Moving From Ottawa to Montreal: Cost & Timing Guide

Ottawa to Montreal is about 200 km, or roughly two hours by car, so many moves can be finished in one day. The short drive can be misleading, though. You are crossing into Quebec, a large share of leases turn over at the same time of year, and many older apartments come with tricky stairs and tight street parking. This guide covers the cost, the best dates, parking permits and the paperwork to handle when you arrive.

Ottawa to Montreal at a glance

• Distance: about 200 km.
• Drive time: about 2 hours by car, and longer in a loaded truck or in Montreal traffic.
• Price: UpMove flat rates start from $1,500 for two movers and a truck.
• Time needed: usually one day for an apartment or smaller home.
• Dates to avoid: the last week of June and the first week of July.
• Lowest-priced dates: weekdays from the 5th to the 25th of the month.

How much does a move from Ottawa to Montreal cost?

Our long-distance moves are a flat rate, starting from $1,500 for two movers and a truck. That is a minimum, not an average. Your price depends on the volume of your belongings and the distance between your two addresses, and we confirm it after reviewing your inventory.

Like our other posted rates, this minimum applies to weekdays from the 5th to the 25th of the month. Weekends, month-ends and very busy periods cost more, which includes the days around July 1.

Other companies on this route may charge by weight, or by the hour with a travel surcharge. Whichever you choose, ask what is included before you compare prices. Our guide to the hidden costs of moving in Ontario lists what to look for.

With UpMove, your belongings stay on one dedicated truck with the same crew, with no transfers. To get an accurate quote, tell us about:

• Everything that is moving, including the basement and storage locker
• Stairs at both addresses, especially exterior staircases
• Elevators and how far the truck can park from the door
• Heavy or specialty items, such as a piano or a safe
• Whether you want packing help

Plan around July 1

Most residential leases in Quebec end on June 30, so moving trucks, crews and street space are in high demand around July 1. Our article on Quebec's July 1 moving day explains how it affects Ottawa and Gatineau residents.

If you have any flexibility, avoid the last week of June and the first week of July. A mid-month weekday outside that period is easier to book and costs less. If your lease starts on July 1, reserve your movers as early as you can and sort out parking at the same time.

Moving in winter avoids the July rush but brings snow and ice to plan for. Our winter moving guide covers what to expect.

Check the truck parking rules

Montreal does not have one rule for moving trucks. The city says you may need a permit to save a spot, and the requirements, fees and processing times depend on the borough.

A permit is commonly needed if you:

• Want to prohibit parking so the truck has space
• Are moving on a street with parking meters
• Would block a sidewalk or bike path
• Are moving on a pedestrian street

Look up the rules for your borough on the city's website as soon as you have a date. Some boroughs also ask tenants for a letter from the landlord. Once you have your permit details, send them to us. Without a spot near the door, the crew has to carry everything further, which slows the whole unloading.

Measure for Montreal stairs

Exterior staircases are a signature of neighbourhoods such as the Plateau and Rosemont, and they can be narrow and twisting. A king bed or a large dresser may not fit the way it did in Ottawa.

• Ask for photos of the stairs and entrance before moving day
• Measure your largest pieces and compare them with the turns in the stairs
• Send us the photos so we can plan how each piece goes in
• Ask about furniture disassembly for pieces that will not fit whole

Moving into a condo instead? Book the elevator with building management and ask about deposits and time limits. Our high-rise condo guide covers the same questions to ask in Montreal.

Pack as carefully as you would for a longer trip

Two hours on the highway is still enough to shift a loosely packed box. Use sturdy boxes, keep heavy items in smaller ones and label each box by room. Our long-distance packing guide goes through it step by step.

Check your coverage too. Our standard valuation is $0.60 per pound, per article, at no additional cost. If your belongings are worth more than that, we suggest full replacement value coverage. Our insurance page explains both.

Moving from Ontario to Quebec: what to update

This is the biggest difference from a move within Ontario. Plan for these steps:

• Health coverage: register with the RAMQ as soon as you arrive. Coverage usually starts after a wait of up to 3 months, which does not apply to children under 18. During the wait, your Ontario plan generally continues to cover you.
• Driver's licence: you can drive on your Ontario licence for up to six consecutive months. The exchange is by appointment, so request one early.
• Vehicle: registering a vehicle from outside Quebec starts with a call to the SAAQ, and a mechanical inspection is required.
• Winter tires: Quebec requires them from December 1 to March 15.
• Income tax: if you live in Quebec on December 31, you file a federal return and a separate Quebec return with Revenu Québec.
• School: public school in Quebec is generally in French. If you want English schooling, ask the school early about eligibility for instruction in English.

One driving habit to change right away: right turns on red are prohibited on the island of Montreal, even though they are generally allowed elsewhere in Quebec.

Renting or buying in Montreal

• Deposits: a Quebec landlord cannot require a deposit, including for keys. The only amount a landlord can ask for in advance is the first month's rent.
• Appliances: check your lease. If a fridge or stove comes with the unit, you may not need to move yours.
• Buying: municipalities charge a property transfer duty, known as the welcome tax. It is based on a sliding scale, so include it in your closing budget.

Moving from Gatineau to Montreal?

We move Gatineau households to Montreal too. You stay in Quebec, so there is no health card or licence exchange to deal with. You do need to send your new address to the SAAQ within 30 days of your move, and the Service québécois de changement d'adresse lets you notify several government departments together. The advice above on dates, parking and stairs applies the same way.

Get your Ottawa to Montreal quote

Send us your addresses, your date and a list of what is moving, and we will prepare a flat-rate quote. Get a free quote online or call (343) 988-0897. Comparing routes? Read our Ottawa to Toronto guide to see how the two trips differ.