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The 5 Best Day Trips From Montreal

By Todd Plummer and Isa Tousignant

Presented by Destination Canada

Whether you go south towards the Eastern Townships or north towards the Laurentians, there's good, green fun to be had within an hour or two's drive of Montreal. From lakes and ski slopes , to fields of farm-fresh produce dotted with wineries , cheeseries , and maple syrup shacks—it's all there. And if it's an urban experience you're after, drive three hours westward to hit Québec City, or two hours in the opposite direction for Ottawa . Both are capitals for a reason, and wonderful spots from which to soak up unique and distinct aspects of Canada. Read on for our favorite Montreal day trips, and how to make the most of them.

Read our complete Montreal travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

EASTERN TOWNSHIPS

Full of flat farmland and soft rolling hills that recall landscapes from New England or even the U.K., the Eastern Townships spread southeastward from Montreal and engulf picturesque towns like North Hatley, Eastman, Knowlton, Frelighsburg, and Sutton. Each is a worthy destination for a road trip, or as touch points for tasting restaurants and wineries along the way.

Stay: Manoir Hovey Arrow

A luxurious Relais & Châteaux property in a lush, beautiful area of Québec on the shore of Lake Massawippi, Manoir Hovey is a great place to see nature without experiencing any loss of comfort. Montrealers come here for a little hit of country, and the fine dining at Le Hatley restaurant draws crowds for its inventive gastronomy. The rooms are cozy to the max, with feather duvets, French doors, and views of the lake.

Drink: Vignoble de l'Orpailleur Arrow

L'Orpailleur brings 40 years of experience making wines in one of the country’s most marginal climates, and its shop (and tasting room) is a must-stop for any oenophile traveling through the Eastern Townships. Its signature white is the L'Orpailleur Blanc, a blend of vidal and seyval grapes, which expresses the classic Quebec white-wine character to a tee. It’s light dry, fresh, and very delicate, with notes of green apple, white flowers, and citrus. Another favorite you'll have to try is the La Part des Anges—literally, "the angels' share"—a sweet fortified wine with hints of walnut, prune, roasted grains, butter, and caramel. (It was twice a winner in the Grands vins du Québec contest.)

Eat: Les Sucreries de l’Érable

Located in a space that was formerly a general store on the main street of Frelighsburg, Les Sucreries de L'Érable still has the floor-to-ceiling wood shelving and beautiful aged counters of its previous incarnation. Instead of cough drops and tinctures and flour by the pound, though, what you can buy here now is jars of jam, bottles of maple syrup, and an aromatic array of baked goods, from pies to brownies to crunchy-edged dishes of eggy bread pudding. 

Matt Ortile

Scott Laird

Siobhan Reid

Meaghan Kenny

Do: Mount Pinacle Arrow

Also known as Harold F. Baldwin Park, Mount Pinacle is the perfect place for a great view with only moderate effort. There's a well-maintained, two-kilometer hiking path where you might spot deer and can bird watch for local peregrine falcons. The view from the top is just the sort of expansive, hilly vista to reward you for the journey. Find a comfortable spot on the lava-rock hilltop and look down upon Lake Lyster and the fields beyond—there's a reason this region is known as the province's bread basket.

Eat: Bistro Kapzak Arrow

Bistro Kapzak is all about Polish comfort food. Chef and owner Jason Kacprzak mixes Québécois ingredients with a traditional approach to Polish home cooking, with his menu ranging from classic dishes like toothsome potato pierogies, smoked sturgeon served with zingy citrus chutney, butter-poached cod, and smoked kielbasa—to more typically French-Canadian dishes prepared with his inimitable twist. A plateful of crusted veal, for example, is served with herbaceous green spätzle; a braised duck breast is infused with local honey and beer.

The Canadian capital, Ottawa is a beautiful, culturally rich city thanks to landmarks like the National Gallery of Canada, Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and ByWard Market—all only a two-hour drive from Montreal. If you stay overnight, plan for entertainment in advance by buying tickets for a show or play at the National Arts Centre.

Stay: The Metcalfe Hotel Arrow

Though Ottawa boasts some famous grande dames, this modern boutique hotel downtown reopens this summer after a fabulous renovation. The peerless location, large rooms, and fresh in-room amenities such as jetted tubs remain the same (albeit a little facelift), but the addition of a new restaurant will surely cause some buzz around town for guests and locals alike. The open-plan lobby, at the ground floor of a five-story-high atrium that houses the rooms, has a striking industrial-chic vibe. It's not the most romantic property in town, but it's the most seamlessly on point. You'll sleep well, work easily, and be right in the middle of things.

Eat: The Whalesbone Arrow

When The Whalesbone opened its original (tiny) location on Bank Street in 2001, it gained fame as a premium seafood restaurant in a fish-starved town. The sourcing here goes above and beyond quality—the seafood served is all sustainable and in great part local, reserving oyster selections, for example, to Canadian oyster farms. You can't come here without ordering a dozen raw bivalves on the half shell, but the rest of the menu will beckon with its luscious surf 'n turf, too. There's a pasta, for example, that adds chorizo and salty grana padano cheese to a mountain of clams.

Do: National Gallery of Canada Arrow

This impressive landmark designed by Canadian architect Moshe Safdie as a contemporary reflection of the classic architecture of Parliament Hill, which it faces across the Rideau Canal, is the country's national gallery and looks the part. It's grand, light and houses an impressive collection—think French Impressionists, Dutch masters, and works from the Italian Renaissance, plus a great selection of modern and contemporary Canadian art—and plays hosts to blockbuster traveling exhibitions, too.

Do: ByWard Market Arrow

Dating back to 1865 but completely up to date as a much-used public space, this festive market retains its neighborhood feel while providing an exciting bustling atmosphere. From one-of-a-kind jewelry and clothing design shops to locavore food stalls, ByWard will give you an instant sense of place. On weekends, this happy place teems with locals doing their weekly shop alongside hundreds of visitors; but for less of a crowded experience, go on a weekday before or after lunch at one of the dozens of restaurants located in and around the market.

Drink: Soif Bar à Vin Arrow

Sommelier Véronique Rivest is world-famous, let alone Canada famous, and this small space is where she's settled after taking the wine world by storm. The 120-plus bottles on Soif's ever-transforming wine list have the element of surprise in common; although they're not all big, bold showstoppers, they're all noteworthy and truly memorable, either because they challenge the palate, because they come from little-known wine regions, or because they're simply the very best possible complement to chef Jamie Stunt's menu of seasonal small plates.

QUÉBEC CITY

For a real taste of Canada’s European past, a day trip to Québec City, three hours away from Montreal, is de rigueur—it’s like Old Montreal times a thousand. The ancient architecture mixes seamlessly with contemporary life, and thanks to its position on a hill by a cliff looking onto the St. Lawrence River, the views from various parts of town are just spectacular.

Stay: Auberge Saint-Antoine Arrow

Located in Québec City's Old Port on Îlot Hunt, an area facing the St. Lawrence River, Auberge Saint-Antoine is a Relais & Châteaux property filled with artifacts that date nearly as far back as the city's foundation. Its contemporary services, décor, furnishings, and tech amenities anchor the Auberge Saint-Antoine firmly in the present, making it a top-level stay. Rooms overlook the River on one side and the courtyard on the other, so pick lodgings with a view if possible. Each of the 95 rooms is unique, featuring its own antiques and local designer touches. (And we wish every hotel had one of the Auberge's ingenious "Do Not Disturb" buttons next to their beds.)

Do: Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec (MNBAQ) Arrow

The Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec (MNBAQ) houses historic and contemporary Québec art, but includes international touring exhibitions by the likes of Berthe Morisot, Alberto Giacometti, and the photographer Philippe Halsman. The new contemporary art pavilion was designed by an architectural power duo—OMA of New York and Provencher Roy of Montreal—and the collection ranges from the 18th century to the modern day. If you're short on time, head straight for the contemporary pavilion.

Do: Maison de la Littérature Arrow

Embrace a unique element of Québec culture with a visit to the Maison de la Littérature, a gorgeous building—half historic church, half new modernist-style addition. The brilliant white interior with mile-high ceilings makes a naturally edifying setting for hearing lectures, seeing exhibitions, or browsing French books. The space is entirely dedicated Québec literature, with a fully stocked library and fantastic work tables for writing, reading, and taking a load off.

Do: Plaines d'Abraham Arrow

This giant expanse of green grass, the site of a 1759 battle, is where anyone who calls contemporary Quebec City home can relax and have fun. The view of the St. Lawrence River and the city of Lévis is really something to behold. Kids will love rolling down the hill behind the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec, while adults have miles and miles of parkland (242 acres, if you count the surrounding Battlefields Park) and paths to stroll.

Eat & Drink: Buvette Scott Arrow

Enjoy natural wines by the glass and interesting Quebec beers at this casual, youthful bar in Quartier Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Beer lovers will love exploring the selection of the local small-batch brews on tap and by the bottle, from solid stouts like Le Puck to sour creations like the Blue Bell by La Souche. There is also a lovely selection of privately imported biodynamic and natural wines, all reasonably priced. If you're unsure where to begin, ask the staff for advice. The food goes beyond pub grub; in fact, it's some of the best in town. Chef and owner Jean-Philippe Lessard turns out dishes based on local, season ingredients, all meant to be shared with friends.

Eat: Légende Arrow

At Légende, chef Frédéric Laplante's progressive approach to farm-to-table fine dining in Old Québec means everything in his kitchen is from Quebec—everything. That means no lemons, avocados, tropical fruits, or black tea—not even black pepper. You'll taste pure boreal flavors here, which may include seasonal hits like a seafood platter entirely drawn from the St. Lawrence River, Cornish hen paired with herbed gnocchi and oyster mushrooms, elk carpaccio with tofu crumble and golden sea-buckthorn berries, and seared scallops with smoked duck, fennel, and Nordic shrimp. Get the $95 tasting menu for the full experience.

MONT TREMBLANT

Eastern Canada’s best winter sports resort has a reputation for its ski slopes and adorable European-style village—but any Montrealer will tell you that, at just under 90 minutes from the city, Tremblant is an enjoyable diversion at any time of year. In the warmer months, it’s a great place for hiking, road and mountain biking, water sports on Lac Tremblant—and in the fall it’s a stunning place for leaf peeping. There are just enough restaurants and bars for refueling while you’re here, as well as a charming hotel or two, in case you decide to make an overnight of it.

Stay: Hotel Quintessence

With a perfect location on the shores of Lac Tremblant, yet conveniently situated walking distance from town, the Quintessence offers a boutique experience that’s unique—and not just for a mountain resort town. The Restaurant La Quintessence offers a fine dining experience that blends French influences with Québecois ingredients: If you’re looking to splurge on a dinner while you’re in town, this is where to do it. Each of the 30 suites offer wood-burning fireplaces, luxurious king-size beds, and superb views over the lake, as well as private balconies from which to take in all that mountain air.

Do: Hike Mont Tremblant

During the warmer months, accessing the resort town’s trail network is simple and free of charge. Clearly marked trails ranging in length and difficult zig-zag the mountain and surrounding woods. Keep an eye out for waterfalls, birds, and the occasional deer.

Do: Scandinave Spa

Steam baths, Finnish saunas, plunge pools, waterfalls, zero-gravity chambers—there’s something about a Scandinavian-inspired spa experience that just feels right in a Canadian landscape. A sprawling indoor-outdoor spa, Scandinave Mont Tremblant is a worthy excursion after a long day of hiking—or if you’re just in need of a few hours away from your phone to inhale some eucalyptus steam in peace.

Eat: sEb l’artisan culinaire

These days, there’s a fresh crop of chefs in the Laurentians out to prove that mountain cuisine is anything but boring. At sEb , chef Sébastien Houle, cooking in a place like Tremblant is a “culinary odyssey.” His menu is a mix of locally-sourced ingredients prepared with international flavor, like coquille St-Jacques scallops with leeks and chicory, or pork cheeks with rosemary and maple syrup. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the four course tasting menu for $70.

Eat: BeaverTails

Yes, it’s a chain (stay with us here) for fried-dough goodies—but a Canadian one. It’s definitely not diet-friendly, and may even be a little hokey—but there's something about biting into a giant, warm piece of beaver-shaped fried dough slathered with sweet—or savory!—topping that feels like a quintessential Tremblant experience. (Our recommendation: Go for the classic, which comes sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.) 

What is it with bucolic, peaceful towns named Hudson? This adorable village under an hour from downtown Montreal is just the right size to conquer in a day trip. With cute places to eat, interesting local places to pick up a souvenir, and plenty of outdoor space to get some fresh air, Hudson (Quebec) is quickly becoming a new favorite for city slickers in search of a reset.

Stay & Eat: Auberge Willow Inn

It often takes a single inn or restaurant to get a once-sleepy town on the radar of city folk, who will then visit and droves, and for Hudson, the Auberge Willow Inn is that place. Chef Danny Smiles leads the way with flavorful, farm-fresh dishes that bring the best of Québec ingredients together (try the whole marinated sea bream for two, or the grilled turnips with seaweed). Upstairs from the restaurant, ten unpretentious rooms make a serious case for turning your day trip into an overnight sojourn, with comfortable touches like USB charging ports and certified-organic bath products.

Do: Jack Layton Park

Leave the mountains to the more adventurous day trippers; the trails you’ll find in Hudson are decidedly low-key, yet peaceful and rewarding. The town’s website has a listing of what’s on offer in town. While there are a few options to choose form, it’s hard to pick a better one than strolling along the river in Jack Layton Park , or the aptly named Sandy Beach.

Take the cheap car ferry across the Ottawa River to Oka, a similarly charming village—the key difference being the presence of a Trappist monastery famous for its creatively named OKA cheese. If you’re a cheese lover, it’s definitely worth sampling. If dairy isn’t quite your thing, Oka is also home to the Labonté de la Pomme apple orchard and cidery, which offers pick-your-own apples in the fall, as well as a fabulous cabane à sucre prix-fixe brunch experience.

Eat: Furley

Wine, charcuterie, and bread—what else does one need? The artisanal craft butchery, bakery and wine bar Furley is the best place in town to stock up on some picnic goodies, and to catch up on your local gossip.

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6 best day trips from Montréal

Sep 19, 2023 • 5 min read

From the Laurentian mountains to the spires of Québec City, here are the best day trips from Montréal © Maridav / Shutterstock

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Montréal’s picturesque city parks and “the mountain” Mont-Royal are stunning natural idylls within a bustling city but you can’t beat a day trip to really appreciate the great outdoors.

A rental car is the best way to see the countryside where lush forested hills sliced with waterways and spoonfuls of Québec culture await. And remember, no Québec road trip is complete without poutine (French fries, squeaky cheese curds and flavorful gravy) from a casse-croûte (fry shack).

Here are six of our favorite day trips from Montréal to get you started.

1. Go hiking at a provincial park

Travel time: 30 minutes

Just 30km (18.6 miles) from Montréal near the suburb of Longueuil, lies the opportunity to go hiking amidst 27km (16.7 miles) of trails at Parc National du Mont-St-Bruno . The lovely park has five lakes and plenty of wildlife including 200 species of birds and endangered Western chorus frogs who sing a mating song. The park also has canoes and stand-up paddleboards for rent, and cross-country skiing trails in winter.

How to get to Parc National du Mont-St-Bruno from Montréal:  Drive over the Samuel de Champlain Bridge and take Ave de l’Acier. Alternatively, take a bus from Terminus Radisson Sud and change at Terminus Sainte-Julie.

2. Road trip to the Eastern Townships

Travel time: 1 hour

Québec might not be known for its wine (yet), but Les Cantons de l’Est (Eastern Townships) region is doing its best to change that. The fertile landscape, dotted with cute cottages similar to what you’ll find in New England, is home to a number of wineries pushing the boundaries of what we can expect from Canadian wine. One particularly notable spot is Clos Saragnat , whose owner invented ice cider – similar to ice wine – and offers tastings. Other great wineries to do tastings at include Vignoble du Ruisseau and Vignoble de l’Orpailleur .

The Eastern Townships is also home to great microbreweries like Brasserie Dunham and gourmet food producers such as Le Musée du Chocolat in Bromont. Further east, meet monks at the Trappist monastery Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac and taste their delicious cheeses, chocolates and sparkling ciders.

How to get to the Eastern Townships from Montréal: Drive southeast over the Samuel de Champlain Bridge and on Hwy 10 to the Townships. Some villages worth visiting include Sutton, Dunham, Bromont, Granby and Frelighsburg.

3. Taste maple syrup at a sugar shack

In springtime as the snow begins to thaw, so does the sap in maple trees. The sap is collected and cooked down into Québec’s liquid gold – maple syrup. Québécois celebrate syrup season (late February through April) by feasting on traditional food bathed in the sweet stuff at a cabane à sucre (sugar shack). Classic feasts include fluffy crepes, glazed ham, tourtière (meat pie) with homemade ketchup, oreilles de crisse (literally meaning Christ’s ears but referring to fried pork rinds), country loaves, all with plenty of maple syrup to drizzle on top of everything.

It’s also fun to roll the syrup in snow and lick it like a popsicle. You can find sugar shacks on the outskirts of Montréal and across southern Québec, but a dependable option close to the city is Sucrerie de la Montagne in Rigaud, and it’s open year-round.

How to get to Sucrerie de la Montagne from Montréal: Drive west on Hwy 40 and turn off the exit to Riguad. The sugar shack is on Ch St-George.

4. Go kayaking, cycling and rock climbing in Val-David

Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Surrounded by lush Laurentian hills, Val-David is an artsy, shop-filled town that’s also a gateway for adventure sports.

For a family-friendly experience, À l’Abordage rents out kayaks to meander down the river before setting you up with a cruiser bike to tackle the rails-to-trails Le P’tit Train du Nord bike path back to Val-David. There are other places to rent kayaks and bikes as well if you plan to stay out longer or do something more adventurous.

On the edge of town, Parc Régional de Val-David - Val-Morin is a go-to for rock climbers, with hundreds of traditional and bouldering routes.

How to get to Val-David from Montréal: Take Hwy 15 north or make it an adventure and cycle Le P’tit Train du Nord.

5. Ski the slopes at Mont-Tremblant

Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Since 1939, Mont-Tremblant has been Québec’s premier ski resort, with gorgeous runs starting from above the clouds down past evergreen trees weighed down with snow. The town below is made to look like a little European village (though it’s kitschy), with plenty of shops, restaurants and resorts. Warm up after a day on the slopes at Spa Scandinave .

In summer, Mont-Tremblant transforms into a playground for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and golfing. Visit nearby Parc National du Mont-Tremblant for an escape to the wilderness – it’s a lot of fun to explore by canoe.

How to get to Mont-Tremblant from Montréal: Drive north on Hwy 15 until you get to the resort town. There are a few buses from the town of Saint-Jérôme, as well as shuttles around town.

6. Feed majestic mammals and Parc Oméga

Travel time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Canada’s vast wilderness is graced with the presence of caribou, moose, elk, bears and many more majestic species, but the chances of running into them in the wild are slim. That’s where Parc Oméga comes in. The reserve protects hundreds of species of Canadian mammals while holding a careful equilibrium that protects the animals, the natural habitat and the humans who visit.

Drive your car slowly through the entrance and you’ll soon be greeted by dozens of gigantic elk. Buy a big bag of carrots to bring with you and stick one out the window – don’t worry, the beautiful beats are gentle. The tour continues past caribou, ibex, wolves, cinnamon bears and more, and there’s a farm where you can get out and walk around with deer.

How to get to Parc Oméga from Montréal: It’s located north of Montebello roughly halfway between Montréal and Ottawa on the Québec side. You’ll need your own vehicle to do the tour.

Editor's note: This article was sponsored by Québec after Montréal was selected for Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024. Sponsors do not influence a destination's inclusion in Best In Travel, which is determined solely by Lonely Planet's editorial team.

This article was first published Jul 9, 2019 and updated Sep 19, 2023.

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7 Awesome Day Trips from Montreal (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 9, 2024

Everything you need to know about the must-do day trips from Montreal, written by a Montreal local!

Montreal, the City of Saints, is a mecca of all things, food, drink, arts and culture.

Yes, Montreal should definitely be on everyone’s Canadian bucket list. But there are also plenty of amazing things to see and do just outside of the city itself.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect ski getaway at Mont Tremblant or a day spent getting to know the national capital of Ottawa, your options for day trips are endless.

Or maybe you want to escape the cities for the great outdoors in any number of national parks surrounding Montreal. Go cross country skiing, mountain biking, waterfall chasing, or wilderness exploring.

There are lots of amazing day trips from Montreal, and this article will dive into some of the best ones.

Whether you’re looking for summer activities or winter activities, there is always something fun to do in this corner of Canada.

READ MORE: Use our guide to plan your trip to Canada!

Table of Contents

What To Do In Mont Tremblant

What to do in the eastern townships, what to do in quebec city, what to do in montebello, what to do in the laurentians, what to do in ottawa, what to do in montmorency, best day trips from montreal.

