Why there are no spirits at the grocery store, how late you can buy, and what you may actually bring to a BYOW restaurant.

This is one of the most common blind spots for newcomers. You are planning a dinner, you stop at the grocery store, and you look for a bottle of rum or vodka. You will not find it. Not because the store is poorly stocked — because the law forbids it. In Quebec, the state controls alcohol sales, and the rules resemble those of almost nowhere else you have probably lived. Where to buy what, until...

Parks, free museums, festivals, libraries, pools — a practical guide to the best free activities in Montréal for families and newcomers.

Montréal has a well established reputation as a cultural, festive city — and much of what the city offers at its best is entirely free. The parks are magnificent and open to all. Summer festivals attract millions of visitors, and the vast majority of shows cost nothing. Museums open their doors for free on certain days. Outdoor pools and skating rinks are often municipal and low cost or free. F...

Using a laundromat in Montréal: finding the nearest one, prices, how the machines work and your options if your apartment has no washer.

Many apartments in Montréal — particularly duplexes and triplexes in older neighbourhoods — have no washer or dryer inside the apartment itself. Coin operated laundromats (buanderies or laveries automatiques) are very common in Montréal — found in virtually every neighbourhood. Typical hours: 7 am – 10 or 11 pm; some are open 24 hours. Step by step laundromat use: 1. Arrive with your laundry an...

July 1st is the most chaotic moving day in Quebec. This guide explains why it's so unique, how to organize if you must move that day, and how to avoid it if you can.

July 1st is the end and start date for the vast majority of leases in Quebec. This tradition traces back to a 19th century agrarian law fixing farm lease dates to May 1st, which later evolved to July 1st. Today, approximately 100,000 households move in Montréal on each July 1st — one of the largest simultaneous urban migrations in North America. The result: streets are cluttered with furniture,...

Jean-Talon, Atwater, Maisonneuve — Montréal's public markets are much more than grocery spots. A practical guide for newcomers.

Montréal's public markets are nothing like supermarkets. They are living spaces where farmers from surrounding regions sell directly to consumers — fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheeses, meats, breads, flowers, spices and homemade processed goods. Visiting a market is a taste of rural Quebec without leaving the city. Seasonal produce prices are often competitive with grocery stores, sometimes c...

Cycling in Montréal: the bike path network, how BIXI works, the road rules for cyclists in Quebec and how to make the bike your daily transport.

Montréal has more than 1,000 km of cycling paths — separated lanes, on street bike lanes and shared paths. The city has invested heavily in its network since the 1990s and is regularly ranked among the world's top 20 most cycling friendly cities. For a newcomer, cycling is a serious transport option, particularly for daily trips under 10 km. The BIXI network, Montréal's bike share system, is on...

Plateau, Rosemont, Côte-des-Neiges, Verdun, Villeray: a portrait of Montréal's neighbourhoods to help newcomers choose where to live.

Montréal is a city of neighbourhoods — each has its own personality, atmosphere, population and prices. When you arrive from outside, it's hard to know where to settle without some reference points. The most important criteria for a newcomer are generally: rent cost, proximity to transit, safety, presence of a familiar cultural community, school quality for families with children, and access to...

The best free apps to simplify daily life in Quebec — transit, government, health, finances and more.

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 t...

Finding a good hair salon in Quebec — price ranges, local conventions, cultural differences to know and tips for communicating your needs in a French-language salon.

Haircut prices in Quebec vary considerably by salon type, city, and services requested: Service Typical price range Men's haircut (barbershop / standard salon) $20–40 Women's haircut (standard salon, no colour) $30–60 Upscale salon (central Montréal neighbourhoods) $60–120+ Colouring / highlights $80–200+ depending on complexity Blow dry / styling $30–60 Customary tip: 15–20% — to be added to t...

Using Uber Eats, DoorDash, Skip and SkipTheDishes in Quebec — platform comparison, fees to know, tipping, money-saving tips and finding the best local restaurants.

