British Columbia Province Canada Tartan Collection
British Columbia Province Tartan Collection
Celebrate British Columbia with the province's own tartan — blue for the Pacific, red for the maple leaf, green for the great forests, white for the dogwood and gold from the provincial arms.
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About the British Columbia Tartan
The British Columbia tartan is the official tartan of the province. It was designed in 1966 by Eric Ward of Victoria to mark the centenary of the 1866 union of the colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia, and was formally adopted as the provincial tartan in 1974.
It is a district tartan rather than a clan sett: it belongs to the province and to everyone connected with it, so no family name or clan membership is needed to wear it.
British Columbia Tartan Pattern and Colours
The sett is chiefly blue and red — blue for the Pacific Ocean that shapes the province, red for the maple leaf — with green for the forests, white for the Pacific dogwood, the floral emblem, and gold taken from the provincial coat of arms.
British Columbia Tartan Heritage
The Scottish thread in British Columbia runs deep. It was first proposed that the colony be called New Caledonia, in recognition of that heritage, though the name British Columbia was confirmed by proclamation in 1858. Scots were prominent in the fur trade, in early government and in the building of the province's towns and railways.
The tartan was born of a centennial: the union of Vancouver Island and the mainland colony in 1866 was marked a hundred years later with celebrations across the province, and Eric Ward's design was one of the things that outlasted them. It has been worn ever since by pipe bands, civic bodies and British Columbians at home and abroad.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for British Columbians at home and away, coastal and interior families, Scottish-Canadian households, pipers and anyone who wants a tartan that names their own province.
- ✓ British Columbians at home and abroad
- ✓ Vancouver Island and coastal families
- ✓ Scottish-Canadian heritage
- ✓ Pipe bands and Highland games
- ✓ Canadian heritage gifts
- ✓ Blue and red tartan style
How to Wear British Columbia Tartan
British Columbia tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. Its blue and red palette is bright and easy to pair for formal wear and everyday alike.
British Columbia Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the British Columbia provincial tartan, who may wear it and what its colours mean.
Is the BC tartan a clan tartan?
No — it is the official provincial tartan, so anyone with a British Columbia connection may wear it.
Who designed it and when?
Eric Ward of Victoria designed it in 1966 for the centenary of the union of Vancouver Island and British Columbia.
When was it officially adopted?
In 1974, when it became the province's official tartan.
What do the colours mean?
Blue for the Pacific, red for the maple leaf, green for the forests, white for the Pacific dogwood and gold from the coat of arms.
Was BC almost called New Caledonia?
It was suggested, in recognition of the province's Scottish heritage, but the name British Columbia was confirmed in 1858.
Who can wear the BC tartan?
Anyone with roots in or affection for British Columbia — it belongs to the province, not to a family.
Wear the British Columbia Tartan
Discover British Columbia tartan clothing, accessories and gifts — Pacific blue, forest green and the white of the dogwood.
View British Columbia Tartan