Grab the bus, hop on the train or fuel up the car because you’re never more than a few hours away from somewhere incredible to explore!

To help make planning easier this is a list of the 7 best Montreal day trips to get you excited for the next adventure.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

1) Mont Tremblant

About 90 minutes northwest of Montreal tucked into the Laurentian Mountains is the most charming little slice of paradise.

Mont Tremblant is the national park in which the town is situated and is known for its ski resort and stunning trails.

While the ski resort is well known by most Canadians and international travellers, what some may not know is that this is a great place to visit outside of ski season too.

This is one of the best day trips from Montreal for anyone looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and pampering.

Mont Tremblant is a huge natural reserve complete with opportunities for downhill skiing, cross country skiing, mountain biking, skating and even dog sledding in the winter months.

There are also nordic spa treatments, fantastic dining options and stunning hiking trails. Mont Tremblant is a great one-day getaway option.

READ MORE: Check out my other guide on NOMADasaurus filled with all the best things to do in Montreal !

First things first, skiing, or snowboarding! With over 100 groomed trails at Mont Tremblant, there’s a run, or two for everyone no matter your experience level.

If you’re a first-timer the skill offers a ski school and lessons to get you comfortable and confident on the slopes as well as a rental shop for all your outfit needs.

For those with a bit of experience, you can take right to the slopes on trails like TouFou or La Passe.

For those more advanced riders check out Windigo or Lowell Thomas. For adrenaline junkies, there are also 3 different snowparks to take advantage of too.

For all tickets, rental and trail information click here.

If skiing/snowboarding isn’t your cup of tea you won’t miss out. Mont Tremblant has a great selection of snowshoe trails or cross country skiing trails to be explored.

Ranging from 1km to 5km in length and one for every experience level this is a great opportunity to slow down and see all the beautiful parts of the park during the winter.

After a day on the trails or slopes you’ll likely have worked up an appetite, and you’re in luck because the village at Tremblant has some of the best dining options outside of Montreal.

The Village at Mont Tremblant is where you’ll find all the bars, cafes and restaurants you need to fuel up and take part in a great post-ski session.

Stop at Choux Gras Brasserie for a special occasion meal, Café D’Epoque for that fun nightclub experience or SoCal Kitchen for a relaxed meal and great drinks.

Want to do a bit of shopping? The village has tons of unique boutiques and stores so you’ll be able to find everything you’re looking for and more.

If your one day trip from Montreal brings you to Mont Tremblant outside of ski season then you’ll be looking for hiking, biking and all things outdoorsy to take advantage of.

The National Park has dozens of trails to be explored for every fitness level including Manicou, Mont Onontio and Grand Nord just to name a few.

After tackling the trails you’ll be happy to know that relaxation is close by too.

Mont Tremblant is home to the Scandinave Spa which is a traditional Scandinavian spa/bath experience. In a beautiful and secluded setting, you can unwind and relax in multiple pools on the site and take advantage of the spa treatments too.

2) The Eastern Townships

If you want to disappear on a day trip out of Montreal and avoid the crowds, especially in the summer, look no further.

Located just a few hours away from downtown Montreal, The Eastern Townships consist of several different towns in the Southeast of Quebec.

A seriously postcard-worthy destination that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to one of those idyllic movies small towns where everyone knows everyone and each house has a white picket fence, almost.

From kayaking to shopping, exploring National Parks, and even a ski resort for the winter visits. Day trips to the Eastern Townships have something for everyone.

One of the best things to do in Montreal is taking a trip out to Bromont in the Eastern Townships. No matter the time of year one of the highlights of Bromont is the Balnea Spa.

Tucked into the side of a mountain surrounded by lush forest and spectacular views, this spa has it all. Relaxation rooms, the usual facials and massages.

But then they also have a Mediterranean inspired beach club and even offer different outdoor activities.

Winter lovers will be excited at the mention of skiing and Bromont, along with the rest of the Eastern Townships offer great ski hills.

Ski Bromont not only offers traditional winter outdoor activities like skiing/snowboarding, cross country skiing, sledding and snowshoeing, but they also offer amazing mountain biking trails, hiking and a very cool waterpark .

For more information click here . 

National Parks are a huge draw to this Eastern Townships region as well, especially from September – to November when the leaves turn a gorgeous gold, red and orange.

In the area, you have your choice of four parks including Mont Orford, Yamasaka National Park, Frontenac National Park and Reserve Naturelle des Montagnes-Vertes .

The two most popular choices for visitors are Frontenac National Park and Mont Orford which are also relatively easy to access during day trips from Montreal.

Sitting on the shores of Lake St. Francois is the perfect spot to check out some wildlife.

Home to 30 different species of mammals including moose and deer and over 200 species of birds you’ll definitely want to bring your binoculars up here.

To get the best views from up above the park, head out to Le Massif trail which you can access from the canoe dock number 12. At over 400 meters above sea level, the climb will be steep but the views over the southern end of the region will be more than worth it.

READ MORE: Looking for the best way to spend 3 days in Montreal? Don’t miss my recommended Montreal itinerary !

3) Quebec City

Old Montreal is one of the top Montreal attractions for any visitor. So what if you found out there was something just as beautiful and historic as Old Montreal on a bigger scale?

Then Quebec City might be the best day trip from Montreal for you! Dating back to the 1600s, Quebec City is the home to some of the province’s most incredible moments in history and is about as picturesque as they come.

The cobbled streets of Quebec City will have you thinking you’ve stepped foot in Europe. The Citadelle will remind you of the things you heard about in history class and the beautiful architecture will have you snapping a mile a minute.

Whether you’re looking for a day trip from Montreal full of beautiful scenes, good food or history Quebec City has it all.

If you want to get your bearings right away a great option for a Montreal day tour to Quebec City is to book a walking tour .

With a knowledgeable local guide at your side, you’ll be able to learn all about this historic part of the country. The historic city of Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so a guide will help you learn all the unique facts about this special area.

This is also a great way to find out what some local favourites are for the rest of your day. Even without an organized walking tour, Quebec City is best explored on foot.

The Quartier Petit Champlain is one of the most beautiful areas in the city and one of North America’s oldest commercial streets. Lined with lovely boutiques, art galleries and restaurants this is the hub of the city and you’ll find anything you need here.

For all your fresh local produce and treats head to Marché du Vieux Port (Old Port Market) . Open daily with numerous different stalls offering fresh produce, local cheeses, as well as wine and beers from the region.

History buffs will be in heaven visiting Quebec City as it is one of the oldest cities within Canada and home to so much history. Place Royale is one of the most historic landmarks in the city and one of the most photogenic.

This dates back to the 17th century and is considered by many as the birthplace of French Quebec.

The Notre Dame de Quebec Cathedral is nearby and was originally constructed in 1647. However, it has suffered several fires in its lifetime and the current cathedral is slightly different from the original.

One majorly cool site to see in Quebec City is The Fortifications. Surrounding the city and covering just under 5km, not only is the fortress a UNESCO World Heritage site but also offers some of the most amazing views of the city as well.

READ MORE: Want to spend more time in Québec City? Check out this post to find out more great things to do when you’re there!

The Museum of Civilization is the number 1 visited museum in Canada and is full of history. Explore the history not only of the Quebecois and Canadians from the inception of Québec City but also the native aboriginal people who called this area home.

La Citadelle is an active military installation and the secondary official residence of both the Canadian monarch and the Governor-General of Canada.

Located at the top of Cap Diamant this star-shaped fortress was constructed in the 1800s as the talk of an American invasion was near, but it never happened.

It was constructed in the 1800s as the talk of an American invasion was near, but it never happened. It’s a great piece of architecture and seen from above is the best way to view its shape.

Neighbouring the Citadelle are the Plains of Abraham and Battlefields Park which cover over 100 hectares and are the perfect place to see the city.

If you’re after another place to stroll and take in the views head to Terrace Dufferin that goes from the Citadelle to the iconic Chateau Frontenac hotel. The wooden boardwalk leads up to the hotel that looks like something out of a fairytale.

4) Montebello

In the west of Quebec and just over 90 minutes from Montreal, you’ll find the charming village of Montebello. Located close to the border of Ontario, this is a favourite summertime destination for Montrealers and Ontario residents too.

While this destination is often overlooked for Quebec City or Ottawa it’s the perfect day trip out of Montreal if you’re looking to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Visit the largest log cabin in North America or get up close and personal with some incredible wildlife.

Get out into nature and onto the hiking trails or book in for a day of pampering and local food and wine, anything you choose will be awesome.

For those looking for the best day trips from Montreal, there is an epic one that will give you the best of the best that Montebello has to offer.

A day tour to Parc Omega and Montebello Lodge after a scenic ride from Montreal is definitely a must-do.

At Parc Omega visitors will be able to experience the incredible Quebec wildlife up close and personal.

Wolves, blonde bears, deer, foxes and coyotes are just a few of the animals who call this location home and with knowledgeable guides, you’ll be able to see them all.

And if that’s not enough for you then why not book in for a night and wake up with the wolves!

Their cabin and chalet options are a great opportunity to see the wildlife in their natural habitat from cozy lodgings. For more details visit their website .  

Montebello Lodge aka The Chateau Montebello is a Fairmont owned hotel and one of the most beautiful in the country.

Even if you’re only on a day trip from Montreal that’s no reason not to stop in and have a drink at the bar, visit one of the property’s 6 restaurants, hit a few rounds on the golf course or enjoy the spa facilities.

The hotel also offers kayak and canoe rentals to take advantage of as well.

If you love good food and drink, Montello has some great options for you as well.

For the craft beer lovers in the group check out Brasseurs de Montebello. In a cozy atmosphere with a great patio space enjoy some of the region’s awesome craft beers and let the staff help you decide what to try next.

After a flight of beer, chances are you’ll need sustenance, and Fromagerie Montebello can help you out. This cheese shop is legendary in the area and for good reason too.

Taste your way through the shop and be sure to get some to take back home with you.

For a quintessential Quebec foodie favourite, visit Delice Champetre for poutine. This local delicacy of fries, cheese curds and gravy is a must-try for any visit to the province. 

5) The Laurentians

When it comes to Montreal sightseeing, the closest thing you’ll get to mountain ranges is Mount Royal, which is more of a hill than anything.

While that’s a pretty viewpoint if you’re craving some real mountains the best Montreal day trip for you would be The Laurentians.

North of the St. Lawrence River and what seems like out in the middle of nowhere are a stunning range of mountains that will have you saying “What west coast?”

Not only is this national park area a gorgeous palace to explore, but also there are also several must-see towns in the region worth a visit.

This is easily one of the top day trips from Montreal for nature lovers.

One of the highlights for anyone visiting The Laurentians in the Autumnal months (September – November) is to see the gorgeous colours in the region.

Escape the city on a pre-organized day trip from Montreal including transport.

A major highlight is to cruise around Lac-Des-Sables, where visitors will not only get a beautiful view from the lake but also get a fabulous opportunity to see the gold and red leaves for the surrounding forests.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Southern Quebec’s stunning mountainside and admire the woodlands you’ll pass all without having to do anything but snap photos as you cruise along.

Picture perfect villages seem to be a requirement in the Laurentians. Two that should definitely not be missed out on are St-Sauveur and St-Agathe.

In St-Sauveur you’ll find a ton of thrilling activities as well as a charming village atmosphere. The number one draw being Mont St-Sauveur where in winter you can take part in all sorts of winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ziplining .

However, in the summer months, the mountain turns into an aqua park . Enjoy the lazy river, dozens of wicked water slides and even rollercoasters in the park too.

In St-Agathe you’ll have an opportunity to get lost in the pretty little town and get out onto the trails nearby too.

Tyropark is a mountain adventure park equipped with the highest and longest zipline in Quebec.

There are options for a spa break + zip line day out or a hiking + zip line experience. Whatever you choose you’ll be sure to enjoy the views from the top.

For more information on activities click her e.

For those hoping for a bit of rest and relaxation the options for spas in The Laurentians, you’ve come to the right place.

Check out Bagni Spa in St-Adele for a Nordic spa experience. The spa sits directly on the river and there are areas completely secluded on the banks of the river with chairs on the rocks that give you a completely different experience than a regular treatment room.

There is an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant on-site and all the treatments you could want.

At St-Sauveur you’ll find the legendary Manoir St-Sauveur which is not just a hotel. The spa facilities here are a huge draw for Montrealers with an exquisite atmosphere, thermal pools and the most soothing treatment spaces.

Canada’s capital city is one of the best day trips from Montreal. Ottawa sits on the river in Ontario and is a city that everyone should have on their Canadian bucket list.

Easily accessible by road trip in a car, train or even bus so there is no worry for anyone visiting who may not have their own transport. The city is easy enough to get around on foot and really just an all-over visitor-friendly place to visit.

From Parliament Hill to The National Gallery of Canada and the Ottawa River, there is lots to see and do. The infamous Rideau Canal is perfect for skating in the winter months and the most scenic part of the city in the summer months.

Take a trip to Byward Market and enjoy some of the best food the city has to offer. No matter what you want to do you’ll be able to find it all and more in Ottawa.

In the center of Ottawa is Parliament Hill with the Parliament building perched right on top.

Overlooking the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill is made up of 3 buildings and an impressive garden, all of which can be toured by visitors. This Gothic Revival style of the building is stunning, and at night you can see it lit up which is very impressive.  

For more information on tours and times. please visit this website .

Ottawa is one of the oldest cities in Canada and therefore there are plenty of museums to check out on your day trip out of Montreal.

The Canadian Museum of History, The Canadian Museum of Nature, The National Gallery of Canada and The Canadian War Museum are just a few of the best ones to check out.

For something a bit more specialized, but one of the most fun to visit the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology is great! There is a “crazy kitchen” in which visitors will get a sense of gravity and be able to feel like they’re walking upside down.

Immersive displays and interactive exhibits are what this museum is known for and there’s something to find for everyone.

Byward Market is one of the oldest in Canada and is open year-round. Sample local produce, sample Ontario’s fine wines and get a feel for the food culture in this open-air market.

Definitely don’t forget to try a Beaver Tail! No, this is not an actual beaver tail! Think deep-fried dough in the shape of a beaver’s tail covered in cinnamon sugar, the perfect treat especially on a cold Winter’s day.

A winter visit to Ottawa is classic for anyone wanting to experience Winterlude.

For 2 weeks every February, this winter festival is full of amazing light shows, installations and of course skating on the Rideau Canal .

The canal on the Ottawa River is also a great place for a walk or a bike ride with over 200 km of riverside to explore.

Sitting just above the Rideau Canal is Major’s Hill Park , from which you’ll have fantastic views of the canal and even of the Parliament buildings.

Stroll through the park admiring the gardens or enjoy the Canada Day celebrations every July 1st here.

From the park, you’ll be able to walk along the path to the infamous Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel which is an iconic piece of Ottawa’s city architecture.

Looking more like a castle than a hotel, there is a bar and restaurant visitors can use if you aren’t a guest, and it’s worth just taking a little nosey around the place.

7) Montmorency Falls

Last on the list of the best day trips from Montreal is the spectacular Montmorency Falls.

Located near to Quebec City you can pop in for the must-see views on your way to/from Quebec City.

But if you fancy spending the day here there are more than enough things to do.

With over 100,000 visitors every year this is a destination you won’t want to miss out on. Come for the views but stay for the awesome zip line or themed guided tours into Quebec’s history.

Even during the winter, you’ll be able to see the frozen falls and ride the cable car. No matter the season and no matter what you hope to find, this is a day trip from Montreal that should be on everyone’s list.

First things first, visit the waterfall! Nearly 300 ft high, it makes them higher than the iconic Niagara Falls and has 2 separate drops all connected to the Montmorency River .

Several staircases surround the falls which allow visitors to get up close and personal from lots of different angles of the falls.

An amazing suspension bridge connects either side of the falls so you’ll be able to stroll over the top if you aren’t afraid of heights. From the middle of the bridge, you’ll have unobstructed views over either side of the falls making this the best viewpoint in the area.

If you want a bit of a different view, you can purchase tickets for the cable car where you’ll be taken up and out from the falls looking back at the rush of water behind you.

You can also visit Montmorency Falls and the cable car as a day trip from Quebec City .

For thrill-seekers, you can zipline alongside the falls or take to rock climbing the surrounding cliff faces.

And if you want to get the most out of your visit stop at the information center and book one of several guided tours while at the falls.

While winter can sometimes deter visitors, if you bundle upright and pick a sunny day then you’ll have the chance to see something incredible. During the winter months, the cable car still runs and you’ll have a chance to see the falls frozen over which is amazing.

Snowshoe trails surround the falls and the area of the park and there are several trails worth visiting if the conditions are right.

The Cliffside Boardwalk goes the whole way around the suspension bridge where you’ll have awesome views, and the Cottage Trail allows snowshoers to go across the bridge to the Resurgences Trail .

Ice climbing is available here as well but it is recommended only for those with experience.

Stop in at Manoir Montmorency for a hot drink and to warm your feet by the fire while still getting great views from the dining area.

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Laura Oxley

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Home » Travel Guides » Canada » 15 Best Day Trips from Montreal

15 Best Day Trips from Montreal

With an electrifying cultural dynamic and countless things to do, Montreal is favoured as one of the most irresistible destinations in Canada by both visitors and locals alike.

The tangible French influence means there’s endless places to eat mouthwatering food, fascinating art attractions throughout the city and much more.

However, Montreal also happens to be in the heartland of the Quebec countryside and as a result, there is a whole world of small townships, lakes, rivers and mountain ranges just outside the city limits and these destinations are well worth taking a day to go and visit.

Most being only a couple of hours drive away, here are the top day trip attractions that can be reached from Montreal.

1. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park

Only a few miles from Montreal, it couldn’t be easier to reach the Parc National des Iles-de-Boucherville and it offers the perfect escape from the busy city.

Come prepared to be active, as the series of chain islands is a veritable playground for all kinds of sports and activities from hiking, jogging and snowshoeing, to canoeing and cross-country skiing to name but a few.

The huge expanse of protected natural reserve was also the home to many First Nations people – if you want to brush up on your history, you can take an educational tour that gives a rare insight into this, as well as wildlife and conservation.

2. Domaine Labranche

Located in the beautifully picturesque region just south of the St. Lawrence River, Domaine Labranche is a family-run sugar shack which historically collected and processed locally produced maple sap.

Visitors can come and explore the gorgeous grounds, which include a farm, vineyard and hiking trails that are right around the corner.

As you can expect, there is a thriving culinary offering here and you can indulge in just about everything from fresh farm produce, wines and ingeniously prepared maple dishes.

3. Calvaire D’Oka

The trailhead to this wonderful hike can be found just metres from the idyllic Oka Provincial Park which is a huge natural reserve complete with beautiful forests, lakes and a significant number of historic buildings including oratories and chapels.

The Calvaire D’Oka hiking trail is accessible enough for any skill level and you’ll be rewarded with striking views of Lac des Deux Montagnes and the famous Adirondacks.

If you want to cool off after the hike, then make your way down to the lake where you can enjoy every kind of water sport imaginable, from stand-up paddle boarding to pedal boats and kayaking.

4. Granby Zoo

The ideal day trip for both families and travellers, Granby Zoo is in fact the biggest zoo in Quebec, not only because it houses so many animals of so many different species, but because of the physical size of its conservation area, meaning all the animals have ample space.

With wildlife that is both domestic and exotic, the 1000 strong community of animals attracts crowds of people each year who want to escape city life and marvel at the wonders of the Animal Kingdom.

Particularly popular amongst families is the zoo’s water park that is across the street, where you can cool off, grab a bite to eat and catch some sun in the summer.

5. Sucrerie de la Montagne

Unlike many of its counterparts across Quebec, this authentic sugar shack is open throughout the whole year, whereas others only tend to open during winter – meaning you can get a taste of pioneer Canada no matter when you visit.

The Quebec Heritage site is surrounded by a vast maple forest in the beautiful Mont Rigaud and visitors will have the chance to gain a fascinating insight into what life was like for the people who lived and worked here while producing maple products.

Between a restaurant and general store, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained for the day, though if you want to stay in the picturesque forest for longer, there is accommodation available.

6. Mont-Tremblant

Between it’s famous ski resort and pristine national park, its little wonder that locals from Montreal and visitors alike make the 2-hour trip to the slopes of the beautiful Mont-Tremblant to spend the day enjoying everything the mountain has to offer.

The charmingly quaint village was actually designed to look like a Swiss alpine town and it matches its mountain settings perfectly.

You’ll have no trouble finding something exhilarating to do even if you’re not a skier, from paddle boarding to mountain biking or swimming.

In the winter, it’s a skier and snowboarder haven, so if you’re into snowsports it’s a worthwhile time to visit.

Recommended tour : Private Day Tour to Mont Tremblant

Incredibly easy to reach thanks to the many bus routes and a rail line that connects Montreal with Ottawa, the city offers a different perspective of Canadian life, one that is incredibly rich in history owing to its parliamentary significance.

