Montreal City Guide

Canada's second-largest city, Montreal, has often been rated one of the most livable cities in the world. This Quebecois city is famed as a cultural and design hub, with some of the most exciting museums, galleries, and old-world architecture. It is a cultural melting pot that captivates the hearts of locals and visitors alike. With its vibrant charm, rich history, and diverse neighborhoods, Montreal offers a unique and enriching experience for anyone who chooses it as their travel or immigration destination. So if you would like to Immigrate to Canada and settle in Montreal, Quebec, explore our Montreal City Guide to learn more.

About Montreal

Montreal is one of Canada's most vibrant cities. It was initially known as Hochelaga to the indigenous Huron people who inhabited the area at the time of French navigator and explorer Jacques Cartier's arrival in 1535–36. This was his second voyage to the "New World." He was reportedly welcomed by over a thousand indigenous people on the slope of the mountain and christened it Mont-Royal (Mont Réal). Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec City, set foot in the region 50 years later.

The city started as a missionary station and transformed into a fur-trading center. Then came the conquest of New France by the Brits in 1763. The city's setting on the St. Lawrence River provided complimentary transportation, manufacturing, and financial hub development conditions.

At the time of the establishment of the confederation, it was the country's biggest city. This, however, changed when Toronto took over the top spot in the 1970s.

Where is Montreal on the Map?

At the time of the establishment of the confederation, Montreal was the country's biggest city. This, however, changed when Toronto took over the top spot in the 197os. Today this Quebec city in Southeastern Canada is the country's second most populous city and the most densely populated metropolis in the province, with a population of 1,762,949 people.

The city takes up around three-quarters of Montreal Island (Île de Montréal), the largest of just over 230 islands in the Hochelaga Archipelago. This archipelago is one of three that join where the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers meet. The city has an area of 141 square miles (365 square km).

Climate/Weather in Montreal

Montreal is your answer if you're looking to immigrate to Canada but want to settle in a place with decent warmer weather. July is the city's hottest month, averaging 21°C (70°F). January is its coldest month, with temperatures that can plummet to -9°C (16°F). The city receives the most rain in August.

Summers are fun in Montreal, with various festivals and outdoor activities. The fall is charming, with a wonderfully warm aesthetic of rust-colored leaves being the main attraction for international visitors. To experience the city's full winter wonderland glory, visit in January and February.

Work and Jobs in Montreal

Montreal is the hub for many companies in the finance, manufacturing, tech, design, art, film, tourism, and education sectors. The city, therefore, has plenty of opportunities for foreign nationals who wish to establish roots there. Below are some of the in-demand jobs with Talent.com's estimate for each occupation.

Learn more about in-demand jobs in Quebec.

Cost of Living

Canada isn't untouched by skyrocketing inflation that is affecting most countries across the globe. This means that the cost of living in the country is impacted - even in Montreal. However, it should be noted that the city is much cheaper than many other Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, and even Calgary.

In this section our Montreal City Guide, we give you an estimate of the cost of living in Montreal, according to Numbeo:

Neighborhoods in Montreal

One of North America's top cosmopolitan cities, Montreal has, over the years, attracted many foreign nationals. The city's streets reflect a rich history, particularly in the city center, called Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal). Think cobblestone streets and architecture from as far back as the 16th century.

Neighborhoods in Montreal are no different from the city in this regard. They are rich in character. You'll find tons of three-story townhouses subdivided into smaller apartments. The eighties saw certain working-class areas like the Plateau Mont-Royal transform into trendy areas. You'll find the 400,000-square-metre (40-hectare) Lafontaine Park at the center of "the Plateau," a tree-filled area with two ponds, an outdoor theatre, and paths for bike rides.

In the Southeast sections of the Plateau, there's the Latin Quarter, which has been popular with students since the 18th century. Then close by, you'll find the Village known as the "Gay Village" - the city's LGBTQ hub. Settling in this Quebecois city, you can access the best farmers' markets, fine dining, museums, and galleries.