Three major platforms in Quebec: Uber Eats, DoorDash and Skip (SkipTheDishes). Each platform has its own partner restaurants — some are exclusive to one platform, others appear on all three. Pro tip: ordering directly from the restaurant (by phone or their own website) is often cheaper — no platform service fees. The price shown in a delivery app is almost always lower than what you'll actually...

How bottle deposits work in Quebec, what goes in recycling bins, how to compost and avoid errors that contaminate recycling.

The bottle deposit (consigne) is a refundable deposit on certain beverage containers — you pay it at purchase and get it back when you return the empty container. Current deposit amounts (Consigne Plus): 10 cents for most targeted containers (cans, plastic, small containers) 25 cents for glass containers 500 ml and over (wine bottles, large beer bottles) Consigned containers: beer bottles and c...

Comparing online grocery delivery services in Quebec — IGA online, Maxi, Instacart, Goodfood and alternatives — fees, delays, money-saving tips.

Online grocery delivery has grown considerably in Quebec in recent years. Main options: Service Type Notes IGA en ligne Direct supermarket delivery Order online, delivery 1–2 days or same day in store pickup Maxi / Provigo Direct supermarket delivery Available in most of Montréal and suburbs Instacart Third party delivery (multiple stores) Delivery in 1–2 hours; shops at various stores Goodfood...

How to grow tomatoes, herbs and vegetables on a Quebec balcony — when to plant, how to choose the right containers and avoid beginner mistakes.

Balcony gardening is very popular in Quebec, particularly in Montréal. Having a few pots of cherry tomatoes, basil, parsley or mint on your balcony is common and accessible even for complete beginners. Key climate constraint: the growing season is short — from late May to October — and winters are too harsh for anything to survive outside. But in those five months, a lot is possible. Quebec's p...

Finding the right tools, materials and services for home maintenance and repairs in Quebec — Home Depot, Réno-Dépôt, BMR, tool rental and lease rules.

Quebec has several major hardware store chains: Chain Notes Home Depot Giant chain, large selection, many Montréal locations Réno Dépôt Quebec French language version of Home Depot, same parent company, similar selection BMR Quebec cooperative, more present in mid sized cities and regions; smaller stores, known for personalized service Rona Another major Canadian chain present in Quebec Indepen...

How to use public transit in Quebec — STM, RTC, RTL, exo — fares, passes and the right habits for getting around without a car.

Quebec has a well developed public transit network in its major cities, but very limited coverage in rural areas. Each region has its own transit agency: STM in Montréal, RTC in Québec City, RTL in Longueuil, STL on Montréal's north shore, and the exo network for distant suburbs and commuter trains. For travel between cities, Flixbus, Orléans Express and Via Rail serve the main routes. If you l...

Where to find ingredients from your home country in Quebec: African, Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American grocers, ethnic markets and online orders.

Montréal is extraordinarily food diverse. Thanks to successive waves of immigration, you can find ingredients from virtually every country in the world — Ethiopian spices, rare Asian vegetables, Latin, African, Middle Eastern and Caribbean products. Key neighbourhoods for international food: Côte des Neiges — Montréal's most cosmopolitan neighbourhood; extraordinary international food selection...

Buying second-hand in Quebec: garage sales, thrift stores, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace to furnish and equip your home for less.

In Quebec, buying and selling second hand items is deeply embedded in local culture. It's a normal, valued practice across all income levels, encouraged by growing environmental consciousness. For a newcomer who needs to furnish an empty apartment, the second hand market is an extraordinary opportunity to save several thousand dollars. On July 1st (Montréal's massive moving day), hundreds of pi...

Bringing or adopting a pet in Quebec: what it costs, how to find an affordable vet, municipal rules and resources if the budget is tight.

Pets are part of the daily life of many Quebec families — dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and fish are the most common. Quebec has clear rules on animals in apartments, breeds banned in certain cities, mandatory sterilization in some boroughs, and the requirement to keep dogs on leash in public spaces. For newcomers who want to bring their pet or adopt one, this guide covers the essentials: arrival ...

Settling in Bécancour, industrial and residential city facing Trois-Rivières.

