The 32-year-old has spent stints at Germany's Kaiserslautern, Norway's Moss and Tromso and Denmark's Nordsjaelland and Lyngby BK before returning to Quebec, where he grew up and playing for the Impact in a lesser league from 2000 through 2002.
"I'm extremely happy to be coming home to continue my playing career in Montreal," Bernier said.
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"At this point in my career, it is a challenge that really motivates me. I'm happy to be joining the league at the top of my game."
Bernier, who has 47 caps for Canada, helped Tromso upset Turkish side Galatasaray in the 2005 UEFA Cup, scored a goal in 15 games for Kaiserslautern in 2007 and helped Nordsjaelland win the Danish Cup in 2010 and 2011. He had two goals in 12 games with Lyngby in the first half of this season.
"We've been in talks with Patrice for quite some time and we are extremely pleased," Impact coach Jesse Marsch said.
"His years of experience in top leagues in Europe will provide the team with savvy and intelligence."
