British Columbia’s provincial flag was adopted in 1960.
British Columbia’s provincial animal is the Kermode bear, also known as the “Spirit Bear”.
British Columbia’s provincial flower is the Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii). It is a tree that grows six to eight metres high, and flowers in April and May. In the autumn, it is conspicuous for its cluster of bright red berries and brilliant foliage.
British Columbia’s coat of arms was originally granted by King Edward VII in 1906; the remaining elements of the Coat of Arms were subsequently granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on October 15, 1987. The Union Jack on the shield symbolizes our colonial origins. The wavy blue and silver bars, and the setting sun, represent the geographic location between between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. The stag and the ram, represent the former colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia. The crowned lion standing on the crown (the royal crest), wears a collar of Dogwood flowers, and sits atop the golden helmet of sovereignty. Traditional heraldic elements of a wreath and mantling are in Canada’s colours. The provincial flower, the Dogwood, appears a second time entwining the provincial motto, which translates as, ‘Splendour Without Diminishment’.
British Columbia’s provincial bird is the Steller’s Jay (Cyanacitta stelleri). The Steller’s Jay became the province’s official bird on December 17, 1987.
British Columbia’s provincial gemstone is Jade. Jade became the official provincial gemstone in 1968.
British Columbia’s provincial tree is the Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata Donn). It was adopted as the official tree of the province in 1988.
