This article is part of our series on top Canadian real estate destinations. For a full overview, check Canadian Property – Real Estate Market Explained.

Calgary: Money in the Prairie

As a highly developed city in Canada’s West, Calgary finds the balance between modernity and tradition. While Calgary is still in the lowlands, the Rocky Mountains rise impressively only 1.5 hours to the west. That means skiing, awe-inspiring hikes, and mountain bike tours, are no problem for Saturday afternoon leisure. It is a multi-cultural city, with over 120 languages spoken here. It also has great shopping districts, great restaurants, nature with rivers and hiking trails in the center and enough sights. East Village and Inglewood have been developing rapidly in recent years. East Village is undergoing a complete transformation – once a dark corner, the whole town is now drawn there to eat at the Charbar and walk along the river. Soon the National Music Center and a new library will be added.

• Over 120 languages
• 1.5 hours from Rocky Mountains

Development in Cowtown

The largest city in the western Canadian province of Alberta, With its approximately 1.4 million inhabitants, Calgary is the 4th largest city in Canada. Calgary has the longest urban bike lanes in North America at 700 km. The most important economic sector in Calgary is the oil and gas trade. Additionally, Canadian immigration law imposes certain strict restrictions. Anyone wishing to work in Canada abroad must meet requirements that are recorded in a central points system and evaluated accordingly. Infrastructural improvements and social projects have clearly been transforming the district for a long time. The city had a population of 1,285,711 in 2019, with a massive GDP of USD$97.9 billion.

• No Provincial Sales Tax
• GDP: USD$97.9 bio.
• Pop. 1.29 mio.

Economic Slope… Upwards

Many large corporations have their headquarters for Canada in Calgary. Sales and organization of petroleum products and natural gas play the main role. Despite the diversification that has been pursued since the 1980s, Calgary’s economy is still heavily influenced by the gas and petroleum industries. This is reflected in the median income of CAD103.400. Companies such as BP, Canadian Natural Resources, EnCana, Imperial Oil, Pembina Pipeline, Petro-Canada, Shell, Suncor Energy, Precision Drilling and TC Energy are headquartered in Calgary. Scientific and research institutions and an increasingly differentiated service industry prepare an increasingly broad spectrum of economic sectors and professional fields.

• Median income CAD103.400

Property Investment: State of the Art

Of the total GDP growth experienced in Canada, over 50% were a result of real estate. In Calgary, the boom in the oil industry provoked a construction boom. When what is under construction is completed, office space in Calgary will grow by about 16 percent to 5.8 million square meters. This points to rapidly growing vacancies and declining rents. In the graph below, you can see the typical choice in real estate for Calgary home-owners. The most popular type of housing in Calgary is a single-detached home with 5084 dwelling starts. This is 241% more than apartments at 2106. The median house price in Calgary is CAD415.000.

• Single-Detached homes most popular
• Median house price CAD415.000.

Map: Prairie and Mountains

Drone: Cinematic Calgary

A view of downtown Calgary gives a peak into the beautiful inner city.

Districts: Mix and Match

Calgary, like most cities in Canada, has a wide span of cultures and communities. Much like Toronto, these thrive in a city which has its economic center in its downtown. The city is split by the elbow river, leaving many waterside parks and buildings. Few cities are as modern, while still remaining true to its culture and history.

Inglewood: Canada’s Brooklyn

Calgary’s oldest neighborhood, just east of downtown, is home to numerous antique and book stores, home furnishings stores, a popular record store, restaurants, bakeries and custom boutiques. Much like New York‘s Brooklyn, this is probably the hippest and most creative neighborhood in the city, there are cool stores beyond the mainstream and many restaurants & cafes. You won’t find many mansions or villas here, but new-age penthouses and lofts with high ceilings and modern atmosphere.

