- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
City of Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia
Registration of Arms and Supporters
March 20, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 366
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Blazon
Arms
Barry wavy of fourteen Argent and Azure, on a pile Vert a caduceus Or;
Crest
A ship’s fore royal mast sail unfurled proper pennon flying Vert, all issuant from a mural crown of granite proper;
Motto
BY SEA AND LAND WE PROSPER;
Symbolism
Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The wavy white and blue bands represent the Pacific Ocean. As a longstanding symbol of commerce, the caduceus may allude to Vancouver’s importance as a port city.
Crest
The mural crown symbolizes municipal authority. The ship’s sail represents Vancouver’s coastal location and its role as a seaport.
Motto
This phrase was used in the city’s seal created in 1886.