Montreal has been identified as the city with the worst traffic congestion in Canada, with drivers losing an average of 63 hours per year during peak travel times, according to a recent analysis by INRIX. This study, which examines congestion patterns in urban areas globally, ranks Montreal at the 28th position on the worldwide list.
Internationally, the top three most congested cities are Istanbul, Mexico City, and Chicago.
Toronto and Vancouver closely trail Montreal in Canada’s congestion rankings. Toronto drivers lose 59 hours annually, placing the city at 34th globally, while Vancouver motorists spend 46 hours in traffic, ranking 79th.
Compared to the previous year, Montreal saw a 9% increase in time wasted in rush-hour traffic, while Toronto and Vancouver recorded smaller rises of 3% and 6% respectively.
INRIX assesses travel times between downtown areas or major employment centers and surrounding neighborhoods for its global comparisons.
On a global scale, drivers in Istanbul faced 118 hours of delays in 2025, followed by motorists in Mexico City with 112 hours, and Chicago with 108 hours of congestion.
The analysis highlights the significant financial and environmental impacts of traffic issues, such as increased fuel consumption, delayed delivery times for goods, and broader consequences of extended delays.