Altadore: Multi-Million Townhouses

Altadore is one of the trendiest quarters of the city. The eclectic character of the neighborhood is reflected in the streets themselves, with million-dollar fill-ups being built next to a variety of character houses. Marda Loop is a popular shopping destination, while the indie cafes and restaurants are popular with gourmets and hipsters alike. While there are a variety of nightlife options in and around the neighborhood, there are also inconspicuous options in Elbow River, River Park or Sandy Beach Park. Both excellent places for dog walks, picnic lunches and a leisurely weekend lunch.

East Village: Industrial Chic

“The East Village wasn’t always the kind of place that decent folk wanted to be seen,”

East Village is one of its up-and-coming areas. But hte now trendy hispter district owns it and not only owns it, wears it as a badge of honour. Old buildings in industrial style show that it is one of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods and provide a stunning contrast against modern condo complexes, hotels, and public art.

Brentwood: Warm and Friendly

This beautiful northwestern neighborhood wins many points for its strategic location, between Nose Hill Park, Shaganappi Trail, Crowchild Trail and the LRT line, which allows residents to get away from it all by car or on foot if they feel like it, and ensures that downtown is still just a quick drive away. A family-friendly neighborhood, this time in the northwest quadrant of the city, Brentwood, is very popular with students. It is known in the city as the recreational hub, is the perfect neighborhood for sporty families and active students. Brentwood has also frequently been on the list of top neighborhoods. There are good transportation links that make it easy to get around the city. At the same time, the neighborhood will make sure you never want to leave.

• 6,941 inhabitants

Kensington: In the Hustle-and-Bustle

Kensington is over 100 years old and remains a great downtown shopping area for tourists and a popular destination for locals to date and hang out. Calgary’s hip “village within the city” invites you to drink a latte, eat in one of the many ethnic restaurants or watch a movie in the historic Plaza Theater. Although it is a small business district, about four blocks by four blocks, shaped like two sides of a square, so it’s easy to walk around and see everything. This quarter has about 270 stores and services. There are some cool historical buildings combined with modern architecture. It has a cool and often bizarre impression of the variety of stores and public art.

Calgary: Large Scale Sights

Calgary is unique from its neighbours for its culture, high-end and prestigious offerings, and major money history. Most important parts of these are The Calgary Stampede, the Calgary Olympic Park, and The Calgary Tower.

The Stampede – Cowboys in the 21st Century

The Calgary Stampede is held every July, and is the largest rodeo event and agricultural exhibition in the world. For ten days, the city is transformed into a Mecca for Western fans. It attracts over one million visitors. International cowboys compete in the rodeo, covered wagon races are held and with many musical events, the Calgary Stampede is the annual highlight for locals and tourists alike. All this ensures that the festival lives up to its reputation as the “Greatest Outdoor Show in the World”.

Skiing, Bobsled, and Apres-Ski… in Downtown

The sports facilities of the 1988 Winter Olympics can still be visited today. For example Win Sport’s Calgary Olympic Park with the Olympic ski jump and the fastest rope slide in North America, which you can see on your left hand side when leaving the city towards Banff National Park. Located within the city, just a few minutes drive from pretty much anywehre in downtown. You can also go on a breakneck ride in the ice channel in a bobsled. For skiing and snowboarding there are 4 km of slopes available. 2 lifts transport the guests. The winter sports area lies at an altitude of 1,130 to 1,246 m.

Calgary Tower – Iconic Views

The Calgary Tower is 191 m high and thus West Canada’s highest observation platform (i.e. excluding buildings). Right in downtown Calgary, it rises above the rooftops of the city and offers a 360-degree panoramic view. The floor is made of glass so you can look straight down. For people with a fear of heights, a major challenge. Often confused for the similar (but smaller) CN Tower in Toronto, the entrance fee to this monument also includes a multimedia tour that uses state-of-the-art technology to tell you about Calgary’s history, landmarks and future design.

Calgary Short Trip

The most important infos for a short trip to Calgary.