Transportation

Montreal's efficient public transport system is easy on the pocket and accessible. The city's integrated public transport system includes a metro high-speed train network, a bus network, and a shared taxi bus service for those far-out regions. A single transit in Montreal will cost you 3.75 CAD. You can buy a pass for up to three days or a monthly one costing around 156 CAD. You can buy your pass at kiosks within metro stations or from a fare collector. TRAM fares may be bought for the Exo train, Metro, and bus travel. This will all be covered in one pass, which you can load onto an OPUS card. TRAIN fares will only cover travel on the Exo commuter train network.

Things to Do in Montreal

Not only is Montreal packed with history - but it's also one of the most happening places in the Great White North. You'll find traces of its rich history woven into every element of the city, which can keep you in awe. Then there are the museums, tours, architecture, music and nightlife, jazz, and food scene. Be sure to check out the following attractions.

Mount Royal

Mount Royal Park is considered to be Montreal's unofficial playground. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (of Central Park fame) and opened in 1876. With more than 692 acres to frolic in, it is a favorite for Montrealers and tourists alike.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts(MMFA)

Founded in 1860, the MMFA is one of the most frequented museums in North America. Expect to see around 43,000 antique and more modern spread out across the museum's pavilions.

Marché Jean-Talon

You'll find Jean Talon Market nestled in the heart of Little Italy. It is one of the largest outdoor markets in Northern America. It is a foodie's paradise, with the best selection of bakers, fishmongers, butchers, fruit and vegetable growers, and restaurateurs showcasing their offerings.

Lachine Canal

The Lachine Canal runs from the historic structures of Old Montreal through the glass condo buildings of Griffintown, as well as the trendy St. Henri area, and into industrial Angrignon and Lasalle. With this canal flowing through a couple of residential areas, visitors get to see an authentic day in the life of a Montrealer.

Bota Bota, Spa-sur-l’eau

For spa enthusiasts, Bota Bota is a must! It is Montreal's top attraction for spa treatments and hydrotherapy circuits. You can look forward to relaxing in a mineral-rich hot tub while enjoying magnificent views of Mount Royal and the historic Old Port.

Education in Montreal

Montreal's public school system consists of French and English-speaking schools. It should, however, be noted that most of these educational institutions conduct lessons in French, the language of the majority in the province.

Regarding tertiary education, some prestigious universities exist. For example, McGill University, Concordia University, and Loyola College conduct most classes in English, while the University of Montreal and the University of Quebec at Montreal cater to French-speaking students.

Learn more about student life in Canada.

Immigrate to Montreal

If you'd like to immigrate to Canada and settle in Montreal, Quebec, you'll find quite a few immigration pathways to make it happen.

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

The Quebec Experience Program (program de l'expérience québécoise – PEQ) is ideal for you if you can speak French and have legally acquired work experience in the province of Quebec. If you want to immigrate to Quebec, note that PEQ is one of Quebec's priority programs, meaning your application will be processed faster than others.

The Quebec Business Immigration Program

With the Quebec Entrepreneur Program, you can immigrate to Quebec to start or acquire a business. You must plan to run the business, and you will have to have a net worth of at least CDN$ 900,000. If you're starting a business, you will have to own and control a minimum of 25% of the equity in the business. Should you acquire a business, you'll have to own and control a minimum of 51% of the equity in the enterprise.

The Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)

Quebec's Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) allows you to immigrate to the province to work permanently. You'll have to declare your interest in immigrating to work in Quebec. You'll get an invitation to apply for permanent residency if your profile matches what's needed in the province.

Learn more about pathways that allow you to immigrate to Quebec.

Pros and Cons

A move to a new setting always comes with its pros and cons. Here are some on moving to Montreal, Quebec.

FAQs

Do I Apply for Immigration Programs for Montreal Online or Using a Paper Application?

You will have to apply online. However, if you cannot do so due to disabilities or other factors, you can request an application in another format.

What Other Application Formats Are There?

You can request a paper, braille, or large print application.

Which Documents Will Allow Me to Study in Montreal?

You must get a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies and a Canadian Study Permit.