What was the first flag flown over Canadian soil?

The first flag flown over Canadian soil was the Union Jack, which represented British sovereignty over the territory. This flag was raised during the early colonial period, starting with the establishment of European settlements in the 16th and 17th centuries. Later, in 1868, the Red Ensign was adopted as Canada's first official flag, though it was not recognized as the national flag until 1945. The current national flag, featuring a red maple leaf, was adopted on February 15, 1965.