Flight: The nearest airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC). Most flights from Europe arrive at Calgary International Airport around noon, as does ours. It takes a while to have your luggage and entry stamp. The drive to the city center takes only 20 minutes. The following routes will take you into the city:

• The Calgary Transit Bus 300 (Route 300 – BRT Airport / City Centre) will take you to the city center for $9.50
• From the airport to the city center you can take a cab for about 40$. Don’t forget: 10-15% tips are common in Canada.

Train: Traveling by train is unusual and expensive in Canada. The railroad is aimed more at tourists than at normal travelers with its offers. In spring and summer ‘The Canadian’ of VIA Rail Canada runs the Toronto-Winnipeg-Edmonton-Jasper-Vancouver route. All trains arrive at Pacific Central Station (intersection of Main St & Terminal St, Skytrain Station: Main Street).

Car: You can reach Calgary via the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway Two, also known as the Queen Elizabeth II Highway. The Trans-Canada Highway runs from coast to coast and connects Calgary with Banff National Park, for example. The Queen Elizabeth II Highway runs north to Edmonton and south to the border with the USA

Accommodation: Hotel Le Germain across from Calgary Tower is a classic and chic destination. For a more traditional taste, the regal Fairmont Palliser. If you have an early flight, check out the “in-terminal” hotel, Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel.

This article is part of our series on top Canadian real estate destinations. For a full overview, check Canadian Property – Real Estate Market Explained.

There’s None Like it

Vancouver is a big city, with luxurious ambitions. It is one of Canada’s educational and research strongholds with two renowned universities and numerous research institutions, such as the National Research County of Canada, which includes 20 research institutes. Around 2.3 million people live in the metropolitan region of Vancouver on the Pacific coast, and it ranked sixth place in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s liveability index and the third in Mercer’s list. The prosperity of the metropolis is based on the timber industry and the port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest seaport. Through the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver presented itself to a global audience and, above all, invested heavily in its transportation infrastructure. The Vancouver Stock Exchange is a smaller regional exchange and cannot compete with the Toronto Stock Exchange. Important industrial sectors in Vancouver are forestry and mining. Canada is generally rich in many raw materials and a big player in the international raw materials export trade.

• 6th Most Livable City in the World

Packed Real Estate Market

Vancouver is an ideal place to live, visit and work. A very young city with many modern buildings, it is the third largest city in Canada and only 45 kilometers from the border with the USA. Together with Toronto and Montreal, the most important economic and financial metropolis of Canada. If you’re looking to invest in property, house prices are currently the number one topic of conversation in the city, and hardly a day goes by without them being mentioned in the press or on television. According to the “Housing Trends and Affordability” by the Royal Bank of Canada, the cost of buying a detached single-family home now amounts to 109% of median income. The national average is 51%. There are many reasons for this development: Demand has risen massively more strongly than supply. While the latter is limited not least by geographical factors, demand continues to rise steadily, as foreign investors and immigrants discovered after the 1986 Expo or the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler that Vancouver is a great place to live. The median house price in Vancouver is CAD942.000, much higher than e.g. Calgary‘s CAD415.000.

• Single-Family House costs 109% of Median Income
• Population: 2,3 mio.
• Median house price CAD942.000.

Map: Comfort by the Sea

Drone: Vancouver Views

Vancouver and its surrounding nature are better viewed than told.

Districts: Gastown, Yaletown + More

Vancouver has many faces, meaning there are different and unique districts. While most of the high-rise buildings are located in downtown, it gets more comfortable in neighborhoods like Gastown, West End or Granville Island. Also very cozy is the somewhat smaller district of Yaletown.

Gastown: The Epicenter

The historic Gastown is located in the center of Vancouver. Landmark of the former trade and financial center is the famous steam clock, Gastown’s great brick houses and lanterns, are reminiscent of London. It awakes especially in the evening hours when the many restaurants and pubs invite you to eat and drink in the dim light of the old street lamps. It was a Gastown Tavern that, founded in 1867, made Vancouver a growing city. Gastown is not big, but it has a very special effect. It is one of the oldest quarters of the city and exudes a certain charm. Simply wonderful. While the cobblestone streets and vintage style can still be seen, Gastown itself has become a top address for food, fashion and entertainment.

