The top left corner of the note's face has a metallic maple leaf surrounded by a transparent border.

The reverse side depicts the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Amundsen, a research icebreaker.

As well as textured printing, this design incorporates a special tactile feature similar to Braille dots for the blind indicating the denomination.

It features, on the front, a portrait of William Lyon Mackenzie King, the coat of arms, and a picture of the Peace Tower of the Parliament buildings.

It features, on the front, a portrait of William Lyon Mackenzie King, the coat of arms, and a picture of the Centre Block of Parliament.

All Canadian banknotes underwent a major redesign, beginning in 1986, partially to incorporate some of the latest anti-forgery methods.

Each $50 banknote in the 1988 series was sprinkled with special green ink dots that glow when exposed to ultraviolet light.