Home of the governmental heartland, Ottawa’s Parliament Hill is an architectural marvel and well worth a visit.

The city also has a blooming outdoor events culture, with festivals, concerts and markets occurring regularly throughout the year.

Book online : Private Day Tour to Ottawa

8. Quebec City

Also easily reachable from Montreal and without a doubt one of the most popular day trips, is the beautiful Quebec City.

Famously one of the oldest settlements built by European colonists in the whole of North America, the history here is apparent in the traditional architecture, whilst the museums hold enough knowledge to keep you fascinated for days.

The Vieux-Quebec District still exhibits the walls that surrounded the original fortress and offers one of the prettiest skylines in the city.

Not to be missed are the impressive museums and legislature buildings, including the National Assembly of Quebec and the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec.

Top rated tour : Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip

9. Petit Train du Nord Trail

Once a thriving railroad trail, this gorgeous route through the Laurentian Mountains has now been converted into an incredibly popular bike path and cross-country ski trail that winds its way through glades and alpine lakes and forests.

The 200km trail can be undertaken as one long trip or you can cover sections of it and stop off at a number of charming little towns on the way that grew from the old train stations.

At a mere 30 minutes from Montreal it’s the perfect place to do some do-it-yourself exploring while getting back to nature.

10. Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park

A relatively small slice of alpine paradise tucked away behind West Island’s housing developments and therefore having the feel of hidden gem.

Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park features the largest beach nearby to Montreal and visitors have endless choices when it comes to what activities to do there.

From windsurfing to beach volleyball to kayaking, it’s impossible to get bored here and the scenery is pretty enough to simply sit back and take it all in.

Remember to take some food with you as there are no restaurants in the area, though if you visit on the weekend there are sometimes food trucks selling fresh, local recipes.

11. The Laurentians

The Laurentian Mountains are one of Montreal’s best kept secrets when it comes to day trips as they are only about an hour away from town and don’t necessarily require an overnight stay.

Here you’ll find rolling mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes and a network of adorable alpine villages and townships that are all too reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.

Explore on your own or embark on a tour that’ll take you on a meandering route through the forests and mountains, even to Lac Des Sables where you can take a cruise and soak in the incredible views from the water.

12. Canada Railway Museum

A mere 20 minutes away from downtown Montreal, this intriguing insight into the pioneering railroad industry is the perfect place to start a day out – it’s so close that you can spend an hour or two here and move on to a different day trip.

The Canada Railway Museum showcases an assortment of technological breakthroughs that shaped the Canada of today and most of its exhibits are in pristine condition.

A great day out for families, it can be found in St Constant, just across from the St Lawrence River.

13. Au Diable Vert Canopy Cycle

One of the only attractions of its kind in the area, Au Diable Vert is home to not only stunning views from atop its perch on an alpine pasture, but is also home to a unique type of cycling.

Canopy cycling takes visitors above the tree line on hanging, open air cable cars that are powered by your pedal-pushing-power.

With no traffic in sight or earshot, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking panoramas of the Green Mountains and the Missisquoi River Valley as you pedal your way across the sky.

14. Whale Watching at Rivière-du-Loup

A full-day commitment for wildlife lovers – this day trip clocks in at around 10 hours in total including travel to the idyllic Rivière-du-Loup.

If you have the time however, its an incredibly worthwhile experience that you’re not likely to ever forget.

After being picked up from a central Montreal location, you’ll be whisked away on a 3 hour guided cruise that’ll take you to within almost touching distance of the huge, majestic beasts, allowing for some truly heart-stopping photography moments.

15. Eastern Townships

A popular escape for city dwellers to get back to nature whilst not having to rough it, the Eastern Townships are about two hours away from Montreal and offer a vast range of lakeside destinations that are particularly beautiful in the summer, where you can visit for the day or rent one of the many cottages peppering the region.

Throughout the year you can also enjoy festivals, wine-tasting fairs and all manner of outdoor activities whilst enjoying the Township’s lake district-esque charm.

15 Best Day Trips from Montreal:

• Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
• Domaine Labranche
• Calvaire D’Oka
• Sucrerie de la Montagne
• Mont-Tremblant
• Quebec City
• Petit Train du Nord Trail
• Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park
• The Laurentians
• Canada Railway Museum
• Au Diable Vert Canopy Cycle
• Whale Watching at Rivière-du-Loup
• Eastern Townships

The 14 best weekend trips from Montreal to escape the city

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Montreal is a great city to visit and live in. But sometimes, you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Here are the 14 best weekend trips from Montreal. These are the best cities and towns to visit within a short driving distance of Montreal. Some are perfect for nature weekend getaways, others are romantic escapes for couples, but all are amazing for a few days away from Montreal.

If you’re looking for a short road trip from Montreal to escape into nature, or if you want a change of scenery and want to explore a different city altogether, you came upon the right article.

We asked some of our fellow bloggers to share their favorite weekend escapes from Montreal. Below, you’ll find some of the best places to explore that are only a few hours from the city. Discover what makes these destinations so special, what to do there, and when to visit.

Weekends are pretty awesome times to visit these places, but they sometimes tend to get crowded. If you’re looking to really get away and want to mingle with locals, then make sure you head out to these spots during the week. And if you love the place, stay longer and really get to know the area.

If a weekend trip is too long, you can always check out our article for the 20 best day trips from Montreal . They’re all less than 2 hours away from the city. You can also read our full article about the most iconic road trips in Quebec to inspire you a little more.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

We love helping you plan amazing trips. If you need any of these services, consider booking them through our affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, you will be helping support us so we can continue to write these blogs for you.

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The 14 best weekend trips near Montreal, in Quebec

First, let’s start off with the best destinations in the province of Quebec. We’ve ordered the spots from closest to furthest, so you can plan the perfect escape from Montreal.

1. Montebello, the perfect short trip from Montreal

Montebello is a perfect destination to visit if you are looking for a weekend trip from Montreal. Located on the North Shore of the Ottawa River, Montebello village is a 1-and-a-half hour car drive from Montreal. It’s also located in one of our favorite hidden gem regions of Quebec, the Outaouais – a region where there is always a ton to do !

One of the most famous parts of the town is the world-famous  Château Montebello resort , the largest log structure ever built. It has often been used as a conference center for important Canadian government meetings, NATO conferences, and G7 Summit.

The compound has facilities for cross-country skiing, dog sledding, golf, boating, and snowmobiling. The town also hosts the huge music festival Montebello RockFest which takes place once a year where music lovers come from far-off places to witness it.

Montebello has some great stays and food options but reservations have to be made well in advance. You can enjoy the lush forest, rural landscape, and accompanying mountains. You can also take to hike around the Plaisance Falls which offers some great scenic views of the 63 m fall.

Explore the Géo-Rallye, an electric bike scavenger hunt, a fun activity that would give you a tour of the landscape. Visit some national historic sites like Manoir-Papineau. Enjoy some fresh cheese at Fromagerie Montebello and some craft beer at Brasseurs de Montebello.

You can typically plan a visit for the weekend, however, if you plan to explore the city in detail, a 3-4 day timeframe would help. It’s a perfect romantic getaway from Montreal over the weekend, especially with a stay at the iconic Château Montebello .

2. Orford, a quick weekend escape near Montreal for nature-lovers

Contributed by yours truly at We Did It Our Way

Orford is a great city to visit in the Eastern Townships , about 1h40 from Montreal. It’s a great short trip from Montreal for nature lovers. It’s located at the foot of the beautiful mountains that are part of the Mont Orford national park .

The Mont-Orford National Park is the perfect place to go for a hike , get a view of the Eastern Townships, or try some of the water activities in the summer. You can also go snowshoeing or skiing in the winter months. But if you ask us, the fall is the best time to go because of all the colorful leaves.

Orford is also a great place to get away from Montreal if you’re a foodie. To get a real taste of the local offering, you can drive the wine route and stop along the way for a tasting or two. We recommend having a designated driver so you can really enjoy the route.

There are also many ciders made in the area, so make sure you try them out too! If beer is more of your thing, you can drive the microbrewery route instead. It’s a great way to support local businesses.

There are a ton of towns nearby as well, so if you’re looking to set up base in Orford and explore around, we highly recommend you stay at Chalets Hygge . They offer a ton of different Scandinavian-style chalets that vary in size. They’re the perfect place to call home while you check out what else there is to do in and around Orford.

3. Magog, a nature lover’s weekend trip from Montreal

Contributed by Ruma from The Holiday Story

Magog is the perfect destination for a short road trip from Montreal for nature lovers. The town is only 77 miles (125 km) away from Montreal. It’s located at the confluence of Lake Memphremagog, Rivière aux Cerises, and Magog River, Canada. 

The town gives off a picturesque view with its vineyards and lakes. The place is heavily influenced by its French residents which comprise more than 90% of the total population. Today, it thrives mainly as a tourist destination. There are several things to do in Magog if you go over for a 2-day getaway from Montreal. Here are some of the best things to do:

• Lake Memphremagog : The entire town is named after this lake. It is a long and narrow glacial lake shared by both Canadian and US provinces. Previously it was used only as a canoe route. Now the boat tours here are the most popular activity to be done in Magog. You can also go for a swim in the summer months.
• Musée International d’Art Naif : This is the only existing museum in Canada dedicated to exhibiting naïve art. Artworks of both local and overseas artists are displayed here. The museum offers a free tour for visitors. 
• Marais de la Riviere aux Cerises : It’s a 3-km long walking trail through the forests and marshlands of Magog. It comprises wooden footbridges along with forest trails. The diverse scenic beauty surpasses any other trail. Fall is the best time to visit. Free parking is available at both ends.

The town is laden with resorts and is a popular tourist destination. The local restaurants and cafes provide authentic French delicacies. All in all, it is a good place for a weekend overnight stay.

4. Val David, a short road trip from Montreal

Contributed by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Val-David is a charming French-Canadian village in the Laurentian Mountains, 80 km north of Montreal. This picture-perfect town is tiny but is full of scenery, arts, and adventure. It’s perfect for a winter escape from Montreal.

During the colder seasons, Val-David is a popular destination for winter activities. Cross-country skiers will find a network of groomed trails for all abilities in the natural areas surrounding the town. Le P’tit Trail du Nord is a linear park that runs right through downtown for fabulous cross-country skiing. The reclaimed rail right-of-way travels 200 km from Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier. You can also snowshoe into ice caves at the Val-David Regional Park.

Other winter activities include ice skating and hockey at the downtown ice rink with a cozy warming center. Alpine ski enthusiasts will find many classic ski resorts within a short drive. An outdoor equipment store has rental equipment for many outdoor adventures in all seasons.

In warmer weather, the artistic shops and quaint cafes will charm visitors. Cyclists will enjoy biking on Le P’tit Trail du Nord along the free-flowing Rivèrie du Nord . A kayak trip on the river is also possible. Bouldering and rock climbing is popular on the cliffs of the Val-David Regional Park Dufresne sector. Additionally, hiking trails take you through beautiful boreal forests.

Finish your day’s activities with a visit to the local microbrewery. Order from the menu of creative regional cuisine and enjoy a flight of the best craft brews. Spend a couple of nights at a local bed and breakfast to enjoy all the activities and small village charm of Val-David.

Summer or winter, this is a perfect escape from Montreal. It’s a short road trip from the city and it allows you to fully jump into nature.

5. Mont-Tremblant, another great weekend road trip near Montreal

Contributed by Devin of Deventuretime

Mont-Tremblant is an amazing place to visit all year round as there are plenty of restaurants, events, and things to do in the area. It’s located just over an hour and a half from Montreal, making it a great weekend or day trip from the city . The area is home to a ski resort, casino, spas, great restaurants, and plenty of activities for the whole family.

A  winter getaway to Mont-Tremblant  is a popular way to experience the area. During this time, the ski resort is open and attracts visitors from all around, and offers plenty of exciting things to do in winter. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, visitors can go tubing, skating, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and indulge in delicious hot chocolate.

During the summer, the mountains at the resort turn into a great place to go hiking. Visitors can take the gondola to the top of the mountain and adventure around the trails at the top. There are a number of summer activities offered, including a luge, climbing tower, mini-golf, and more.

The village at the resort is fun to visit all year round and is home to many shops, candy stores, and much more. There is even a stall for the famous BeaverTails dessert, which is a fried pastry topped with a variety of sweets. Nearby, there is a popular Scandinavian Spa for those looking to relax on their trip to Mont-Tremblant and a casino that is great to visit in the evening after dinner.

There are plenty of delicious French Restaurants around Mont-Tremblant to check out as well. C’est la Vie boasts a great fine-dining experience, serving up unique meats and great wines. The food alone is reason enough to visit Mont-Tremblant on a weekend road trip from Montreal !

Mont-Tremblant offers a ton of accommodations . You can choose to stay in the resort village or rent a place that is close by. If you’re looking to rent a lovely cabin a few minutes away from Mont-Tremblant, we highly recommend staying at Ölch Cabin . This Scandinavian-style cabin is nestled in nature and offers all the comforts (and more) you can ever ask for.

6. Gatineau Park, a great nature lover’s escape from Montreal and Ottawa

Contributed by Nina of Nina Out and About 

Gatineau Park is an essential short trip from Montreal for nature lovers. Located by the border between Quebec and Ontario, Gatineau Park is a national park full of hiking trails, camping spots, and fun outdoor activities. Add it to a stop on your  Quebec road trip itinerary  to make the most of the area.

Gatineau Park is an amazing destination to visit in the summer or the winter. Summer features long hiking trails that lead to waterfalls , overlooks across the lakes, and historical ruins. You can find the remnants of a Prime Minister’s home on the McKenzie King trail.

In winter, Gatineau Park becomes a haven for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Most of the trails close to hikers so you can fly down them at high speeds on your skis. You can bring these with you from Montreal or rent a pair in the nearby town.

When you need some relaxation after all of that hiking, check out the Nordik Spa for amazing treatments. Soak in their outdoor hot pools, letting any tension melt away from your muscles. Or upgrade and get a massage and facial.

You’ll be so relaxed you’ll happily melt into your sleeping bag at a camp in the park. Most people opt to camp in tents in the designated areas throughout Gatineau Park. Some people prefer to book accommodations at local lodges and B&Bs for a more luxurious experience.

Staying for at least 2 days is how to get the best experience of the national park.

When you visit Gatineau Park, be sure to stop at some of the nearby towns before you leave. They have adorable cafes with sausage rolls and homemade pies that will warm your belly on your journey back to Montreal.

7. Mont-Mégantic National Park, the perfect weekend getaway from Montreal

Contributed by Audrey of That Backpacker

If you’re looking for a nature escape with a side of star-gazing, I would recommend  visiting Mont-Mégantic National Park .

Located a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal, Mont-Mégantic is situated in the heart of the first International Dark Sky Reserve. That means it’s an astronomy lover’s paradise. Because there is hardly any light pollution in the area, it’s the perfect weekend destination near Montreal to turn your gaze upwards and marvel at the stars. Plus, there’s also plenty of hiking to be enjoyed by day!

For accommodations, I would recommend staying in the park where they have these spacey, futuristic-looking cabins named after each of the planets in our solar system. You’ll be surrounded by nature, and have access to hiking trails right at your doorstep.

If camping is not your thing, we have two other accommodations nearby that are close enough to the Mont-Mégantic National Park – Chalet Hygge & Laö Cabines

Another place not to miss on your visit is the ASTROLab , which offers daytime guided tours with exhibits focusing on earth and space. You can also watch a film called  Cosmic Rhythms , which really puts into perspective just how vast our universe is. Make sure you check out entrance conditions before going.

For a nice dinner, Aux Toits Rouges is highly recommended, which specializes in regional cuisine. They have dishes featuring royal quail and duck from Lac Brome, and their maple syrup pie is a must-try!

Mont-Mégantic is a fun nature escape year-round, however, if you’re an astronomy enthusiast, you may want to plan your visit in the summertime. The Popular Astronomy Festival takes place in July and is the biggest gathering of novice, amateur, and professional astronomers in Québec. This is also one of the few times of the year when the public is granted access to the Mont-Mégantic Observatory to scan the skies using a 1.6-meter telescope. Another important event is the Perseid Meteor Shower, which is visible every year from mid-July to mid-August. The ASTROLab puts on a special program and invites people to spend the night under the stars.

Not only is Mont-Mégantic national park a great place to hike and explore, the town is also the perfect nature escape from Montreal.

8. Québec City, a big city weekend escape close to Montreal

Contributed by Stephanie from The World As I See It

For a fabulous weekend getaway from Montreal head to Quebec City. Located approximately three hours outside of Montreal, Quebec City is a must-visit! Home to UNESCO World Heritage status, a wealth of museums and an old-world charm that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a village in Europe, old Quebec City has something for everyone.

With so many great things to do in Quebec City the ideas to fill your days are endless. If you love exploring the history of places you visit then you’ll love the wealth of historical sites, museums, and walking tours. Be sure to wander the Old City Gates, visit Place Royal and the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site.

Whether you’re looking for incredible architecture or epic views there are a ton of great  photography spots in Quebec City  too. Like the views atop Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace or the iconic Chateau Frontenac . A few other things to add to your itinerary should include a ride on the Funicular, stroll Rue de Petit Champlain, explore the thriving art scene and visit Battlefields Park.

A weekend trip to Quebec City is ideal any time of year depending on your preference. For fun festival vibes visit in the winter for the Winter Carnival. If you’re looking for more comfortable temperatures and the ideal time to explore the city’s parks consider a trip in the summer. Any time is a great time to visit Quebec City. And with an endless list of things to do, places to go and fantastic restaurants you’ll want to plan at least two to three days to truly appreciate this incredible city.

If you want to explore a different city than Montreal, and want to get immersed in Old-France vibes, this is the weekend road tri p you need!

9. Ile d’Orléans, a quick trip from Quebec City, and a weekend road trip from Montreal

While you’re visiting Quebec City, and even as a quick escape near Montreal, Ile d’Orléans is a great place to explore. This little island, about 3 hours from Montreal, is a local produce lover’s heaven! In fact, some of the best local strawberries all around the province of Quebec come from Ile d’Orléans. It’s well worth the detour to get your fill. You even have the choice of picking these scrumptious berries yourself.

While you’re on Ile d’Orléans, make sure to stop and check out the Observation Tower which gives you great views of the island and the shores across the St Lawrence River. On clear days, you can see pretty far.

For foodies, check out Tigidou jams , a great local producer of jams, sorbets, and other delicious treats made from local produce. There are also quite a few wineries that are on the island. We loved our stop at Isle de Bacchus vineyard! We had a tasting menu of wines where we tried 6-7 of their best sellers. Another must is Cassis Monna et Filles. It’s an economuseum where you can discover the island’s famous blackcurrant liqueur, try their ice cream or other blackcurrant delicacies.

On your way to or from Ile d’Orléans, don’t miss the  Montmorency Waterfalls . You can spot them from a mile away! They’re one of the largest waterfalls in Quebec . You can zipline over them, check out the many vantage points, take the cable car, or just admire them from the suspension bridge that goes above them. They really are impressive when you’re close by!

There are a few places to stay on the Ile d’Orléans, but if you’re looking for an escape from Montreal, or from Quebec city, check out Nöge Hébergement . Here, you can disconnect from the stressful world around you, and reconnect with nature.

10. Saguenay Lac-St-Jean, a perfect region to discover near Montreal

The Saguenay Lac-St-Jean area is the perfect weekend destination near Montreal, and the summer is an amazing time to visit the region. The weather warms up, the days get longer, the local produce offering is incredible and there are a ton of beautiful places to visit and things to do outdoors.

The Saint-Jean region is known for its beautiful bike paths. The most popular one is the Blueberry Route, a 256-kilometer pathway that goes all the way from the estuary to up and around the lake. Its name is no coincidence either. There are a ton of blueberries to pick along the route so if you’re looking for a delicious snack, don’t be shy to stop and pick some. This region is famed for its delicious berries.

In the region, you can visit The Fjord du Saguenay national park is amazing for hiking or canoeing. There’s also the Ouiatchouan hiking trail which is a multi-day hike that crosses the amazing waterfall that bears the same name as the trail. You can also visit the Val Jalbert ghost town or one of the many museums in the area. Plus, there are a ton of small cute towns that are worth the detour.

Finally, if you’re looking to relax, you’re in luck. The Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean region has some of the best beaches that are near Montreal. The best ones are located around the lake.

If you’re looking to escape Montreal for the weekend, make sure you stop and enjoy everything the Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean region has to offer.

Looking for more fun things to do around the province of Quebec? Here are some of our articles to help you plan the best trips: – The best things to do in the Eastern Townships – Unique cabins to book around Quebec – The best things to do in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean – The best hikes around Montreal – National Parks around Montreal you should check out – The best national parks in Quebec – The best waterfalls in Quebec – Top 10 attractions in Quebec’s Côte Nord – A trip to the Magdalen Islands – The best day trips from Montreal – The best things to do in Outaouais

Weekend getaways from Montreal in Ontario

11. kingston, a cute town to explore on a weekend road trip from montreal.

