The armorial bearings of the Archdiocese of Vancouver are described as follows in the technical language of heraldry:
Or in base upon water barry wavy azure and argent a lymphad azure full sail argent with cross or and a net or cast upon the waters; in chief a mullet argent set between the second and third dancetty of three points azure, the Chi-Rho centered or, between an heraldic rose argent and a dogwood flower argent on the sinister; all surmounted with the precious mitre or.
The main element of the shield is a ship in sail, representing the barque of Peter, but also recalling the coat of arms of the City of New Westminster, where the diocese was founded, and of Vancouver, where the Archdiocese is seated. A net cast overboard highlights the Petrine symbolism and recalls Matthew 4:18. The full sail denotes the church in its vigour. The waves beneath reflect proximity to the ocean; similar waves appear on both the Vancouver and British Columbia coats of arms.
The three chevron shapes are a stylized heraldic rendering of mountains, the backdrop to the city of Vancouver. The three represent Hollyburn, Grouse and Seymour mountaintops.
The Chi-Rho represents the Greek monogram for Christ.
The heraldic rose symbolizes the Cathedral’s dedication to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, while the dogwood is the floral symbol of the province of British Columbia.
The precious mitre is a standard element of diocesan armorial bearings.