West End: Sunset Promenade

Right next to downtown Vancouver is the West End, which is known as the gateway to the famous Stanley Park. Historic buildings, parks, bars and restaurants are waiting for you and if you love ramen and Korean food you are in the right area. Also notable, the Inukshuk statue that inspired the logo for the 2010 Olympics on the promenade. And of course the beach where you can watch the magnificent sunset. Robson Street has some of the best shopping in town. The West End is also not far away from Stanley Park.

Kitsilano: Hippie Mecca Becomes Suburbia

What makes this district so special is its proximity to the beach. Kitsilano Beach with its tennis courts, a great green area just around the corner and the beautiful view of the English Bay. Kitsilano is located on West 4th Avenue. The main street – littered with stores, restaurants and bars – fills up quickly on weekends. Once a center for hippies, Kitsilano is now home to a colorful mix of working singles and families who enjoy an active lifestyle. The neighborhood is also known for some of the best new restaurants in Canada, including the AnnaLena and Mission.

Yaletown: True Downtown

Yaletown is characterized by several large glass towers that dominate the skyline of Vancouver. In addition to modern apartments, this hip district also offers parks, designer stores, high-end restaurants and bars. It is known for these pubs and bars. Along the Mainland and Hamilton Street, one follows the other. Yaletown was not always a meeting place for trendsetters, but then many of the red brick buildings were converted into special rooms, houses, restaurants and stores. So the luxury lounge where cocktails are sipped today may well have once been a textile factory. Like many other downtown districts of Vancouver, Yaletown is located on the famous waterfront. There you can jog, ride your bike or go for a walk and have a great view of the city skyline and False Creek.

Unique Nature

Vancouver is known for its striking location between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. This means you may find yourself walking along kilometer-long caribbean sand beaches with massive mountains behind you. Not to miss is also the rainforests. The 2009 movie Avatar was filmed in the rainforests around Vancouver. Some trees here are over 1000 years old, over 80 meters high and have trunks as thick as an elephant. Whistler, the legendary ski and mountain resort famous for its deep snow and steep runs is just 1.5 hours away, with countless others scattered across the region.

Vancouver Short Trip

The most important infos for a short trip to Vancouver.

Flight: The nearest airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which is about 20 minutes from the city (only 12 km to the city center). The following routes will take you into the city:

• By train via Canada Line
• With one of the many shuttle services like the “Go Airport Shuttle”.

The airport is relatively small, so you cannot get lost as quickly as at many other large airports. Should this happen, the staff is always very friendly and helpful.

Train: Traveling by train is unusual and expensive in Canada. The railroad is aimed more at tourists than at normal travelers with its offers. In spring and summer ‘The Canadian’ of VIA Rail Canada runs the Toronto-Winnipeg-Edmonton-Jasper-Vancouver route. All trains arrive at Pacific Central Station (intersection of Main St & Terminal St, Skytrain Station: Main Street).

Accommodation: There are hotels of all kinds for pretty much any desires. For those looking for a traditional experience the St. Regis is a top destination. Otherwise the Burrard, right on Robson street is a popular desitnationf or its youthful atmosphere.

This article is part of our series on top Canadian real estate destinations. For a full overview, check Canadian Property – Real Estate Market Explained.

The Superstar City in Canada

Toronto is an economic powerhouse, but also a cultural center, found mostly around the old town, famous for its music scene and its particularly varied gastronomy. The Toronters are also very fond of sports. On game days, the whole city is feverish – in summer with basketball, in winter with ice hockey. 130 kilometers away are Niagara Falls and the city of Niagara Falls (Ontario), and from Toronto there are numerous offers for day trippers. About 320 kilometers down the St. Lawrence River are the Thousand Islands, a group of about 1,800 small islands that can be explored by excursion boats. Downtown Toronto has more than 100 skyscrapers higher than 100 meters, the second highest number of high-rise buildings in North America after New York City. In addition to its beautiful location on Lake Ontario, it is also home to one of the largest and most beautiful airports in the Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ.