Contributed by Alicia from travelswiththecrew.com

Kingston is a city in Eastern Ontario, Canada, and it’s a great place to visit as a weekend trip from Montreal or from Toronto . It’s a perfect destination for people who enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking. It is also a great destination for people who love good food and a quaint downtown.

The best things to do in Kingston are to visit the Fort Henry National Historic Site. This famous fort was built in 1812 and served as a strategic defense against the United States. Next, check out the Rideau Canal, which is one of the largest man-made waterways in North America. It stretches from Ottawa to Lake Ontario and passes through Kingston on its way. You can visit the Rideau canal locks, or even rent a boat to take the scenic voyage.

In the evening, go for a hike at Frontenac Provincial Park. These trails offer scenic views of Lake Ontario, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way! You can also relax outdoors on Kingston’s waterfront. The city has many walkways right by its beautiful lakeshore that are perfect for taking enjoyment from nature to your heart’s content.

Visit Kingston’s City Hall. This beautiful art deco building is a historic landmark that was built in the late 1920s. Go for a walk through downtown Kingston with its brick streets and quaint shops! There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, concert venues, and more to choose from within this area. Some of the city’s best restaurants are Tony’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Casa Domenico, or the Kingston Brewing Company.

A weekend trip is the perfect amount of time to see what Kingston has to offer and to really feel like you got to know the city. There are also plenty of accommodations to choose from , so book a night, take your time and enjoy this little gem!

12. Ottawa, discover Canada’s capital, a quick trip from Montreal

Contributed by Dymphe from Dymabroad

One of the best weekend trips from Montreal is one to the city of Ottawa. You can find Ottawa on the border with Quebec, in the province of Ontario. The city is best known for being the capital of Canada and for its history. This makes it a very interesting place to visit! Moreover, there are lots of things to do and see in Ottawa.

One of the best things to do is to visit the National Gallery of Canada. You find here a large collection of artworks from all around the world. In total, you find here almost 100,000 different pieces of art.

Another great place to visit in the city is Parliament Hill. This is where you find a beautiful Neo-Gothic building that is the home of the Canadian legislature. Also, the Canadian Museum of History is definitely worth visiting. This is the perfect place if you want to learn about the human history of the country of Canada and the diversity of the people that live in the country.

Besides that, Rideau Canal is great to see as well. This is a beautiful canal that connects the city of Ottawa to Lake Ontario. This is also a fun place, as you can go biking here, go sailing through it by boat, or go ice skating in winter!

There is no one perfect time to visit the city of Ottawa, the city is great during every season! You can also cover the highlights of the city during a 2-day weekend, but you can easily spend more time here if you want to see even more!

Looking for the best things to do in Ottawa? Check out our article that covers the top 10 activities to do on a weekend in Canada’s capital.

13. Prince Edward County, a peaceful 3-day weekend escape from Montreal

Contributed by Taima from PoorinaPrivatePlane.com

Located on Lake Ontario, less than four hours away from Montreal, Prince Edward County makes for a great 3-day weekend destination. In the winter, you can take advantage of activities such as snowshoeing and ice skating. And in the summer, spend the weekend on the beach and cooling off on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Not to be confused with Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward County is a hidden gem. Here you can go wine tasting in many of the local vineyards. Visit one of the many brew pubs. Or just spend a relaxing weekend in one of the inns near the Lake. 

For those that like beer, check out Midtown Brewing Company. But the food and beer here are phenomenal.

If wine is more your style there are so many wineries/vineyards to choose from. Sandbanks are one of the most popular and a must-visit for first-timers to Prince Edward County. Other must-visits in the area are Sugarbush, Trail Estate, and Traynor.

In the summer be sure to check out Sandbanks Park located right on Lake Ontario. This is a popular place to visit both in the summer and winter. In the summer, enjoy the sunshine and take a dip in the lake. In the winter, the park turns into a winter wonderland.

There are many smaller inns where you can stay in town. However, if you are looking for more inexpensive options, or if the smaller inns are sold out, then check out Belleville which is just over the bridge.

14. Toronto, a big city weekend getaway from Montreal

Contributed by Carolin from Happy when Abroad

From Montreal, it takes about 5 hours by train to reach Toronto, Canada’s largest city in the province of Ontario. Along the way, you will pass the picturesque Ontario Lake. Being home to over six million people, Toronto is not only a popular tourist destination in North America but also the largest city in Canada.

The city offers numerous attractions and activities for every season and for every kind of budget. Climbing up the unmistakable CN Tower and taking a boat to the Toronto Islands should definitely be on your  Toronto Bucket List .

If you are traveling on a budget, there are many options for you as well. Free activities in the metropolis include walking around the lovely harbor front, enjoying the view over Lake Ontario while eating ice cream, soaking in the vivid atmosphere, and the colorful hustle-and-bustle, at Yong-Dundas Square as well as strolling around the historic Distillery District. On top, you should not miss trying all the delicious food at Kensington Market and St. Lawrence Market and taking photos of painted walls in Graffiti Alley.

It is hard to say which is the best time to visit Toronto, because at every time of the year, there are different things to do and see. If you want to go on boat trips and enjoy the harbor front, it is better to come in summer (June-September). However, you can enjoy the many ice-skating rinks and Christmas markets in winter.

As you can see, there are always many things to do and see in Toronto. From one day to several weeks, the city will not become boring for you so easily.

Here are the 14 best weekend trips from Montreal

As always, here are the best weekend escapes near Montreal. Of course, these are places you can go to on a quick drive and spend the weekend discovering their beauty. However, if you want to take a bit more time and really enjoy your time, take a few extra days in these amazing towns and cities.

• Mont-Tremblant
• Gatineau Park
• Mont-Mégantic
• Quebec City
• Ile d’Orléans
• Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
• Prince Edward County

Of course, there are a ton of other small towns around Montreal that are worth a visit. But if you’re looking to make the best of your weekend getaways, without going too far from the city, these are your best bets.

We tried to keep these places close enough to the city so that you have ample time to explore the destination once you get there. Wherever you decide to go, make sure you visit the place respectfully and leave without leaving a trace.

Let us know in the comments if there are other places near Montreal that are great weekend destinations.

We put a lot of time and effort into the content we create. Please like, comment and share, every action on your part helps us out tremendously and is very much appreciated.

You can also help us by pinning it for others to find.

You Might Also Like:

Top 10 things to do on a weekend trip to Ottawa no matter the season

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Get out of the city with the best scenic drives from Montreal

Experience mountains, beaches, vineyards, orchards and more on the open road with the best scenic drives from Montreal

From long stretches across rolling farmlands to twists and turns around the Laurentian shield, the best scenic drives that begin in Montreal offer views unlike any other in the country. These are among the best long and sprawling tours of Quebec’s landscapes that make for some of the best weekend getaways  and day trips from Montreal , and each can (and should) be part of cross-country tours. Better yet, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the best hiking near Montreal and tours of vineyards with the Wine Route of Brome-Missisquoi or orchards and cidermakers in Montérégie.

Skip on committing another horror story to memory about roads riddled with potholes, traffic jams and the city’s endless construction with a full tank of gas and an open road with these tried and true recommendations.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Montreal

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Discover the best scenic routes to take from Montreal

1.  The Chemin du Roy

Few travels taken along the northern side of the Saint-Lawrence River get as historically scenic as this one. While navigation apps will generally send everyone along the Autoroute 40, but following Route 138 instead takes you along a road that dates back to 1737, one that was constructed to connect the two biggest settlements of New France: Montreal and Quebec City. Starting on the old cobblestones of Old Montreal and ending on the cobblestones of Old Quebec, there’s a lot of heritage sites to visit in between (the Quebec Folk Culture Museum and the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières come to mind), as well as rolling countryside views for a breath of fresh air. It’s good for all seasons, as summertime trips yield agritourism at farms and vineyards while winter trips have ice fishing and can end with Winterlude in the province’s capital.

284 kilometers, 1 to 2 days

2.  The Laurentian Shield’s Mountains and Lakes

Heading north from the city usually means trips to Mont-Tremblant for a lot of Montrealers looking to enjoy chalets and resorts all year round, but a turn to the west after you leave Montreal’s metropolitan area takes you into the forests, lakes and mountains of the Laurentians. This route is a tweaked version of the automotive journalist Jim Leggett’s, one that goes an extra mile and then some towards the lake-locked town of Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm (good for case-croûte break for some fresh fries) with an optional turn-off towards the Mont-Tremblant National Park. It’s a two-lane drive with a lot of twist and turns for those that let to let their engine go on the open road as you enjoy the greenery and water of the area passing by.

364 kimoeters, 5 hours

3.  Prince Edward County via the Thousand Islands Parkway

Located on an island on the northern shores of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County provides a perfect summer getaway experience worth a full day’s trip. You could get there faster if you took the 401, but where’s the fun in that? Staying off the highway gives you access to a lot of rolling farmland, calm lakes, forested scenery, and historic areas like Upper Canada Village along the Saint-Lawrence River towards Ontario. Best of all, this path takes you down the Thousand Islands Parkway, regarded to be some of the best scenic drives in near the city. Once you hit Prince Edward proper, following routes 13, 7, or 12 from the town takes the trip towards sandy beaches to lounge at—especially if you’ve picked up some supplies from one of the area’s 40 vineyards, its craft breweries and/or snacks from farmers markets back in town. If you really want to have some fun—and if you’re pressed for time to get back the same day—go ahead and take the 401 back as you blast some tunes and put the pedal to the metal.

386 kilometers, 6 hours

4.  Brome-Missisquoi’s Wine Route

It’s more a network of four routes throughout the Brome-Missisquoi region that, when combined, gives travelers the chance to visit upwards of 20 vineyards, nearly two dozen restaurants and one of the best opportunities to dive into the wine the province produces (many of which are small-batch, so you won’t be finding them at the SAQ). The best time to visit any one of the four routes is from June 24 to Thanksgiving weekend (just before mid-October), but especially towards the end to enjoy the beginning of the fall equinox’s shifting colours and the harvest season that runs from mid-September to mid-October. We recommend taking ‘ La Balade ’ after taking Autoroute 10 from Montreal, which ends in Freighlighsburg—the world’s birthplace of ice cider from its father Christian Barthomeuf. Just be sure to plan a hike up Mont Sutton if time provides, or just dropping by Lac Brome’s duck farm boutique on the way back to stock up on rillette, breasts and bacon; it’s some of the best in the world.

110 to 138 kilometers, 1 to 2 days

5.  Montérégie’s Cider Route

Heading out of the city towards the Richelieu River Valley and towards Chambly’s National Historic Site by a Canal provides views of sweeping farmland that you can only get a good view of from off the highway. This particular area through Montérégie is features orchards, maple farms, plus a vineyard or two are you drive through the beaten paths of the region. Most notable of all is the Cider Route beginning in Rougemont off Route 112 and dipping southward along the Richelieu River and westward to Hemmingford along the US-Canada border; ice ciders, sparkling cider, apple must, and brandy can be picked up along the way from boutiques (or stopovers for tours can be planned in advance) while you enjoy sweeping landscapes from the comfort of your seat. When the sun sets over the pastures and trees? That’s relaxing. We’ve included a route back along Route 138 just in case you want the needle on the speedometer to climb a bit.

242 kilometers, 4.5 hours

6.  Eastern Townships Circuit to Rawdon

It’s one of the longer drives you can take, but it’s worth it: Using Mont-Mégantic as the first waypoint out of Montreal—which in itself can offer some supreme hiking—this trip takes a scenic route through the Eastern Townships with towns like Magog that’s followed by passing by Mont-Orford National Park. After that, heading north takes you to the Chaudière-Appalaches region and Beauce’s rivers and valleys before going further ahead for scenic views of Quebec City from the Terrasse de Lévis (if you want to make a trip of it, stop in the city overnight and detour to Montmorency Falls). Finally, our route follows the Chemin du Roy back before veering through the farmland around Rawdon for a break and smelling the tall cedar trees around the town. After that, you’re homeward bound!

774 kilometers, 9 hours

7.  The Bas-Saint-Laurent – Gaspésie Tour

Starting in Montreal and following the Saint-Lawrence River, this drive takes motorists through a range of landscapes and seascapes that include wildlife reserves, gardens, provincial parks, vineyards, villages and more. On the surface, it’s simple: Once the Jacques Cartier bridge is crossed away from the island, follow Route 132 the whole way up and around the Gaspé Peninsula. There is, however, so much more to it than that: Riding along the seaway up to the Atlantic takes travelers through a huge amount of places worthy of a pitstop, like whale-watching in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, detouring through Parc national du Bic before dining at chef Colombe St-Pierre’s famous local terroir restaurant Chez Saint-Pierre, taking in the view at places like Chaleur Bay and Percé Rock, hiking Mt. Albert or Mt. Jacques-Cartier to spot caribou, and getting a taste for some real Acadian culture.

­ 1,235 kilometres; 7 to 10 days

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Side Trips in Montreal

Skiing at Mont-Tremblant

145km (90 miles) N of Montréal

Don’t expect spiked peaks or high, ragged ridges. The Laurentian Shield’s rolling hills and rounded mountains average between 300m and 520m (984 ft.–1,706 ft.) in height, with the highest being Mont-Tremblant, at 875m (2,871 ft.). These are not the Alps or the Rockies, but they’re welcoming and embracing to most levels of skier. T here are 12 ski centers within a 64km (40-mile) radius, but Mont-Tremblant itself is the most popular, with a vibrant pedestrian village at its base that is a kind of Aspen-meets-Disneyland. Skiers can usually expect reliable snow from early December to late March. The busiest times are February and March.

Essentials Getting There

BY CAR -- The fast and scenic Autoroute des Laurentides, also known as Autoroute 15, goes straight from Montréal to the Laurentians. About 15km (9 miles) before Mont-Tremblant, 15 ends and merges with the older Route 117, which also runs parallel with Autoroute 15. (If you have the time to meander, you can exit 15 at St-Jérôme and pick up the smaller Route 117, which passes through many appealing small towns.) Montréalers fill the highways when they “go up north” on weekends, particularly during the top skiing months, so try to avoid driving on Friday afternoons.

There are four exits to the Mont-Tremblant ski area from Route 117. The first is exit 113, which takes visitors through Centre-Ville Mont-Tremblant (formerly the village of St-Jovite), a pleasant small town with a main street, rue de St-Jovite, lined with cafes and shops. From the center of town, Route 327 heads to the mountain.

The fourth exit, exit 119, bypasses Centre-Ville and goes directly to the mountain. Watch for signs with the resort’s logo, which turns the “A” in “Tremblant” into a graphic of a ski mountain.

BY BUS -- Galland buses (www.galland-bus.com; tel 877/806-8666 or 450/687-8666 ) depart from Gare d’autocars de Montréal , 1717 rue Berri, and stop in the larger Laurentian towns, including Mont-Tremblant. The ride to Mont-Tremblant takes just under 3 hours.

Visitor Information

Tourist offices are plentiful throughout the Laurentians—just look for the blue “ ?” signs. A major information center is at exit 51 off Autoroute 15. It shares a building with a McDonald’s. Called Tourisme Laurentides (www.laurentides.com; tel 800/561-6673 or 450/224-7007), it has racks of brochures and a helpful staff. It’s open daily. Closer to the ski mountain, there’s an office at 5080 Montée Ryan (tel 877/425-2434 or 819/425-2434), open daily 9am to 5pm. You can also check www.tourismemonttremblant.com , an official tourism site, and www.tremblant.ca , the Mont-Tremblant ski resort’s website .

Getting Around

You can certainly settle in for a day of skiing, eating, and shopping at the Mont-Tremblant ski center and resort village and get around by foot. If you want to visit Scandinave Spa (below), you’ll need a car.

If you drive through the area, keep this in mind: The abundant use of the name “Tremblant” can be very confusing. There is Mont-Tremblant, the mountain. There’s the resort village that is sometimes called the pedestrian village, sometimes called Tremblant, and sometimes called Mont-Tremblant Station. There’s the old village of Mont-Tremblant about 5km (3 miles) northwest of the resort, which long ago was the region’s center. There’s Centre-Ville Mont-Tremblant, the cute commercial district about 12km (7 1/2 miles) south of the mountain that used to be known as St-Jovite. Feeding the confusion is the fact that, in 2005, the villages of St-Jovite and Mont-Tremblant and the pedestrian village combined to become a single entity named Ville de Mont-Tremblant—but many maps and residents still refer to the areas by their old names. You’ll also see signs for a lake, Lac Tremblant, next to the pedestrian village, and the large national park, Parc National du Mont-Tremblant. Clear as mud, right?

There are parking lots right at the pedestrian village, and, if those are full, you’ll find others close by (and well marked) that are served by shuttles to the village.

Hitting the Slopes (& the Spa)

The Mont-Tremblant ski resort (www.tremblant.ca) draws the biggest downhill crowds in the Laurentians and for 15 years running was ranked as the top ski resort in eastern North America by “ Ski Magazine.” Founded in 1939, it’s one of the oldest in North America. It pioneered creating trails on both sides of a mountain and was the second mountain in the world to install a chairlift. The vertical drop is 645m (2,116 ft.). When the snow is deep, skiers here like to follow the sun around the mountain, making the run down slopes with an eastern exposure in the morning and down the western-facing ones in the afternoon. There are higher mountains with longer runs and steeper pitches, but something about Mont-Tremblant compels people to return time and again. The resort has snowmaking capability to cover almost three-quarters of its skiable terrain (265 hectares/654 acres). Of its 95 downhill runs and trails, half are expert terrain, about a third are intermediate, and the rest beginner. The longest trail, Nansen, is 6km (3 3/4 miles).

For after-skiing (or instead of skiing), there’s an appealing European-style Nordic spa nearby, built adjacent to a river and featuring both outdoor and indoor spaces. You can easily spend at least 3 hours at Scandinave Spa, 4280 Montée Ryan, Mont-Tremblant (www.scandinave.com; tel 888/537-2263 ), open year-round. It’s a rustic-chic complex of small buildings among evergreen trees on the Diable River shore. Few activities are more magical than being in a warm outdoor pool as snow falls, the sun sets, and the temperature plummets. For C$48, visitors (18 and older only) have run of the facility. Options include outdoor hot tubs designed to look like natural pools (one is set under a man-made waterfall); an indoor Norwegian steam bath thick with eucalyptus; indoor relaxation areas with supercomfortable, low-slung chairs; and the river itself, which the heartiest of folk dip into even on frigid days. (A heat lamp keeps a small square of river open, even through the iciest part of winter.) The idea is to move from hot to cold to hot, which supposedly purges toxins and invigorates your skin. Bathing suits are required, and men and women share all spaces except the changing rooms. Massages are available for extra fees.

If you visit in warm weather, a downhill dry-land alpine Skyline Luge (www.skylineluge.com; tel 819/681-3000 )is set up right on the ski mountain at the pedestrian village. The engineless sleds are gravity-propelled, reaching speeds of up to 48kmph (30mph), if you so choose (it’s easy to go down as a slowpoke, too). Rides are priced by number of descents, starting at C$12 for one ride (C$3 for kids 6 and under). The village has other games and attractions, such as bungee trampoline, outdoor climbing walls, and forest zip lines.

Where to Eat & Shop

The pedestrian-only resort village on Mont-Tremblant’s slope (www.tremblant.ca/lodging-and-village/village/index.aspx) is the social hub of the region. The village has the prefabricated look of a theme park, but at least planners used the Québécois architectural style of pitched or mansard roofs in bright colors, not ersatz Tyrolean or Bavarian Alpine flourishes. For a sweeping view of the entire complex, take the free gondola from the bottom of the village to the top; it zips over the walkways, candy-colored hotels, and outdoor swimming pools.

Otherwise, you can stroll the village easily. Small lanes lead up past 35 shops that sell clothing, sporting goods, sweets, and gifts. There are also 36 restaurants and bars.

Bistro Au Grain de Café (www.augraindecafe.com; tel 819/681-4567 ), tucked into a corner of the upper village just off the main plaza called Place St-Bernard, is a reliable choice for coffee and sandwiches (open daily 7:30am–11pm during ski season).

Like at most ski mountains, beer, burgers, and roast chicken are abundant. Slope-side drink palaces Le Shack (www.leshack.com; tel 819/681-4700 ) and La Forge (www.laforgetremblant.com; tel 819/681-4900 ) are full of TVs and music and feature perfectly agreeable family-friendly cuisine. For something a little different, the New Orleans’ inspired Fat Mardi’s (www.fatmardis.com; tel 819/681-2439 ) just across the square is another fine choice. The smaller microbrewery Microbrasserie La Diable ( www.microladiable.com; tel 819/681-4546 ),housed in a free-standing chalet at 117 chemin Kandahar, is more laid back and offers seven home brews and a menu that includes veggie and salmon burgers along with the expected burgers, salads, chili, and good sausage with homemade sauerkraut. Be warned that it’s a bit of a walk down chemin Kandahar from the base of the ski mountain, especially in those clunky boots, but the location makes it easier to get a table.

