Moving from BC to Quebec: What to Know Before You Go

Key takeaways

• Vancouver to Montreal is about 4,600 km by road, one of the longest household moves in Canada.
• Moves from BC to Quebec are priced by the weight of your belongings and the distance, not by the hour.
• July 1 is Moving Day in Quebec. If you can, avoid the last two weeks of June and the first week of July.
• Register with RAMQ for your health card as soon as you arrive. Coverage can take up to three months to start.
• You can drive on your BC licence for up to six months, then you’ll need to switch it with the SAAQ. No road test needed.

Moving from BC to Quebec is a big move, and it’s one we help people with all the time. The good news is that most of the stress comes from not knowing what to expect. So here’s the whole picture: how far it is, what it costs, when to book, and what to set up once you land.

How far is it from BC to Quebec?

Vancouver to Montreal is about 4,600 km by road, and Vancouver to Quebec City is a little further. That makes it one of the longest moves you can make without leaving the country.

Because of the distance, your belongings won’t arrive the next day. We’ll give you a delivery window when you book, so you can plan where you’ll stay in between.

How much does it cost to move from BC to Quebec?

The cost of moving from BC to Quebec depends mostly on how much your things weigh. Long distance moves in Canada are priced by weight and distance, so a one-bedroom apartment costs a lot less to move than a four-bedroom house going the same way.

Here’s a rough idea of what different homes usually weigh:

A few things can change your price:

• How much you bring. Every box adds weight. Selling or donating what you don’t need before you move is the easiest way to save.
• Packing. You can pack yourself, or we can pack for you. Full packing costs more but saves you days of work.
• Access. Stairs, long walks from the truck, or a condo elevator you need to book can all add time at either end.
• Storage. If your new place isn’t ready yet, we can store your things until it is.

The most accurate way to get a price is a free estimate. We’ll go through your home with you, room by room, so there are no surprises on moving day.

When is the best time to move to Quebec?

The best time to move to Quebec is anytime except the start of July. In Quebec, most apartment leases end on June 30, so July 1 has become an unofficial Moving Day. Thousands of households move at once, trucks are hard to find, and streets in Montreal fill up with furniture.

If your dates are flexible, spring (late April and May) and early fall (late August and September) are usually easier. Winter moves work too, but snow and cold can slow things down, especially on the drive through the Prairies and northern Ontario.

If you do need to move near July 1, book as early as you can. A few months ahead is not too early.

What to do after you move to Quebec

Quebec runs a few things differently from BC, so there’s a short list of things to set up once you arrive. Here’s what to do and when:

Your health card.

RAMQ is Quebec’s public health insurance plan, like MSP in BC. Quebec has a waiting period of up to three months before your coverage starts, and the clock only starts once you register. That’s why it’s worth registering in your first few days. In most cases, BC’s MSP keeps covering you during the wait, but call MSP before you leave to confirm your end date. Prescriptions may not be covered in between, so ask your pharmacist or look at short-term private insurance if you take regular medication.

Your driver’s licence and car.

The SAAQ is Quebec’s driving authority. It handles licences, car registration and basic car insurance, which in BC is split between ICBC and the province. You can drive on your BC licence for up to six months after you settle. Switching to a Quebec licence doesn’t need a road test, since Quebec recognizes licences from other provinces. If you’re bringing a car, you’ll need Quebec plates, and some vehicles need a mechanical inspection first. Check the SAAQ website for the exact steps for your vehicle.

Your taxes.

Your province for income tax is the province you live in on December 31. So if you move to Quebec in October, you’ll file as a Quebec resident for the whole year. Quebec also has its own tax return, filed with Revenu Québec, on top of your federal return. It’s one of the things that surprises people most, so it’s worth knowing before tax season.

Do you need to speak French in Quebec?

You don’t need to speak French to move to Quebec, but it helps a lot. French is Quebec’s official language, and government services, forms and signs are in French first. English service is available in many places, especially in Montreal, but less so outside the big cities.

One thing to watch for: residential leases in Quebec are written in French unless you and your landlord agree to another language. If you’re renting and would rather have English, ask before you sign.

Choosing where to live in Quebec

Most people moving from BC to Quebec head to Montreal for work, or to Quebec City for a quieter pace and lower rents. If you’re still deciding, these guides can help:

Planning your move from BC to Quebec?

Great Canadian Van Lines is a BC-based long distance mover, and we move families across Canada every week. Get a free estimate and we’ll walk you through the timing, the cost and everything in between.Call 1-800-665-0055 or request a free estimate online.