The ultimate list for weekend getaways from Montreal [+40 ideas]
This is the BIGGEST and only list that compiles all trip ideas from Montreal! Whether you are looking for a day trip or a multi-day trip, this is the list you have been looking for!
Montreal is nestled among the beautiful heartland of Quebec. The city is close to other Canadian big cities like Ottawa and Toronto and big cities in the U.S. such as New York City & Boston. If you don’t like big cities and are looking for a trip to visit townships and reconnect with nature among lakes, rivers and mountain ranges, regions surrounding Montreal have that too!
Here is the ultimate compilation of day trips and weekend getaways from Montreal. They range from 1 hour to a small 7-hour drive. The article gives you more than 40 travel ideas!
So, are you ready to discover which will be your next trip from Montreal?
Pro tip: Some of these destinations can be reached by train or bus. However, for the smaller towns and national parks, I would highly suggest renting a car. If you don’t drive but you still want to get close to nature there is a new transportation company that will take you to many of the national parks, Nana. For a list of National Parks (Parks Canada & Sepaq) near Montreal go to my other article.
The perfect half or day trip from Montreal
The section below will answer your burning questions like “Where should I go for a day trip from Montreal?” or “Where can I go one hour from Montreal?” or “Where should I go near Montreal?”. I got you!
Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
These are 5 little islands of Parc National des Îles-de-Boucherville. They are around 20 min away from Montreal and it is the perfect getaway if you have limited time in the Belle Province. The park offers countless activities from hiking, camping, and swimming. During the summertime, from June 23 to September 3, on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, there is a free shuttle bus that is available from the Longueuil metro station to the Îles de Boucherville National Park. If you are super athletic, you can also get there by bike.
The price of this Sepaq Park is $10, here is the website.
The Cider Route
Get into your car and hit the Montérégie’s cider route. Located only 30 minutes away from the busy metropolis, the region feels like a rural retreat full of gourmet stops and cideries. The region’s specialty is Quebec's ice cider, which is a must-try, especially if you like sweet liquor. For a complete list of cider houses and activities go to my other article.
Chambly
Dive into the history of New France by visiting the fort by the Richelieu River. The Fort Chambly National Historic Site is a popular tourist destination that combines a fortification dating from 1711 with an urban park. The entrance fee to the fort is $9.
This small town is also known for the Chambly Beer Festival which is held yearly during the first weekend of September. The festival showcases all the breweries from Quebec province, this might be the best activity to taste all the flavours that the province has to offer. Besides the beer and the fort, you can also visit the rapids.
Chambly is around a 20-minute drive from Montreal.
Refuge faunique Marguerite-D'Youville
This is a wildlife reserve about 20 minutes south of Montréal. The Island, Île Saint-Bernard, has 8 km (easy) trails where you can observe Quebec wildlife up close. If you are an avid bird watcher, this reserve will delight you. There are more than 240 species of birds. You can also spot White-tailed Deer, beavers, marmots, chipmunks, turtles and much more! The reserve is also known for the great variety of its ecosystems: marshes, swamps, banks, wasteland, maple groves and oak groves.
This is one of the places where I’ve had most of my wildlife encounters in the province! We saw at least 10 different types of birds, 4 deer, a baby beaver who was building its dam, a marmot, turtles, and a cute chipmunk. This park has a special farm and I love going there more and more.
The refuge is on Île Saint-Bernard which has other sites to visit such as the stone manor, a mill dating back to 1686. So don’t forget to wander around the island after the park. There are also apple-picking activities during early fall. If you are hungry there is also a cafe.
The admission fee to the park is $9.
Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
Prepare your arm muscles and get ready to go kayaking! The park is the largest protected wildlife space in the greater Montreal region, and you discover the park by canoe, Kayaking and paddleboard. There are a few islands where you can stop and do small hikes or get some rest and have a picnic. This is the perfect half-day or day trip from Montreal. The park is a non-profit organization that aims to protect, conserve and educate the fauna and flora of the river. You can see countless types of birds like herons, turtles and beavers. I really like this park and I have been a couple of times in the summer.
