Initially lit on on the eve of 1967 by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson,  the Centennial Flame occupies a key position within the forecourt of Parliament Hill  standing just inside the Queen’s Gates on axis with the Peace Tower.  Originally, the flame was intended to be temporary, installed as part of the year-long centennial celebrations, however due to significant public support it remains to this day in its original position.  The flame itself is located within the centre of the monument and burns natural gas allowing it to burn through harsh Ottawa winters.

The primary materials of the monument are red Canadian granite and bronze.  All of the provinces and territories that made up Confederation at the time of the Centennial are identified with their armorial bearing fashioned out of patina bronze and installed within the basin.  On the enlarge granite lip of the basin, the year each of the members joined Confederation is identified.  As Nunavut, was not a territorial member of Confederation in 1967, it is not represented by an armorial bearing.

The Centennial Flame is part of the National Historic Site Designation covering the public grounds of the Parliament Buildings.  Its identified character-defining elements include:  placement, location and extent.