Bécancour sits in the Centre du Québec region, facing Trois Rivières. It has about 15,000 residents. Connected to Trois Rivières by the Laviolette Bridge, it's both residential and industrial. Bécancour City Hall handles municipal services. Contact the city via becancour.net. Bécancour is composed of six sectors: Bécancour, Saint Grégoire, Sainte Angèle de Laval, Précieux Sang, Saint Édouard de...

Transit options in Bécancour: car, collective transit and connection to Trois-Rivières.

A car is practically essential in Bécancour. The city spans six sectors separated by several kilometres, and services concentrated in Trois Rivières make trips frequent. The Laviolette Bridge, opened in 1967, connects Bécancour to Trois Rivières in 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. It's a free bridge — Quebec charges no tolls on provincially operated bridges. Main roads: Route 132: runs al...

Settling in Chicoutimi, the central and university borough of Saguenay: city services, housing, transit, schools and where to get help.

Chicoutimi is the central borough of Saguenay (about 70,000 residents). Administrative, university and hospital hub: UQAC, Cégep de Chicoutimi, Hôpital de Chicoutimi, Vieux Chicoutimi. Vieux Chicoutimi, around rue Racine, houses restaurants, bars, shops and the Pulperie de Chicoutimi. The Saguenay River crosses the borough. Saguenay's main City Hall Regional SAAQ office Service Québec Take adva...

Settling in the Centre-du-Québec hub city, halfway between Montréal and Québec.

Drummondville ( 85,600 residents, per Quebec's 2026 population decree) — main city of the Centre du Québec. Strong growth: population up more than 10 % over the past ten years. The city sits halfway between: Montreal: 1 h 30 via Autoroute 20 Quebec City: 1 h 15 via the same highway Cost of living is 30 to 40 % lower than Montreal for housing — drawing families, retirees and remote workers from ...

Getting around Drummondville: public transit, driving on Autoroute 20, and bus and train links to Montréal and Québec City.

The Société de transport de Drummondville serves downtown, neighbourhoods, Cégep, industrial parks. Adult cash fare: $3.50 With the reloadable card: $3.00 Adult monthly pass: $59 These are the fares in effect since January 1, 2026 (rates are revised annually). Drummondville is served by VIA Rail. Drummondville ↔ Montreal: about 1h15 on average — the fastest, most direct link Drummondville ↔ Que...

Settling in Gatineau, bilingual city facing Ottawa: city services and local particulars.

Gatineau is the main city of the Outaouais region, with about 306,000 residents (2025 estimate). Located directly across from Ottawa, the Canadian capital, it has five sectors: Aylmer, Hull, Gatineau, Buckingham and Masson Angers. It's a unique city in Quebec — bilingual in practice, with a large English speaking community and an economy tied to the federal public service. Gatineau is the resul...

The STO network, OC Transpo connection from Ottawa, and the Multi card for getting around the capital region.

The STO, or Société de transport de l'Outaouais, runs the buses in Gatineau. The network covers the five sectors: Aylmer, Hull, Gatineau, Buckingham and Masson Angers. Several Rapibus lines cross the city quickly on a dedicated lane. Many Gatineau residents work in Ottawa. Several STO lines cross the bridges to Ottawa, and several OC Transpo lines come into Hull. If you commute daily between Ga...

Settling in Jonquière, Saguenay's industrial borough: the Arvida heritage district, practical steps, employers and newcomer welcome services.

Jonquière is the industrial and commercial borough (about 62,700 residents, including Jonquière, Lac Kénogami and Shipshaw, per City of Saguenay statistics). Made up of Jonquière, Arvida and Kénogami — each with its own history. Arvida is famous as a model town of an aluminum smelter from the early 20th century. Arvida was born in 1926 around the aluminum smelter. One of the only towns in the A...

Activities, cruises and discoveries on one of the world's longest fjords, right at your doorstep.

The Saguenay Fjord — one of the world's longest ( 105 km between Saguenay and Tadoussac). Living in La Baie means living at the gateway to the fjord. Cliffs, deep waters and marine wildlife. Companies offer cruises departing from the port of La Baie — the main operator is Navettes maritimes du Fjord. Classic cruise (3 hours): scenic run along the fjord with photo stops Signature cruise (7 hours...

