Story: Moving Vancouver to Montreal
I have been in Vancouver, BC, Canada since September 2012. The first 4 years, I moved a lot.
Surrey, BC → Downtown, Vancouver, BC → Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC → Near Richmond Center, Richmond, BC → Near Aberdeen Center, Richmond, BC → Near Vancouver City Hall, Vancouver → Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC → East Vancouver, BC…
If I could choose where to live without a budget limit, I would like to live in the West End, beside Stanley Park and English Bay. I don’t have much interest in Downtown, but it would be convenient. Kitsilano and North Vancouver are also nice areas.
If you find a convenient place to live, what will you do? Once you have PR, you can live anywhere in Canada. Do you only spend time in Vancouver, BC? I visited Toronto, ON, and Montreal, QC, during COVID. These cities are quite different from Vancouver, BC, each with its own unique characteristics. I chose Montreal, QC. I think the designer likes the city of Montreal for its European atmosphere, French-speaking culture (though I have no idea about it), and fewer Asians.
*Update: March 17, 2025
During my trip to Montreal in February 2025, I discovered the YouTube channel, Coolville feat.: The Life-Sized City. It features major cities across Canada, but I’m particularly drawn to the European cities. The grass is always greener, but we can’t stay in one place in 2025. We have many opportunities to travel now more than ever.
How to find a place to live in Montreal, QC
I visited Montreal in February 2025 to find a studio. I wanted to experience how cold it would be—it was brutal. Temperatures between -10 and -20 degrees were really cold. However, the inside of buildings, including hostels, was quite warm. I wore 2 down jackets and it was okay, but hands and face are so painful.
I walked around the area where I wanted to live (Le Plateau-Mont-Royal) and checked out the nearby grocery stores, imagining what life would be like there. I walked in Mile-End, Outremont, Old Montreal, The Village, Sainte-Marie, Hochelaga, Verdun, Angrignon, Montmorency, Royalmount, etc. I mainly used Facebook Marketplace for my search. I also checked Craigslist but didn’t find many listings. The UX on Craigslist wasn’t great, so I sent requests through Facebook Marketplace instead.
Only about 30% of my inquiries received a response. I was worried that even visiting Montreal in person wouldn’t guarantee that I’d find a studio. A week before my departure, I finally found a place within my budget, but the process wasn’t very smooth.
I wouldn’t have been able to make a decision if I hadn’t visited Montreal. Finding a place from Vancouver was possible, but many rentals required a one-year contract or at least a few months’ commitment. So, I have no regrets about visiting Montreal to find a studio this time.
How to find a moving company?
I Googled it and also asked ChatGPT to figure out the standard estimate. I don’t have any large equipment, so I set my maximum budget at $1,000. Once you search for moving companies in a specific area, you’ll find a lot of websites. I requested quotes from around 10 moving companies. Some rejected my request because they didn’t serve my area. A few companies quoted over $2,000, while others were around $1,500. Three to four companies quoted $795, all with the exact same pricing for up to 1,000 lbs. Even though my belongings are under 500 lbs, they still charged me for 1,000 lbs. I found only one company that charged based on a 500-lb limit—Move Me Canada. It estimated $593.
When I sent a request, I included this video:
CBC News: Secret Trackers and Hidden Cameras Show How Movers Could Rip People Off (Marketplace).
I watched it, but I wasn’t sure if I could complain solely to the moving company. It’s possible that consumers underestimate the amount of their belongings and report a lower weight to the moving company—this seems very likely. If I lived in a 2-3 bedroom home, I wouldn’t know the total weight of my belongings either. However, dishonest moving companies do exist. Be sure to check online reviews, even if the estimate seems attractive.
Update: March 16, 2025
Since I paid the deposit to Move Me Canada, I have exchanged terms a couple of times. I don’t think it’s just Move Me Canada—many moving companies have very unfair terms. They protect themselves from lawsuits from every angle. In most cases, they state that they are not responsible for any issues. I checked the terms using ChatGPT to try to understand each sentence. Without compromise, consumers in Canada have no choice but to accept these terms if they want to use a moving service. There needs to be some form of consumer protection.
