Nov 05, 2026 Long Distance Moving Services
Posted by: Mcmmanager
More and more people are packing up in Montréal and heading west. Some move for work in Calgary, some for the lakes and orchards of the Okanagan, and others for the ocean in Vancouver, Victoria or Nanaimo. If you are one of them, this guide will help you compare the most popular destinations, understand what makes a move from Québec different, and plan a smooth long-distance move. For distances, ferries and a week-by-week checklist, see our guide to moving from Montréal to Calgary, Vancouver or Vancouver Island.
The numbers show a clear trend. According to Statistics Canada, Alberta recorded the largest net gain from moves between provinces for 14 quarters in a row, up to the end of 2025. British Columbia also gained more people from other provinces than it lost in the last quarter of 2025, while Québec lost 1,579 people to other provinces in that quarter, more than a year earlier.
Moving companies that handle cross-Canada moves are seeing the same thing: more households booking moves from Montréal to Alberta and BC. People usually mention three reasons: job opportunities, especially in Alberta; the chance to buy a home or get more space; and a lifestyle close to mountains, lakes or the ocean.
Calgary is the most common Alberta destination for people leaving Montréal. It offers a large job market, a young population and quick access to the Rockies. Winters are cold but often sunny, and chinook winds can bring sudden warm spells. Many families also look at nearby towns such as Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere and Okotoks for newer homes and more space. Calgary is about 3,700 km from Montréal by road. Our Calgary movers can help once you arrive, from unloading to setting up furniture.
The Okanagan Valley is one of the fastest-growing parts of BC. People choose it for warm summers, lakes, wineries and a slower pace of life. Kelowna is the largest city, with Vernon to the north and Penticton to the south. The drive from Montréal is about 4,300 km, usually through Calgary and over the Rockies. Summer is the busiest season in the Okanagan, and smoke from wildfires can affect travel in some years, so leave room in your schedule.
Vancouver offers mild winters, a large job market and an international feel, but housing is expensive. Many newcomers rent or buy in nearby cities such as Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam or Surrey. Most condo and apartment buildings ask you to book the elevator and loading zone for moving day, so check the rules early.
Victoria, the capital of BC, attracts people who want an ocean setting, some of the mildest winters in Canada and a smaller city. Nanaimo, about 110 km north, is often more affordable and is close to the Island’s beaches and trails. Both are reached by BC Ferries from the mainland, so your moving truck needs a ferry reservation. In summer and on long weekends, waits can be long, so plan an extra day.
Many Quebecers want their children to keep studying in French. Both provinces have French-language public school boards: in Alberta, Conseil scolaire FrancoSud serves Calgary and southern Alberta, and Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord serves the Edmonton area. In BC, the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique runs French schools across the province, including in Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo and the Okanagan. Children of French-speaking parents are often eligible, but check with the school board before you move. French immersion programs in English schools are also common in both provinces.
You will also find francophone community centres, cultural events and French services in larger cities. Joining one is a good way to meet people and settle in faster.
Avoid the days around July 1 if you can. In Québec, many leases end on June 30, and demand for movers, trucks and crews is extremely high. Summer is busy across Canada, so book your long-distance mover 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Fall and early spring are often easier to book and can cost less.
The cost of moving across Canada depends on the distance, the size of your home, packing services, access at both homes, the season and storage. Ask for an on-site estimate or a video survey so your quote is based on what you actually own. A move to Victoria or Nanaimo also includes the ferry fare for the truck.
Many people fly to their new city and let the movers handle their belongings. If you prefer to drive, plan about four to five days to Calgary and five to six days to Vancouver or the Okanagan. In winter, check DriveBC and 511 Alberta before the mountain sections, and book overnight stops in advance. If your family has two cars, you can ship one with a vehicle transport company instead of driving both.
Moving across the country costs more for every extra item, so it pays to sort your belongings before you get quotes. Before you book, ask yourself these questions:
After you move, apply for health coverage in your new province, exchange your Québec driver’s licence and register your vehicle. In Alberta, health coverage starts on the first day of the third month after you settle, if you apply within three months, and BC has a similar waiting period. Your Québec coverage continues in the meantime, but confirm the details with the RAMQ before you leave. You can find more details in our Montréal to Western Canada moving guide.
My City Movers handles long-distance moves to and within British Columbia and Alberta. Your belongings travel in a dedicated truck, not mixed with other customers’ loads, and every move includes free liability and cargo insurance. Our crews can also pack your home and store your belongings if your new place is not ready on arrival.
Moving to Calgary, Kelowna, Vancouver, Victoria or Nanaimo? Get a free quote and tell us your moving date and the size of your home.
Statistics Canada data shows Alberta has had the largest net gain from moves between provinces for 14 quarters in a row. People often move for jobs, more affordable housing and access to the mountains.
The most popular destinations are Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, Victoria and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, and the Okanagan, especially Kelowna.
About 4,300 km by road, usually through Calgary and over the Rocky Mountains. Driving takes about five to six days.
Yes. Alberta and BC both have French-language public school boards, and French immersion is common. Check eligibility with the school board before you move.
It crosses on BC Ferries from the mainland. The truck needs a reservation, and the ferry fare is usually part of your moving quote.
Fall and early spring are often easier to book. Avoid the days around July 1, when demand for movers in Montréal is highest, and book 6 to 8 weeks ahead in summer.
Move items you love or that would be expensive to replace. Selling large, low-value pieces can lower your moving cost and simplify your move.
Yes. Winter can be quieter for movers, but mountain highways need extra care. BC requires winter tires or chains on many highways from October 1, so plan your own drive carefully.
Contact My City Movers with your moving date, your destination and the size of your home. We will prepare a clear quote, with no surprises on moving day.
Source: Statistics Canada, Canada’s population estimates, fourth quarter 2025 (released March 18, 2026).
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