Settling in La Baie, Saguenay's borough on the fjord: its former towns compared, practical steps, the military presence and the cost of living.

La Baie is the maritime borough of Saguenay ( 18,000 residents) — the smallest of the three urban boroughs. Located at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord, on the Baie des Ha! Ha!. La Baie was born in 1976 from the merger of three towns. Today they form one urban fabric — driving between them in under 10 minutes — but each keeps a distinct character: Bagotville: many services, diversity tied to the...

Everything you need to start life in Laval: city services, essential errands, neighbourhood landmarks.

Laval is Quebec's third largest city after Montreal and Quebec City, with over 440,000 residents. It sits on an island — île Jésus — directly north of Montreal, connected by several bridges. Laval is a modern city with large shopping centres like Carrefour Laval, schools, hospitals, and quick metro access to downtown Montreal. Laval City Hall is the main entry point for municipal services: perm...

How to use the STL bus network and the metro to get around Laval and into Montreal.

In Laval, public transit relies on two complementary networks. The STL, Société de transport de Laval, runs the local buses covering all of Laval. Montreal's metro — the orange line — has three stations in Laval that reach downtown Montreal in about twenty minutes. The OPUS card pays for all networks in Greater Montreal. The orange line crosses Laval with three stations: Cartier — near the brid...

City services and landmarks for settling in Lévis, on the south shore of Quebec City.

Lévis is a city in the Chaudière Appalaches region, on the south shore of the river, across from Quebec City. It has about 160,000 residents — it crossed that threshold in early 2026 — and remains the 7th largest city in Quebec. Lévis is divided into three boroughs: Desjardins (including Vieux Lévis), Les Chutes de la Chaudière Est and Les Chutes de la Chaudière Ouest. The Caisse populaire Desj...

The STLévis buses, the ferry to Quebec City, and the OPUS card for getting around the region.

In Lévis, three complementary networks handle your travel: STLévis — local buses covering all of Lévis Québec Lévis ferry — crosses the river in about 12 minutes OPUS card — pays for STLévis and several other networks STLévis runs over 30 bus routes in Lévis. Main routes connect the Saint Jean Chrysostome, Saint Romuald, Saint Nicolas, Pintendre and Saint Étienne sectors to downtown and the fer...

City services, essential errands and neighbourhood landmarks for starting life in Longueuil.

Longueuil is one of Quebec's largest cities, with about 250,000 residents. Located on the South Shore of Montreal, directly across from downtown, it's connected to Montreal by the Jacques Cartier bridge and the yellow metro line. Longueuil includes several historic boroughs: Vieux Longueuil, Saint Hubert, and Greenfield Park, each with its own character. Longueuil City Hall handles municipal se...

The RTL, the metro yellow line, and the OPUS card — everything for getting around Longueuil.

The RTL, or Réseau de transport de Longueuil, is the bus operator for the Longueuil agglomeration. It serves Longueuil, Brossard, Saint Lambert, Boucherville and Saint Bruno de Montarville. More than 80 routes cover the territory, with high frequency at rush hour. Montreal's metro yellow line crosses the river and ends at Longueuil–Université de Sherbrooke station. It is the only direct metro a...

Settling in Magog, on the shores of Lake Memphrémagog in the Eastern Townships.

Magog is a city in the Estrie region on the shores of Lake Memphrémagog — about 30,000 residents in the regular season, nearly double in summer. Geographic position: 30 minutes from Sherbrooke via Autoroute 10 1 h 15 from Montréal About 25 minutes from the nearest US border crossing, at Stanstead (Vermont) Exceptional setting between lake and mountains — one of the main tourism destinations in ...

Transit options in Magog: rural collective transit, car, bike and shuttle to Sherbrooke.

Magog is primarily a car oriented town. Downtown is easy to cross on foot, but reaching other towns essentially requires a car. The highway network reaches Sherbrooke in 30 minutes and Montreal in 1 hour 30. Transport collectif de la MRC de Memphrémagog offers a shuttle bus to Sherbrooke. Frequencies are limited, especially evenings and weekends. Magog is very well served by bike paths. The Rou...