The park also offers guided sunset guided kayak tours with a biologist that will teach you about the animals living in the area. This is definitely on my to-do list! You can also visit the park in winter and do snowshoeing. The prices depend on your activity, here is the park website.
This park is in Laval and is around a 20-minute drive from Montreal.
Parc Régional des Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles. A great day trip from Montreal
Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno
The national park is a 30-minute drive from Montreal. It is known for its Five lakes, its orchard, and its historic mill. The park has a 27-km network of trails that circles its lakes. Here don’t forget to look up and see the 200 bird species that reside in the mountain with woodpeckers stealing the spotlight, especially in the Murray House area. You can also have encounters with 40 mammal species in summer and winter alike. You can also rent a watercraft, such as a canoe, and navigate on the magnificent Lac des Bouleaux.
The price of this Sepaq Park is $10, here is the website.
Mont St-Hilaire
Mont Saint-Hilaire and its 8 surrounding municipalities have been a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve since 1978. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve aims to preserve natural sites, Biosphere Reserves seek to reconcile human activity with the conservation of biodiversity through the sustainable use of natural resources. This is one of 18 Biosphere Reserves in Canada. You can learn more about other Unesco sites in Canada. The mount is home to many rare and endangered species. It hosts 400 years old trees and over 800 known species of butterflies!
You would suggest visiting the mount by going to the Gault Nature Reserve which belongs to McGill University and protects nearly 1000 hectares of the natural environment. Here you can go hiking or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Winter. The Gault Nature Reserve has an entrance fee of $10.
This is around a 40-minute drive from Montreal.
Oka
Oka is a small village on the northern bank of the Ottawa River but it is most famous for its national park and beach. The hangout spot for many Montrealers, this is the place to be during summertime. People from the city and the burbs come to this lake beach.
Besides the beach, there is Oka National Park, which not only protects a huge natural reserve complete with a rich historical heritage. The Calvaire is a complex of four oratories and three chapels. Another activity in wetlands. Winter and summer alike, the top of the Calvaire d'Oka trail provides an exceptional view of Lac des Deux Montagnes and the Adirondacks. The price of this Sepaq Park is $10, here is the website.
This is around a 40-minute drive from Montreal.
Lookout from Oka National Park. Oka is one of the perfect day trip from Montreal.
Parc Régional des Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles
If you like chasing waterfalls, then this might be the park for you! Located in Lanaudiere, in the middle of the municipalities of Sainte-Béatrix, Saint-Jean-de-Matha and Sainte-Mélanie, lies the Parc des Chutes (waterfalls park). Located just over an hour from Montreal, this park borders the L’Assomption River and offers a network of 21km hiking trails, 6 beautiful lookouts and 2 beautiful waterfalls. The biggest one being Chute Monte-A-Peine. There are 11 trails in total but I would suggest doing Desjardins one which loops most of the park.
The entrance fee to the park is $10, here is the website.
Parc des Cascades
Another site for waterfalls, the Dorwin Falls, on the Ouareau River is a small site to play in the water so don’t forget your swimsuit. If you are not planning on going in the water, I would suggest not visiting the park. This recreational site has 3 sites, the beach, the waterfall and the cascades. There are two lookout points for the magnificent falls 60 feet in height. The falls have an Algonquin Legend of Nipissingue the Sorcerer, I will let you go to the site to discover it. The entrance to the Parc des Cascades is free.
The park is 1 hour North-East of Montreal.
OTTAWA
The Canadian capital is charming and full of things to do to fill your day trip or weekend getaway. If you like museums, then you will enjoy your time in the city. You can visit Parliament, stroll around and eat at the ByWard Market. In winter, you can skate on the World’s largest outdoor skating rink which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Find out more about it here. In spring, you can enjoy the tulip festival. Ottawa is around 1:30 away from Montreal by car. Gatineau Park is a gorgeous park worth spending a few hours to enjoy nature.
