A Guide to Office Space in Montreal
Set in the province of Quebec, Montreal is a cultural, educational, and economic hub. As Canada’s second-largest city and economy, the island is a standout location for companies seeking a new home in North America.
Many seek office space in Montreal to immerse themselves in the city’s crackling energy and high-profile business world.
Below, we explore working in Montreal, including the benefits of working in the city, the most popular business areas, and eight of our centers to work in.
Geography of Montreal
Surrounded by the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal occupies a prime position in Quebec. As such, the island offers easy access to Ottawa, Toronto, and Quebec City.
Montreal is also within easy reach of the New England and East Coast regions of the USA. These areas are home to major cities such as Boston, Providence, New York, and Philadelphia. By extension, Montreal is in a fantastic location to do business with companies in several key areas.
Top business areas in Montreal
Various Montreal neighborhoods attract businesses from all over the world. Five of the top business areas include:
- Old Montreal: The city’s birthplace, Old Montreal is full of architecture, Paris-like streets, and boutiques. As such, this neighborhood is popular with artistic businesses.
- Downtown: Downtown regions are often hotspots for financial and corporate businesses. While this is the case in Montreal, Downtown also hosts many creative organizations.
- The Plateau: A Bohemian neighborhood, The Plateau is popular with many artistic entrepreneurs. Full of green spaces, this neighborhood provides a peaceful backdrop for innovators who need space to think and create.
- The Central Business District: Sitting at the heart of Montreal, this district is a prime location for businesses looking to scale. Companies of all sizes make their mark here.
- Mile End: Popular with creatives, many artistic businesses set up in Mile End to grow their ventures. The quaint but contemporary area is multicultural, attracting a range of entrepreneurs.
Bus and subway connections run through each of these neighborhoods. There’s also a shuttle bus that runs from Downtown to the Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
Five businesses based in Montreal
Countless businesses, established and new, flourish in Montreal. Five of the most prominent include:
- The National Bank of Canada: With over 400 branches and offices throughout Canada, the country’s national bank has its roots in Montreal. It offers an array of banking, investment, and financial services to businesses of all sizes.
- The Power Corporation of Canada: Since its launch in 1925, the Power Corporation of Canada has become one of the country’s biggest companies. Its subsidiaries operate in the financial services, asset management, and renewable energy industries.
- Bombardier: One of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers, Bombardier has come a long way since launching in Montreal. The company now has operations in over 25 countries and a workforce of over 60,000.
- CGI: One of the world’s largest IT service providers, CGI supports businesses in countless sectors. These sectors range from banking and telecommunications to healthcare and government.
- Quebecor: Now one of Canada’s biggest media companies, Quebecor has scaled at speed since launching in 1965. As of 2023, it had a market capitalization of over $11 billion.
There are various offices for rent in Montreal. Finding a workspace in the right neighborhood for your business can help you scale with ease.
6 benefits of booking office space in Montreal
Thanks to its blend of French and English heritage, Montreal enjoys a diverse, historic atmosphere. It’s as multicultural as Manchester, Melbourne, or Milan.
There are plenty of office spaces for lease in Montreal. Here are six reasons to choose one and establish your company in the city.
1. Montreal's travel and accessibility
Montreal is full of convenient travel options that make getting around simple. For starters, the metro provides a safe, cost-effective way to travel all over the city. Four lines drop passengers off at key destinations.
An extensive bus system also winds throughout the island. Buses reach destinations beyond the metro network, including the airport. They also operate during night hours after the metro closes. The fare system applies to the metro and the bus system, so you can use your tickets on both.
Bike hire is popular in Montreal too. If you don’t have a bike, there are over 600 BIXI stations dotted across the city. You can rent a bike from one of these stations and drop it off at another when you’ve finished using it.
For those looking to travel from Montreal to other cities, plenty of direct train links make this possible. For those who prefer to drive or take a taxi, highway networks reach several other cities and states.
Montreal is also home to two airports. The first is Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. The second is Montreal–Mirabel International Airport. Frequent flights depart from both.
No matter where your workspace in Montreal is, these transport connections will make getting around easy.
2. Dynamic economy
Montreal is one of Canada’s business capitals and its economy is strong. Supporting this economy, trade and transportation make up its biggest sectors. These industries accounted for over 22% of employees in the city in 2020.
There are many business spaces for rent in Montreal. Securing offices here can see your company join those contributing to the city’s economy.
3. Diversity of industries
Montreal boasts a diverse industrial landscape. It encompasses everything from aerospace, with leading companies like Bombardier, to significant financial institutions, tech startups, and creative agencies.