Booming Economy

Toronto’s central location, along with a host of political policies favouring international trade, places this city with the greatest economic ties to, and influence from, the United States. Since the second half of the 20th century the city has grown phenomenally, from a rather sedate provincial town-“Toronto the Good”-to a lively, thriving, cosmopolitan metropolitan area. With the surrounding communities, Toronto makes up the Golden Horseshoe, the largest metropolitan area in Canada, with 8 million inhabitants. Moreover, the city is positioned on the edge of some of the best farmland in Canada, with a climate favorable to growing a wide range of crops, thereby making Toronto a transportation, distribution, and manufacturing center, as demonstrated by the fact that it is home to the TSX (Toronto Stock Exchange). Toronto’s population growth has increased by 1.2%, from 0.5% to 1,7%, between 2013 and 2020.

• Size: 632 square km
• Metropolitan area 5,905 km2
• Population: 2,73 mio. (2016)

Investing in Torontonian Property

Over 50% of Canada’s GDP growth were a result of real estate. Toronto makes up a significant proportion of this growth. The good location on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario has led to continuous population growth in recent decades. Compared to the typical temperatures in Canada, the climate in Toronto is still considered moderate, which is due to its southern location on the outer edge of the country. With a GDP of 276.313 mio. Dollars, Toronto is the forty-first economically strongest city in the world. In Canada, along with Montreal and Vancouver, it is the hottest real estate market. The median house price in Toronto is CAD686.000.

• GDP of $276.313 Mio.
• One of Canada’s hottest real estate markets
• Median house price CAD686.000.

Map: Lake Metropolis

Drone: Flying through Toronto

Toronto’s unforgettable skyline is beautiful from almost everywhere, but rarely seen from up above.

Districts: Markets and Drake Hotel

Toronto is home to many growing, diverse cultures. From all around the world, all walks of life, and all aspirations. There is youthful atmosphere, cozy streets and big city flair.

Leslieville: Rising Residential

Leslieville in East Toronto is one of the neighborhoods where a lot has already happened and is constantly changing. The many small cafés and restaurants in the neighborhood are always full of people of all ages. Many creative people and young families move into the new apartments that are being built everywhere or are being built in old factory buildings. The older ones have been living for years mainly in the side streets of Queen Street East, where there are whole rows of pretty brick houses from times gone by. And they have a garden in the middle of the city.

Queen West: Second Coolest in the World

In Queen West you can find practically everything that is cool. Super shopping, numerous art and design studios and a variety of music events and good restaurants – and all this against the backdrop of historic buildings. Walking through the streets you’ll find hidden galeries, and boutique hotels like ‘The Drake. No wonder Vogue has called West Queen West the second coolest neighborhood in the world!

Kensington Market: Downtown Bohemia

Kensington Market is like a small Toronto in the middle of Toronto. This quarter is between Spadina Avenue and Dundas, Bathurst and College Street, which is characterized by many small, colorfully painted houses. In Kensington everything is very workmanlike. Few big department stores, and no white tablecloths in the restaurants. There is also much cultural diversity. You meet pensioners as well as their grandchildren. Over the years, immigrants from the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Vietnam have made their home here and left their own mark on the neighborhood.

Liberty Village: Industrial Chic

Liberty Village is located on the west side of the city just behind the tracks of the stadium. The young creative and often career oriented people, live here in high-rise housing estates, most of which are surrounded by large green spaces. Former factories in old buildings have been transformed into apartments, cafes and restaurants. The industrial soul lives on through the new residents: start-ups, digital agencies and advertising agencies. Liberty Village looks completely different.

A look at the high rises around the Bay Street area.

