Everything you need to know about living, working or studying in Montreal

Montreal is attractive to IEC permit holders and tourists alike, and there is a good reason for that! It’s a bustling city, always on the go, with so many festivals and events to take part in.

If you prefer a slower pace of life, Montreal also has green spaces and nature to relax in. Essentially, Montreal will have something for everyone, from families to solo backpackers and students!

Dining out

Montreal has all the usual fast food places—McDonald’s, KFC, Taco Bell, etc.—but it also offers many other possibilities: Montrealers really like to eat! There’s an abundance of choice, covering all cuisines and price ranges, whether you are looking for a burger, authentic poutine, pad thai, a feijoada or pizza…

Don’t forget the national icon, Tim Hortons, where you can buy affordable coffee, donuts and savoury snacks. You’ll probably end up becoming a regular at your neighbourhood cafe, brunch spot or your local brasserie.

Nightlife

Montreal is a culturally dynamic city, where options for a night out (bars, concerts, nightclubs, clubs, etc.) are numerous. You’ll never be bored, and you can forget an early night!

In Montreal (and in Quebec in general), the microbrewery scene is big. If you’re not into beer, you can find yourself a cosy wine bar. Jazz bars and indie bars will have live performances from local acts, sometimes for free!

Learn more about the options for nightlife on Montreal’s tourism website.

Museums and parks

Montreal’s museums cover a wide variety of themes, from art to history and science. Entrance to “big” museums can be expensive, so look for special times when they offer free admission.

You can find large parks or squares on almost every street corner. Every Montrealer has their favourite park; it’s up to you to find yours… In summer, many parks open up their swimming pools and water features. In winter, they make room for outdoor ice rinks.

Don’t forget to take a trip to the magnificent and immense Botanical Gardens (located in Parc Maisonneuve). Close by is the Montreal Biodome, a “living” museum located in the old velodrome, home to several ecosystems, animals and plants.

For more ideas, take a look at 10 free things to do in Montreal.

Public libraries

In Montreal, you can join the local library for free, as long as you can prove that you’re a resident of the city (for example, by showing proof of a Montreal address). As well as being able to borrow books, your library card will grant you access to video games, board games, and even passes for Montreal museums.

The Bibliothèque nationale du Québec (BANQ) provides help (in French) for newcomers to Quebec, including resources on tourism, job searching tips, and more.

Libraries can also be a good source of wifi to aid you in looking for a home or a job, if you don’t want to spend money in a cafe or coffee shop.

Go to the cinema

​Cinemas in Montreal range from “blockbuster” sized cinemas to independent cinemas, and also come in French-speaking or English-speaking (most of the time, without French subtitles).

Festivals and concerts

As you already know, there are festivals throughout the year for all genres (music, comedy, theatre, sports, etc.). Highlights include the International Jazz Festival, the Osheaga Rock Festival, the Just for Laughs Festival, the Internationale des Feux Loto-Québec (a fireworks “competition” in the summer) and Igloofest.

Montreal is also a musical city. Every day, you will find dozens of concerts, from small, intimate jazz clubs to big, international stars who come and play the Bell Centre.

Check the tourism website for a full list of festivals, live music and other events throughout the year.

Places of worship

Since Montreal has such a diverse population, you will find places of worship representing all major religions. You’ll easily be able to find a place of worship and religious groups who will welcome you.