It's also a pivotal hub for artificial intelligence research, hosting giants such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, and DeepMind.
This variety offers businesses in any sector, including smaller tech startups like Payment Trails and creative platforms like Wavo, the opportunity for substantial growth. This demonstrates Montreal's capacity to support innovation and expansion across a broad spectrum of industries.
4. Exceptional talent
Montreal is home to many world-class universities and colleges. These include McGill University, the University of Montreal, and Concordia University. These renowned academic institutions position the city as a fertile ground for accessing top-tier talent.
McGill University is especially respected. In 2023, the university was featured in the top 50 of the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings.
This academic prestige underscores the value of establishing office space in Montreal. Here, companies can tap into a rich talent pool to foster innovation and drive business growth in a city that values education and industry collaboration.
5. Quality of life
Montreal offers a fantastic quality of life for residents. The city’s positive, flexible way of life stems from its abundant employment opportunities, spacious yet affordable rents, and tranquil green spaces. It’s also well-known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly population.
This exceptional living standard is recognized by Mercer's 2023 quality of living ranking. This makes Montreal an attractive location for professionals and businesses seeking a balanced, fulfilling environment.
6. Montreal culture
Montreal offers culture, style, and food that is reminiscent of France. On the other hand, its innovation and business scene is more reflective of North America. The result is a cosmopolitan melting pot of business, entertainment, and lifestyle.
Food is essential to Montreal’s culture. Thanks to the island’s Jewish settler history, bagels are a staple. They’re sweeter and denser than the ones in New York, and some shops sell them 24/7.
Smoked meat and sliced salt beef brisket are also a popular choice in Montreal. When not served on bagels, they appear in rye sandwiches with pickles or on plates of cheese-and-gravy poutine.
How much is office space in Montreal?
The average cost to rent office space in Montreal can vary. Prices differ depending on factors like location and office size. Our offices in Montreal range from CAD 275 to CAD 429 per person per month over a 24-month contract.
These offices are lower-priced than offices in many comparable U.S. cities. For example, our San Francisco offices range from USD 225 to USD 519 per person per month. Our New York offices range from USD 279 to USD 899 per person per month.
Our office spaces in Montreal
Those seeking office space in Montreal can explore our eight centers in significant city locations.
Available across the island, you’ll find an accessible office location wherever you decide to live in Montreal. What’s more, each office center provides a host of workspace solutions.
Some businesses need a permanent office space to help them raise their profile in Montreal. Others need ad-hoc access to meeting rooms, perhaps to aid staff collaboration for hybrid teams.
On the other hand, many solopreneurs want to work in a shared office. All these solutions and more are available at our Montreal workspaces.
1. Rue du Square Victoria
Those looking to rent office space in Montreal will find everything they need at Rue du Square Victoria. Situated in the city’s buzzing economic hub, this office center sits at the heart of Montreal.
Rue du Square Victoria offers easy access to RESO. This underground network allows pedestrians to get around without walking outside when it’s blazing hot or freezing cold.
Highlights include:
- On-site garden
- Collaborative break-out areas
- Fully equipped meeting rooms
Information about Rue du Square Victoria
- Location: 747 Rue du Square-Victoria, Montreal, QC, H2Y 3Y9
- Starting costs: From CAD 429 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Square Victoria-OACI Underground Station (a one-minute walk away), Place d’Armes Underground Station (a seven-minute walk away), and Station Gare Centrale (an eight-minute walk away)
2. Cathcart and McGill
Our Cathcart and McGill center welcomes businesses seeking office space in Montreal to the city’s thriving Downtown scene. These companies will find themselves embedded in a thriving commercial community that includes the likes of Google and the Québec-Florida Chamber of Commerce.
After work, professionals enjoy a plethora of on-site restaurants serving international dishes.
Highlights include:
- On-site parking
- Business lounge
- Elevator
Information about Cathcart and McGill
- Location: 1200 McGill College Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3B 4G7
- Starting costs: From CAD 295 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Station Gare Centrale (a four-minute walk away), McGill Underground Station (a five-minute walk away), and Peel Underground Station (a six-minute walk away)
3. 2001 Boulevard Robert Bourassa
2001 Boulevard Robert Bourassa provides office space in one of Canada’s most notable commercial centers. These offices enjoy professional surroundings that impress clients before they even step indoors.
Natural light floods each workspace through floor-to-ceiling windows. These windows look out over Montreal, providing impressive city views.