After 20 years on-mountain, one of our favorite spots for sweet and savory crêpes, Crêperie Catherine (www.creperiecatherine.ca; tel 819/681-4888 ), moved to 977 rue Labelle, Centre-Ville Mont-Tremblant, in November 2014. If you go, be sure to try the house specialty, sucre a la crème (a concoction of brown sugar and butter). You can order from any part of the menu any time of day.

Biking the Route Verte (Green Route)

Start at Val-David, 80km (50 miles) N of Montréal

Québec is bike crazy, and it’s got the goods to justify it. In 2007, the province inaugurated the Route Verte (Green Route), a now-5,000km (3,107-mile) bike network that stretches from one end of the province to the other, linking all regions and cities. It’s modeled on the Rails-to-Trails program in the U.S. and cycling routes in Denmark, Great Britain, and along the Danube and Rhine rivers, and was initiated by the nonprofit biking organization Vélo Québec with support from the Québec Ministry of Transportation. Route Verte won the prestigious Prix Ulysse, one of the grand prizes given annually by the Québec tourist office, right out of the gate. The National Geographic Society went on to declare it one of the 10 best bicycle routes in the world.

Route Verte has a lot of sections, including paths all through the city of Montréal. But if you want to enjoy some countryside, head north out of the city to bike the popular P’tit Train du Nord bike trail. It goes through the Laurentians to Mont-Tremblant and beyond. It’s built on a former railway track and passes through the scenic villages of Ste-Adèle, Val-David, and Ste-Agathe-des-Monts. Cyclists can easily hop on and off for a day trip. Food and bike repairs are offered at renovated railway stations along the path.

This day trip is based out of Val-David, one of the prettiest villages in the region. The town conjures up images of cabin hideaways set among hills rearing above ponds and lakes, and of creeks tumbling through fragrant forests. There is a prominent entrance to the bike path here.

Getting There

BY CAR -- Follow the directions above for “Mont-Tremblant for Skiing.” At exit 76 of Autoroute 15 (and also along Rte. 117) is the village of Val-David (pop. 4,450), the region’s faintly bohemian enclave.

The Route Verte website (www.routeverte.com) provides maps of all the paths by region (look for the “Laurentides” map). Advance planners might want to get the English-language guidebook “Cycling in Québec: Official Guide to Bicycling on Québec’s Route Verte,” which is published by Route Verte and can be ordered from the site.

Details specifically about the P’tit Train du Nordtrail are at the Tourisme Laurentides website, at www.laurentides.com/en/linear-park-le-ptit-train-du-nord-232-km. The tourism office also publishes a P’tit Train du Nord Official Service Guide. You can find it online at www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/tourisme-laurentides/official-service-guide---linear-park/2014030701/#0.

Val-David’s tourist office is on the main street in the Petite Gare, or old train station, at 2525 rue de l’Église (www.valdavid.com; tel 888/322-7030, ext. 4235, or 819/324-5678, ext. 4235). The building is adjacent to the bike path. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm from mid-May to mid-October and then again from mid-December to mid-March, with variable opening hours the rest of the year (call first).

There is a parking lot next to the tourist office on rue de l’Église, adjacent to the bike path. There is a second parking lot on the opposite side of the bike path.

Hopping onto the Bike Path

First, some additional details about the P’tit Train du Nord bike trail: It is 232km (145 miles) long and passes through forests and some lovely villages (Val-David among them), and offers breathtaking mountain vistas. Since it was built on a former railway line, it is relatively flat. Former train stations have been repurposed into cafes, bistros, and covered refuges. Most have people who can help with bike repairs. Since the trail is shared by walkers and skaters, bikers are limited to a speed of 22 km/h (14m/h)—fast for casual bikers, medium speed for road warriors. The trail is free to ride on.

So, which direction to head? You can’t go wrong either way. Again, take a look through Tourisme Laurentides’ 32-page Official Service Guide specifically about the trail, online at. You’ll see that Val-David is at km 42. Ste-Adèle (pop. 12,137), which has a popular lake, Lac Rond, is just 9km (5.6 miles) south. (In Ste-Adèle, the main drag, rue Valiquette, is lined with cafes, galleries, and bakeries.) Heading the other direction on the trail, Mont-Tremblant’s splashy pedestrian village is at km 91, 49km (30 miles) north. The guide lists services along each km of the trail, from bars to bike repairs to banks to supermarkets. The folks at the tourist office in Val-David and at the region’s central tourist office at exit 51 off Autoroute 15 can offer suggested itineraries depending on whether you want a leisurely or more challenging ride and on how much time you have.

If you didn’t bring your own bike, bike rentals (or skis, snow shoes, and ice skates in the winter) are available in Val-David at the tourist office and at Roc & Ride Sports de Montagne (2444 rue de l’Église; www.rocnride.com; tel 819/322-7978 ).

For a relaxing picnic, get fixings in Val-David at the Metro Supermarket across from the tourist office on the main street or at the artisanal bakery, Boulangerie La Vagabonde, tucked into a house on a wooded side street at 1262 chemin de la Rivière (www.boulangerielavagabonde.com; tel 819/322-3953 ), for soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastries. If you’re in town on a Saturday morning from late June to late September, look for the organic farmer’s market on rue de l’Académie (opposite the church).

There’s a lovely picnic spot right in the village: From the tourist office, turn left onto the bike path and walk 5 minutes to the North River and the teeny Parc des Amoureux. Look for the sign that says site pittoresque .

For a more substantial meal, Au Petit Poucet, on Route 117 just south of Val-David (1030 Rte. 117; www.aupetitpoucet.com; tel 888/334-2246 or 819/322-2246), evokes a Québec of hunting cabins and hearty sugar-shack cuisine. A floor-to-ceiling fireplace anchors the interior, and the menu features tourtière (meat pie), pea soup, baked beans, and sugar pie. There’s a shop here for food to go.

Val-David is small, but it has many artist studios. You’re in luck if you’re visiting in mid-summer: the village hosts a huge ceramic art festival (www.1001pots.com; tel 819/322-6868 ) daily from mid-July to mid-August (July 11–Aug 10 in 2014). Sculptors and ceramicists, along wit h painters, jewelers, and pewter smiths display their work, and there are concerts and art demonstrations.

Touring Vineyards in Cantons-de-l’Est

Start at Dunham, 95km (59 miles) SE of Montréal, toward Sherbrooke

The rolling countryside of Cantons-de-l’Est to the southeast of Montréal has long served as the province ’s breadbasket, and that includes grape and apple orchards (for wine and cider, natch). Still referred to by many English-speakers as the Eastern Townships, the region is largely pastoral, marked by billowing hills and small villages. Except for a few disheartening signs for fast-food stops, the region is largely advertisement-free.

Canada is known more for its beers and ales than its wines, but that hasn’t stopped agriculturists from planting vines and transforming fruit into drinkable clarets, chardonnays, and Sauternes. The most successful efforts have blossomed along southern Ontario’s Niagara Frontier and in British Columbia’s relatively warmer precincts, but in the Cantons-de-l’Est, which enjoys the mildest microclimates in the province, apples grow, as do grapes. Most vintners and fruit growers are concentrated around Dunham, about 103km (64 miles) southeast of Montréal, with several vineyards along Route 202. The region also produces a special variety of wine known as ice cider (cidre de glace). It’s an aperitif made from apples that have frosted over and is produced by vineyards such as Domaine Pinnacle, which is included on this tour.

Autumn presents particular attractions. In addition to the glorious fall foliage (usually best from early September to early October), the orchards around here sag under the weight of apples of every variety, and cider mills hum day and night. Visitors are invited to help with the harvest and can pay a low price to pick their own baskets of fruit. Cider mills open their doors for tours and tastings.

BY CAR -- Leave Montréal by Pont Champlain, the bridge which funnels into arrow-straight Autoroute 10. Go east toward Sherbrooke. Within 20 minutes, you’ll be passing fields, clusters of cows, and in summer, meadows strewn with wildflowers. The exit numbers represent the distance in kilometers that the exit is from Montréal. To get to Dunham, take exit 48 and pick up QC-233 south. Take that 9.5km (6 miles) to Rte. 104 E. Take that 25km (15.5 miles) to Rte. 202 West and signs for Dunham.

Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est (www.easterntownships.org; tel 800/355-5755 ) provides a slew of information. Driving from Montréal, the first regional tourist information office (www.granby-bromont.com; tel 866/472-6292 or 450/375-8774 ) is at exit 68 off Autoroute 10. It’s open daily and has free Wi-Fi.

Touring the Vineyards

A drive through this area and a stop for one vineyard tour makes for a pleasant afternoon, but if you’re really gung-ho, you can follow the established Route des Vins, which passes 21 wineries. A map and travel information is at www.laroutedesvins.ca .

You can start anywhere, but a popular option is Vignoble de l'Orpailleur, at 1086 Rte. 202 in Dunham (www.orpailleur.ca; tel 450/295-2763 ). It has guided tours every day from late June through October for C$9. Its white wines, such as the straw-colored L'Orpailleur, are regulars on Montréal restaurant menus.

Ice cider and ice wine are two regional products that may be new to visitors: They’re made from apples and grapes, respectively, left on the trees and vines past the first frost, and served ice-cold with cheese or dessert. One top producer is Domaine Pinnacle, at 150 Richford Rd. in Frelighsburg (www.icecider.com; tel 450/298-1226 ), about 13km (8 miles) south of Dunham. Its cidre de glace is a regular gold medalist in international competitions (it avoids the risk of being cloyingly sweet, which is hard to do for ice cider). The farm’s tasting room and boutique are open daily May through December and Thurs-Sun January through April.

Many of the vineyards, including the two listed above, have either restaurants or gourmet food boutiques on site. For a wider variety of food and shopping, we like the village of Knowlton. It’s at the southern tip of Lac Brome, on Rte 104 East (about 40km, or 25 miles, from Frelighsburg, above). At no. 39 on historic Victoria Street, Barne’s General Store (tel 450/243-6840 ), has been in business since 1890 and is a spot for organic food, tube socks, colored poster board, penny candy, and a spicy red dip made with pomegranate and walnuts called muhammara. Mmm! Also here is the Boutique Gourmet de Canards du Lac Brome, producer of Lac Brome’s famous (in this area, anyway) Peking duck meat. Though no live ducks are in view, there are more duck products here than the average non-Québécois can fathom. Located at 40 chemin du Centre (www.canardsdulacbrome.com; tel 450/242-3825 ext. 221 ), the store is open daily.

If you’re touring in the spring, you’ll be in the region at the time when every sugar-maple tree is being tapped and “sugared off.” The result? Maple festivals and farms hosting sugaring parties, with guests wolfing down prodigious country repasts capped by traditional maple-syrup desserts. Montréal newspapers and the regional tourist offices keep up-to-date lists of what’s happening and where during the sugaring; many of the festivals and “sugar shacks” are right in this area.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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10 Incredible Day Trips from Montreal, Canada

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

Are you looking for the best day trips from Montreal? From skiing in Mont Tremblant to seeing the architecture of Ottawa, these are my top picks!

There’s a reason why Montreal is one of the most popular cities in Canada . With an amazing art scene, more restaurants than you’ll ever be able to eat at (trust me on that one) and this irresistible blend of French-Canadian culture, it’s very easy to base yourself in the city and see all it has to offer.

However, if you get off the beaten track then there are some fantastic day trips from Montreal. Being in the heart of Quebec, places like Quebec City, Ottawa and Mont Tremblant are all a short journey away.

Also, Montreal is very near to a number of amazing vineyards in the area. I bet you didn’t consider Canadian wine but I promise you it’s delicious, especially the ice wine which is famous in Quebec. Once I’ve popped a bottle of the sweet stuff it’s hard stopping! Just me???

As much as I love Montreal, I love getting out the city and into the countryside. From hiking around beautiful lakes to some of the best ski slopes in all of Canada, you’re not short of things to do near Montreal. And I promise you they’re worth the effort.

All of these Montreal day trips that I’ve featured are within a couple of hours of the city, so they’re easy to do in a day. No matter which one you choose to do you’re in for an amazing adventure!

If you’re looking at spending a few days in the city first then check out my guides to 3 days in Montreal and the best Montreal winter activities . These are packed full of all the best things to do in the city!

Are you planning an amazing holiday to Montreal? If so, you may want to book your hotels and tours asap to ensure availability. Here are some links to quickly help plan your trip!

Best hotels and apartments in Montreal:

• Le Mount Stephen (best rated 5* hotel)
• Hotel St.Thomas (best rated 4* hotel)
• Manoir Sherbrooke (best rated 3* hotel)

Best activities and tours in Montreal :

• Explore Old Montreal Walking Tour (top rated tour!)
• Guided Bike Tour of City, Old Port & Plateau
• St. Lawrence Sightseeing River Cruise

Best Day Trips from Montreal, Canada

Mont tremblant.

Mont Tremblant is one of those places that’s perfect to visit both in summer and winter.

During summer it has some of the best hiking around. If you make the hike to the top of Mont Tremblant you’ll be greeted with those vast landscapes that you can only get in Canada. Also, if you’re a mountain biker then there are some awesome downhill tracks in the area too.

However, I think I prefer it in winter when you can go skiing and snowboarding. The quaint village at Mont Tremblant was actually designed to look like a Swiss alpine town; imagine dreamy chalets and cute mountain huts and you’ll have the right idea.

The skiing and snowboarding is incredible here though. At 875m, Mont Tremblant is one of the highest mountains in the Laurentians National Park and offers a huge variety of runs for all types of skier.

Mont Tremblant is only a two-hour drive away from Montreal. It also has an airport just 20-minutes from the slopes, so if you’re short on time you can fly here too.

This fantastic full-day tour takes in the best of Mont Tremblant and even includes exploring the Laurentian Mountains too.

The Laurentians

I bet you’ve never heard of the Laurentian Mountains before, have you? Don’t worry, because if you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Montreal then you’ll definitely want to add this to the list.

For me, the Laurentian Mountains are what Canada’s all about. Crystal-clear lakes, rolling hills and mountains wherever you look, and cute alpine villages dotted all over the place. Forget the Swiss Alps, you can get the same thing in Canada too.

One of the best things to do in the Laurentians is to go on a self-guided driving tour around the area. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in the secluded tranquillity here. Also, you can park your car almost anywhere and go hiking – it doesn’t matter where as it’s all good.

The Laurentians is only an hour’s drive from Montreal so very easy to do in a day.

Quebec City

I will say this now – Quebec City is a bit of a trek to get to, but it is worth it! One of the things I loved about Quebec City is the architecture. Wherever you look there are these old ornate buildings that really highlight the history of the area. Quebec City is one of the oldest settlements built by European colonists in all of North America and you can see that all over the city.

The best way of seeing Quebec City is going on a walking tour or on a food tour of the city. Then you’ll learn all about the culture, history and see all the top sights in just a few hours.

I’d also recommend visiting the National Assembly of Qu é bec and the National Museum of Fine Arts of Qu é bec. I would say the latter is one of the best art museums in Canada.

All in all it is about a three hour drive away, so perhaps think about adding in an overnight stay so you can have longer in the city.

This Quebec City tour from Montreal takes you to all the best places in the city. On this tour you’ll also visit the beautiful Montmorency Falls all without the worry of having to dive yourself!

You can also see some of the best things to do in Old Quebec City here. It really is such a beautiful part of Canada!

Mont Sutton, Eastern Townships

This is another one for all you adrenaline junkies and winter sport lovers! If you’re looking for a really quiet ski resort where you’ll find more locals than tourists, then head to Mont Sutton in the Eastern Townships. This is a little over an hour away from Montreal.

There are 9 different lifts with 60 runs/trails to choose from; that’s before you factor in the off-piste skiing too. This makes Mont Sutton perfect for some family friendly fun.

Mont Sutton is almost famous for its glade skiing. This is essentially alpine skiing through the trees on a defined woods trail. If you’ve never seen it before its amazing – so quiet and peaceful as you make your way through the trees.

Omega Park & Montebello Lodge

For those of you looking to get out on Montreal for the day then this could be the tour for you.

Omega Park is a nature and historical park right in the heart of Canada. It’s a bit like a giant drive through safari but on the next level. If you want to discover Canada’s wildlife then you’ll see animals such as bison, bears, elk, moose and even wolves, all in their natural environment.

The journey through the park will be between 2 to 4 hours with plenty of opportunities to stops and take photos. Or, if you’re driving yourself then there are loads of hiking trails and picnic areas in park too.

From there you travel to the nearby Montebello Lodge, the largest log building in North America. Yep, you get to tick that off the list! Built in 1930, the lodge is nestled in the heart of the scenic Montebello village and surrounded by nature. This is in such a beautiful location.

Omega Park is an hour and a half from the city making this one of the most popular day trips from Montreal. One of the best ways of learning about Omega Park is on a private tour with a local . They’ll be able to give you all the history of the area and they’re the best as spotting all the wildlife too!

Iles-de-Boucherville National Park

This place is on the doorstep on Montreal but it feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Iles-de-Boucherville are actually a chain of islands that have some of the most beautiful waterways once they open up.

Much like with most places in Canada, Iles-de-Boucherville National Park is an amazing place for those who love being outdoors. In winter you can go snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing here, and in summer the place comes to life with hiking and canoeing on the lakes and rivers.

This huge expanse of protected natural reserve was once home to the First Nations people that lived here. There is an amazing educational tour this gives an insight into the reserve, as well as offering information on the conservation and wildlife you can find here.

Welcome to the capital of Canada! If you’re looking for world-class museums and amazing architecture then you’ll find it here.

There are so many sights and attractions in Ottawa that you can easily spend a full day here and not get bored. One of the most popular places to visit is Parliament Hill. Like the name suggests, this is the home of Canadian Parliament. You can actually go on a free tour of the Parliament buildings so I’d definitely recommend that. It’s also worth visiting this spot for the Gothic architecture – I think it’s some of the best in Canada.

Winter is also an amazing time to visit Ottawa as there’s the Winterlude Festival. This is where you’ll see some of the craziest ice sculptures from anywhere around the world. Think big… and then add some!

Ottawa is one of the most accessible day trips from Montreal with a number of bus routes and a rail line, so getting here is very quick and easy. Alternatively, you can go on this tour of Ottawa from Montreal which takes you to all the best spots without having to drive yourself.

Ottawa is always voted as one of the top 5 cities to visit in Canada . It’s very different to Montreal, so it’s great ticking off both of these places on one trip!

Sucrerie de la Montagne

I would say Sucrerie de la Montagne is one of those “must dos” while in Montreal – it’s just so unique!

If you’ve translated the French you’ll know Sucrerie de la Montagne means Sugar of the Mountain. This is where you’ll find an authentic sugar shack where they produce maple syrup.

Nestled in a 120-acre maple forest around Mont Rigaud, Sucrerie de la Montagne is like stepping back in time to see what life was like to those early Canadian pioneers.

Maple syrup is harvested from the maple trees, and here you can do it for yourself. There’s also a restaurant where you can try traditional dishes cooked with maple syrup for a very unique lunch or dinner.

Unlike many other sugar shacks, Sucrerie de la Montagne is open throughout the year meaning you get to taste the good stuff no matter when you visit.

Go on a wine tour

As I’ve already mentioned, there are some lovely vineyards just outside of Montreal. That means if you’re looking to try some delicious and unique wine then this is the place to do it. Wine is actually one of the fastest growing industries in Canada so its probably not what you’d expect.

One of the best ways of seeing a few different vineyards is going on a wine tour. Then you get to sample a huge variety of wines from the region including the infamous ice wine. This is where the grapes are left on the vines to freeze during winter so they produce a really sweet dessert wine. Traditionally served in small bottles, I could drink litres of the stuff.

There are a few half-day and full-day tours to choose from (usually where lunch is provided too) so this is an excellent option for those foodies among you!

Hike Calvaire D’Oka

If you love hiking then let me introduce you to Calvaire D’Oka. This is a sensational hike in Oka Provincial Park, a huge natural reserve complete with beautiful forests and lakes dotted around the place.

During summer the lakes are teeming with water sports such as kayaking and standup paddleboarding. Or you can rent a bike and take on some of the trails in the area. The hiking here on an Autumn falls day is incredible though and the colours on the trees are so beautiful.

During winter, you can go snow-shoeing through the forests or cross-country skiing. It doesn’t matter when you come here though as it is absolutely beautiful.

I really hope you found this post useful and hopefully it’ll inspire you to go on a few day trips from Montreal. That’s the idea anyway! If you’re looking for something a little closer to the city then I’d really recommend Mount Royal too. Technically it’s in Montreal but it’s an amazing place to visit for the day. You can check out my Mount Royal winter guide here !

Oh, and just a word of warning! Before booking your flights to Montreal, make sure you apply for an official Canadian Government ETA. It costs just $7.50 and you can apply via this link . Any other website that costs more is wrong – there are a lot of fake sites out there so make sure you book from the right one!