Toronto: Uniquely Situated

Toronto is not just another North American metropolis. It is uniquely situated in its surround nature, with the legendary Canadian Shield, and extremely fertile farmland. This surely fed its rapid economic rise, but nowadays it is home to startups, tech-companies, as well as established big names such as Bell Canada and the Alderwoods Group.

Unique Geography

The melting of ice from the last Ice Age shaped the landscape of the Toronto region. About 11,000 years ago, in place of today’s Lake Ontario, there was the Lake Iroquois, much larger and deeper. The shores of which are still found about 12 kilometers inland from the shores of Lake Ontario. With the opening of the St. Lawrence River, the water of the lake receded. Over time, the water levels rose to their present level, leaving a marshy shoreline but a beautiful natural harbor. Another physical feature is Toronto’s location at the mouth of the Humber River. Apart from this, the city’s terrain is almost uniformly flat, formerly being the lake floor. The resources of the surrounding land have also been important to Toronto’s development. The rich sedimentary soils of southern Ontario offered excellent farmland, and the ancient rocks of the Canadian Shield in the north were not only a source of valuable mineral resources, but also covered with spruce and pine forests.

Economic Juggernaut

Toronto is the headquarters of the five largest banks in Canada, including the Toronto-Dominion Bank and the Royal Bank of Canada. The Royal Bank of Canada is the largest bank in the country with over 60,000 employees. The leading Canadian financial institution has the largest branch network in Canada with around 1,300 branches. Since 1997, only electronic PC trading via the Computer Assisted Trading System (CATS) have been available at the TSX.The financial metropolis Toronto has the oldest bank in Canada, the Bank of Montreal, which was founded in 1817. Since the mid-1990s, Toronto has had a higher unemployment rate than the average in Ontario. The average household in the metropolis generates around 80,000 Canadian dollars a year. The economy of the Canadian metropolis in eastern Canada is now very broadly based with numerous corporations.

Global Culture

Toronto is also the ideal place to practice globalization. With five and a half million inhabitants, the Greater Toronto Area is one of the largest North American megacities. But it is much safer, and the social differences are less pronounced. The region (and perhaps all of Canada) has found a way to offer people a new home without taking away their old one. The immigrants are young, come from all over the world and shape the entire city life.

Toronto Short Trip

The most important infos for a short trip to Toronto.

Flight: Toronto Pearson is one of the biggest airports in the world. It is located in the suburb of Mississauga and is well connected to the city by train, bus, cab and via ferry. It takes 17 minutes from the airport to the Union Station in downtown by Car, or 25 minutes by bus. But there’s another airport in town. For North American jetsetters, the Billy Bishop Airport is optimal. Renowned for its beautiful location and the view of the city and lake Ontario when arriving, it has destinations such as Boston, Montreal, Chicago, or New York.

Accommodation: There are hotels of all kinds in the city. Many accommodations are located in the skyscrapers in downtown Toronto. There are also established luxury hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton and the legendary Drake Hotel. Additionally, in some districts there are chic, small boutique hotels.

Toronto Stock Exchange: Canada’s Money Headquarters

Bay Street is the hub for all financial exchanges and the hub for the Toronto Stock Exchange.

One Year

The one year graph of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Three Years

The three year graph of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

This article is part of our series on top Canadian real estate destinations. For a full overview, check Canadian Property – Real Estate Market Explained.

Montreal: Culture and Luxury

The second largest city in Canada, and the largest city in Canada’s only french-speaking province, this bustling island metropolis infuses Europe and North America. The bilingual city is famous for its cultural attractions. Music, arts and food, as well as a growing scene for international startups and academics. The city is built around the historic mont-royal, a mountain with a park conceived by the same designer of the central park. It is edged in the south by the skyscrapers which make up the city’s iconic skyline, and to the east with hip, youthful multicultural communities.