Quebec City winter is intense — here's how to gear up, enjoy it, and adapt to the cold season in the capital.

Winter in Quebec City runs from December to March, sometimes through April. Temperatures can drop below minus 25 degrees Celsius, and annual snowfall often exceeds three metres. It's harsher than Montreal — prepare accordingly. The capital gets on average more snow than Montreal and its thaws are less frequent: snow that falls in December often stays on the ground until March. Minimum gear: Win...

City services, essentials and landmarks for settling in the capital, Quebec City.

Quebec City, capital of Quebec, has over 590,000 residents. Founded in 1608, it's the only fortified city in North America north of Mexico — its Old Quebec is classified as UNESCO World Heritage. The city has six boroughs: La Cité Limoilou, Les Rivières, Sainte Foy–Sillery–Cap Rouge, Charlesbourg, Beauport and La Haute Saint Charles. Quebec City Hall handles municipal services: permits, parking...

Settling in Repentigny: city hall procedures, libraries and citizen services, waste collection, first administrative steps and Repentigny vs Le Gardeur.

Repentigny is a city in the Lanaudière region, east of Montreal, with about 86,000 residents (2021 census) and a projection around 90,000. It comprises two main sectors: Repentigny, the historic sector near the river, and Le Gardeur, more suburban with large family homes. Located at the confluence of the Saint Laurent river and the L'Assomption river, it offers a family friendly setting with ac...

Getting around Repentigny: the exo bus network, fares and passes, and the best options for commuting to Montreal every day.

Repentigny is served by exo, Greater Montreal's regional train and bus network. In Repentigny, service is mainly provided by express bus lines connecting the city to Radisson metro in east end Montreal, in about 30 minutes at rush hour. Several express and local bus routes serve Repentigny. Express buses to Montreal leave from several park and ride lots, notably at exit 22 of Highway 40. Check ...

Settling in the merged city of Saguenay: Chicoutimi, Jonquière, La Baie.

Saguenay is a merged city formed in 2002 from the cities of Chicoutimi, Jonquière and La Baie, the municipalities of Laterrière, Lac Kénogami and Shipshaw, and part of Canton Tremblay. It has about 152,000 residents, famous for its fjord. Saguenay is over 98% French speaking. It is the largest city of the Saguenay Lac Saint Jean region. Saguenay retains a strong identity by borough: Chicoutimi ...

The Société de transport du Saguenay and how to get between Chicoutimi, Jonquière and La Baie.

The Société de transport du Saguenay (STS) runs the bus network linking Chicoutimi, Jonquière and La Baie. Network coverage: About 30 lines Serves: UQAC, Cégep de Chicoutimi, Cégep de Jonquière, Place du Royaume, hospitals in Chicoutimi and La Baie, Rio Tinto Arvida plants Schedules: Monday to Saturday: full service Sunday: reduced service First buses: 6 AM Last buses: 11 PM No night service Ma...

How to live and enjoy winter in the Eastern Townships, its mountains and lakes.

Winter in Sherbrooke lasts from late November to March. Temperatures can drop below minus 20 Celsius. The region gets a lot of snow — often more than Montréal — thanks to the proximity of the Appalachians. The Eastern Townships offer several major resorts within an hour: Mont Orford — the largest, lake view Bromont — night skiing, water park Mont Sutton — off piste lovers Owl's Head — picturesq...

Getting around Sherbrooke by bus: the STS network, the OPUS card, fares and passes, and the main routes newcomers use every day.

The STS, or Société de transport de Sherbrooke, operates the buses in Sherbrooke. Network coverage: Over 20 lines covering the whole city High frequency to Université de Sherbrooke and Cégep de Sherbrooke Regional service: Lennoxville, Rock Forest, Fleurimont Schedule: Monday to Sunday First buses: 6 AM Last buses: 11 PM (limited evenings) One of the best networks for a city of under 200,000 re...

Settling in Terrebonne: city services, housing, transit to Montreal, schools and the essentials for your first weeks.