This post was in association with Explore Canada as part of the #ForGlowingHearts campaign. As always, all views and opinions are my own.

Are you planning a trip to Montreal? What are you thinking of doing while you’re there? Let me know if the comments below!

Like this blog post? Then make sure you pin it for the future!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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25 Best Road Trips From Montreal, Quebec

If you live in Montreal or just visiting Quebec's largest city, there are some truly outstanding road trip options in virtually every direction whether you want to explore nature, discover historic towns or hop across the border to the USA.

From National Parks either side of the border to some of the most interesting cities in North America and even vineyards and castles, we've got the ultimate list of road trips from Montreal for you to choose your next adventure.

Starting with the shortest, I've listed these in order of how long it will take you to get there. If you're looking for a road trip that will take you further away and have a week or two to spare, feel free to scroll further down!

1. Cross the border to Adirondack Park, NY

1 hour 35 minutes from Montreal (129 km)

The shortest road trip on our list doesn't mess about and heads straight for the border south of Montreal, crossing into the United States. Adirondack Park is a huge Forest Preserve covering much of the northern part of New York State.

The area is home to the Adirondack Mountains, some 10,000 lakes and endless rivers. The vast area covers 9,375 square miles which start almost as soon as you cross the border from Canada - that's only a fraction smaller than the entire neighbor state of Vermont!

If you love nature, Adirondack offers plenty of ways to explore it - the hiking here is second to none and you can explore the waterways by canoe or kayak.

The weather here can get very cold and harsh in the winters with temperatures dipping below -30 °F (-35 °C) but there's lots of winter sports on offer whether you like Nordic or Alpine skiing. Lake Placid is located within the park and is famous for being one of only 3 cities to have hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice.

To get to Adirondack Park, head south along Autoroute 15 that becomes the I-87 once you cross into the United States. The park hugs the shoreline of Lake Champlain and spreads west and south from there.

If you're looking to really escape civilization, head for the High Peaks Wilderness just south of Lake Placid - the drive down from Montreal is a little over 2 hours and you'll find some beautiful scenery that is a great spot for hiking.

2. A weekend road trip to Montebello

1 hour 35 minutes from Montreal (130 km)

The small but charming town of Montebello sits on the Ottawa River about halfway from Montreal to the Canadian Capital and is surrounded by beautiful forests.

The short road trip from Montreal to Montebello will take about 90 minutes - follow Autoroute 50 west out of Montreal towards Gatineau and look for the turn off after about 30km.

A famous politician called Louis-Joseph Papineau made his home here for several decades as he lived at the Manoir Papineau and the town took on the informal name he gave to his estate.

Along with the historic manor building, Montebello boasts the world's largest log cabin - the Hotel Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello . With a spa and a very decent restaurant, this is a great option to stay a night or two if your wallet allows it!

If you are foodie, you're in major luck. The local Fromagerie Montebello has some amazing cheeses that have won major international awards, there's an artesan chocolate shop called Chocomotion and even a local craft brewery - Les Brasseurs de Montebello.

3. Relax in Burlington, VT and Lake Champlain

1 hour 45 minutes from Montreal (154 km)

If you're looking for a destination where you can sit and watch the water of a picturesque lake flow for a few days and do absolutely nothing else, then you need to head across the border from Montreal to Vermont.

Lake Champlain is right in the north of the state and splits Vermont from New York State to the west. Burlington is a pretty town that sits on the water and has a historic downtown with cobbled streets and old buildings dating back to the 18th and early 19th centuries.

It might seem like a small sleepy town (which it is!), but Burlington is by far the largest city (we'll use that word sparingly!) in Vermont with a population of 60,000 if you include its neighbour South Burlington.

There's plenty of nature to explore all around if you want to get out and about to break up life in the slow lane and a short drive away you'll find the capital of Vermont - Montpelier.

Going with the theme of not being very densely populated, this is the smallest capital of any U.S. State with a population of under 8,000 but it's great for a stroll day trip out!

4. Walk the border in Stanstead, QC and Derby Line, VT

1 hour 45 minutes from Montreal (161 km)

For the most part, the border between the United States and Canada runs far away from any towns - it follows lakes and rivers, goes through wild mountain terrain and areas with very sparse populations between northern Montana, North Dakota, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The same cannot be said for the border between Quebec and Vermont that cuts right through the towns of Derby Line (VT) and Stanstead (QC), a short road trip from Montreal headed south.

These two sleepy towns either side of the border are worth visiting just to see the hilarity of this border that not only goes right through the middle of the town, splits streets into a Canadian and a U.S. side, but also splits a lot of the buildings including a computer shop and the local Haskell Library which has separate entrances from either country.

Although it is rather amusing that long stetches of road here have houses in different countries on either side, enforcement of the border has stepped up in recent years so be careful not to accidentally cross over as you could get into actual trouble for illegally crossing.

To check out life on the other side, there are 4 official border crossings where you can get between the two countries - it might take a few minutes as your documents and car will be checked, but it's usually a fairly straight-forward process.

5. Road trip to Mont-Tremblant National Park and the town

1 hour 55 minutes from Montreal (142 km)

A perfect weekend road trip from Montreal, Mont-Tremblant is about 90 minutes up Autoroute 15 with the National Park a little further north from the town.

The town is a perfect place to spend a night or two - we're talking charming small cobblestone streets, almost European-looking buildings, 2 local craft breweries, a Scandinavian spa, and even cheese fondue at La Savoie restaurant.

In the winter, Mont Tremblant is a popular ski destination. The ski area is relatively small and it can get busy at weekends with Montreal and Ottawa not far away, but if you're only going for a short stay, it can be a perfect place to relax - just remember that it can get mighty cold during the winter.

In the summer, the National Park has some of the best hiking routes in Quebec - the forests and mountains create for a very picturesque landscape. There's waterfall trails, kayaking and lots of different ways to explore local nature.

For those who like a bit more adrenaline, the Via Ferrata Du Diable course will have you crossing rope bridges and scaling rocks 200 metres above the Devil River flowing below.

6. Road trip to Canada's Capital - Ottawa and Gatineau

2 hours 10 minutes from Montreal (198 km)

The road trip from Montreal to Ottawa will take a little over 2 hours. You can follow Autoroute 50 along the northern bank of Ottawa River, Highway 17 along the southern bank, Ontario 417 or drive along St Lawrence River to Cornwall and head north from there.

There's little difference between the routes in terms of time so you might as well go and come back via different routes with French signs on the way and English ones on the way back.

Ottawa is Canada's capital and the seat of the country's parliament and this is the best place to start your trip around town.

The Centre Block building on Parliament Hill looks very European as does a lot of Ottawa. Not only can you go inside, but there's free tours that will tell you all about the building's history.

Then walk along the Rideau Canal or see it by boat in the summer, pop into the ByWard Market and explore the many museums and art galleries in the city.

Gatineau is just across the river in Quebec and is well worth a visit too. It feels more like a neighborhood of Ottawa than a completely separate city.

Gatineau Park and the Canadian Museum of History should both be on your agenda - the latter is the most visited museum in Canada and has stunning exhibitions as well as an IMAX theatre.

7. Go skiing in Stowe, Vermont

2 hours 25 minutes from Montreal (207 km)

Stowe is a massively popular ski resort in Vermont, located about 45 minutes from Burlington (see #3 above) and half an hour from Montpelier, the state's capital.

Yes, this is another one of the many road trips from Montreal across the border to the United States, but it's worth it!

The fastest and easiest route to Stowe is to cross into the United States at the Highgate Springs–St. Armand/Philipsburg Border Crossing and to follow the route south to Burlington. From there I-89 will take you further into Vermont and you'll see signs for Stowe when you reach Waterbury.

Although Stowe is in the United States, Montreal is the closest big city to the resort. With other ski destinations closer to Boston and New York, this means that Stowe doesn't get as busy as places like Killington.

It's not a big resort - there's only 12 lifts going up the mountain, although these are predominantly big chairlifts and there is a fast gondola going up to Cliff House.

If you want to do more skiing, the smaller Smugglers Notch ski area is only 15 minutes' drive away.

Off the slopes, the town of Stowe is full of charm and history - the buildings clad in timber are home to local shops and restaurants and the hotels are generally very good, if a little on the pricey side.

8. Explore the Thousand Islands National Park and Boldt castle

2 hours 30 minutes from Montreal (226 km)

The Thousand Islands area sits on the border between Canada and the United States at the point where the St Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario.

The National Park is on the Canadian side and encompasses a huge number of islands ranging from the biggest one called Wolfe Island to many much smaller islands dotted around.

Some of the islands in the area are privately owned, including the mysterious Deer Island reportedly owned by the Skull and Bones secret society, so you'll need to check which you can visit.

There's lots of boat tours and cruises you can go on from Gananoque and Kingston (see #13 below) or you can hire your own boat to explore the are - just be careful as the international border runs through the river with parts of the island group across in the USA!

Boldt Castle is on one of the islands that is across the border. This castle was originally built by the millionaire George Boldt but the construction halted in 1904 and the castle was never finished. It is open to visitors through the summer months and the castle construction is still ongoing using the proceeds although at the current pace, that's likely to take some time.

9. Road trip from Montreal to Quebec City

2 hours 40 minutes from Montreal (255 km)

Quebec City lies further down the St Lawrence River from Montreal - Autoroute 40 along the north bank of the river will take a little over 3 hours but you can shave 20 minutes off your journey by taking the Trans-Canada Highway along Autoroute 20 instead.

One of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec City and the entire province are named after an old Algonquin word which means "Where the river narrows".

Founded in 1608, Quebec City boasts the only Fortified historic old town in Canada or the United States. You've got cobblestone streets, a Chateau sitting on top of the hill and beautiful stone buildings throughout.

Quebec City is perfect for a city break - it's big enough for some great museums, galleries and restaurants, but small enough to make it very walkable.

You can also use Quebec City as a base or a stopover point for trips further afield - Jacques Cartier National Park (#12 below) is not far from the city and Tadoussac (#18) and Saguenay Fjords (#19) are further along St Lawrence River.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Quebec City

10. La Mauricie National Park and Trois-Rivières

3 hours 10 minutes from Montreal (230 km)

It may be a little unfair to put a time of over 3 hours for a trip to the La Mauricie National Park and many people who live in Montreal will tell you it's only about 2 hours away.

However, the road that loops through the park can take some time to drive depending on where in the park you are going.

Sure - the entrance near Shawinigan is just about a 2-hour road trip from Montreal, but popular destinations like Waber Falls or Caribou Lake are another 45 minutes further into the park and Lake Edouard is the place that'll take over 3 hours to get to.

Hiking routes and trails along lakes, streams and waterfalls are all on the menu - head up to Trois-Rivières along Autoroute 40 and then turn north when you get there - the park entrance is not far from Grand-Mère.

Don't forget to stop in Trois-Rivières on your way there or back. This is the second oldest city in Quebec after Quebec City and was founded back in 1634.

The old city is not big but you'll see a lot of pretty historic buildings along Rue des Ursulines with some dating back to the 17th century.

11. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

3 hours 10 minutes from Montreal (285 km)

White Mountain National Forest covers a massive 1,200 square miles of New Hampshire. The best way to get here is to avoid the busier crossing at Philipsburg and instead head east along Autoroute 10 to Magog. From there, head south towards the Stanstead - Derby Line crossing (which is worth a stop in its own right! See #4 above).

I-91 followed by I-93 will take you to Connecticut River which acts as the border between the states of Vermont and New Hampshire. Whiet Mountain National Forest starts almost as soon as you get across the river and drive past Littleton.

There's a lot of amazing hiking routes, camping opportunities and every kind of outdoor activity you may want.

The tallest mountain in northeastern United States is also here and if you don't fancy hiking up it, you're in luck. A $31 payment per car plus $9 per passenger let you go all the way up in your car. The views are spectacular but do take care - the road gets twisty and very steep in places.

Winds can be very strong when you get higher up and even if you're coming in the summer, remember that it can feel much much cooler when you get there.

12. Road trip to Jacques Cartier National Park

3 hours 10 minutes from Montreal (301 km)

The entrance to Jacques Cartier National Park is less than 30 minutes from Quebec City (see #9 above) so if you're coming on a road trip from Montreal, you can choose between a base in the old city, a wooden chalet within the park or go wild and camp.

The drive from Montreal is pretty straightforward - follow the Trans-Canada Highway along Autoroute Jean-Lesage to Quebec City and then take Autoroute 73/QC-175 north.

The entrance to Jacques Cartier National Park and small roads coming off the Autoroute that will take into the park will come up in half an hour.

A mix of lakes and hilly forests means you've got jaw-dropping views in every direction and the good news is that the Chemin du Parc-National follows the Sautauriski River right into the heart of the park making a lot of it very accessible.

If you want to spend some time fishing instead of hiking, this is one of the better places to come fish for trout, but remember you'll need to buy the (relatively expensive) licence first.

If you have more time and want to explore more nature, you can keep going northeast to Saguenay Fjords (#19 below) and then to Tadoussac (#18) for some of the best whale watching in the world.

13. An almost European road trip to Gananoque, Kingston and Prince Edward County

4 hours from Montreal (371 km)

The town of Gananoque sits at the point where the Gananoque River flows into St Lawrence River - you'll come across it as you're making your way west past the Thousand Islands National Park (see #8 above).

Many visitors to the town will completely ignore it and head straight for the boats and cruises taking them to one of the Thousand Islands and that's a big mistake.

The name of the town derives from a First Nations language meaning a "Town on Two Rivers", but once you get here, you may notice the distinctly European look and feel - many of the buildings would feel as much at home in a provincial French town.

Kingston also makes a lot of its European roots and is a little further west at the point where St Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. After appreciating the town's charm, make sure you visit Fort Henry which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site just before you cross the river into Downtown.

Prince Edward County is a further 30 minutes' drive along the north shore of Lake Ontario and occupies a large island sticking out into the lake. You can get onto the island along the Quinte Skyway Bridge or try your luck by heading to the ferry at Adolphustown - just beware that this local ferry can only carry 21 cars per crossing so you may have a long wait to get across to Glenora.

If you are a foodie, this may be the best road trip from Montreal you can take. Prince Edward County is known for its amazing restaurants and the area is home to some rather good wineries. Try a few before you scoff at the thought of drinking Canadian wine and you might find yourself very pleasantly surprised.

14. Explore the lakes of the Algonquin Provincial Park

5 hours from Montreal (439 km)

If you want to escape somewhere truly remote that you can get to within a relatively easy one day's drive from Montreal, The Algonquin Provincial Park over in Ontario is the perfect place to come.

Sure - there's National Parks aplenty in Quebec and plenty of nature to explore in almost every direction if you drive 5 hours from Montreal, but Algonquin Provincial Park is somewhere you can really feel that you've got far away from the busy grind of the city and unwind.

Algonquin is a beautiful mix of dense conifer forests and literally thousands of lakes - there's around 2,400 of them within the park's bounds!

The easiest way to get here is to take the Trans-Canada Highway through Ottawa and then follow ON-60 from Renfrew that will take you right into the heart of the park. Small roads head north into the park to your spot of choice looking out to an unspoiled lake surrounded by fir trees.

Hiking is popular here as are canoes which allow you to see some amazing views as you navigate the network of streams, rivers and lakes. Take care as the wilderness is home not only to moose, deer and many beavers but also has a large population of wolves and bears.

15. The ultimate city break in Boston, Massachusetts

5 hours from Montreal (496 km)

If you're looking for the ultimate city break where you can combine history, culture, the feel of the big city and the touch of a cozy local town, then the 5 hour road trip from Montreal to Boston is what you need to do.

The I-89 route through Burlington (#3 above) and the I-91/I-93 route though the White Mountain National Forest (#11) will both take you a touch under 5 hours before taking stops into account so you may want to drive down and back up via different routes - both offer some great scenery along the way.

As one of the most historic cities in the United States, there are endless museums and art galleries - the Museum Of Fine Arts is an absolute must if you're only going to go to one.

To see most of the iconic sights in the city, you can spend a morning or afternoon following the Freedom Trail which is a 2.5 mile walk around the city that you can do yourself without the need to book onto a tour.

If you're a sports fan, then time your trip to make the most of Boston's amazing sports scene - the Patriots (American football), Red Sox (baseball), Celtics (basketball) and Bruins (hockey) are each one of the most decorated teams in their respective sports so take your pick!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Boston

16. Discover the New England charm of Portland, Maine

5 hours 10 minutes from Montreal (420 km)

When people think about visiting new England, they often think about Boston (#15 right above), Cape Cod or Providence, Rhode Island (#25 below).

For those who want to see the real soul of New England without the crowds, Portland is the perfect place. That and the fact that the road trip from Montreal here is a lot quicker than the other options.

Don't follow your navigator if it's telling you to follow the "fast" interstate route along the I-89 and I-95 route through Manchester and Portsmouth.

It might take about as long on paper, but you're going to cover an extra 150 km which means you are both more likely to hit some traffic along the way and need an extra stop.

The most scenic route is to head south along the I-91/I-93 to Littleton and then make your way through the White Mountain National Forest before eventually reaching Portland. It might be smaller local roads, but you'll enjoy it a lot more!

The Old Port part of the city is where you want to head. This is the historic downtown that comes with lots of red brick, great local shops and places to eat. You can't visit Portland and not try the lobster roll.

The Portland Head Lighthouse is just outside the city in Fort Williams Park and is the most photographed lighthouse in the United States which is quite a feat.

If you want to extend your trip and see some nature, the Acadia National Park (#22 below) is not too far up the coast and is an absolutely stunning place which will be well worth the detour.

17. Road trip to Toronto

5 hours 20 minutes from Montreal (542 km)

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the place where most of the country's business takes place and the heart of a huge number of cultures and communities.

The road trip from Montreal to Toronto is very straight-forward. ON-401 that starts as you cross from Quebec to Ontario just outside Montreal will take you the entire way, following St Lawrence River past the Thousand Islands (#8 above), Gananoque, Kingston and Prince Edward County (#13) before making it to the hustle and bustle at the western tip of Lake Ontario.

You will notice the towering skyscrapers are you approach the city - Toronto has inherited the US love of tall buildings and the CN Tower is the tallest structure in the western hemisphere - you won't miss it!

A unique thing about Toronto is the huge number of different cultures that mix in the city to create its unique atmosphere. It also means there is a great deal of art, neighborhoods and food for you to explore.

From Chinatown that dates back to the 19th century to the Distillery District where just about everything from roads to buildings is made of red brick, you can spend days exploring different parts of Toronto and not see most of it.

Toronto is also a great stop off point if your road trip will take you further - it's right on the way from Montreal to Niagara Falls (#21 below), Bruce Peninsula National Park (#23) or Manitoulin Island (#24) if you're getting the ferry.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Toronto

18. Whale watching in Tadoussac

5 hours 40 minutes from Montreal (472 km)

Tadoussac is a pretty small town downstream St Lawrence River from Montreal at the point where the Saguenay River flows into it.

At this point the river gets as much as 20 km wide as it begins approaching the Gulf of St Lawrence and that means one thing. It's big enough for whales to come in from the North Atlantic.

The currents flowing from the two rivers that join here make a unique environment that makes plankton thrive and as this is what whales love to eat, over a dozen different whale species come to the area from the beluga whale up to the giant blue whales.

You can go on boat tours or simply hire a kayak and paddle out - if you spend a few hours you may well spot a few different whales nearby. Just remember that it can get very cold even on a warm summer's day so wear layers.

To get to Tadoussac, you'll need to make your way to Quebec City (either along the river or the slightly faster Trans-Canada Highway route) and from there keep going along the northern bank of the river.

When you get to Saguenay River, your road trip will have to go over the water in a ferry - the nearest bridge is all the way up in Saguenay. The town of Tadoussac is right next to the ferry terminal on the other side.

19. Saguenay Fjord National Park

5 hours 40 minutes from Montreal (524 km)

Saguenay Fjord is the valley through which the Saguenay River flows from Lake Saint-Jean to St Lawrence River. This is one of the prettiest parts of Quebec and is well worth the long drive from Montreal .

There are two different routes for a road trip from Montreal to the Saguenay Fjord. For both routes you first have to get to Quebec City (see #9 above). From there the slightly faster route is to follow Route 175 up to Saguenay before driving down the Fjord or you can follow St Lawrence River to Saint-Siméon and then drive up Route 170 instead.

The Saguenay Fjord National Park is very remote - Saguenay to the north and Tadoussac to the south are 1 and 2 hours away respectively and both are very small towns. Quebec City is a 3-hour drive so to make the most out of your visit, you'll want to camp.

The Baie-Éternité campsite near the park entrance on Rue Notre Dame is a great option and if you don't have a tent, you can glamp in one that is already set up or go all out and stay in a chalet depending on how close you want to be to nature.

Along with hiking routes, kayaking down the fjord and bike trails, you can try out the Via Ferrata - it is a secure and guided climbing route that will take you high above the valley with stunning views and the opportunity to cross a gorge along an 85-metre-long suspension bridge.

