toronto or montreal?

Question

Im planning to move to Canada to continue my education.
My uncle lives in toronto, he loves it but he says that montreal is much nicer.
I'd like to try montreal but the problem is that I cant speak any French.
advice please. Toronto or Montreal?? would my lack of french be a problem in Montreal??

im from new jersey by the way. I really like Nj but i dont like new york city. ( too dirty and crowded)

Answer 1

In Montreal you can get by w/o speaking French... but I'm sure that they would appreciate it if you learned some.

Montreal is older and has a more European feel to it. Toronto is more like Chicago or NY. I think Montreal is alos a lot dirtier than Toronto. There are tons of arts, cultural, sports, social things to do in both cities...but my vote is Toronto.

Answer 2

Toronto vs Montreal

Answer 3

I love both. Montreal is definitely nicer, some parts in Toronto are nice, some are not. I'm sure that goes the same for Montreal but since I've been there, I really loved my visits there. Your lack of French would not be a problem in Montreal. But they would speak it first in some places, i.e. the mall, they would say Bonjour, and how they can help you in French. It'd be nice to learn some more French in any case.

But let me say my 2 cents, Montreal taxes are higher than in Toronto. I know this from shopping experiences. Although in some places, rent are cheaper than in Toronto.

Answer 4

I live in Toronto but have visited Montréal on numerous occasions...I have to say that Montréal is far more lively than Toronto, particularly in the summer months with all the festivals going on and people out in the cafés on Rue Crescent, Vieux (means "Old") Montréal, and the Latin Quarter. As well, the downtown core skyline (Blvd. Rene-Levesque) is more architecturally pleasing in my opinion. Shopping is good, particularly on Rue St. Catherine and the RER (underground city - Toronto has essentially the same thing called PATH).

An aside: As others have said, most Montrealers can speak both official languages fluently, so you'll be able to get by with English (although some, for political reasons or nationalistic pride will purposely choose to speak only in French). However, if you do want to find a job while you continue your studies, investing in some French lessons can certainly pay bigger dividends in the job hunt.

Honestly though, I don't know if I would personally like to live in Montreal...I mean, among other things, there are huge parking issues (worse than in Toronto), many old and dilapidated triplexes with long staircases leading up to the entrances (a real treat to go up and down on in winter - oh and no elevators inside - in fact there seem to be a lot of residential buildings that look to be in a state of disrepair), dated subway train (very uncomfortable travel - small and no air-conditioning - unlike the subway in Toronto), and far more congestion (harder to get around the city, as there are a number of narrow streets and one-way streets - very reminiscent of Europe).

I honestly think of Montréal as a better tourist city...but for living I would choose Toronto.

Answer 5

You can get by without speaking french... I live in Montreal, but the attitudes of the French is A real B*tch... some speak both languages but if you dont' speak french you get real attitude and some ppl wont even speak English to you, its like living in an area of constant political/language feuding.... Montreal is a beautiful city to visit but not live... The economy is the pits and it is a place for employment exploitation... living costs are also extremely high... if you want a good quality of livng Toronto is a lot better! The Anglo/French battles are too much to handle... the economy is horrible... no new buissnesses invest because of political tension... and living standards are horrible... To sum it up :)

Answer 6

I live near Montreal and had friends and family live there and I lived in Toronto. Out of the two go with Toronto you don't have to learn French and personally I find the people there much nicer than in Montreal.

Also the "European charm" of Montreal is totally BS if you want that sort of thing then Quebec city is where to go and there you better speak French. Montreal and Toronto are both North American style citys and appart from the French signs you wouldn't know what city you were in in some sections.

TO has better weather but can get VERY hot and humid in the summer.

Answer 7

You should go to Montreal. The education there is wonderful and the majority of the city is english speaking or is able to speak a little bit of english. You may also be able to learn French while you are there... I am also trying to decide if I want to go to school in Montreal, but I have family in Quebec City, so that is another reason why I would go to school there.

Good Luck! Bonne Chance!

Answer 8

Both cities are great in their own ways. I actually had more fun in Toronto, and it's one of the coolest cities I've ever been to. I can't say that for Montreal, but I did like it.
You shouldn't have any problem with using English in Montreal, and you could always learn French, which is a nice language to know. I found Toronto more international, while Montreal is very Montreal. If I had to pick a Canadian city to live in it would be Vancouver. Quebec City is beautiful, really feels like you're in Europe. All in all, you'll have a great time wherever you go.

Answer 9

You will never be employed if you cannot speak French in Montreal. Besides you would hate the Quebec politics. Thus Toronto.

Answer 10

I have been living in Montreal for five months now, i knew very little French when i arrived, and although i have learn t a lot in that time, it has never been a problem. Most people are happy to speak English if you throw in a few French greetings.
Bonne chance!