Montebello
Between Montreal, Mont-Tremblant and Ottawa lies the Outaouais region, filled with pristine forests, rural landscapes, and rolling mountains. Often overlooked by other more touristic attractions, Outaouais has several small towns that will delight every traveller. Montebello is widely known for its magnificent Fairmont Hotel and its golf. Parc Oméga is by far the best activity in the region. What could be better than to see wild animals running free from the safety of your car? All the animals are from the northern hemisphere and are in their natural habitat. This weekend road trip getaway will make you feel like you are on vacation. You can buy carrots and feed the cute deer and wapitis that will poke their heads through your window car to eat the treats. Here are the best 5 things to do in Montebello.
Mont Tremblant
Just 1h 30 drive North of Montreal, the mountain is the perfect getaway all year-round. It is THE playground spot for Montrealers as it is a popular ski resort. In the summer, you can enjoy the lake, hikes, and a very colourful pedestrian village. It almost looks like a Disney resort. This is also the perfect place to catch the fall foliage. In the summer, you also have Tonga Lumina, a luminous projection hiking trail through the mountain and it has a casino.
The mountain also hosts the first National Park created in Quebec, and the third in Canada. In 2020, Mont Tremblant National Park celebrated its 125th anniversary. The Park protects six great rivers and 400 lakes and streams. It is dubbed as a canoer's paradise. If you are lucky you can see up to 40 mammal species, including the wolf (scary!) - we only got to see deer, chipmunks and frogs. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, then try the Via Ferrata du Diable, where you can hike and climb the mountain.
For a perfect day trip, I will recommend a hike then, a stroll around the village and lunch and if you are up for it, another hike. For a picture-perfect spot, I would suggest La Corniche Trail, it is 3.4 km (round trip), and it will last around 1.5 hours. The panoramic viewpoint is astonishing, with the view of the mountains and the lake. Trust me, my words don’t do justice to the breathtaking view. Another hike that I would recommend is the Les Chutes-Croches trail. It is a 15m waterfall, and who doesn’t love waterfalls? The trail is short, only 20min from the designated parking.
The entrance fee to the park is $10, here is the website.
Saint-Sauveur
Less popular than Mont-Tremblant, and closer to Montreal, the small Laurentian mountains offer similar attractions in terms of nature and small-town vibe. I find the town of Saint Sauveur much more charming as it has less of a Disney-like feeling. The architecture of the houses is from the region and it is less crowded. The mountain is a ski resort in winter, and in summer it has a water park.
Le P'tit Train du Nord
If you like to bike, then this is THE day trip for you! This linear bath offers a 232-kilometre trail. It follows the rails of an old railway line between Bois-des-Filion and Mont-Laurier. It’s the longest linear park in Canada with activities over four seasons. If you are visiting in Winter, you can also do cross-country skiing, winter cycling or snowmobiling.
The entrance to the park is free, here is the website with all the info.
Parc régional de la Rivière-du-Nord
Situated approximately 30 minutes northwest of Montreal, Parc régional de la Rivière-du-Nord offers a variety of hiking trails along the banks of the Rivière du Nord. The park's main feature is Wilson Falls and the remains of the old pulperie. You can go biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking on the snow to name a few of the activities that you can do in the park. The park connects with the P'tit Train du Nord if you wish to do a longer hike. The park is also home to many Quebec wildlife such as deer and goose.
The entrance fee to the park is $10 if you are not a St-Jerôme resident, here is the website.
Mont Tremblant, a colourful resort town just 1:30 away from Montreal
Eastern Townships
The beautiful countryside in the rolling Appalachians offers ski hills, history, great food, and wine. Historically, the townships were an enclave of English loyalists at the end of the 18th century. This legacy is mostly reflected in Victorian houses, round barns, and over-covered bridges scattered throughout the region. Here is an article for the perfect weekend getaway in my favourite region. The region is also filled with Sugar Shacks in the spring. If you don’t know what a Cabane à Sucre (Sugar Shacks) is, then click here, you will be craving some maple syrup!
