OTTAWA- Canada has unveiled a redesigned $20 banknote featuring a portrait of King Charles III, marking the first time the monarch has appeared on a Canadian banknote.
The Bank of Canada revealed the new vertical note on Thursday, September 3, 2026, saying it will gradually enter circulation from late February 2027.
It is the second note in Canada’s new Vertical series, following the $10 banknote featuring civil rights pioneer Viola Desmond.
The portrait of King Charles is surrounded by a floral and leafy design reflecting his long-standing advocacy for environmental conservation.
Floral emblems representing Canada’s 13 provinces and territories also feature on the front of the note, alongside plants of cultural significance to Indigenous Peoples.
The reverse side retains the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, a tribute to Canada’s military contributions and sacrifices. Poppies, another symbol of remembrance, are incorporated into the design.
The new banknote also introduces security technologies that have not previously been used on Canadian currency.
A purple security stripe contains dynamic elements that appear to spin, transform and pulse when the note is tilted, helping Canadians authenticate the bills and combat counterfeiting.
The Bank said the $20 denomination is particularly important because it is the banknote Canadians use most often.
The new note includes accessibility features such as raised tactile elements and large, high-contrast numbers to help people who are blind or partially sighted identify it.
First Canadian banknote featuring Charles
King Charles becomes the fourth monarch to appear on a Canadian banknote. His portrait replaces that of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who had featured on Canadian currency for decades.
The Bank of Canada said it has been more than 70 years since a new monarch appeared on a Canadian banknote. Queen Elizabeth II first appeared on Canada’s inaugural $20 note in 1935, when she was still Princess Elizabeth and was eight years old.
The decision to feature Charles followed the Canadian government’s 2023 direction for the next banknote redesign to carry the new monarch’s portrait.
The Royal Canadian Mint had already introduced coins bearing Charles’ portrait in 2023, but the new $20 represents his first appearance on a Canadian banknote.
New design and security features
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said the new note combines advanced security technology with imagery representing Canada’s history and natural heritage.
The note measures 152.4 by 69.85 millimetres and retains the green colour traditionally associated with Canada’s $20 denomination. It also features a distinctive purple security stripe.
The Bank said the design was developed following consultations with Canadians, government partners, accessibility organisations and its Indigenous Advisory Circle.
The new $20 bill will not immediately replace existing notes.
Instead, it will gradually enter circulation from late February 2027, with the current $20 notes continuing to circulate alongside the new design.
The unveiling marks a significant change in Canada’s currency following the accession of King Charles III to the throne and places his image on the country’s most frequently used banknote denomination.