An Economic Hotspot

It is differentiated from similar cities such as Toronto and Vancouver through its historical french roots as well as a booming financial sector, which has seen the city become the number one spot for real estate investments. Because of its similarities with New York, and grand architectue, the city is also a center of film and television production. The 1.5 million inhabitants are housed in a large metropolitan area of 4.259 km². Construction is everywhere in Montreal. One-way streets, bus lanes and bicycle paths areas are increasingly pushing back individual traffic – and improving the once poor air. Green walls and roof gardens, created by techno-farmers with cutting-edge knowledge mean this city is future-oriented, and sure to be a hotspot for many more years.

Top companies such as Air Canada, the National Bank of Canada, and Bombardier have their headquarters here. Its economy is highly diversified with a strong French speaking segment. Manufacturing is the traditional economic base for Montréal, but this industry is increasingly moving out of the city. Other important industries include food, beverages and tobacco. Yet, much more interesting is the significant growth in new industries such as aerospace, drug research, electronics, video games and computer programming. The Port of Montréal is the largest inland port in the world handling 26 million tons of freight per year.

• 1.5 million inhabitants
• Home to growing markets of new industries

Property Investment: The Place to Be

Of the total GDP growth experienced in Canada, over 50% were a result of real estate. With a GDP increase in 3%, Montreal was first in 2019 for all Canadian cities. This growth is largely down to it being the fastest growing real estate market in Canada and the first choice for real estate investments in the country. Experts say that it is set apart from other luxury cities like Toronto and Vancouver through its security against housing disasters. Not only is there high demand for housing, but construction for properties as well. In June, 15,445 there were rental units were under construction, 3.14% more than in the previous month. Representing an increase of 30.36% compared with the same month of the previous year. Much of Montreal’s housing is based around rentals, with up to 2000 properties operating as full-time airbnb or other rental suites. The median house price in Montreal is CAD306.000.

• 3% increase in GDP
• Massive rental unit construction
• Median house price CAD306.000.

Map: On the Coast

Districts: Little Italy to Big City

Montreal is home to many growing communities of diverse cultural origins and youthful atmosphere, with cozy streets and modern locations. Nonetheless, a bustling industry finds place in the city centre with glass fronted skyrises.

Vieux-Montreal (Old Montreal): Cobblestone in the Metropolis

Vieux-Port is home to some of the city’s historic center, with antique buildings and picturesque streets traveled by horse-drawn carriages. Situated right on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, it offers numerous riverfront properties, including a view of the old clock tower. The Old Port is home to museums, festivals, food stalls and outdoor athletics. On summer nights, street performers and artists compete for space in the Jacques Cartier Square, surrounded by extensive restaurant terraces, while the cobbled streets of Rue St. Paul and Rue Notre-Dame offer quiet galeries and atmospheric wine bars to take a breather. In the winter, the vieux-port houses events like the “Igloofest”, or an ice rink with mulled wine. These aspects make it the perfect location for investors looking for properties with a homely atmosphere and a traditional home.

Plateau-Mont-Royal: Artists and Academics

This large district,in the northeast of downtown Montreal, is home to the largest number of artists per capita in Canada and creates a unique living environment. Two of the city’s main arteries – Rue St-Denis and Boulevard St-Laurent – have their busiest sections as they cut across the plateau. Numerous boutique stores, apportez-votre-vin (BYOB) restaurants, bars and cafés line many streets of the plateau. It is also home to the Mile-End neighbourhood, with the highest level of education per capita in North America, as well as some of the best food and restaurants in Canada. While the Plateau is still affordable, rents have risen faster than the city average because the plateau is considered the place to live. The most hip artists, students and academics call this place home.

• Founded in 1870 as Côte-de-la-Vision

A crossing in Ville-Marie, where Universities, financiers, and luxury apartments live side-by-side

Ville-Marie: Montreal’s Manhattan

Ville Marie is the financial and economic center of Montreal, including the main commercial streets. It is attractive to property investors because of its bustling, cosmopolitan area with internationally renowned universities and corporate headquarters. With constant growth in population. While the western half of Ville Marie is lined with skyscrapers, those who move here will find release from the hustle and bustle in the eastern part, which includes the Latin Quarter, the Village and Old Montreal, with a community atmosphere and restaurants, small stores and delicatess stores. This area often becomes a filming location for hollywood productions, because of its visual similarity to New York.

