Lesson 3 of 4 · 4 min read
The Coat of Arms of Canada is the official symbol of the Canadian state, featuring the motto "A Mari Usque Ad Mare."
Beyond the flag and anthem, Canada has other official symbols rich with history.
The Coat of Arms of Canada (also called the Royal Arms) combines symbols of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France — representing the country's founding European peoples — together with a sprig of maple leaves, representing Canada itself.
Read from top to bottom, the way the Arms are laid out.
The Arms are an official symbol of Canada, so we describe them instead of drawing them. See them in the official Discover Canada guide (opens in a new tab).
At the bottom of the Arms is Canada's national motto: "A Mari Usque Ad Mare" — Latin for "From Sea to Sea" — adopted after the First World War as an expression of national pride. The phrase echoes Psalm 72, which also inspired the name "Dominion of Canada." You can see the arms on bank notes, government documents and public buildings.
The beaver has long been an unofficial symbol of Canada, tied to the historic fur trade that shaped the country's early economy. In 1975, an Act of Parliament gave the beaver official status as a symbol of Canada.
For the Crown, the Parliament Buildings, sports, honours and the full list of national holidays, see the next lesson.
Key facts
The Arms of Canada include symbols of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France — representing the country's founding peoples — along with the maple leaf.
The national motto of Canada, found on the Arms, is "A Mari Usque Ad Mare", Latin for "From Sea to Sea."
The beaver was given official status as a symbol of Canada by an Act of Parliament in 1975.
Discover Canada — Canadian Symbols — Other Royal and National SymbolsCanada observes a number of national days and holidays throughout the year, including Sir John A. Macdonald Day on January 11, Vimy Day on April 9, Victoria Day on the Monday preceding May 25 (the Sovereign's birthday), Fête Nationale in Quebec on June 24, Labour Day on the first Monday of September, Thanksgiving Day on the second Monday of October, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day on November 20, and Boxing Day on December 26.
Discover Canada — Canadian Symbols — Other Royal and National SymbolsAnswer all 3 to mark this lesson done.
1. What is Canada's national motto, found on the Arms of Canada?
2. Which animal was given official status as a symbol of Canada by an Act of Parliament in 1975?
3. On what date is Vimy Day observed?
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