadian Thanksgiving is held on the second Monday in October.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
Question 14 · Canadian Symbols
Which of these is an official national holiday in Canada on December 25?
- A. Boxing Day
- B. Christmas Day
- C. New Year's Day
- D. Remembrance Day
Show answer
Answer: B. Christmas Day
Christmas Day, December 25, is a national holiday; Boxing Day follows on December 26.Source: Discover Canada, “Canadian Symbols”
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