Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and the second-largest in Canada. It is known for its vibrant culture, festivals, and diverse population. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.7 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CAD ≈ 0.74 USD. Major banks include RBC, TD, and Scotiabank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. Montreal has some of the highest quality tap water in North America. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Bell, Rogers, and Telus; prepaid SIMs available at convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular services for expats include Wise and Revolut for currency exchange. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and long-term leases. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely across the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular short-term rental platforms. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel alternative: HI Montreal Hostel offers affordable dormitory and private rooms. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) offers historical sites and cultural attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End are ideal for their cafes, coworking spaces, and community vibe. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork at 5140 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, known for its vibrant community and amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Olimpico in Mile End has great coffee and a conducive work atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Montreal Startup Meetup offers monthly gatherings for entrepreneurs and freelancers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Montreal Expats Facebook Group organizes various events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used and reliable for quick transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | BIXI offers bike rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage Jean-Drapeau is a popular beach area, accessible via public transit. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Canada is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada, American Airlines, and WestJet operate major international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways, including Autoroutes 20, 40, and 15 provide excellent connectivity. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Central Station (Gare Centrale) connects multiple train and bus services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The OPUS card provides users with monthly and weekly transit pass options. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to Toronto and Quebec City are available via VIA Rail. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Lululemon Studio provides community yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | YMCA Montreal offers diverse fitness programs and facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavoir (Laundry) is a popular laundromat located in the Plateau area. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and SkipTheDishes dominate the food delivery market. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Poutine, a local specialty made from fries, cheese curds, and gravy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Crudessence and Aux Vivres offer diverse plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Rhubarbe is renowned for its exceptional pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Jean-Talon Market is a great place for fresh, affordable local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ca and local e-commerce sites like MTL Boutique are popular. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Grocery Gateway provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Crescent Street area is famous for its lively nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Microbrasserie de la Côte des Neiges offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Vin Papillon is a favorite wine bar with a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | La Gascogne has excellent street food options available during festivals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant Bouillon Bilk serves innovative international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Mount Royal Park offers stunning views of the city skyline. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Montreal Museum of Fine Arts hosts an extensive collection of art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Port of Montreal offers unique historical insights and waterfront views. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basilique Notre-Dame is a stunning church known for its gothic architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Montreal International Jazz Festival is a must-visit event in the summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Plateau-Mont-Royal is known for its artistic vibe and diverse culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Théâtre du Nouveau Monde is popular for avant-garde performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Atwater Market is a popular spot for food lovers and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Montreal's music scene is vibrant, with venues like the Bell Centre hosting major concerts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Saint-Laurent Boulevard features impressive street murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Atelier et Saveurs offers culinary workshops and tastings. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Mtl is an independent gallery showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Château Ramezay is a historic site reflecting Montreal's colonial past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates its French heritage, evident in its language and customs. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Royal offers trails for hiking and breathtaking views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park is a scenic getaway located a short drive from the city. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | LaRoute Verte offers extensive cycling and walking paths throughout the city. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint from Mount Royal Park provides stunning vistas of the city skyline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Île-Bizard Nature Park is known for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Parc Maisonneuve has designated spots for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and FedEx provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iTech Repair provides excellent service for gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Montreal Table Tennis Club offers facilities for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | CEGEPs offer French language courses for non-native speakers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) is a great quiet place to work. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centre communautaire de Pierrefonds is a hub for local activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Lounge Montreal offers a variety of gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Montreal is the city's premier gaming establishment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 180,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 140,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 4,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 252,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 192,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 304,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 232,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 26.5% for corporations based in Quebec. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Eligible dividends are taxed at 38.33%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Canadian tax system is based on residence; worldwide income is taxable. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 53.31% in Quebec for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) plus 9.975% Provincial Sales Tax (PST). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Canada has CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed value of property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Up to 1.5% in Quebec depending on the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Certain deductions available to digital nomads working remotely. |