Vancouver, British Columbia

May 16

The flag of Vancouver is a striking symbol of the city’s identity, reflecting its geographical location, natural resources, and civic pride. Designed in 1969, the flag features a simple yet evocative design, with symbolic elements that capture the city’s heritage and its relationship to both land and sea. It incorporates wavy blue stripes, a green pentagon, and a distinctive badge at the centre, each of which carries significant meaning tied to Vancouver's history and its economic foundation.

The flag consists of a white field with five wavy medium blue stripes, each approximately half the width of the space between them. These stripes represent the ocean, alluding to Vancouver's status as one of the largest and busiest ports in North America. The city is located on the Pacific Ocean, and these blue waves in the flag symbolize Vancouver’s role as a natural harbour. The stripes also echo the lower two-thirds of the city's coat of arms, which feature a similar wave pattern.

At the hoist side of the flag, there is a green, non-equilateral pentagon. Its upper and lower edges are about one-sixth the length of the flag, and the remaining sides project toward the horizontal centre. The pentagon represents the land on which Vancouver was founded, as well as the forests that have historically been a key part of its economic base. This green shape is derived from the “pile” on Vancouver's coat of arms, a heraldic device symbolizing the natural landscape.

At the heart of the flag, within the pentagon, is a badge that serves as a reminder of the city’s industrious past and civic heritage. The badge features a simple golden-yellow shield with a curved top and pointed bottom, creating a "U" shape. In the centre of the shield are two crossed tools: an axe and an oar, both with their handles pointing downward. These tools represent two of Vancouver’s most important industries: timber and maritime trade. The axe symbolizes the city’s historical dependence on the timber industry, while the oar signifies the importance of fishing and the maritime economy, which has shaped the city’s development. Above these tools is a mural crown, a traditional symbol of civic authority, underscoring the governance of the city.

Vancouver's flag is a visual representation of the city’s motto, "By Sea, Land, and Air We Prosper," which appears on the city’s coat of arms. The flag's design reinforces the city’s deep connection to both the natural environment and its thriving port. Vancouver's development was greatly influenced by its proximity to the ocean, its vast forests, and its reliance on trade and natural resources.

While the flag’s design has remained largely unchanged since its adoption, there are subtle variations in the shade of blue depending on the manufacturer. Some flags feature a darker blue, while others are lighter in tone, a difference that parallels the variation in the colors of the provincial flag of British Columbia. Despite these minor discrepancies, the flag of Vancouver remains a powerful and symbolic representation of the city’s history and its continued importance as a gateway between the Pacific and the rest of the world.