Ethnic communities are socio-political constructs with permeable boundaries that evolve in a dynamic way, particularly through the migration process. This article presents the historic and demographic components of the way in which South Asian groups build community in Montréal in a comparative perspective with Toronto and Vancouver. It draws on various documentary and statistical sources, including the 2001 and 2006 Canadian Census, special surveys, the Immigration Atlas of Montréal CMA in 2001, and 39 interviews with community leaders and respondents carried out in 2006. Our analysis explores the hypothesis that while linguistic and socioeconomic barriers contribute to South Asian communities’ isolation and marginalisation in Montréal, they simultaneously foster a sense of community.