Montréal is such a welcoming city that it classed among the world’s top 10 best cities according to Condé Nast Traveller and among the top 53 as decreed by Time Out. It’s so inclusive that it nabbed second place in the 2024 list of world’s safest cities to visit produced annually by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. We put out the red carpet for all, and that spirit of openness and diversity is reflected everywhere — even in our flag and coat of arms.
A symbol of harmony and cooperation
First adopted in 1833, Montréal’s flag and coat of arms pays tribute to all of those who contributed to the city’s development. After a couple of updates, first in 1938 and most recently in 2017, upon the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, it now displays five symbols recognizing the city’s founding peoples: white pine at the centre for the city’s Indigenous roots, the rose for the English, the thistle for the Scottish, the clover for the Irish and the fleur-de-lis for the French.
The beaver, a symbol of the industriousness of all Montrealers, sits at the top of the shield on the coat of arms, surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves: a nod to Canada’s national symbol. The motto, Concordia Salus, meaning “salvation through harmony,” encapsulates the spirit of unity that defines Montreal’s rich diversity.
Indigenous Peoples represented by the white pine
The Haundenosaunee Confederacy (known as the League of Five Nations by the English and the Iroquois Confederacy by the French) translates as “the people of the long house” and represents five nations: the Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneidas and Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawks). The white pine’s needles grow in clusters of five, and its sheltering branches and strong roots make for a perfect symbolization of the Great Tree of Peace, an important part of Haundenosaunee history.
Each August, the International First Peoples Festival celebrates First Nations history, culture, storytelling and arts in downtown Montréal. The Sacred Fire Productions’ cultural space in Old Montréal was the first and remains the only permanent space in Canada dedicated to the dissemination of Aboriginal arts, artists and culture. And your guests can sample First Nations cuisine at the Round House Café, prepared by Montréal chef George Lenser. Find other interesting Indigenous experiences here.
The Irish represented by a green shamrock
“Neither snow nor rain” may be a saying most famously connected to the postal service, but it also befits Montréal’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, which has been held continuously every year since 1824 despite blizzards and economic depression. It is, in fact, the oldest in Canada and the oldest continuously held St. Paddy’s parade in North America. But if your event isn’t taking place in March, your Irish-loving attendees will love Montréal’s Irish pubs 365 days a year. Discover more ways to experience Montréal’s Irish culture here.
The Scots represented by a purple thistle
Take a wander around the Golden Square Mile and see a who’s-who of Scottish families involved in Montréal’s boom era from 1840 to 1930, and those hankering for traditional Scottish grub won’t want to miss the haggis at Ye Old Orchard Pub and Grill’s five locations across the city. And each August, the Montréal Highland Games bring together highland dancers, athletes and pipe bands in a celebration of Scottish culture. Learn more about the city’s Scottish heritage here.
The French represented by a blue fleur-de-lys
Montréal’s culinary scene includes some of the world’s finest (and affordable) French restaurants, and the city’s French heritage comes out in force each July 14 for Bastille Day, where locals don berets and sing La Marseillaise in Parc Mont-Royal. One of the city’s biggest annual music events is the Francos de Montréal festival that brings close to one million festival-goers to its over 250 shows (180 of which are free outdoor performances), all en français. Discover Montréal’s French roots here.
The English (and Welsh) represented by the red Rose of Lancaster
Get a feel for Montréal’s English history at the Burgundy Lion, an old-school British pub that transports you right to old Blighty. The city’s tea houses also make for the perfect stop-off for a cuppa, while the High Tea service at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel will leave your attendees feeling like royalty. It was also here that John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged their Bed-In for Peace and recorded Give Peace a Chance in room 1742. Take yourself on a tour of the city’s English heritage here.
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