Maple Leaf tartan officially recognized as national symbol

The Maple Leaf tartan, a national symbol

In 1964, in the run-up to Canada's 1967 centennial celebrations, Toronto-based designer David Weiser produced the Maple Leaf tartan. It quickly gained popularity as "Canada's tartan" and took its place alongside the other provincial and traditional tartans beloved by Canadians from east to west.


Weiser was inspired by Canada's quintessential national symbol, the maple leaf, and the changes through which it progresses in various seasons. Green in summer, turning to yellow and red in fall, and then brown come winter.

Since its conception, the tartan has been adopted by the Second Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Pipes and Drum corps, and National Defence has approved its use by Canadian Forces pipers and drummers who do not have a specific regimental affiliation.

Yet while it has always been a popular traditional tartan, it had never been officially recognized  by Parliament as Canada's tartan. On March 9, 2011, Heritage Minister James Moore announced the formal recognition of the role the Scots and those of Scottish descent have played in Canada's exploration and growth as a nation.