Located in Quebec, Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada.
An estimated 4.1 million people make their home in Montreal, a city that sits about a two-hour drive from the country’s capital of Ottawa. The thriving economy, built around sectors such as tourism, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, commerce and finance, draws many expats to settle in the area each year.
Montreal is serviced by its own international port, so it is easy to arrange a shipment of your belongings straight to your adopted city. Contact an international removal company to organise your move abroad to Montreal.
If you are moving to Montreal, there are a few things to keep in mind before arranging your immigration – starting primarily with the city’s official language.
Local language
An official Francophone city, Montreal is mostly French speaking, with over 60% of those in the metropolitan area using only Quebec French at home. With that said, English is still spoken, but newcomers may find that English alone may limit job prospects and social interaction.
Weather in Montreal
The summers in Montreal are hot and sunny, but the winters are frigid and often long. There are four veritable seasons in the city, and so you should be prepared to experience a real mix of the elements.
Driving in Montreal
You can obtain an international driving license without having to take a test if you already hold a license in the UK, which is valid for a few months until you can take your test in Quebec. Contact the SAAQ (Société de l'Assurance Automobile du Quebec), the equivalent of the DLVA, to arrange this.
Healthcare in Montreal
Montreal’s answer to the NHS is the Québec Health Insurance Plan, and is free at the point of access. You will need to apply for a Health Insurance Card, issued by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) to gain coverage.
Education in Montreal
If you are moving to Montreal with children of school age, you’ll be pleased to know there are many great elementary (primary) and high schools (secondary schools), along with six universities with tuition available in both English and French.
Once settled, you’ll find that the quality of life in Montreal is high, and quite unlike anywhere else. You can experience all the convenience, buzz, nightlife and infrastructure of living in a busy North American city, alongside all the history and culture of being immersed in a French-speaking culture.
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page last updated May 2017