Unfortunately, it is hard to find an apartment with a lease for less than one year in Montreal, Laval, North Shore or South Shore since the landlords prefer stable tenants who will live in their apartment for a longer period of time.
It is even harder to rent an apartment from abroad when the landlord can't meet you in person.
According to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, the rental vacancy rate for Montreal is 2.
5%.
It means that the landlords are not in a panic state and are not in a hurry to rent for a shorter period of time in order to have a tenant in their apartment.
They take the time to wait for the long term tenant they are looking for.
The apartments that are available for a short period are generally furnished.
These furnished and all equipped apartments are recommended if you stay in Montreal for more than a month because they are so much cheaper than a hotel room.
You may like this formula particularly if you come with your family.
The adaptation will be easier for parents and kids if you live in a place where you can cook your own meals, a place like home.
Meanwhile, since you are in Montreal, if you need so, it will be easier for you to look for an apartment with a lease where you will install the family for more than a year.
You will see what's available, you will visit the apartment, you will meet the landlords, etc.
and find a place that fits exactly your needs.