Vertical $20 note design elements

Two circles containing close-up images of security features of the vertical $20 bank note. The first circle contains a close-up of security bubble, with magnified 20s inside of it. The second circle contains a close-up of the colour-shifting maple leaf security feature.

Security is our top priority when designing new bank notes. With the vertical $20 note, we’ve introduced advanced and dynamic security features never seen before in Canada.

These security features are thoughtfully integrated with the design elements to make this a note that Canadians can use with confidence and pride.

Explore the security features of this note.

Two circles containing close-up images of security features of the vertical $20 bank note. The first circle contains an image of the pulsing maple leaf featured in the purple security stripe. The second circle contains a close-up of the poppy with spinning bands found in the purple security stripe.

The portrait of King Charles III that appears on the vertical $20 bank note.

His Majesty King Charles III

A portrait of Canada’s Head of State is featured on the $20 note, in keeping with tradition. King Charles III’s advocacy of sustainable action and his commitment to the environment are reflected in the many botanical elements on the note.

Feel the raised ink on the portrait.

Watch a video about His Majesty on the note.

Learn more about King Charles III.

Learn about King Charles III’s longstanding commitment to sustainability.

Learn more about King Charles III’s longstanding commitment to sustainability.

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A close-up image of the thirteen unique flowers featured on the vertical $20 bank note. The flowers represent the floral emblems of every province and territory, and are all connected by winding stems and leaves.

Our Provinces and Territories

Canada’s 13 provinces and territories are represented by their floral emblems. The stems and leaves connecting the flowers are based on those found in the Books of Remembrance housed on Parliament Hill.

Learn more about the floral emblems.

Learn more about the Books of Remembrance.

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An image of the four plants in the circular window on the vertical $20 bank note. The plants are wild strawberries, western red cedar, arctic cotton and braided sweetgrass.

Sustenance, Gratitude and Healing

Four plants that are culturally significant to Indigenous Peoples in Canada are featured in this circular window (clockwise from top): wild strawberries, western red cedar, braided sweetgrass and arctic cotton. These plants were recommended by the Bank’s Indigenous Advisory Circle and symbolize sustenance, gratitude and healing.

Learn about the mandate and members of the Indegenous Advisory Circle.

Learn about traditional plants and Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

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A collage of the various maple leaf elements featured on the vertical $20 bank note.

Undeniably Canadian

The maple leaf is recognized around the world as synonymous with Canada. It is rendered in many design elements and as key security features, making this bank note undeniably Canadian.

Some of the maples leaves are security features.

The maple leaf has long been a symbol of Canada.

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Canadian National Vimy Memorial

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial, located on the site of the 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge in France, was erected in honour of Canadian service during the First World War. On the bank note, it is a tribute to Canada’s contributions and sacrifices in military conflicts throughout our history.

Watch a video about the national significance of Vimy.

Watch a video about the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

Learn more about the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

Learn more about the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Explore the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

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A close-up image of a smattering of poppies as pictured on the vertical $20 bank note.

Remembrance

Poppies are a symbol of remembrance and the importance of carrying on the memory of those lost in battle. The rendering on the bank note is a nod to the bright and hardy flowers that sprung up on battlefields and in cemeteries along the Western Front of Europe during the First World War.

Learn more about the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.

Read In Flanders Fields, a famous Canadian poem from the First World War.

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A close-up of the top of the front side of the vertical $20 bank note. The close-up shows the large number 20, the word Canada, a small Canadian flag, and the tactile feature.

A suite of accessibility features helps people who are blind or partially sighted recognize the note with confidence. These include a tactile feature, large high-contrast numbers, and the green colour associated with Canadian $20 bank notes. This note also has a unique security stripe in a contrasting purple colour that makes it easily identifiable as the vertical $20.

Explore the accessibility features of this note.

A close-up of the top of the back side of the vertical $20 bank note. The close-up shows the large number 20, the colour-changing maple leaf security feature, the word Canada, and the tactile feature.

In circulation late February 2027