Montreal - Event

Montreal hosts the longest-established St Patrick's Parade in North America, which attracts crowds of around 600,000 to line the route. Forty different floats, 45 marching bands and over 4000 emerald-clad participants march through the centre of the city.

The parade's roots are military - it was started by the Montreal Irish Regiment, and the Black Watch regimental band lead the marchers. The route follows Sainte-Catherine Street, from Fort to Saint-Urbain Streets.

The icy clasp of Montreal midwinter does not always smile favourably on the parade, but not even snowstorms have deterred the procession since its inception in 1824.