OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada has unveiled a new vertical $20 bank note featuring King Charles III, marking the first appearance of the monarch on a Canadian bank note.
The redesigned polymer note was presented in Ottawa on Thursday, September 3, 2026. It will gradually enter circulation beginning in late February 2027, according to the Bank of Canada.
The unveiling represents a historic change to one of Canada’s most widely used bank notes. It is the first time in more than 70 years that a new monarch has appeared on the country’s $20 denomination.
What Canada’s new $20 bill looks like
The front of the new vertical note carries a portrait of King Charles III surrounded by a tapestry of flowers and leaves. The design reflects the King’s longstanding interest in environmental issues.
Floral emblems representing Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories also appear on the front. A transparent circular window features four plants considered culturally significant to Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
The Bank of Canada said its Indigenous Advisory Circle collaborated on the design of this portion of the note.
The reverse side retains the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, continuing the $20 note’s tribute to Canadian military service and sacrifice.
The note is the second entry in Canada’s vertical bank-note series. The first was the $10 bill featuring civil-rights pioneer and businesswoman Viola Desmond.
New security features and circulation date
Canada’s new $20 bill contains security technology that has never previously appeared on a Canadian bank note.
A purple security stripe contains visual elements that appear to spin, change and pulse as the note is moved. These features are intended to make the currency easier for the public to authenticate and more difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce.
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem described the note as “striking, symbolic and secure,” saying its design combines Canadian history and natural imagery with advanced security features.
The new note will not immediately replace every existing $20 bill. It is scheduled to enter circulation gradually in late February 2027, meaning current $20 notes featuring Queen Elizabeth II will continue to circulate alongside it.
Before the release, the Bank of Canada will work with financial institutions, retailers and cash-equipment manufacturers to prepare machines and staff for the redesigned currency.
The Canadian $20 bill is the country’s most frequently used bank-note denomination, making the new design particularly significant for consumers and businesses.
The announcement follows other major developments in Canada, including the recent Toronto storm that caused flash flooding and widespread power outages across the GTA.
This is a developing story and may be updated as additional information about the new bank note becomes available.
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