The reception and gala dinner will be held at Ruelle des Fortifications, adjacent to the Intercontinental Hotel. This iconic alley in Vieux-Montréal captures the historic charm of the area, reflecting the early 18th century when the city's fortifications stood nearby. Now part of the World Trade Centre, it blends Old Montréal's rich history with modern architecture, offering a distinctive and memorable setting. Be sure to check out the remnant of the Berlin Wall on display: this graffiti-covered concrete piece was donated by the city of Berlin to Montréal for its 350th anniversary in 1992.

In front of the west entrance to Ruelle des Fortifications, you'll find a Guimard portico from the Paris metro, gifted to Montréal as part of the collaboration between the Parisian transit authority and the Montréal metro. This portico now marks the entrance to Square-Victoria metro station and is the only authentic Guimard portico outside Paris.