1. Transport and getting around
For getting around Quebec, several apps are essential:
- Transit — best app for public transit: covers STM in Montréal, RTC in Québec City, RTL on the South Shore and most regional networks. Shows real-time bus and metro arrivals.
- Google Maps — for driving, transit or walking navigation across all of Quebec.
- BIXI (Montréal) — locate stations and unlock bikes.
- Waze — popular for driving to avoid traffic and speed cameras.
- Uber / Lyft — available in major Quebec cities.
2. Government and administrative services
For administrative tasks with the Quebec government:
- Mon espace santé — access your medical record and communicate with health professionals.
- clicSÉQUR — authentication portal for many Quebec government online services, including provincial tax returns and Revenu Québec services.
- CRA My Account (Mon dossier pour les particuliers) — access your federal tax file, download your notice of assessment, check refunds.
- Service Canada — access federal services like Employment Insurance and Old Age Security.
- IRCC — federal immigration app to track your immigration status application.
3. Health and emergencies
For health and emergencies in Quebec:
- Bonjour-santé — book appointments at walk-in clinics and some family doctors in Quebec. Most widely used to avoid waiting in clinics.
- Urgences-santé (Montréal) / Urgence Québec — find the nearest emergency room and estimated wait times.
- Alertes Météo Canada — official app for severe weather alerts. Critical in winter for snowstorms and ice warnings.
- Google Translate — for translating medical prescriptions or documents in French.
4. Finances and shopping
For finances and shopping in Quebec:
- Your bank's app — TD, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, National Bank and Desjardins all have robust mobile apps.
- Flipp — view weekly flyers from all grocery stores and pharmacies in your area. Essential for comparing grocery prices and planning shopping.
- Kijiji — main second-hand marketplace in Quebec.
- Walmart, Canadian Tire, IKEA, Jean Coutu apps — follow promotions from major retailers.
- Reebee — alternative to Flipp for grocery flyers.
5. French language and integration
For learning and practicing Quebec French:
- Duolingo — most well-known and accessible French learning app for beginners.
- Anki — flashcard review app that can be used to learn specific Quebec vocabulary.
- Antidote — the reference for Quebec French to check spelling or grammar.
- Radio-Canada OHdio — listen to Radio-Canada radio. Excellent daily exposure to spoken Quebec French — podcasts, news, cultural shows.
6. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- Home internet in Quebec — how to choose your internet provider.
- Mobile plan in Quebec — how to choose your phone plan.
- Community resources in Quebec — social support and family services.
7. Official sources
For Quebec government online services: clicsequr.gouv.qc.ca. For federal online services: canada.ca. For clinic appointments: bonjoursante.ca.
Author's Note: the Bonjour-santé app is probably the most important for newcomers. Not having it installed often means waiting hours in a clinic when you could have walked in directly with an appointment booked the day before. Install it in your first weeks and register.
