March 18, 2026 • Landscaping
How much does snow removal cost in Montreal in 2026?
Snow removal in Montreal costs $30-$150 per visit or $570-$1,730 for a full season contract. Compare 2026 pricing options here.
Montreal gets an average of over 200 centimetres of snow each winter. That's not a season you can ignore. Whether you handle it yourself or hire a service, clearing snow from your driveway and walkways is a non-negotiable part of homeownership here.
Professional snow removal in Montreal averages about $35 per hour. But most homeowners don't pay by the hour. They pay per visit, monthly, or through a seasonal contract. Per-visit pricing runs $30 to $150. Monthly plans cost $200 to $400. Full-season contracts range from $570 to $1,730.
Below is how each pricing model works and which one makes the most sense for your situation.
Snow removal pricing comparison
| Pricing model | Cost range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Per visit (single driveway) | $30-$90 | Light snowfall years, small driveways |
| Per visit (driveway + walkway) | $50-$150 | Homeowners who want flexibility |
| Monthly plan (4-6 visits) | $200-$400/month | Predictable monthly budgeting |
| Seasonal contract | $570-$1,730/season | Full peace of mind, heavy snow years |
| Driveway + walkway package | $600-$750/season | Standard residential service |
| Hourly rate (Montreal average) | ~$35/hour | Commercial or custom jobs |
Per-visit snow removal: $30 to $150
Paying per visit gives you the most flexibility. You call when you need it, you don't pay when you don't. A single driveway clearing runs $30 to $90, depending on the driveway size and snow depth. Add walkways and the total climbs to $50 to $150 per visit.
This model works if you're home often enough to call before the snow piles up, and if you're comfortable with the possibility of no one being available during major storms when every contractor is booked solid.
The risk is obvious. Montreal's big snowfalls of 25 centimetres or more happen several times per season. During those events, per-visit customers are last in line. Contract customers get cleared first.
Monthly plans: $200 to $400 per month
Monthly plans split the season into predictable payments, usually covering four to six visits per month. More reliable than per-visit since you have a standing agreement, but they typically cap the number of clearings included.
If a month brings seven or eight snowfalls, you might owe extra. If it only snows twice, you're paying for visits you didn't need. Monthly plans offer a middle ground between flexibility and security, but they require reading the fine print.
Most contractors offer monthly plans from November through March or April, depending on the season. That's four to five months of payments, putting your seasonal total at $800 to $2,000.
Seasonal contracts: $570 to $1,730
A seasonal contract is one flat fee for the entire winter. It doesn't matter if Montreal gets 150 centimetres of snow or 300 centimetres. Your price stays the same. The contractor shows up after every qualifying snowfall, clears your driveway and walkways, and you don't think about it until spring.
The standard driveway-plus-walkway seasonal package runs $600 to $750. More comprehensive contracts that include salting, de-icing, and wider coverage areas push up to $1,730.
For most Montreal homeowners, a seasonal contract is the best value. It eliminates the scramble to find someone during storms and guarantees priority service. You also avoid the financial uncertainty of paying per visit during heavy snow winters.
What affects snow removal pricing
Driveway size and length. A short single-car driveway costs less than a long double-wide. Contractors quote based on the area they need to clear.
Surface type. Gravel driveways require more care than paved surfaces because the blade needs to ride higher to avoid displacing gravel. Some contractors charge extra for gravel.
Route proximity matters too. Contractors build routes, and if your neighbour already uses the same service, your cost is lower. Some companies offer neighbourhood discounts.
Snow depth triggers. Most contracts specify a minimum snowfall depth before they come out, usually 5 to 7 centimetres. Lighter dustings don't get cleared. Understanding the trigger depth in your contract is worth the read.
Salting and de-icing. Basic contracts cover plowing and shoveling. Salt application for ice and packed snow is often an add-on. Ask whether it's included or billed separately.
Access and obstacles. Basketball hoops, narrow side paths, and cars left in the driveway slow the work down and can bump the price up.
When to book your snow removal contract
The best time to book is September or October, before the first snowfall. Contractors fill their routes early, and once they're at capacity, you're either wait-listed or paying a premium for late-season availability.
Booking early also tends to lock in better pricing. Some contractors offer early-bird discounts of 5 to 10 percent for contracts signed before November.
Doing it yourself vs hiring a pro
A decent snow blower costs $500 to $2,000 and lasts many years. If you're physically able and reliably home in the mornings, doing it yourself can save money. But it also means waking up at 5 AM before work, maintaining your equipment, and dealing with the heavy wet snow that Montreal is known for.
For anyone with mobility issues, a demanding work schedule, or a long driveway, paying for snow removal is worth every dollar in time and stress saved.
Getting a quote for your property
Every property is different, and so is every winter. The best way to know your exact cost is to get a quote based on your driveway, walkways, and the level of service you want.
Call Montreal Paysagement Pro at 514-900-3867 to set up your snow removal contract before the season starts. We'll give you a clear price for exactly what you need.
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