Quebec being a French-speaking province is probably what makes it your favorite Canadian destination or the other exciting prospects in the country thrill you. This page satisfies your curiosity about the largest cities in Quebec. The province is distinct in many ways, and the most prominent of which is the primary language of communication which differs from the rest of the Canadian provinces. One of the reasons for this is that French persons first settled in the province centuries ago.
The first French settlers will always be felt in Quebec, from the language to the culture and style of government.
List of Cities in Quebec, Canada
By law, Quebec does not have any cities. Instead, it comprises 227 different towns known as Ville in French. To non-residents of Quebec and other English Language users, these regions could be called cities or towns, depending on their size and level of urbanization.
All recognized ‘cities’ in Quebec have the legal status of a “Ville.” For clarity, we will refer to the regions as cities or towns, or sometimes, we’ll call them Ville according to the Quebec way.
Some of the Top Quebec cities are:
- Baie-D’Urfe
- Beaconsfield
- Blainville
- Chambly
- Charlemagne
- Chateauguay
- Cote Saint-Luc
- Deux-Montagnes
- Drummondville
- Hampstead
- Kirkland
- La Prairie
- L’Ancienne-Lorette
- Levis
- Montreal
- Mount Royal
- Pincourt
- Quebec
- Richmond
- Sainte-Therese
- Saint-Lambert
- Sherbrooke
- Waterloo
- Westmount
- Windsor
Top 5 Largest Cities in Quebec for Newcomers
Montreal
Montreal is the largest city in Quebec regarding landmass and is second only to La Tuque. Most of the largest cities in Canada are located in Quebec, and some are larger than the entire province of Prince Edward Island.
Montreal is the largest province in Quebec by population and area. It is the center of commerce and tourism and a leader in every aspect of life in the province. Residents and visitors alike consider Montreal the best city in Quebec. This is no surprise, as Montreal hosts the highest number of international events in North America.
This city has many attraction points, from the Cirque de Soleil, the Vieux-Port, Jardin Botanique, and the Fine Arts Museum to Old Montreal – the gem of all the tourist attraction sites in the city.
Quebec-City
Quebec City is one of the most historical attractions in the province and is known for being the biggest city in Canada at one point. A section of the city has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because it was one of the first places Europeans settled in North America. Old Quebec is the center of all the excitement in Quebec and is always a wonder to behold with its gift shops, quality cafes, museums, children’s parks, and historic buildings.*
Did you know that Quebec City is the capital of Quebec? It’s a great place to live, with plenty of social amenities. Tourism, hospitality, business, and fashion are all thriving industries in the city. If you’re looking for a French locality with plenty of opportunities for adventure, Quebec City should be your first choice! There are several government job opportunities available in the country.
Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke is the fourth largest city in Quebec, with over 200,000 persons. The metropolitan region makes one of the cheapest cities in Canada and one of the nicest.
For the working class, the economy of Sherbrooke thrives on textile, paper, wood, diary, and rubber. Factories are abundant in this region, and industrialization is fast-growing. Therefore, we recommend Sherbrooke as a city to dwell in for families and retirees.
Recently, financial and technological hubs are beginning to spring up to complement the already existing industrialized economy.
Saint-Augustin-De-Desmaures
Looking for a moderate life outside the capital city, this is where Saint-Augustin comes in. You will have no reasons to hate this city despite the long name and the seeming small community size.
It has one of the highest standards of living in Canada, with an average annual income of about C$117,000 per household.
Moreover, the town is very close to Quebec City; you will almost not know they are two different cities.
The unemployment rate is not up to 2%, and businesses are thriving in the city. There may not be many tourist sites in the city. Still, we are proud to advise you to include Saint-Augustin-De-Demaures in your list of potential cities to reside in Quebec if you seek to make a fortune as an immigrant.
Westmount
Westmount is famous for being the wealthiest place in Quebec. Many influential persons chose the location as a residential area.
Surrounded by the larger capital city, Westmount is a contented, little, charming community. The average household earns no less than C$240,000 per annum!
Excitingly, Westmount is also an Anglophone enclave, meaning you will find more than enough English-speaking residents here.
With so much to say about Westmount, it does not rank among one of the cheapest places in Quebec.
However, most of the residents are not complaining. After all, they earn more than the average worker in the province does.
Are there Cities in Quebec that Speak English?
As is widely known, Quebec is the only province in Canada that recognizes French as the primary language of communication. Despite this, there are cities in the province where English-speaking residents are found in significant proportions.
This does not override French as the primary language. However, communicating in English is not a strange phenomenon in these places.
Some of these places are tourist areas, while some have just become randomly populated by English speakers. Regions in Quebec that speak English include but are not limited to:
- Montreal
- Westmount
- Gros-Mecatina
- Sheenboro in the Pontiac Regional County Municipality
- Bonne-Esperance
- Saint-Augustin
- Shawville
- Chichester
- Thorne
- Clarendon
Biggest Cities in Quebec
- La Tuque
- Rouyn-Noranda
- Val-d’Or
- Sept-lles
- Gaspe
- Saguenay
- Raymond
- Rimouski
- Quebec City
- Montreal
- Sherbrooke
Cities in Quebec by Population
- Montreal
- Ottawa-Gatineau
- Quebec City
- Sherbrooke
- Trois-Rivieres
- Chicoutimi-Jonquiere
- Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
- Saint-Jerome
- Chateauguay
- Drummondville
- Grandby
- Laval
- Longueuil
- Saguenay
- Levis
- Terrebonne
Cheapest Cities in Quebec
- Septiles
- Becancour
- Saint-Georges
- Rimouski
- Rouyn-Noranda
- Sainte-Marie
- Drummondville
- Val-d’Or
- Levis
- Longueuil
- Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Cities in Quebec to Visit
- Montreal
- Quebec City
- Gatineau
- Hudson Bay
- Gaspe
- Saint-Anne-de-Beaupre
- Monteregie
- Mont-Tremblant
- Montcalm
- Perce
- Trois Rivieres
- Lac Blanc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Place to Live in Quebec?
- Quebec City
- Sherbrooke
- Montreal
- Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
- Laval
- Chambly
- Gatineau
- Westmount
- Boucherville
- Mont-Royal
- Levis
- Blainville
- Saguenay
- Saint-Lambert
What is the Capital City of Quebec?
Quebec City is the capital of Quebec. Hence, Quebec and Quebec City would not mean the same thing. The former is a province, while the latter is a city in the province, which also turns out to be the capital.
Also known as the oldest city in the province, Quebec city houses many historical sites and speaks of age-long French memories.
How Many Cities are in Quebec, Canada?
According to provincial jurisdiction, no cities exist in the province of Quebec. Instead, there are jurisdictions referred to as villas in French. English-speaking persons may choose to refer to these regions as cities or towns.
Concerning the total number of Villes in the province, 227 cities or towns exist.
What is the Cost of Living in Quebec Like?
Quebec is arguably the cheapest province in Canada, with even its biggest cities ranking among the most affordable. A single person will spend approximately C$1,000 per month in the province without rent.
Families of four persons will spend about C$3,800 monthly on expenses. This also does not include rent.
Thankfully, Quebec has one of the lowest rental rates for single-room apartments or bigger houses. In the big cities, renting a single room is about C$800 while a 3-bedroom apartment is about C$1,500. In other regions, rent prices are even lower.
What Cities in Quebec are Near Montreal?
- Laval
- Longueuil
- Terrebonne
- Brossard
- Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
- Dorval
- Saint-Remi
- Beloeil
- Marieville
- Saint-Jerome
- Napieville
- Sainte-Martine
- Mont-Tremblant
What Cities in Quebec are Near Ottawa?
- Hull
- Gatineau
- Templeton
- Aylmer
- Old Chelsea
- Luskville
- Masson
Is Quebec City Safe to Visit?
Generally speaking, the province of Quebec is a haven to reside in Canada. In Quebec City specifically, the crime rate is meager.
There is little exposure to Greenhouse emissions from industrial wastes, making the city very safe in all ramifications.
If you are visiting Canada, Quebec City is also an excellent place to reside. The city is familiar with having tourists around and is very friendly to foreigners.
Is there a Train from Quebec to Montreal?
Yes. Travelers may commute between Quebec and Montreal on the railroad. In Quebec, the Railway Station is at Gare du Palais, while the Montreal Rail Station is the Montreal Central Station. It takes about three and a half hours to trip between both cities.
What Cities are Part of Greater Montreal?
- Montreal
- Laval
- Longueuil
- Terrebonne
- Brossard
- Repentigny
- Saint-Jerome
- Blainville
- Mirabel
- Dollard-des-ormeaux
- Saint-Joseph-du-Lac
- Westmount