Bromont
Bromont, better known as the ski resort, the mountain is beautiful year-round. It offers several hiking, snowshoes, ski and bike paths. The township also has several lakes where you can swim or just go for a picnic near the water during the hot summer days. After exploring the mountains, you can relax at the Amerispa for their thermal experience. It's a small spa with less fuzz, less crowded and cheaper than the popular Balnea Spa. This can be the perfect romantic side trip.
Wine route
Dunham is home to the wine route of Quebec, and a picturesque town with wineries and Victorian-style houses. Almost all vineyards are accessible to the public and you can sample their different products either for free or for a small fee.
A great way to explore the wineries is to do the wine route by car, hire a tour company or bike. What better way to enjoy a nice summer or fall day than by discovering wines? The route has also picnic areas or stops at local restaurants to catch a break from all the biking & drinking. The Quebec Wine Route's website gives you all the directions and which establishments you can visit along the way, this is the perfect day tour.
If wine is not your forté, the region also offers ciders, lots of sugar shacks and fresh berries to pick and enjoy. The fresh air of the countryside and the valley scenery will make the trip worth it.
Sutton
Nestled in the picturesque Eastern Townships of Quebec, Sutton is a charming village renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts scene. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine lakes. In Sutton, you will want to play outside. Famous for its ski resort, the mountain has activities year-round. After you finish playing, wander around in the quaint village alongside the main street and enjoy bistros and restaurants.
To access the outdoor activities, you will need to go to the Parc d'environnement naturel de Sutton. The rate to the park is $8
Orford & Magog
Mont Orford is just a 1h30 drive from Montreal and it’s located in the Eastern Townships, a few minutes away from the popular town of Magog. The mountain is very popular in the winter for its ski resort. The mountain is part of the SEPAQ, the provincial parks association and has different activities to enjoy. In the summer, there are camping, beaches, hiking and bike trails, to name a few. Click here for a complete list of things to do in Orford.
Magog is a popular small town with Lake Memphremagog as a backdrop. The lake stretches for 40 kilometres and borders Newport, Vermont and it is the ideal city break. There is a legend about a monster, Memphré, a creature that lives in the lake. People have been trying to spot it for the past 200 years and there are legends from the First Nations that warn about the creature. Think about it like the Loch Ness Canadian cousin.
Sherbrooke
The city is the biggest in the region and has a renowned university which gives the city a very young and vibrant atmosphere. Like in Montreal, the city abounds with street art, it has 16 murals to be exact. There is even a mobile app that takes you through the whole path and explains to you the work of art and the history of the artists. Sherbrooke is also well known for all its craft breweries like Siboire and La Mare au Diable. While you are there, you can also indulge in high tea.
Coaticook
Almost two hours away from Montreal, Coaticook is the home of the longest suspended footbridge in North America, the famous Coaticook ice cream and magnificent views of the valley.
Start your visit at the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook. One of the main attractions is the 169-meter-long suspended bridge on which you can admire the deep gorge. The park has multiple trails for bikes, hiking and snowshoeing. You can also camp on-site. As of 2021, the bridge is now illuminated and changes colour with the weather.
The park offers a one-of-a-kind experience at night. Foresta Lumina, a night-illuminated and multimedia trail, takes you into the world of fairies that live in the forest. Made by the recognized Moment Factory studio, the attraction is 2 km long. Via its scenography, lighting, video mapping and music, the immersive experience is based on the region’s magical and fictitious mythology.
Don’t forget to read the best 6 things to do in Coaticook.