Highlights include:
- Business lounge
- On-site sandwich/coffee bar
- On-site lunch restaurant
Information about 2001 Boulevard Robert Bourassa
- Location: 2001 Boulevard Robert Bourassa, Montreal, QC, H3A 2A6
- Starting costs: From CAD 315 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: McGill Underground Station (a one-minute walk away), Peel Underground Station (a five-minute walk away), and Places-des-Arts Underground Station (a six-minute walk away)
4. IA Tower
IA Tower provides workspaces in a striking 23-story tower. Set on a well-known street in Montreal’s central business district, this location is both impressive and accessible.
For professionals cycling to the office, on-site bicycle storage will keep bikes safe and secure. There’s also underground parking for those who prefer to drive to work.
Highlights include:
- Business lounge
- Sandwich service
- On-site lunch restaurant
Information about IA Tower
- Location: IA, 2000 McGill College Avenue Tower, Montreal, QC, H3A 3H3
- Starting costs: From CAD 295 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Peel Underground Station (a two-minute walk away), McGill Underground Station (a two-minute walk away), and Station Gare Centrale (a seven-minute walk away)
5. 500 Place d’Armes
Many businesses looking to rent office space in Montreal opt for 500 Place d’Armes. Based in Old Montreal, this office center positions companies at the heart of a historic area with plenty of hustle and bustle. Old Montreal is akin to a European city, full of cobbled streets and culture.
Each workspace offers beautiful interiors and natural light, allowing professionals to work productively.
Highlights include:
- Fully equipped meeting rooms
- Secure underground parking
- Elevator
Information about 500 Place d’Armes
- Location: 500 Place d'Armes, Montreal, QC, H2Y 2W2
- Starting costs: From CAD 425 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Place-des-Arts Underground Station (a three-minute walk away), Place-d’Armes Underground Station (a three-minute walk away), and Square Victoria-OACI Underground Station (a six-minute walk away)
6. 1250 Rene-Levesque
1250 Rene-Levesque provides a suite of vibrant workspaces in Downtown Montreal. Each offers colorful surroundings designed to encourage productivity. Having achieved LEED Gold-certified status, these offices have been built with the environment in mind.
Highlights include:
- Business lounge
- On-site parking
- On-site dry cleaning
Information about 1250 Rene-Levesque
- Location: 1250 René Lévesque Boulevard West, Montreal, QC, H3B 4W8
- Starting costs: From CAD 355 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Station Gare Centrale (a five-minute walk away), Bonaventure Underground Station (a six-minute walk away), and Lucien-L’Allier Train Station (a six-minute walk away)
7. 75 Queen Street
Set on the waterfront, 75 Queen Street is a popular choice for businesses seeking office space in Montreal. This office center sits in the Old Port of Montreal, which is a top location choice for many creatives and entrepreneurs.
Surrounded by art galleries and museums, this area is brimming with culture and innovation. Downtown is also just a stone’s throw away, and the rest of Montreal is easily accessible by bus and subway connections.
Highlights include:
- Collaborative break-out areas
- On-site courtyard
- On-site cafe/coffee bar
Information about 75 Queen Street
- Location: 75 Queen Street, Montreal, QC, H3C 2N6
- Starting costs: From CAD 365 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Square Victoria-OACI Underground Station (an 11-minute walk away), Station Gare Centrale (a 16-minute walk away), and Gare Centrale Station (a 17-minute walk away)
8. 5455 De Gaspe Avenue
When exploring offices for rent in Montreal, 5455 De Gaspe Avenue is a standout option. Based in Midtown Montreal’s fashionable Mile End, many businesses looking to raise their profile set up here. Lots of these businesses come from the worlds of art, media, and tech.
From driven entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies, businesses of all sizes lay down roots in this creative area. Each benefits from Mile End’s social network and artistic culture.
Highlights include:
- Collaborative break-out areas
- Fully equipped meeting rooms
- On-site parking
Information about 5455 De Gaspe Avenue
- Location: 5455 De Gaspe Avenue, Montreal, QC, H2T 3B3
- Starting costs: From CAD 369 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Rosemont Station (an 11-minute walk away), Beaubien Underground Station (an 11-minute walk away), and Laurier Underground Station (a 12-minute walk away)
Discover office space in Montreal with Regus
Renting an office in Montreal with Regus allows you to work your way. Reserve the exact number of hot desks your team needs on any given day. Book longer-term workspaces in a shared office, where you can grow your network.
Alternatively, scale your business with a private office in Montreal that allows you to work independently.
Whichever solution you choose, you can also book meeting rooms to get together with clients or colleagues. Book these using our app to secure your space in seconds.