What should I prepare moving to Montreal, QC?
Driver’s license and healthcare are on my mind. I can’t forget about my bank and business registry either.
1. Administrative & Legal Documents
– Driver’s License (SAAQ): Exchange your BC license for a Québec driver’s license (within 6 months). 
– Health Care (RAMQ): Apply for Québec’s health insurance (waiting period of up to 3 months)..
– Car Registration & Insurance: If bringing a vehicle, register it with the SAAQ and get Québec auto insurance.
– Permanent Address: Update your address with the government, bank, employer, and other institutions..
– Tax Considerations: Québec has different tax rates—update your residency for tax purposes.
2. Housing & Utilities
– Lease Agreement: Many rentals require at least a 12-month lease.
– Hydro-Québec: Set up electricity service.
– Internet & Mobile Plan: Compare local providers (Bell, Videotron, Fizz, etc.).
– Renters’ Insurance: Required by many landlords.
3. Banking & Finances
– Bank Account: Update your bank with your new address. Some banks may offer special services in Québec..
– Cost of Living Adjustment: Budget for slightly lower rent but higher taxes.
4. Language & Daily Life
– French Language Basics: Learning some French will be helpful for daily interactions..
– Public Transit (OPUS Card): Get a monthly pass for STM buses and the Metro.
– Winter Clothing: Invest in high-quality winter gear (coat, boots, gloves, etc.).
– Local Groceries & Stores: Explore where to buy essentials (IGA, Metro, Super C, Jean Coutu, etc.).
5. Social & Community
– Meetup & Facebook Groups: Join expat or newcomer groups for advice and networking..
– Québec Culture & Laws: Be aware of local regulations, such as rental laws and language policies.
Registered business (Including Google Business Profile) and tax
I have been working as a freelance sole proprietor in Vancouver, BC, since 2016. I use a business name to distinguish myself from an artist. I am a freelance web and graphic designer, not an artist—I have no desire to express my feelings or opinions to society. Given this, I researched what steps I needed to take to move to Montreal, QC from Vancouver, BC.
1. Register Your Business in Quebec
Since your business name is registered in BC, but you’re moving to Montreal, you must register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ) within 60 days.
Steps:
– Register for an “Enterprise Number” (NEQ) via REQ
– Declare your business as an “individual enterprise” (sole proprietorship) in Quebec
*Alternative: If you work under your own personal name, you don’t need to register in Quebec.
2. Register for Quebec Sales Tax (QST) (If Applicable)
If your annual revenue exceeds $30,000, you must register for QST via Revenu Québec
*If you are already collecting GST in BC, you can continue using your existing GST number
3. Update Your Business Address
Since you’re moving, update your business address in:
– Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) (For tax purposes)
– BC Registries (Optional—if you keep your BC registration, you may need a Quebec business registration as well)
*If you plan to return to BC, you may want to keep your BC registration active and operate in Quebec as an extra-provincial business.
4. Open a Business Bank Account (Optional, If Needed)
– If you want a local Quebec business bank account, you may need proof of registration in Quebec
– If you keep your BC bank account, ensure it still works for your business needs
5. Check for Additional Permits (If Needed)
If you work in a regulated industry (e.g., design, consulting, etc.), check if Quebec has different licensing requirements
Conclusion: This isn’t unusual, which makes me feel okay
In North America—Canada and the United States—people are always coming and going. Moving to a different province isn’t a big deal, in my opinion. However, since this is my first time, I need to make sure I avoid any penalties, especially related to taxes.
Preparing for the move reminds me of what I truly need. I’ve been in Vancouver, BC, since 2012. I have some items that aren’t necessary for daily life but are still nice to have. Even though my belongings weigh less than 500 lbs (226.8 kg)*, keeping them to a minimum is better for me.
*When looking for a moving company, they estimate the cost based on the weight of your belongings. Prices typically start at 500 lbs, and some moving companies charge a minimum of 1,000 lbs (around $800). There are many terms and conditions, and you may be charged more depending on these factors.
There is only one week left. I am now planning where to visit during that time. Walking in Stanley Park is one of the things I want to do.
