Art Transport in Canada with Moviiu
The Canadian art market is now establishing itself as a dynamic and mature ecosystem, driven by world-renowned institutions such as the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, the AGO in Toronto and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which shape trends and validate artists’ market value.
The heart of transactions lies in major international fairs, notably Art Toronto, a must-attend event for global collectors, and Plural in Montreal, which celebrates the diversity of contemporary practices. This market is supported by leading auction houses such as Heffel, Cowley Abbott and BYDealers, which consistently set records for historical masters such as the Group of Seven, while paving the way for a thriving contemporary scene.
In 2026, we observe a historic rise in Indigenous art, now at the center of acquisition strategies, as well as increased digitization of galleries in Vancouver and Toronto, facilitating access for new buyers. Between academic tradition and digital boldness, Canada is establishing itself as a key hub where provenance transparency and social engagement of artworks are becoming new standards of value for investors and art enthusiasts.
Interprovincial transports, shipments to the United States or Europe, white glove collection in Montreal: thanks to its platform and expertise derived from international art logistics, Moviiu simplifies every step of art transport in Canada and internationally.
What makes Moviiu different for art transport in Canada
While most art carriers still operate with manual quotes requiring several days of waiting, Moviiu offers an instant digital quote that is clear and transparent. The platform takes into account the realities of the Canadian territory: long distances between major cities, handling requirements for fragile or oversized pieces, and cross-border shipments to the United States or Mexico. With a white glove collection service already operational in Montreal and soon available in Vancouver, Moviiu combines local proximity with international reach.
White glove collection: Montreal and soon Vancouver
In practical terms, how does it work?
With the white glove pickup service, art handlers personally come to your location (residence, gallery, studio) to collect your piece.
The artwork is then transported to the Moviiu warehouse, where it is carefully prepared and packed by specialists before being shipped via one of our logistics partners.
This service, already available in several European cities, is now open in Montreal and will soon be extended to Vancouver.
National and international art shipments from Canada
Moviiu supports both shipments between Canadian cities and international transports. Whether it is a painting sent from Montreal to Toronto, a sculpture shipped from Toronto to New York, a group of artworks transported from Toronto to Paris for an exhibition, or a collector’s piece shipped from Geneva to Montreal, the platform manages every step: instant quote, suitable packaging, online tracking and secure delivery.
How does art transport with Moviiu work in Canada?
- An instant and transparent quote
Simply provide the artwork’s dimensions, type, pickup and delivery addresses, as well as any packaging or installation requirements. The platform immediately generates a precise and fully transparent estimate.
- Suitable transport packaging
Our system automatically selects the appropriate Moviiu packaging based on the object type, dimensions and route. For shipments with white glove collection, the artwork is prepared and packed by professionals at the warehouse before shipping.
- Secure shipping
All shipments are handled by trusted express carriers for fast and secure transport. Tracking is available online from your customer account at every stage.
- Delivery and installation
Whether the request involves simple hand delivery, gallery delivery or full installation, options adapt to the context: unpacking, positioning, professional “white glove” installation.
Who is it for in Canada?
✔ Art galleries
Canadian galleries have regular shipping needs: new exhibitions, loans, sales or transfers. Moviiu provides a digital solution that is clear and manageable online.
✔ Private collectors
For a move, installation of an artwork in a new residence or transfer between cities, Moviiu ensures smooth tracking and simplified management, adapted to artwork movements within Canada.
✔ Designers and artists
The Canadian design and contemporary art market is very active. Moviiu supports unique, fragile or large pieces with a reliable service.
✔ Auction houses and institutions
Artwork movements after a sale, between exhibitions or to a lender are simplified thanks to continuous tracking.
👉 Good to know: customs specifics Canada / United States / Mexico
Trade between Canada, the United States and Mexico is governed by CUSMA (Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, or USMCA in English). Artworks generally benefit from an exemption in the United States under the category of “informational materials”, but the commercial environment has evolved rapidly since 2025: removal of the customs exemption for low-value shipments to the United States, tariff countermeasures between the two countries, new declaration requirements. For any cross-border transport, remember to prepare a CUSMA certificate of origin and accurately document the value and provenance of the artwork.
Two concrete examples of art transport in Canada
1 – A gallery in Tofino ships to New York
An art gallery based in Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, wishes to ship three contemporary paintings to a private collector in New York. With Moviiu:
- The gallery obtains an instant quote by entering the dimensions, artwork type and both addresses on the platform.
- Custom packaging is produced according to the provided dimensions, containing all necessary protective materials, allowing the gallery to finalize the packaging independently.
- The shipment is handled by a trusted express carrier for fast and secure delivery to New York.
- The gallery tracks progress in real time from its customer account.
- The collector receives the artworks at the specified address.
2 – Buyers choose Moviiu to collect their lots from an auction house in Montreal (with white glove collection)
After a successful auction in Montreal, several buyers use Moviiu to ship their lots to their respective destinations, between Montreal, Toronto and Paris. With the Moviiu white glove service:
- Buyers select Moviiu as the carrier and schedule collection directly from the auction house premises.
- Specialized handlers travel on-site to collect each lot.
- The artworks are transported to the Moviiu warehouse, where they are packed by professionals according to their nature and destination.
- Each shipment is handled by the appropriate carrier.
- Buyers track their shipments in real time from the customer area.
Contact us for a personalized quote
Moviiu simplifies every step: instant digital quote, white glove collection in Montreal (and soon Vancouver), specialized packaging, secure transport and clear tracking, for art transport adapted to Canada’s requirements.