Terrebonne is a city in the Lanaudière region, north of Montreal, with over 120,000 residents. It includes several sectors: Terrebonne (including Vieux Terrebonne), Lachenaie, and La Plaine. The city offers a suburban lifestyle, with a lively historic centre and quick access to highways 40 and 640. Before getting into municipal service details, here's an overview of the three main sectors to or...

How to use the exo Mascouche train line and local buses to get around Terrebonne and into Montreal.

Terrebonne is served by exo, Greater Montreal's regional train and bus network. The Mascouche train line connects Terrebonne to downtown Montreal in about one hour, with a stop at Central Station. exo also runs several bus routes covering Terrebonne and the north shore. The Mascouche line serves several stations in the area: Terrebonne, Mascouche and Sainte Thérèse. Each station has free park a...

Living and enjoying winter in the Mauricie: abundant snow, national parks and local activities.

Winter in the Mauricie is cold and snowy — often snowier than Montreal. Temperatures can drop below minus 25 Celsius. The season runs from late November to mid April. The Parc national de la Mauricie, run by Parks Canada, is about 45 to 60 minutes north of Trois Rivières, depending on which entrance you use (Saint Mathieu du Parc or Saint Jean des Piles). Winter activities: cross country skiing...

Settling in Trois-Rivières, historic city between Montreal and Quebec City.

Trois Rivières is the main city of the Mauricie, halfway between Montréal and Quebec. It has about 140,000 residents. Founded in 1634, it's the second oldest city in Quebec after Quebec City. Recognized as the world capital of poetry. Trois Rivières's City Hall handles municipal services. Errands online via v3r.net. Dial 311 for any question. The Trois Rivières library network is free for resid...

How to use the REM light metro, RTL buses and the OPUS card to get around Brossard and into Montreal.

In Brossard, three transit networks work together. The REM is the light metro linking Brossard to downtown Montreal in about 18 minutes. The RTL runs the local buses in Brossard and Longueuil. The OPUS card lets you pay on both networks and across the entire metropolitan system. The REM opened in 2023. In Brossard, three stations connect you to the network: Brossard, Du Quartier and Panama. Tra...

The essentials of Réseau de transport de la Capitale for getting around Quebec City, from tickets to Métrobus lines.

The RTC, or Réseau de transport de la Capitale, is the bus authority serving Quebec City and surrounding areas. It is the simplest and most affordable way to get around without a car. You can pay in cash directly on board, but the fare is cheaper with an OPUS card. This rechargeable card lets you buy single tickets, multi ride passes, or a monthly pass. The Métrobus network groups the RTC's fas...

An introduction to Sherbrooke, capital of the Eastern Townships: student city, neighborhoods, and settlement services.

Sherbrooke is Quebec's sixth largest city and the main hub of the Eastern Townships. Known as the city of rivers and hills, it is also a major student city thanks to Université de Sherbrooke and Bishop's University. Historic downtown centers around Wellington Street, with cafés and shops. The Plateau Marquette area is popular with families. The Fleurimont borough has a large newcomer population...

The Société de transport de Trois-Rivières bus network, fares, and main routes in the Mauricie region.

The STTR, or Société de transport de Trois Rivières, is the bus authority serving Trois Rivières and its sectors like Cap de la Madeleine. It is an affordable, reliable service for those without a car, especially for reaching the Université du Québec à Trois Rivières. You can pay in cash on board, but the fare is cheaper with the Carte Cité. This rechargeable card lets you buy single tickets or...

Scams targeting newcomers in Quebec: fake CRA or IRCC calls, fake bank emails, text and Interac scams, job and housing fraud, and how to report them.

The « threatening CRA » scam: a fake agent calls about an invented debt. Signs: arrest threats, immediate payment demanded in gift cards or Bitcoin. The real CRA NEVER does this. Hang up immediately. Variation targeting immigrants: a fake Service Canada or IRCC agent threatens deportation. The Canadian government never calls to threaten or demand immediate payment. Hang up. Real agencies follow...

SAAQ for injuries, private insurer for the car — understanding the hybrid system.