• 89.170 inhabitants

Rosemont: Markets and Cozy Streets

Rosemont is a stylish homely area. Among others, it is home to Little Italy, is a small neighborhood where the best sounds, taste and culture of the old country are at home. As well as the Jean-Talon Market, a bustling farmers’ market with fresh food and delicacies. There is also some incredible shopping in the area including Deuxieme Edition, a vintage designer shop. While it is less expensive to rent or buy properties, its location in the center of downtown and close proximity to all other hip districts make it a welcome alternative for newcomers.

Outremont: Away from the Hustle-and-Bustle

A cultural mix of French expatriates, Hasidics, along with upper class Montrealese, form a unique collection of communities in Outremont. Located on the north side of Mount Royal and west of Mile End. With a wealth of Victorian Villas, quality stores, cafes, restaurants and parks, Outremont prides itself on a high quality of life. The downtown area behind the mountain is largely hidden from view, meaning it is perfect for families who are seeking a quieter area, without losing touch to the city. Prices for luxury properties are high here, and only increasing.

Montreal: Unlike any other

Montreal is a city difficult to compare to any other. Its architecture is often likened to New York, its massive port to Hamburg, the financial district to Frankfurt, but its startup scene is more like Berlin. While all this is taking place in a french-speaking city in Canada. Its history is similarly uncomparable.

Bilingual

One of the most attractive aspects of Montreal’s unique style is because it was founded and first populated by french settlers, and later by the British. This means it is a city with two hearts, and everywhere you go you are greeted with “bonjour, hi”. It therefore signifies a unique investment market. In recent years, french emigrants have been the second largest immigrant group in the province. Montreal, is the American dream à la française. Many French people in particular, without necessarily having to be Canadian citizens, have settled in “Le Plateau” in Montréal, a former working-class neighborhood with tree-lined streets and two or three-story houses, which now has many cafés and restaurants. Residents say you can finally find decent bakeries and delicatessens here.

Island Life

Montreal itself is on an island. Meaning an expanse of waterfront properties and views of the famous St.-Lawrence River. But there are more islands around, such as the Île Ste-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame which were built out of the rubble of the construction of its famous metro system. On Île Ste-Hélène is La Ronde, the major amusement park with the highest double wooden roller coaster in the world and a massive terrain where among others, the world-famous Osheaga festival takes place. On Île Notre-Dame is the Casino de Montréal, which includes gaming tables and more than 3,200 slot machines, a racing track, home to the Montreal Grand Prix, and a swimming lake.

The Underground City

The underground city is an infrastructural feat. It is a series of underground structures and tunnels that provide citizens with cool shortcuts and unique architecture. It is part of one of the largest subway networks in the world, shopping, including a massive mall, and over 30 km of tunnels. This means that within the city, many commutes can be done without ever having to brave the cold during the winter months.

Getting to and Around Montreal

Montreal has an extensive Metro subway network, used by high executive financiers and students alike. It is also home to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (named after Pierre-Elliot Trudeau, the current prime minister Justin Trudeau’s father), the third busiest airport in Canada, only bested by Toronto and Vancouver. It is also the fastest growing, with 4,5% more passengers this year than last.

From the airport, situated right next to the city centre, it’s just 15 minutes to the central station in the heart of downtown by car.

Montreal as an Economic Powerhouse

Montreal’s immense growth in recent times, and financial success is historically supported. For a long time it has been the financial centre of Quebec, and a big player in Canada. In 2008, a merger of Montreal’s and Toronto’s stock exchanges means that Toronto is the true financial centre.

Toronto Stock Exchange: Canada’s Money Headquarters

King Street is the hub for all financial exchanges and the hub for the Toronto Stock Exchange.

One Year

Three years