Centennial Flame — Attraction in Ottawa

At the heart of Parliament Hill, immediately beyond the Queen’s Gate and in the shadow of the iconic Peace Tower, lies the Centennial Flame. This emblematic monument, initially envisioned as a temporary installation, was ignited by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson on the eve of December 31, 1966, marking the commencement of Canada’s centennial celebrations. Its significance and beauty captivated Canadians to such an extent that its presence on the grounds became permanent.

The Centennial Flame is more than just a flame; it is an intricate fusion of history and artistry, presented through a fountain crowned by a perpetual blaze. Surrounding this central fire, bronze shields bear the coats of arms for each Canadian province and territory, each set against the backdrop of polished granite. These granite slabs are meticulously engraved not only with the year each region joined the confederation but also adorned with their provincial or territorial floral emblems. This design choice weaves a narrative of Canada’s evolving unity, symbolizing the coming together of diverse parts into a cohesive whole.

The monument stands as a testament to Canada's rich heritage and the collective spirit of its people. Its enduring flame and the surrounding symbols of unity invite reflection on the nation's journey and aspirations. As such, the Centennial Flame transcends its role as a mere point of interest, offering visitors a poignant, visual representation of Canada’s...

The Centennial Flame is a prominent monument located on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada. It was lit on January 1, 1967, to mark the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. The flame burns in the center of a fountain, symbolizing Canada's unity and ongoing progress.The base of the Centennial Flame is surrounded by bronze shields representing each of Canada's provinces and territories, along with their respective coats of arms. The water in the fountain, which flows around the flame, is also a popular spot for visitors to toss coins. The money collected is used to fund the Centennial Flame Research Award, which supports research into the contributions of persons with disabilities in public life.The Centennial Flame remains a significant symbol of Canada's history and identity, drawing both locals and...

Located on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, the Centennial Flame (French: Flamme du centenaire) commemorates Canada's 100th anniversary as a Confederation. The Flame was first lit as the climax of the centennial celebrations of January 1, 1967, in the presence of then Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson. He was joined on the hill by leader of the Opposition and former Prime Minister, John Diefenbaker, and Secretary of State, who was in charge of the Centennial, Judy LaMarsh as well as thousands of onlookers. The Flame is fuelled by natural gas and surrounded by a fountain whose ledge contains the shields of Canada's 13 provinces and territories—Nunavut was originally absent as it was not created until 1999. On December 13, 2017, a Nunavut plaque...