Quebec has a hybrid system: SAAQ (public): covers bodily injuries of ALL drivers (regardless of fault) Private insurance: covers damage to the car (collision, theft, etc.) You pay the SAAQ via your annual registration fees Civil liability insurance is mandatory: Legal minimum: $50,000 Recommended: $1 to $2 million (cost difference is minimal) Without insurance: severe fine + licence suspended O...

The Quebec media landscape — TV, press, radio, podcasts — and what to watch at each level to learn.

Following Quebec media helps you: Understand local culture and politics Learn the spoken French of Quebec (different from standard French) Follow the news that affects your daily life Radio Canada: ICI Radio Canada Télé: news, shows ICI Première: talk radio Tou.tv: free streaming The major dailies: La Presse (free online): mainstream journalism, quality Le Devoir (paid): intellectual, more left...

Recycling, garbage and compost in Montreal: which bin for what, pickup days by borough, bulky items and the rules to follow.

Three bins in Montreal: Green bin: recycling (paper, glass, plastic, metal) Brown bin: compost (organic matter) Black/gray bin: household garbage The exact colour and shape can vary by borough, but the three stream logic stays the same across the island. In the green bin: Paper and cardboard (rinsed and flattened) Glass: bottles, jars Plastic: numbers 1 to 7 (look under the container) Metal: ca...

How to get and load an OPUS card, choose the right fare and ride the STM metro and buses in Montreal, with tips for newcomers.

The STM is the Société de transport de Montréal. It runs the metro and the bus network on the island of Montreal. To use its services, you need an OPUS card loaded with a valid transit pass. The OPUS card is a rechargeable smart chip card. It stays with you for all your years in Montreal. It comes in two versions: The basic card — for the regular adult fare The photo OPUS card — required for re...

Used, new or lease: checks, real price, financing, warranty and SAAQ transfer.

A new car costs more and loses value fast in its first years. Its real advantages: Full warranty from the manufacturer No unknown history: no hidden accident, no debt Reliability and recent technology For a first vehicle on arrival, many newcomers choose used. New makes sense if you plan to keep the car for many years. Private seller: lower price, but no warranty and more risk Dealer: higher pr...

Why credit matters, how to get a first card (secured or newcomer) and build your score.

In Canada, your credit history influences almost everything: Renting an apartment Getting a credit card with a good limit Financing a car Buying a home The credit score in Canada: 300 – 599: poor (few options) 600 – 659: fair 660 – 724: good 725 – 900: excellent (best rates) Five factors: 1. On time payments (most important) 2. Utilization rate: under 30% of your limit 3. Age of accounts 4. Typ...

Grocery shopping in Quebec: comparing IGA, Metro, Maxi and Super C, how to save money, and where to find international products.

The Quebec market is dominated by three big groups: Loblaws: Provigo (premium), Maxi (discount) Sobeys: IGA (premium) Metro Inc.: Metro (premium), Super C (discount) Each group occupies both the quality niche and the discount niche, with two distinct banners — a strategy to capture both affluent shoppers and price conscious ones. Quality grocers (higher prices): IGA, Metro, Provigo Wide selecti...

Quebec's statutory holidays, provincial and federal: which are paid, what closes (stores, banks, SAQ) and your rights if you work that day.

In Quebec: 8 provincial public holidays per year Plus a few federal public holidays (banks and federal government) All employees are entitled to the 8 provincial ones as paid leave The 8 provincial holidays: 1. January 1 — New Year's Day 2. Good Friday or Easter Monday (employer's choice) 3. The Monday before May 25 — National Patriots' Day 4. June 24 — Quebec National Holiday 5. July 1 — Canad...

Clothing, transport, housing, and health to get through winter without suffering.

Quebec winter lasts about 5 months (November to April). Temperatures: −15 to −30 °C, sometimes lower with windchill Snowstorms are frequent Short days (sunrise around 7:30, sunset around 16:30 in December) The most important investment: Coat rated for −30 °C, with hood and fur trim ($200 to $600) Winter boots, waterproof, with non slip soles Reliable brands: Kanuk, Canada Goose, North Face, Col...