LA MAURICIE
About 2 and a half hours away north of Montreal, la Mauricie is an outdoorsy region perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The region has 2 main cities, Trois-Rivieres and Shawinigan but the main hallmark is the National Park. The park is one of the biggest in the province. It has more than 150 lakes of all sizes which are perfect to swim on a hot summer day or to Canoe your way through to admire the fall colours. The park is also black bear territory, if you are lucky like us, you might see a cub and its mama bear! The entrance fee to the park is $9.
The region has around 10 craft breweries, so it might be the perfect mix of outdoors and gifts for your palette.
AstroLab
For astrology lovers, this is your destination. Have you ever dreamt of seeing the perseids, or understanding the cosmos? Then this is the ultimate place to stargaze. If there is the right solar energy, you might even get the chance to see the Northern Lights. The whole region is a Dark-sky preserve, meaning that the surrounding municipalities restrict artificial light pollution. This can be a romantic getaway. This is a 2h drive from Montreal. However, since this is a night activity, I would suggest you spend the night in the region. This makes one of the ideal weekend trips
Lookout from La Maurice National Park. La Mauricie is one of the best day trip from Montreal
Go Apple picking, berry, flower, pumpkin picking - Or whatever your heart and tummy desire!
The region near Montreal abounds with fruitful grounds. Depending on the season, you can go apple and pumpkin picking in the fall, and in the summer you can go pick up flowers such as sunflowers, or my favourites Dahlias. These patches and orchards are as close as a 30-minute ride from Montreal. Many places also offer different activities or restaurants where you can taste their local products. This is a fun activity to visit the regions surrounding the city and to taste local products. The most known region for apple picking is Rougemont (the same for the cider houses), for the Sunflowers and Dahlias, you can go to Vaudreuil, near the west of the Island and for pumpkins or berries, you can venture out to the lower Laurentians just North of the island.
In the U.S
Burlington, VT
The Green Mountain state is full of charm. If you are looking to relax by the lake, or if you are looking for a beautiful hiking path to admire the fall colours or if you are a ski fanatic or a foodie & beer lover, this getaway is for you! The local scene plays a big part in its appeal. The state has taken pride and value in producing and positioning its products on the national scene.
Vermont is one of the border U.S. states with Quebec and is located only 2 hours South of Montreal. It is one of my favourite getaways.
Burlington is a classic New England small town, the main action is around Main Street and Church Street. The old colonial buildings with red bricks and cobblestone streets are part of its landmark. The city is set to overlook Lake Champlain which offers great views of the sunsets. Go check out my winter blog post about Vermont.
There are more than 50 breweries in the state and Burlington is the central hub. If you are looking to sample some of the best beers that Vermont has to offer, you can go to The Vermont Pub & Brewery.
Plattsburgh, NY and Ausable Chasm
The small town is known for its outlets and its vast lake beaches. 20min away from the town, nestled among the Adirondacks, you will find the beautiful, Ausable Chasm. This natural attraction is also known as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. It is one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States, it was established in 1870. Here, you can hike, do river rafting, or experience the river in a lazy tube. Nature in Upstate NY is one of a kind. We enjoyed the lazy river in the middle of the hot summer. However, be warned that this attraction is immensely popular and you will have to wait in line for close to 1 hour. Besides the river activities, you can hike, climb and see the Rainbow Falls, Elephant's Head, Column Rock, Hyde's Cave and the eerie quiet of Mystic Gorge. At the end of your nature excursion, go to the Ausable Brewery for a set of delicious beers. They renovated an 1880s barn and grow 3 varieties of hops and numerous fruit trees that can be tasted in their great Belgian-inspired beers. I liked that they had Hockey-inspired beer and a Hufflepuff beer!
Lake Placid, NY
Lake Placid is in the beautiful region of Upstate New York. The two times Olympic City hosted the event, firstly in 1932 and the latest in 1980. You can go and wander around the Olympic installations or visit nature. Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, and Saranac Lake make up a region of the Adirondacks called the Tri-Lakes region. Here you can hike Whiteface Mountain and see its castle! You can also go see the High Falls Gorge.
