Quebec has its charm: stunning winters, poutine, vibrant festivals, and a unique French-speaking culture. But let’s be real— if you’re thinking about coming here for work, studies, or content creation, especially in Montreal, the realities of daily life can make you question it fast. From my personal experience and what’s happening right now in 2026, public transit is a nightmare, roads are a hazard, corruption rumors swirl, and the vibe can feel hostile if you’re not fully immersed in the local scene.

  1. The Metro: Never Clean, Often Smelly, and Increasingly Unsafe Montreal’s STM metro is legendary for all the wrong reasons. Stations and trains are frequently dirty, with lingering odors that make commutes unpleasant. Buses? They can run late, skip stops, or never show up at all—leaving you stranded in -20°C weather. Worse, safety is deteriorating. A recent incident at Berri-UQAM station (one of the busiest) involved a woman getting spat on in the face by a stranger while rushing to board a train—she had to buy disinfectant on the spot to clean her lips and coat. This isn’t isolated. SPVM police data shows physical assaults (including spitting and other violence) hit a record 726 cases in 2025, up 15% from 2024 and more than double from five years earlier. Total violent interventions reached 859 last year. Authorities link spikes to drug use, homelessness, and mental health issues, doubling anti-drug operations—but it hasn’t fixed the feeling of insecurity. STM reintroduced loitering bans and circulation rules, but critics say staffing shortages make them ineffective. If you’re a young creator filming vlogs or heading to school, do you really want to risk that daily?
  2. Fare Increases “For No Reason” – While Service Stays the Same (or Worsens) Fares keep climbing. In July 2025, monthly Zone A passes (island of Montreal) jumped from $100 to $104.50—a ~4.5% hike—while single rides stayed $3.75 and 10-trip bundles rose to $34.25. Zone AB (including Laval/Longueuil) tickets went to $5. Officials call it “indexation” for reliability, but riders see no real improvements: aging infrastructure, delays from staffing shortages, winter breakdowns, and even recent system-wide shutdowns (like a February 2026 communications failure stranding 500,000 people). Some whisper it’s corruption—money disappearing into pockets while potholes multiply and service lags. Quebec politics has its scandals; ministers allegedly turn a blind eye as long as cash flows. And if you speak English? Rumors say enforcement or help can mysteriously vanish—classic Quebec “culture” in some circles.
  3. Driving Isn’t Much Better – Potholes, Aggressive Drivers, and “Dark Market” Licenses Quebec roads are infamous for massive potholes that wreck tires and suspensions every spring thaw. Drivers can be ruthless—cutting off, tailgating, ignoring signals. Stories of people buying licenses illegally float around, adding to the chaos. If you’re new, expect stress. But if you’re coming to Quebec, bring your own car. Public transit is too unreliable and risky. Own a vehicle, dodge the metro smell and assaults, and navigate carefully.
  4. For Psychology Students & English-Content Creators Like Seona Sarah: Quebec Might Not Be the Move Seona Sarah (@seonasarah), the 2004-born Montreal psychology major and vlogger, makes relatable English-language content: school days, gym, healing talks, faith vibes. Her audience is growing, but Quebec’s French-first environment can be tough. Laws favor French in public life, workplaces, and education—English content might not “approve” here long-term. Viewers note she has her own car, which helps avoid metro hell. Psychology programs exist here, but why stay in a place with crumbling transit, rising costs, and safety concerns when Ontario (Toronto/Ottawa) offers better English ecosystems, cleaner transit (TTC/GO still has issues, but often better), and bigger creator markets? Dodge Montreal’s metro drama, film freely in English, and build without the extra barriers. This applies to skillful creators like Lilx Brxaker, SXAH, and others in indie scenes. Montreal’s creative energy is real, but the daily grind—unskilled services, hidden criminal elements, pothole-dodging commutes—can kill momentum. Bottom Line: Quebec Isn’t for Everyone If you’re talented, mobile, and value safety, cleanliness, reliability, and English-friendly vibes—stay everywhere else. Visit for a weekend poutine run, but don’t put roots down unless you’re all-in on the French culture and can handle the frustrations. For Seona Sarah and similar creators: Your content deserves better than Montreal’s metro risks and price hikes. Ontario (or beyond) could let you thrive without the headaches. Quebec has potential, but right now, it’s more headache than haven. Stay safe out there—car keys in hand, eyes on the road, and maybe skip the STM altogether.