Before Moving to Montreal: What Every Newcomer Should Know

I moved to Montreal in April 2022, drawn by the chance to practice English and learn French in Canada’s second-largest city. Once I arrived, I quickly realized that the challenges of immigration go far beyond the language barrier. They extend to navigating public transportation, accessing services, adjusting to extreme weather, and even understanding the tax system—which, by the way, varies from province to province.

Things to Know Before Moving to Montreal

Although many things were new and difficult at first, I don’t regret choosing Montreal as my landing place in Canada. To help others who may be considering the same path, I’ve put together a list of things I wish I had known before moving here. Hopefully, it makes your experience even smoother than mine.

1. The Harsh Montreal Winter and Its Snow Mountains

Winter in Montreal is long, cold, and intense. Temperatures often drop below –20°C, and snow can pile up into towering banks along the sidewalks even covering cars completely. Is is important how to dress properly with layers, waterproof boots, and a good quality jacket.

Montreal, however, is well-prepared, with snow-clearing operations that keep daily life moving. So you will still be able to walk to the nearest bus station or metro station easily.

2. Summers Are Some of the Hottest in Canada

After months of icy streets, Montreal’s summer comes as a surprise. Montreal is one of the few cities where temperatures can climb above 30°C in summer, making it one of the hottest cities in the country during July and August.

The city truly comes alive during this season with festivals, outdoor activities, and crowded terraces. Montreal’s summer is also marked by a vibrant culture, with art festivals, open-air exhibitions, and a reputation for good nightlife.

3. Public Services Like Healthcare Are Available Mostly in French

One of the biggest cultural adjustments was realizing that most public services—especially healthcare and public transport—are provided primarily in French. While some staff speak English, you cannot count on it. That’s why I strongly recommend arriving with at least a basic level of French. Without it, simple tasks such as asking for directions or filling out forms can quickly become frustrating.

4. Study French for Free and Receive Financial Support for it

The good news is that Quebec offers newcomers the opportunity to study French for free, and in many cases, financial assistance is also available. These programs are designed to help immigrants integrate into society and the job market more easily. I found this to be an incredible resource and would encourage anyone moving to Montreal to take advantage of it as soon as possible.

5. Taxes Are Higher on Certain Goods and Services

Another surprise for me was the tax system. Montreal’s high taxes, which include higher income, sales, and property taxes compared to other Canadian cities, can be a significant consideration for anyone thinking of moving here.

Montreal’s goods and services are subject to both the federal GST and the provincial QST, which adds up quickly. For newcomers, this can be a bit overwhelming when calculating monthly expenses. It’s important to budget with taxes in mind, as the final price is often higher than what you see on the label.

6. Rent Is Still the Lowest Among Major Canadian Cities

One of Montreal’s greatest advantages is its housing market. Compared to other Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, rent is significantly lower, making it one of the most affordable big cities in Canada.

For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Montreal could be around 500CAD to 800CAD lower than in Toronto or Vancouver, making it easier to find affordable living options. This affordability is a relief, especially for students, since it allows them live closer to downtown without breaking the budget. However, the housing market is competitive, so it’s best to start searching early.

7. It’s Hard to Get a Family Doctor

Accessing healthcare in Quebec can be tricky. Getting a family doctor is especially challenging; I personally registered and have been waiting for more than two years—and I am still waiting. In the meantime, most newcomers rely on walk-in clinics or emergency services. This can be frustrating, but it’s a reality that many immigrants face when settling in Montreal.

8. Immigration Paths Are Completely Different From the Rest of Canada

Quebec has its own immigration programs, separate from the federal system. This means that if you plan to settle here long-term, you’ll need to follow a different application process than in other provinces. Understanding these pathways early on is essential because they can significantly affect your permanent residency plans.

Careful planning ahead for Quebec’s unique immigration process is crucial to avoid unexpected delays or complications. Also, because immigration policies can change drastically from one year to another, affecting your immigration process. It’s something I wish I had researched more deeply before moving.

9. The Montreal Underground City

One of the city’s most fascinating features is its Underground City—a network of tunnels connecting shopping malls, offices, metro stations, food courts, museums, and commuter stations as part of this extensive underground network.

During the winter, this underground maze becomes a lifeline, allowing people to move around comfortably without stepping into the freezing cold. For me, discovering this network made winters much more bearable, and it’s a hidden gem every newcomer should explore.

10. Finding an Office Job Without Fluent French Is Very Difficult

One of the biggest challenges for newcomers is employment. While survival jobs can be found in English, most office professional positions and all government jobs require fluent French.. Around 70% of Montreal residents speak French, which makes learning the language not just a cultural adjustment but also a career necessity. I quickly realized that mastering the French language isn’t optional—it is the only way to open doors in Montreal’s job market.

11. Montreal Is Actually an Island

Did you know that Montreal is an island? Well, it is. Montreal Island is surrounded by the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. This geography gives the city a unique character, with beautiful waterfront views, plenty of bridges, and even smaller surrounding islands that locals love to visit.

Living on an island also means you’re never too far from nature—bike paths, parks, lakes and riverbanks are just a short ride away. Outdoor activities are a big part of family life in Montreal, with countless parks and recreational spaces for children to play and explore. The city’s strong education system and community-oriented neighbourhoods make it an ideal new city for raising kids.

But being an island also comes with a downside: heavy traffic getting in and out. Parking can also be a challenge, especially in busy neighborhoods, with limited and narrow street parking options making it difficult to find a spot after certain hours. If you plan to study or work on the island but live outside it, think twice—you might spend a lot of time stuck on bridges during rush hours.

12. Cost of Living Is Still Slightly Lower Than Other Major Cities

While Quebec has higher taxes, the overall cost of living in Montreal remains slightly lower than in other major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Living costs, including accommodation, food, and transportation, are generally more manageable here compared to other cities. Groceries, public transit, and even leisure activities are generally more affordable, which makes a big difference in your monthly budget. For newcomers, this can ease the pressure of starting fresh in a new country, especially when factoring in household utilities such as electricity, heating, and internet as part of your monthly expenses. Although costs have been rising in recent years, Montreal offers a balance of affordability and quality of life that is hard to find elsewhere in Canada.

13. No Sea, but You Do Have Beaches

Although Montreal isn’t located by the sea, the city still offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sand and sun. Artificial beaches along the river, like Jean-Doré Beach on Île Sainte-Hélène or Verdun Beach by the St. Lawrence, give locals and newcomers alike a chance to swim, relax, and feel like they’re on vacation. These spots are especially popular in the summer, when Montrealers flock to the water to escape the city’s heat. So while you won’t find the ocean here, you can still enjoy a beach day without leaving the island.

Watch: Move to Montreal, our Video Guide

Montreal is a North American city that retains a European flair. Consequently, individuals and families who want to try something different in a cosmopolitan, multilingual city may consider Montreal as an immigration destination.

Moving to Montreal from the US

Thinking about moving to Montreal from the U.S.? There are several immigration programs specifically available to U.S. citizens and residents, each with its own eligibility criteria and pathways. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or a lifestyle change, understanding your options is key. To help you get started, we’ve created a dedicated resource hub tailored to your needs. Visit Moving from the United States Hub to explore programs, tips, and tools designed to make your transition to Montreal smoother.

Are you Ready to Move to Montreal?

Our focus is on providing up-to-date information to assist you in your move to Montreal. We cover all the important aspects, from information on immigration to Canada, accommodation, and employment, to lifestyle and things to do in Montreal. Besides, we also have a comprehensive section on the various neighbourhoods of Montreal, as well as pages on speaking and learning French in Montreal and where you can buy your groceries in Montreal.