Trips that are 3+ hours from Montreal
This section below will give a few ideas for your question “Where can I go on a road trip in Montreal?”. Here are short road trip ideas to escape Montreal.
Lake George, NY
This 32-mile-long lake is a hot destination for Americans during the summer. This resort town lives by the lake and its numerous water activities. While onshore, you can go hike Prospect Mountain and then refresh yourself at one of the many breweries in the region.
Thousand Islands & Kingston
Kingston was Canada’s first capital city. This historic city has become a foodie hub in recent years. The main attractions are Fort Henry and of course the Thousand Islands National Park. The park encompasses 1,000 islands located in the St Lawrence River in the western portion of Lake Ontario, between Kingston and New York state border.
Pro tip: Kingston can be a great stop if you are going from Montreal to Toronto as it is in the middle of two cities. Why not stop here for a bite and a beer before hitting the road again? Trust me, you will want a break from the 6-hour drive.
Travel time from Montreal: 3 hour-drive
If you have more than 1 day - the perfect micro-cation!
Below are some trip ideas if you are looking for micro-vacations in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and the U.S. If you are in a rush, you could do some of these ideas in a day but you will do a lot of driving. I would suggest taking your time and enjoying the ride and the destination. Below you will find the best Montreal road trip ideas!
In the Quebec Province
Quebec City
Quebec City is by far one of the most picturesque cities in Canada. It mixed colonial history between French and English and is characterized by being the only remaining walled city north of Mexico. The city is one of the oldest cities in North America as it celebrated its 400 years birthday in 2008. Wander around and get lost on the hilly cobblestone streets overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. The main architectural landmark is the Chateau Frontenac. In winter, you can attend the famous Carnaval de Québec. Another must-see is the Notre Dame Basilica. Quebec’s old port is a picturesque part of town with cute streets, the marina offers gorgeous views of the city. Just outside of Québec City, you will find the Montmorency Falls. Did you know that these falls are 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls? However, they are less imposing since they are not that wide. The good part is that they are also less crowded! Île d'Orléans is also worth a visit if you are staying more than one day in the capital region. this quaint little island is filled with lush orchards and historic vineyards.
I would not recommend doing Quebec City on a day trip it is too far and you won’t have time to enjoy the city as you should.
Quebec is a 3-hour drive from Montreal.
Charlevoix
The Charlevoix is one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Belle Province. Did you know that the road trip from Quebec City to La Malbaie is one of Canada's most scenic drives? You will see dramatic mountain cliffs going into the Saint-Laurence river which gives breathtaking viewpoints. The main activities of the region are the Massif mountains and the artsy towns of Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie. The region is 1 hour north of Quebec City, so I would suggest combining both destinations for the best mix of nature and history. In Charlevoix, you will also find one of the most beautiful hikes in Quebec. The region has many boutique hotels and of course the castle-like Manoir Richelieu, a Fairmount hotel.
Go to the top things to do in Charlevoix to know more about this beautiful region!
Charlevoix is a 4-hour drive from Montreal.
Views from Chateau Frontenac in Quebec city with colonial architecture. Quebec city is a great day trip from Montreal
Kamouraska
Just on the other side of Charlevoix, you have the Bas-Saint-Laurent with the Kamouraska as its heart.
Kamouraska is officially recognized as one of the most beautiful towns in Québec. Be seduced by the architectural style typical of 19th-century resort towns, boutiques, local craft and its wharf. The Bas-Saint-Laurent region is world-renowned for its jaw-dropping sunsets. Be sure to take the scenic Route 132, the “Route des Navigateurs,” to enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about the history of the region. This tiny town has a few gourmet options and 15min away there is the brewery Tête d'Allumette. This is a must-stop! The beers are good and the brewery is in a beautiful setting nestled in a field with the river as a backdrop. The area has three archipelagos with thousands of seabirds and the backdrop of the Charlevoix mountains.