Make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Saguenay Fjord National Park

20. New York, New York

6 hours from Montreal (598 km)

The Big Apple seems a world away from Montreal and before you actually look at the route, you may well think it will take much longer to get there than the 6 hour drive to New York City.

In truth, most people visiting New York will opt to take the plane with frequent flights between the two cities. But if you consider the time it will take you to get to the airport, check in and pass security, wait for your flight, fly over, get out, pass security and collect your bags at the other end before making your way into the city from the airport, you'll probably have as long a journey.

And better still, driving means you can stop at any of the amazing places on the way including Lake Champlain (#3 above), Adirondack Park in upstate New York (#1) or take a detour via Long Island or New England.

Once in New York, however, it's a good idea to park the car for the duration of your stay - the subway and taxis are a much better option for getting about.

The options for things to do don't need much introduction. From the Central Park to taking snaps of Manhattan from Top of the Rock to staring at the bright lights of Times Square, there is a reason why New York draws so many visitors from all over the world.

The selection of restaurants is probably the best in the world, Broadway musicals and theatre productions will make for amazing nights out and the different New York boroughs offer unique neighborhoods that you can spend weeks exploring.

If you'd like to learn more about these areas and what you can see in each, please check our detailed guide below:

READ MORE - Our Area-by-Area Guide to NYC

21. Road trip to Niagara Falls

6 hours 40 minutes from Montreal (535 km)

Niagara Falls may just be the most famous group of waterfalls in the world, sitting on the border between Canada and the United States.

There are three waterfalls in total here - the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and you can easily access them from either the Canadian or The US sides.

Amazing though they are, it's a long drive just to come and see the waterfall, so you will probably want to mix in a stop or two along the way - whether it's roaming the streets of Toronto or relaxing with a glass of wine in Prince Edward County.

It takes almost the same amount of time to get to Niagara Falls whether you drive around the north or the south shore of Lake Ontario but the northern route is not only more scenic, but will offer more good stopping options.

The spectacular waterfalls have a huge amount of water pass through them every day, but surprisingly, as much as three-quarters of the water is diverted to a hydroelectric power plant, which generates a large proportion of the electricity used in both Ontario and New York State.

Don't miss the town of Niagara-On-The-Lake - it's well worth a stop in its own right and is great for an afternoon stroll or an overnight stay if you want to see the falls bright and early before the tourist crowds get here from Toronto and further afield.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Niagara Falls

22. Acadia National Park, Maine

6 hours 20 minutes from Montreal (668 km)

It's true - if you're going on a road trip from Montreal and want to spend some time in a National Park, you are spoiled for choice in Quebec and Ontario. There's 4 on this list and plenty of other places you can hike and camp under the stars.

But there is a really compelling reason why you should consider driving all the way to Maine to visit the only National Park in New England - Acadia is seriously stunning and setting off on a road trip from Montreal is the perfect way to visit this park.

The drive will take a whole day with over 6 hours of pure driving to do and although the route is very scenic, you won't pass through any cities or notable places to stop.

You'll cut right across the Appalachian Trail as you drive through the mountainous Bigelow Preserve just before you get to the well known Sugarloaf Mountain ski resort.

Acadia sits on the Mount Desert Island off the Maine Coast - it's the second largest island along the Eastern Seaboard after New York's Long Island and Acadia National Park covers most of it.

This may just be the best National Park for casual exploring - the hiking routes are amazing, the views are stunning, there's gorgeous rocky cliffs protruding into the ocean and there are small towns and great restaurants dotted around so you can stop for lunch.

You can spend a week here and not cover the majority of the amazing hiking routes and on top of that there's boat tours and quirky local museums (the Seal Cove Auto Museum in the western part of the island is a great stop). Please note that, if you are visiting Acadia National Park and plan to drive on the Cadillac Summit Road, vehicle reservations might be required. Please check the national park's website to avoid any disappointment.

If you want to see more of New England on your road trip, you can drive along the coast to Portland, Maine (take it slow along Route 1 instead of the interstates) and keep on going south into Massachusetts to spend some time in Boston.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Acadia National Park

23. Bruce Peninsula National Park

8 hours 30 minutes from Montreal (811 km)

Bruce Peninsula is a rocky outcrop that splits Georgian Bay off from the rest of Lake Huron in Ontario, to the northwest of Toronto.

The road trip from Montreal to Bruce Peninsula will take you west along St Lawrence River and then along the length of Lake Ontario's north shore before turning northwest at Missisauga.

It's a long drive if you're thinking of doing it in a day and if you're planning on camping at the other end, you won't be wanting to arrive at your campsite in the dark. Luckily, many of the itineraries above, including the Thousand Islands National Park (#8 above), Gananoque, Kingston and Price Edward County (#13) and Toronto (#17) are all great options for a stopover.

Bruce Peninsula National Park is best known for its nature. From chipmunks to black bears, there's a lot of wildlife around and some really amazing hiking routes.

The best known route is the Bruce Trail which actually runs a mighty 900 km (550 miles) all the way from the Niagara River on the border with the United States to the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula - parts of it that approach the northern tip offer really amazing views including the well-known Overhanging Point.

Remember that parking and camping can be oversubscribed during the warm months so make sure you book ahead. Think about your itinerary - you'll need to book parking separately if you want to visit places like the Grotto and although it'll set you back the best part of $20, it's well worth the trip.

24. Make the long drive to Manitoulin Island

9 hours 30 minutes from Montreal (855 km)

Manitoulin Island sits north of the Bruce Peninsula splitting Georgian Bay from Lake Huron and is famous for being the largest freshwater island in the world.

It's so big that it has over 100 lakes within it and many of these lakes have islands of their own! Before your mind wanders into an Inception-like never-ending sequence of islands inside islands, let's cover the two ways you can get to Manitoulin.

The fastest route from Montreal to Manitoulin is to follow the Trans-Canada Highway passing through Ottawa (see #6 above), around the Algonquin National Park and past North Bay and Sudbury. Highway 6 south jumps from island to island before landing you right on Manitoulin Island.

The alternative route is to follow the north shore of Lake Ontario all the way into Toronto and then drive north to the Bruce Peninsula before taking a ferry. This option will add about 2 hours to what is already a long journey and be sure to book your ferry spot in advance so your car can get on!

To keep things interesting, you're best off getting to the island and combing back via different routes. This way you can also add the many stops along the way we cover in shorter road trip itineraries above!

As well as the stunning nature on the island, there's some interesting culture to explore with the local Anishinaabe population having dedicated reserves and interesting towns to visit.

A top tip is to get to the Cup and Saucer hiking trail nice and early one day - this route up through the trees will take you to a jaw-dropping rock overlook which might just be the best view on the island but come early to avoid the much busier period later on in the morning.

25. Rhode Island, Cape Cod & Islands

10 hours from Montreal (800+ km)

This one is going to take you some time, but if you have at least a week and want to see some of the most historic parts of the United States and quintessential New England towns, this is an amazing road trip from Montreal through the United States.

Take your pick of the I-89 past Lake Champlain or the I-93 through the White Mountain National Forest to get to Boston (#15 above) - you can easily do the drive in a day with stops along the way.

After spending some time exploring the historic city, you can visit some of the historic towns surrounding it - Salem and Rockport are great options as is Plymouth - the oldest city in New England.

Cape Cod curves around the Cape Cod Bay and has great small towns, relaxing long beaches along the Cape Cod National Seashore and Provincetown at its tip. This is a relaxed seaside town that comes with bucketloads of history - afterall this is where the Mayflower Pilgrims first set foot on American soil.

There are two islands south of the Cape - Martha's vineyard is closer and easier to get to and Nantucket a little further out. You can get a ferry to both but make sure you book ahead - car spaces can be limited and the ferries can be relatively expensive so you may want to pick just one of the islands for your trip.

To complete your exploration of the historic New England, head across into Rhode Island and visit Newport and Providence before completing your road trip and returning back north to Montreal.

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Day Trips From Montreal

The 12 Best Day Trips from Montreal

Find places to visit just outside of Montreal, Quebec

It’s no secret that Montreal is a dynamic destination, offering everything from world-renowned restaurants and exciting nightlife to a hefty dose of history and amazing architecture. But it’s also well worth exploring beyond the city, and in the case of Montreal, there are a whole host of worthwhile options perfect for a day trip. Whether you’re interested in spending time in the great outdoors or simply exploring small towns packed with charm, there’s plenty to discovery. Read on for some of the best day trips from Montreal.

Quebec City: Charm and History

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

With a picturesque Old Town that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site and charming surprises down every winding cobblestone street, Quebec City is always a good idea for a day trip from Montreal. Myriad museums, incredible architecture, a scenic locale on the St. Lawrence River and a calendar full of festivals and fun events year-round ensure any day trippers will have plenty to keep them busy. Not only that, Quebec City is the only North American fortified city north of Mexico whose walls still exist.

Getting there : The easiest option for getting from Montreal to Quebec City is by taking the train. VIA Rail provides daily service between the two cities with a travel time of around three hours. If you prefer to drive, you can do so along Highway 20 with a travel time of three hours, depending on traffic.

Travel tip: Take a stroll along the charming pedestrian street of Petit‑Champlain, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America. Local shops, quaint cafes and great restaurants abound. In the winter, the street is illuminated with twinkle lights, further adding to its charm.

Ottawa: The Nation’s Capital

Getty Images/Mark Hogan Photography Ottawa, Canada

Canada’s capital city is worth a visit any time of year and offers something for every age and interest level. Home to seven of nine national museums, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up some culture here. Visitors will also want to spend some time along the Rideau Canal, Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk or cycle along the banks in the warmer months and in the winter, the canal transforms into the longest skating rink in the world. In addition, the city is home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, great restaurants and numerous water-based activities on the Ottawa River.

Getting there : Your best option is to utilize VIA Rail’s frequent train service between Montreal and Ottawa, with a travel time of around two hours.

Travel tip : Don’t miss a stroll around ByWard Market, packed with independent shops, a local farmers’ market in the summertime, specialty food shops, pubs, galleries and restaurants.

The Laurentians: Outdoor Adventure

Getty Images/Onfokus

The Laurentians are located just north of Montreal and offer some of the best options for day trippers looking to spend some time in the great outdoors. During the summer months, you have your pick of watersports (with over 9000 lakes and rivers to choose from this is no surprise). There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country and downhill skiing in the winter.

Getting there : Getting from Montreal to the Laurentians is easily done via a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.

Travel tip : Take advantage of the many Nordic spas in the area, which provide the perfect place to unwind in nature. These havens of relaxation offer some combination of saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold pools and areas for simply soaking up the beautiful surroundings.

Mont Treblant: Four-Season Ski Resort

Getty Images/Pgiam

Well-known as a popular four-season ski resort and national park, Mont Tremblant makes for an easy day trip from Montreal. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, ice climbing, snow tubing and much more. Once the weather warms up there are a wide range of summer activities including hiking, mountain biking, swimming, canoeing and stand up paddling. There’s also a casino here as well as a wide selection of cozy restaurants serving regional cuisine.

Getting there : L’Express du Nord offers transportation from Montreal to Tremblant in the morning with return in the evening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (around two hours). If you prefer to drive, the trip should take around 90 minutes.

Travel tip : Keep your eyes peeled for public art. The Public Art Circuit features a dozen works of art in Mont-Tremblant’s parks and municipal buildings in the downtown area as well as in Le Village and the resort area.

Long Sault Parkway, Ontario: Summer Fun

Located just west of Cornwall, Ontario, the Long Sault Parkway is a series of 11 islands connected by road. There are two beaches here making it a great option for a summer day trip. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors can canoe and kayak as well as head underwater for some fresh-water shipwreck diving. There are also many opportunities for hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing in the area.

Getting there : You can drive from Montreal to Long Sault Parkway in about 90 minutes.

Travel tip : Keep an eye out on the drive for authentic chip trucks, antique sales and other surprises along the way.

Eastern Townships: Local Food Galore

Getty Images/Danita Delimont

Quebec’s Eastern Townships offer everything from orchards and wineries to maple syrup producers, cheesemakers and  microbreweries. So if you’re a foodie, this might be a day trip from Montreal you’ll want to think about. If you’re not hopping from winery to winery or picking your own berries at an orchard, there are museums to visit, great shopping, excellent dining options and an array of outdoor activities to try (from hiking to cross-country skiing). The Eastern Townships are also a popular destination for cyclists.

Getting there : Getting from Montreal to the Eastern Townships is best done by car, with a driving time of one to two hours.

Travel tip : You can download a map for self-guided tours along the area’s cheesemaker’s circuit as well as the microbrewery circuit.

Le P'tit Train du Nord: Scenic Cycling

Getty Images/Jana Kriz

Cyclers of all stripes (from casual riders to more hardcore bikers) will want to put Le P'tit Train du Nord on their day tripping list. This scenic route through the Laurentian Mountains was once an old railway line that has now been converted into a popular bike path and cross-country ski trail. The 232-kilometere path is the longest park of its kind in Canada and is also used by walkers and runners (just remember to stay on the left side of the trail). Picnic areas can be found at numerous points along the trail making it ideal for a day trip with a DIY lunch al fresco.

Getting there : There is regular train service linking Montréal’s Gare Lucien L’Allier with the P’tit Train du Nord terminus in St-Jérôme. From there, a shuttle service drops cyclists at various trailheads along the route.

Travel tip : Make time to stop off at various small towns and villages along the route to grab a meal at a cozy pub or restaurant (many with outdoor terraces).

Îles-de-Boucherville National Park: Nature at its Best

You don’t have to stray far from Montreal for a day spend in nature. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park consists of a chain of scenic islands in the middle of the St. Lawrence. Active travellers have the option for everything from hiking and biking (there are over 30 kilometres of trails) to canoeing, fishing, stand-up paddling and more. Winter activities include snowshoeing, winter hiking and cross-country skiing.

Getting there : Driving to the park takes around 35 minutes from Montreal making it an easy and time-efficient day trip.

Travel tip : If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent canoes, kayaks, bikes, snowshoes, kayaks and more to use during your visit.

Granby Zoo: Fun with Furry Friends

Getty Images/HY. JIANG

The largest zoo and conservation area in Quebec, Granby Zoo is an ideal day trip from Montreal for families (or anyone interested in wildlife). The sprawling zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals representing 230 species from around the world. Animals are divided into four “loops” (the Africa, South America, Asia and Oceania loops) to make it easier to navigate what you want to focus your time on. There is also an animatronic dinosaur “zoo” featuring 21 full-scale animatronic dinosaurs.

Getting there : Granby Zoo is 50 miles (80 km) east of Montréal and is best reached by car via Highway 10.

Travel tip : In the summer months, visitors can cool off at the zoo’s water park filled with slides, water features, a heated wave pool and an adventure river.

Montebello: A Little Bit of Everything

Getty Images/Boris Kasimov

Located around the midpoint between Montreal and Ottawa on the north shore of the Ottawa River, Montebello offers a little bit of everything. Stop by a cozy pub for a local meal or take the kids to Park Omega where they can see a variety of Canadian animals in their natural habitat. The park is also home to walking trails, picnic areas and a restaurant. Visitors to Montebello can also enjoy golfing, water sports, boating, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Getting there : Driving is your best bet for travel between Montreal and Montebello, which should take around 90 minutes.

Travel tip : Day trippers with a sweet tooth will want to stop in ChocoMotive to pick up some artisanal chocolates and see chocolate being made.

Oka: Small Town Charm

Getty Images/mirceax

The small town of Oka is a great jumping off point for a day spent exploring Oka National Park where there are many activities to choose from no matter when you visit. In the winter, choose from snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking. While during the summer, there’s a large beach for swimming (lifeguards are on-site), picnic areas, pedal boats, and kayak and canoe rentals. In town, check out the many artist workshops and if you like cheese, head to the Oka cheese factory to taste some of their wares.

Getting there : Driving distance between Montreal and Oka is around 40 minutes and your best option for getting between the two destinations.

Travel tip : During the summer season on Sundays, make sure to stop by the Oka public market for an abundance of local, seasonal produce.

Sucrerie de la Montagne: Authentic Sugar Shack

Getty Images/Warchi

A Quebec Heritage site, the Sucrerie de la Montagne is an authentic sugar shack that (unlike most) is open year-round. Located in the midst of a 120-acre forest of century-old maple trees, a visit here feels a bit like stepping back in time thanks to the traditional buildings and the fact maple syrup here is produced the old fashioned way. If you’re visiting during February, March and April you can enjoy some maple taffy on snow, while year-round visitors can visit the sugar shack and bakery and enjoy rides in a horse-drawn carriage.

Getting there : Driving from Montreal to Sucrerie de la Montagne takes around 40 minutes and parking is free.

Travel tip : Stop by the general store on the way out to stock up on maple products from syrup to taffy to butter. The also sell some local handicrafts.

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19 Adorable Towns Perfect For A Romantic Road Trip Less Than 3 Hours From Montreal

• Here are 19 worthwhile road trips from Montreal to adorable small towns in the surrounding area, including destinations in New England, New York, Ontario, and elsewhere in Quebec.
• Some of these spots are great for a day trip while others deserve at least one night's stay!
• Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.

We love our city, but that doesn't mean that sometimes we don't need a little vacation from it. With fall here, there is nothing more pleasing than going on a little road trip . The beautiful foliage, the calm sounds of nature, and the picturesque towns that surround us are ideal for mini-getaways.

In Quebec, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by many beautiful communities. The following 20 destinations are all under three hours away from Montreal and each has something incredible to offer us city folk. 

This is a great opportunity to grab your hiking shoes, along with your bestie and hit the open road on an adventure you won't soon forget. 

Just be sure to make a good playlist, pack some snacks for the car and, of course, dress accordingly because you are going to want to take a lot of pictures.

See on Instagram

Distance: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Stanstead is an adorable little town just under two hours away from Montreal.

This popular day-trip destination is known for its stunning blue lavender fields.

Blue Lavande creates lavender wellness products in Quebec, so if you love their products, this is the place to go.

Distance: 1 hour and 22 minutes

The quaint town of Magog gives you the impression of being in a different place and time. From vineyards to boat tours, to tasty restaurants, Magog is sure to blow you away.

Morin Heights

Distance: 1 hour and 36 minutes

Most of us link Morin Heights with skiing, and although it is a kickass spot to ski, this town has a lot more to offer.

A serene energy pervades in Morin Heights. That's probably why several spas call the town home. This is a great destination if you need to refresh and recharge.

Baie Saint-Paul

Distance: 3 hours

You may know this town as the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil, but it's also undeniably one of the cutest and most amusing destinations in Quebec.

This town is ideal for people who love to discover new things. A fascinating history, ton of art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques will keep you entertained throughout your stay.

This culturally rich town is sure to impress you and your Instagram followers!

Distance: 1 hour and 25 minutes

The most populous city in Vermont maintains a small-town vibe and connection to its natural surroundings.

In addition to sweeping views of Lake Champlain and its islands, the city is remarkable for its positive energy and New England charm. Stay in one of the nearby bed and breakfasts!

Distance: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Esterel is one of those towns that instantly makes visitors feel at home. You'll often encounter Montrealers who either have a home or frequent the famous Hotel Esterel.

North Hatley

Distance: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Do you remember the town where Noah and Allie met in The Notebook ? Well, North Hatley looks exactly like it.

North Hatley is one of the most picture-perfect little towns you will ever find. With charming hotels and bed and breakfasts, North Hatley has become a super popular destination for Montrealers.

No matter the season, this town is sure to blow your mind.

Distance: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Our proximity to the U.S. gives us the chance to go to another country for the day — which is pretty cool, right?

Plattsburg, New York is a small city about thirty minutes beyond the border. It has American chain restaurants that we don’t get in Montreal, like Chipotle, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Panera Breads.

Plattsburg is a must-see for anyone who loves small cities and the American lifestyle.

Mont-Tremblant

Distance: 1 hour and 55 minutes

When it comes to popular destinations around Montreal there is no denying that Mont Tremblant is right at the top of everyone’s list.

Stocked with a ton of bars, restaurants, spas, hotels, and activities, Tremblant is one of those towns that keeps you coming back time and time again.

Sainte-Adèle

Distance: 1 hour 35 minutes

Sainte Adele is home to ski hills, gorgeous lakes, and some of the cutest B&Bs you have ever seen.

Because it's so close to Montreal, it is an ideal place to go when you feel like you need to recharge your batteries.

Distance: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Almonte, also known as the "friendliest town," may only be two hours and forty minutes away, but it feels totally remote from the Montreal lifestyle.

This destination is also perfect for any chocolate lover because it is home to Hummingbird Chocolate , which serves up decadent and mouth-watering cocoa treats.

Distance: 1 hour and 5 minutes

This is the closest town on the list. Hudson is a great destination if you love horses, as it is filled with some of the most beautiful stables in the greater Montreal area.

Besides horses, there are a ton of amazing boutiques, great eateries, and some extraordinary homes if you're into recreational house hunting.

