Market access

At the crossroads of Europe and the U.S.

As one of eastern Canada’s most important passenger and freight transportation hubs, Montréal boasts a world-class infrastructure network serving an 80-million person consumer market within a 1,000-km radius. More than 44,000 people are employed in Montréal’s transportation and warehouse sector.

In 2007, the Port of Montréal and Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport racked up their best performances ever. Based on the ambitious development plans announced for the Port (the world’s largest inland facility) and for Aéroports de Montréal, growth prospects for the next 10 years are excellent.

By sea…

Montréal, the world’s number one inland container port!
In 2008, the Port of Montréal had its best year ever, handling 27 million tonnes of freight, a 14% increase over the last five years.

To maintain this competitive advantage, the Port of Montréal has announced an ambitious $220 million development plan. Montréal is also a departure/destination point for numerous cruise lines. According to local records, approximately 35,000 passengers travelled on 45 cruise ships in 2007.

By air…

YUL: a fast-growing airport!
In 2008, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) maintained its traffic at the 2007 level: 12.8 million passengers, up 8,4% over the 2006 figure. Since 2000, airport expansion and modernization investments have totalled $1.5 billion.

Located only 20 minutes from downtown Montréal, Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport offers services to more than 120 regular and seasonal destinations.

The presence of the Canadian Space Agency and of numerous international aeronautical organizations (see list below), reinforced by a major aerospace sector, reflects Montréal’s key role in the air transportation field:

• Airports Council International (ACI) - The ICAO Bureau
• Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO)
• International Council for Aerospace Training (CIFA)
• International Business Aviation Council (IBAC)
• International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA)
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• SITA
• World Airlines Clubs Association (WACA)

By rail…

The island of Montréal is a major industrial and commercial hub strategically located in the heart of the Québec city-Windsor corridor, Canada’s largest railway market. Rail lines to the east and south of the city serve eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S.

Montréal is also home to the headquarters of Via Rail, Canada’s main passenger rail transportation company. Two cross-continental rail lines, Canadian National (also headquartered in Montréal) and Canadian Pacific, ensure direct access to North American markets.

Underpinning the competitiveness of local companies, state-of-the-art port/rail and road/rail intermodal facilities on the island of Montréal serve to boost market access and minimize the potential impact of recent fuel price increases.

The main intermodal facilities are Canadian National’s Monterm terminal, located in west-central Montréal near the Highway 20/Highway 15 interchange, and Canadian Pacific’s St. Lawrence & Hudson terminal, located in Lachine not far from Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport.