Everything You Need To Know About Moving To Montreal

Montreal is the largest city in Quebec, known for its mix of European charm and North American modernity. It’s a bilingual city with a lively culture and affordable living, making it a popular place to live in Canada. 

This city has something for everyone, and in this article we’ll explore everything you need to know if you’re planning to move to Montreal, Canada.

#1. A Bilingual City

One of the key features in Montreal is the use of two languages, often interchangeably. 

While French is the official language in the province of Quebec, the city of Montreal is an urban centre with plenty of English and a multicultural population.

Around 62% of people in Montreal speak French at home. However, in everyday life, you are more likely to see a blend of both languages everywhere. It’s not uncommon to hear conversations happening in both languages at once, with many inhabitants proudly speaking “Franglais”.

This bilingual setting allows both residents and visitors to experience the rich history of the French language in Canada, while still catering to English-speakers.

#2. Island Living?

One of the unique aspects of Montreal is that it’s technically an island—Île de Montréal—situated at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. This geographic feature adds a special charm to the city, with water surrounding much of its landscape.

Thanks to this island designation, you’ll find numerous waterfront parks across Montreal, such as Parc Jean-Drapeau and the Lachine Canal. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, and picnicking with stunning views of the water. The island setting also contributes to the city’s distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own vibe and proximity to different parts of the surrounding waterways.

In the heart of Montreal, you’ll find the aptly named Mount Royal, a small mountain that has become a landmark of the city. Residents of Montreal can enjoy the large green space, with lookout spots, hiking trails, and the iconic Mount Royal Cross that’s visible from across the city:

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#3. Montreal Neighbourhoods

Montreal has a total of 19 different boroughs to pick from, each one home to subsets of smaller neighbourhoods and their own unique characteristics.

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A few of the top neighbourhoods close to the city center include:

• Plateau Mont-Royal: A vibrant, artsy area known for its nightlife, cafes, and boutiques. The Plateau is home to many students, artists, and families and is a walkable area with colourful charm around every corner.

• Outremont: An upscale, family-friendly neighbourhood with beautiful parks, top schools, and a quieter, residential atmosphere. Perfect for families and those seeking a more peaceful lifestyle.

• Westmount: A prestigious, primarily English-speaking neighbourhood with elegant homes, excellent schools, and lush parks.

• Griffintown (part of the Sud-Ouest borough): A rapidly developing, modern area with new condos, restaurants, and proximity to downtown. Ideal for young professionals and those who want a mix of urban living with modern amenities.

The core of downtown is found mainly within the borough of Ville-Marie, which is also the original name of the city of Montreal!

The City of Montreal has a great neighbourhood guide, which goes into more detail about each borough through categories such as: hip neighbourhoods, in nature, and urban centre.

#4. Montreal Weather Guide

Montreal experiences classic Canadian weather, with four distinct seasons and significant temperature variations throughout the year. The chart below provides a breakdown of what to expect:

Winter, from December to March, is cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from -10°C (14°F) to -2°C (28°F). However, temperatures can drop as low as -30°C and below, especially in January and February. It’s certainly important to be prepared for the cold when you’re living in Montreal!

Summers in Montreal are warm and humid, with temperatures often reaching 26°C (79°F) in July and August, though heat waves can push it higher. Spring and fall are transitional seasons with milder temperatures, ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F), and a mix of sunny, rainy, and windy days.

Montreal’s weather can be unpredictable, especially during spring and fall, so it's wise to be prepared for sudden changes.

#5. Montreal Lifestyle & Culture

Montreal is known for its music scene and European charm, giving it a distinct culture that’s vibrant and laidback. Montreal is a hub for arts, music, and festivals, with events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Osheaga drawing international crowds. 

Even in the winter, Montrealers don’t stop– Igloofest, “the world’s coldest music festival,” takes place outdoors in the heart of winter each year.

The city is also known for its restaurants and nightlife, even boasting one of the highest ratios of restaurants per capita in North America. Montreal is known for things like bagels and smoked meat, but you can find a little bit of everything across the city. The food scene is diverse and multicultural, and you can even explore outdoor food festivals with varying themes throughout the summer.