Be sure to make time for antique shopping!

Lake Placid

Distance: 2 hours 21 minutes

In the middle of New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is best known as the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics, so it's a great spot for any sports fan.

The town is filled with Olympic museums, monuments, and an extensive infrastructure for winter sports.

Distance: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Stowe is known for its ski hills, restaurants, and magnificent homes. This town oozes character and anyone who has been there will agree that it is truly a special destination.

This is an amazing weekend getaway, just make sure you don’t forget your passport and remember to leave that green at home!

Distance: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Oka is a cute little town on the northern bank of the Ottawa River. Home to a popular beach and views of the Lac des Deux Montagnes, Oka is perhaps most beautiful during the autumn months.

Saint-Sauveur

This cute little town in the Laurentides region is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or even a quick little day trip.

From great activities like water slides and tubbing, amazing hotels, lavish spas, there is a reason why so many of us flock to Saint-Sauveur.

To top it off, this quaint town has some pretty epic discount shopping, so if you are thinking of going, make sure to save up a few dollars.

Bromont is known for its epic ski trails, stunning parks, and fancy vineyards. The best part? It is only a little over an hour away from Montreal.

Due to its proximity, Bromont is one of the most popular little towns for Montrealers to visit.

A little over an hour outside Montreal is the city of Joliette. Small city but with a big personality, it is full of museums, parks, and vineyards.

Joliette is continuously growing and the pride locals take in this city is truly magnetic. This is a great place to check out for a day.

Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes

If you're feeling the need to connect with nature after spending so much time in the city, you're going to love Orford.

Less than an hour and a half away from the island of Montreal, Mont Orford is a great place to spend a day away with your loved ones.

The gondola ride allows you to have a bird's-eye view of the natural landscapes.

Distance: 1 hour and 35 minutes

Not many people realize is that this quiet town is home to Canada’s biggest rock music festival, Rockfest. Beautiful irony.

This is a short drive that is totally worth leaving the comfort of our island.

Where are you venturing this weekend?

• 8 Towns In Ontario To Road Trip To This Summer That Aren't Ottawa - MTL Blog ›
• 7 Day Trips From Montreal That Are Perfect For Fall - MTL Blog ›
• These Are The Top Road Trip Destinations, According To Virgin Radio's Vinny - MTL Blog ›
• 6 Spontaneous Trips Less Than 2 Hours From Montreal That Make Amazing Fall Getaways - MTL Blog ›
• Adele's New Music Video Was Filmed At A Breathtaking Quebec Vineyard You Can Tour For $50 - MTL Blog ›

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Montreal jobs new, 7 stunning day trips from montreal worth taking if you don't have a car, 3 quebec spots were ranked among canada's top summer vacation destinations for 2024, this hallmark village is a 2-hour road trip from montreal & is the perfect winter destination, montreal this week: wishy-washy weather, robot servers, a way to win $15k and more, montreal this week: cherry blossoms, mother's day, rapper beef and more, 9 things to do in and around montreal that prove winter really is the coolest season, 7 montreal parks that are seriously underrated and totally worth visiting, what's happening in mtl this week: gloomy weather, great brunch, porch concerts and more.

Bucket list on a budget: Where to eat, sight see and stay in Quebec City and Montreal

Plus, check out some expert curated travel items to take along.

If you're still sorting out summer vacation plans and looking to enjoy a taste of Europe without breaking the bank , then brush up on your French phrases and say bonjour to Canada .

"Good Morning America" continued the Bucket List on a Budget series by visiting two historic Canadian cities—Quebec City and Montreal—to show travelers how to plan an epic vacation without crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Plus, the current exchange rate for $1 U.S. dollar is 1.37 Canadian dollars, which will help keep cash in your pocket.

Check out the best tips to save from flights to food below.

Flight deals for Canada summer vacations

For this multi-city trip, Air Canada flights can be found for as low as $123 one way from Philadelphia to Quebec City. And to get back from Montreal, fares are around $200.

Travel experts regularly recommend checking Google Flights and setting alerts to help find the lowest fares, especially if you can be flexible with your dates of travel to snag the best deals.

Find hotels with incentives for freebies

Hilton Quebec City offers visitors who stay for two or more nights free public transportation on the RTC bus. That means an unlimited three day pass to help explore the city free of an additional charge.

Budget friendly food and bites

Start the day the French way with a croissant and a café au lait for under $6.

Another local iconic Canadian comfort food dish that's a must-try in Quebec City is poutine.

The fried potatoes smothered in gravy and cheese curds is a classic go-to and at Le Chic Shack, it only costs $8.05.

Stroll through sights with a walking tour

When you're ready to explore the scene, check out a free walking tour with local guide Samuel Dubois.

"I share my passion with the traveler from all across the world," he said of his small business. "And if they like it, they can [pay] me what they want."

Visit Montmorency Falls

Check out this natural wonder, which is free for visitors 17 and under, that stands 272-feet tall -- 98 feet higher than Niagara Falls.

Motor over to Montreal

When renting a car, be sure to look for deals on airplane partner sites for additional savings.

"If you are a mileage plus member on United, you can save up to 35% off Avis or Budget when booking a car through United. Plus, you'll earn up to 1,250 miles," a spokesperson and travel expert for The Points Guy told "GMA." "If you’re not a mileage plus member, it's a free program, so sign up and save."

Sweet maple treats to try in Canada

Sugar shacks like Érablière le Chemin du Roy are part of the quebecois culture where they offer tours and serve up sweets like maple taffy on snow for just under $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Buy the Passport Montreal for discounts on attractions

For just $35 USD, the city pass gets visitors tickets to three participating attractions including the 185 acre Montreal Botanical Gardens.

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Plus, it can also be used to try your hand at a local cooking class.

Free Night-seeing

Take in the sights and some history for free in the evenings at Cité Mémoire in Old Montreal with massive art projections on display all across the city.

Mile End food tour on a budget

The Mile End neighborhood is similar to that of Brooklyn in New York City or Shoreditch in London, where exotic eateries and vintage shops line the area and offer bites like gnocchi at Drogheria Fine for under $4.

Or check out Wilensky's Light Lunch Inc, a local family-operated soda fountain and Jewish deli that's been around since 1932, and serves up classics like their famous Wilensky special with cheddar cheese for $4.21.

More 'GMA' Travel Picks

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com . These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com . ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Influencers may receive a commission or have business relationships with a recommended brand. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Have questions about ordering or a purchase? Click here .

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EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

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Anker PowerCore Select

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The Trends in Travel

A cultural guide to Montreal

Cobbled streets and grand French-colonial architecture conjure Old World charms, while an edgy arts scene hints at what’s next in Canada’s largest Francophone city

About Montreal

Language: English, French Time zone: UTC-4 (EST) Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)

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Montreal has long served as Canada’s largest artistic haven: Combining the cultural cachet of Paris and the hip vibes of Brooklyn, it tends to attract indie writers, musicians, artists, and multimedia start-ups. This influx of innovators has transformed the 17th-century city—you only have to stroll through the city’s historic Old Port and mingle with its trend-savvy, fashion-forward locals to see.  

Art & architecture

With its continuously expanding gallery, music, and culinary scenes, Québec’s largest city stays exciting because it’s constantly finding and refining itself. But despite all the change, the city retains a few key consistent glories, including the Corinthian-pillared Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal and the regal French Gothic-styled Notre-Dame Basilica (where Québécois Celine Dion got married). An immersive audio-video spectacle is held nightly in the latter, a choral light show amplified by the 7,000-pipe organ.  

For fans of more modern architecture, there’s the brutalist, Jenga-like housing complex Habitat 67 , and five miles from Downtown, the city’s UFO-like stadium , nicknamed the “Big O”, which has a 540-foot tower leaning over it (you can take a three-minute ride to the top via bilevel cable car). While you’re there, take a side-trip to the neighboring Botanical Garden , to see the nature-inspired Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion.   Save a few hours for the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts , where you’ll find 20th-century Canadian abstract expressionists (such as Jean Paul Riopelle’s trippy paintings), and a Decorative Arts and Design Pavilion (seek out art nouveau tchotchkes, and art deco lounge chairs).  

Expert tips

The essentials

American citizens need a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, enhanced driver’s license, or a NEXUS card to enter Canada. Fly into Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) at the east end of the city; from there, the 747 bus is an easy and affordable way to get Downtown in 45 minutes. Taxis, rideshare options, and private transfers take about 30 minutes to reach Downtown. The city is currently constructing a train system that will link the airport with Downtown, due to open in late 2024. While most locals speak English, French is the official language, and used on all public signs. 

Getting around

The city’s subway is safe and easy to navigate, with stations close to the city’s main attractions. Pay with cash or contactless payment. Explore Montreal on two wheels via the city’s bike-sharing network, with docking stations throughout the city. 

Accessibility

The Metro Transit system is fully accessible, as are the majority of sidewalks in tourist areas. Olympic Tower and most of the sports complex is wheelchair accessible. The hilly terrain and massive size of Mont Royal can be a challenge, but its highlights can be explored via accessible van or taxi.  

Montreal is a progressive, gay-welcoming city. The Gay Village is the heart of the community, with lively clubs, boutiques, and antique shops. The pedestrian-only main drag, Rue Sainte-Catherine East, comes alive in summer with outdoor cafes and bars. Montreal Pride takes place each August. 

Montreal is a delight for families—it’s safe, walkable, and offers plenty to do for all ages. Top family activities include visiting animals at the Biodôme , whipping around on the roller-coasters at the waterfront La Ronde amusement park, learning a thing or two at the Montreal Science Centre , or ice-skating year-round at Atrium Le 1000 . The city’s many kid-friendly festivals are also worth checking out, including Circus Festival (July) and Snow Festival (January and February).  

Food & drink

French Canadian fare is one of the best-kept culinary secrets in the world. Decades before farm-to-table found favor, many of Montreal’s restaurants were sourcing direct from neighboring pastures. One of them was Downtown’s Bar George , housed in a 140-year-old former private club that once hosted the likes of Pierre Trudeau and Princess Margaret. Start with the locally distilled lavender gin, followed by classic plates, such as mushroom confit and butler’s steak.  

Barack Obama and Justin Trudeau famously dined at Liverpool House   on Montreal’s southwest side; they ordered the lobster spaghetti, in case you were wondering. If you want a true taste of the city, make for Joe Beef , a local institution famed for its seasonal menu with Québécois classics such as tourtière (an even tastier answer to shepherd’s pie) and poutine. Another essential Montreal dining experience: jazz sets on the terrace of Jardin Nelson , a lively spot for bistro fare in the historic square. For those who want to go cheap and cheerful, there is a full-on contest for the best Montreal bagels ( St-Viateur Bagel Shop’s rosemary and sea salt variety is a contender) and a battle royale going on for the most delicious smoked-meat sandwich in town (current champ: Schwartz’s Deli ).

Coffee and pastries in Montreal are just as sacred as its holy street names (hence the nickname “City of Saints”). Order café au lait and a kale, egg, and brie breakfast sandwich at Crew Collective & Café , housed in the ornate former Bank of Canada building; or get a coffee and croissant to go from FousDesserts , then sip your way through Mont Royal Park —the perfect place to burn a few calories, with its 256-step staircase.   

While most will point you to the city’s huge festivals ( Osheaga for indie bands, MUTEK for electro and the eclectic POP Montréal International Music Festival ), there’s so much more going on in smaller venues. Artists including Björk and Iggy Pop have graced the stages of the Phi Centre , a towering presence in Old Montreal that occupies four converted heritage buildings; its acoustically superior space immerses audiences in melt-in-your-ear sound quality. Or, book into one of the city’s oldest performance venues, The Gesù amphitheater, which dates back to 1865 and has a revolving stage, or one of the newest, Ursa —a hybrid café/cabaret/music venue in Mile End, opened by Canadian singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright.  

The Montreal International Jazz Festival , known as the largest in the world, is held each June. It has embraced the greats throughout its 44 years—from Nina Simone and Joni Mitchell to Oscar Peterson and Erykah Badu. And comedy lovers flock to the Just For Laughs Festiva l in July; save by booking ahead. 

Elio Iannacci

Elio Iannacci is an award-winning culture writer whose work has featured regularly in The Globe and Mail . He has also written for Elle , The Hollywood Reporter , Maclean’s and the Toronto Star , as well as more than 80 publications worldwide.  

KEY NEIGHBORHOODS

A buzzing energy pulsates through this eclectic neighborhood, which serves as a nurturing ground for emerging creatives. Visitors with an appetite for diverse and affordable art, and foodies seeking out multicultural cuisine will have fun exploring it. Save time for the many galleries, including Centre Clark , and stop for lunch at Café Falco , a cozy spot inside a woodworking studio.  

Where to stay

Parc Avenue Residence Mile End

5677 Parc Avenue, Montreal, QC

Sonder Le Guerin

4501 Rue Drolet, Montreal, QC

Vieux-Port (Old Town) 

Beyond the grande dame of Notre Dame cathedral, take a walk to the piazza-like Place d’Armes to see a bust of the city’s founder Paul de Chomedey, neoclassical courthouse Édifice Ernest-Cormier , and Hotel de Ville (the city’s 1872 City Hall). The prized boutiques on Saint-Paul  are also worth a look and include local fashion legends such as Denis Gagnon and chic sustainable hubs like  Luc S . If the silver-domed Marché Bonsecours farmers’ market is open, pop in to sample local fruits, pies, cheeses and sapped-with-love Québécois maple syrup.   

Le Petit Hotel Saint-Paul

168, rue Saint-Paul Ouest, Montreal, QC

Hotel William Gray

421 Rue St-Vincent, Vieux, Montreal, QC

Centreville 

Shopping is more than a hobby in Montreal and Rue Sainte-Catherine is one of the best places for it. Find something cool for the whole fam at Québécois department store Simons , which mixes affordable finds with haute couture. You’ll also find apparel hubs (Tristan and Club Monaco) and a throng of shopping malls (the Eaton Centre and Complexe Desjardins). If you’re feeling weary from the credit-card workout, take a breather at chef-led foodhall Time Out Market at the Eaton Centre, where ever-changing happy hour menus reflect the city’s French influence. 

where to stay

Four Seasons Hotel Montreal

1440 rue de la Montagne, Montreal, QC

Hotel Le Germain Montreal

2050, rue Mansfield, Montreal, QC

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How to Spend a Long Weekend in Montreal

M ontreal is a city touched by art, culture and history. This exhilarating metropolis has touches of French life intertwined with Canadian history and culture, and offers a European experience, but without the transatlantic travel for those coming from the U.S. With it just being a short one-and-a-half hour flight away from New York City, Montreal is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

Due to the expansive layout of the city, Montreal is best explored on foot, with assistance from the public transportation system, the Société de transport de Montréal. Almost everything is accessible by bus or train. Downtown Montreal and Old Montreal are two of the most popular destinations within the Canadian city, with an array of unique hotels, restaurants, shops and activities. Here’s our guide on how to make the most of a weekend excursion to Montreal. 

The Ultimate Montreal Weekend Guide

Le mount stephen, vogue hotel montreal downtown, curio collection by hilton, hotel gault, montreal museum of fine arts, bell centre, notre-dame basilica of montreal (basilique notre-dame de montréal), eaton center of montreal, the underground city (réso), bonsecours market, maison boulud, bouillon bilk, where to stay.

• 1440 Drummond St, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1V9, Canada

Le Mount Stephen is a hotel steeped in Canadian history. Located in Downtown Montreal’s Golden Square Mile neighborhood in an elegant Neo-Renaissance building with a sleek modern tower, this 19th century boutique hotel is a historic landmark, with roots tracing back to Lord George Stephen and his exclusive Mount Stephen Club. At this luxury spot, guests can dine at Bar George, which is inspired by Lord Stephen’s British and Canadian ancestry, and relax in their renowned spa, Mbiospa Prestige. Once you step outside the classic stone entrance way, you’re within walking distance of some of Montreal’s most popular destinations, including McGill University, the Montreal Fine Arts Museum and Dorchester Square.

• 1425 Rue de la Montagne, Montréal, QC H3G 1Z3, Canada

The Vogue Hotel sits right across the street from some of the city’s most famous designer stores. This classic downtown hotel is known for its unique style—a lobby with no corners, velvet accent pieces and lavish chandeliers. The Vogue, which debuted the glamorous results of a renovation in 2023, also boasts a fitness center, brand-new spa and some of the largest guest rooms in the area. For dining, this space spares no expense. Yama Bar & Restaurant, which features a Japanese-American fusion menu, is headed by Canadian celebrity chef Antonio Park.

• 449 Ste Helene, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H2Y 2K9

On the other side of the city, in the historic district of Old Montreal, Hotel Gault occupies a corner building that dates back to 1871, when it was constructed by businessman Andrew F. Gault. In contrast to its 19th century past, the inside of the hotel is decked out in modern designer furniture, with art from local photographer Valerie Jodoin Keaton displayed in the lobby. This space is located steps from Notre Dame Cathedral, the Montreal Archeology Museum and the marina, where you can walk along the piers.

• 1380 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal, Quebec H3G 1J5

Visitors of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts can find an immersive collection of over 47,000 installations spread across multiple buildings. The museum’s collection is made up of a mix of Quebec and Canadian heritage, Indigenous art and international art pieces. If you find yourself hungry or tired during your exhibition visits, take a break at Beaux-Arts Bistro, the on-site restaurant. Don’t forget to explore the area, either—the museum is located within the famed Museum District, which features an array of boutiques and private galleries.

• 1909 Av. des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC H3B 5E8, Canada

Hockey, Canada’s national winter sport, is a key part of Montreal culture. The Montreal Canadiens have been their home team since the 1920s, and have been playing at the Bell Centre arena since 1996. This arena is one of the most famous in North America, and has a dedicated tour for those who want to learn more about the Original Six NHL hockey team and the venue. On the tour, guests visit the Alumni Lounge, press box, conference room, team locker room and store.

• 110 R. Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T1, Canada

Although the Parish of Notre Dame was founded in 1678, the basilica you can visit today was constructed in 1982, following renovations, expansions and a destructive fire. It is a designated national historic site and is one of the largest Catholic places of worship in North America. Although it is still used for important religious events, it is mostly known for being a tourist hotspot, and has been used for exhibitions, concerts and shows such as The AURA Experience, Luciano Pavarotti’s Christmas Concert and the Montréal Symphony Orchestra.

Where to Shop

• 705 Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3B 4G5, Canada

Located in the heart of Downtown Montreal, Eaton Center is an iconic part of the city’s shopping experience. With over 125 store fronts spread out amongst the five floors, you can spend all day wandering through its expansive halls.

Visited by over a quarter of a million people every day, Montreal’s Underground City, also known as RÉSO, is found below the busy streets of Downtown Montreal, and contains restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, a movie theater and even a library. Through the underground city, one can access many of Montreal’s malls, event centers and transportation hubs. It is also a great way to escape the cold and unpredictable Canadian weather.

• 350 Rue Saint-Paul E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1H2, Canada

For more than a hundred years, Bonsecours Market has been a center for the people of Québec to sell local products. This neoclassical heritage building in Old Montreal is also the headquarters of the Québec Crafts Council, which houses 15 boutiques centered around the sale of Canadian and Native arts, jewelry and furniture. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the First Nations culture of Montreal.

Where to Eat

• Ritz-Carlton Montreal, 1228 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest Montreal, Québec, H3G 1H6, Canada

Located in the Ritz-Carlton, Daniel Boulud’s Maison Boulud is a vibrant part of the Montreal food scene. This restaurant, bar and lounge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a twist on traditional French food.

• 275 R. Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T8, Canada

Chez Delmo, a classic in Old Montreal, is an elegant space that serves French seafood. When it first opened in the 1930s, it was not the luxurious dining experience it is now—the original owners built it as a combination restaurant-game room-brothel. These days, their menu includes lobster Thermidor, Dover sole and Sturgeon caviar. Chef Sébastien Gagné stays true to traditional cooking methods and impeccable quality products, which has been instilled in the foundation of Chez Delmo since it reopened in its current form in 1964. Don’t forget, reservations are required.  

• 1595 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2X 2S9, Canada

If you are in search of a chic, sophisticated French Canadian meal, Bouillon Bilk is the Montreal dining experience for you. With its thoughtfully selected wine menu and late night service, this minimalistic restaurant is refined and polished. Chef François Nadon utilizes a semi-open kitchen and simple ingredients to provide a culinary presentation like no other.

• 9 Fairmount Ave E , Montréal QC H2T 1C7

For a more casual meal, check out Larrys, the brainchild of the minds behind Montreal staples Lawrence and Boucherie Lawrence. Since its opening in 2016, Larrys has functioned as a classic English breakfast spot until the evening, when they bring out their renowned wine list and dinner menu, with dishes such as albacore ceviche and beef tartare. They don’t accept reservations, so check their virtual walk-up list before heading over.

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How to Spend a Long Weekend in Montreal originally appeared on Observer

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