Kamouraska is a 3.5h drive from Montreal
This can be one of the stops of a great road trip to Bas-Saint-Laurent & Gaspésie, the region of Quebec by the sea. For more info about this epic road trip, click here.
Île-Verte
45 min north of Kamouraska, Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs (known as Île Verte) is a heavenly island in the Lower St. Lawrence region. Words lack to describe this island. Maybe an idyllic landscape, charming, nature sanctuary will fit. The island has one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen! On this untouched rugged island, you can see whales, seals and other wild animals. Oh, and did I say that you can sleep in a lighthouse?
This is by far one of my new favourite destinations from Montreal. This tiny island of around 15km long is only accessible by ferry during the summertime. The island is offshore from the village of L’Isle-Verte which is around 4:30 away from Montreal. The ferry comes at odd hours and only 3 times per day, so you will need to prepare your trip well. 40min north of the island you have the Bic National Park, a must in the region!
This can be one of the stops of a great road trip to Bas-Saint-Laurent & Gaspésie, the region of Quebec by the sea. For more info about this epic road trip, click here.
SAGUENAY Lac-St-Jean
The Saguenay Lac-St-Jean region brimming with nature and activities. The main attractions are Lac-St-Jean and the Fjords. Who needs to go to Norway to see Fjords when you have some driving distance? Also, don't forget to visit the St-Felicien Zoo, where animals are free, and you are in a cage.
The town of Saguenay is a 4:30h drive from Montreal.
Tadoussac
Did you ever want to go whale watching? Well, this is the place! Saint-Lawrence Estuary is one of the best places in the world to see whales! It has 13 species of whales for you to admire. The picturesque town of Tadoussac lies near the Saint-Laurent Marine Sanctuary and the Saguenay Fjord. It was established to protect the marine biodiversity of the region. Did you know that you can Kayak in the marine park next to these amazing animals? We did and it was a memory that I will treasure for a lifetime. This charming town is in the tourist region of Côte Nord, and it could be your starting point to do a road trip in this underrated region to many travellers.
To read more about our whale encounter don’t forget to check out my Tadoussac guide.
Tadoussac is a 5:30h from Montreal.
In the Province of Ontario
Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County, or the county, as the locals call it, is tucked between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. The island lake is home to pristine blue waters and more than 30 wineries and a dozen craft breweries. This is the perfect playground for many Torontonians as it offers access beautiful to lake beaches, great food and great wineries. In this guide, we share the best thing to do, and where to eat, drink and sleep in Prince Edward County. The county is very rural and has 3 main towns Picton (the hub), Wellington and Bloomfield. Between the fields and forests, you will get a glimpse of English colonial architecture as the region was a loyalist hub.
The county is 4 4-hour drive from Montreal.
Toronto
Toronto is the biggest city in Canada and it is full of activities. The city is one of the most multicultural and diverse cities in the World! Toronto has endless things to do and eat. Take a stroll around Kensington Market, go play on the Islands in Lake Ontario during the summer, indulge in some art at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario), and get lost in one of the numerous parks that the city has. And of course, you need to go to the iconic CN Tower and the Distillery District. If you are a film lover, then attending the TIFF must be a must! I love the culinary diversity of the city, you can find a restaurant from every country as well as funky mixes like Jamaican and Chinese. In Summer, one of the main things to do in Toronto is to spend a day in the Islands, where you can go to the beach and have amazing views of the city skyline.
Toronto is a 5h30 drive from Montreal. Why not plan for a Canadian road trip between Quebec & Ontario? Here is my 2-week road trip, specifically designed for 9 to 5ers.
GEORGIAN BAY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
The park is located 2 hours north of Toronto. If you combine both destinations, this could be the perfect mix of outdoor adventures and city discovery. The bay is home to the World’s largest freshwater archipelago, and the emerald shoreline will leave you astonished. It offers several types of camping and glamping. A rustic cabin for two on an island beach sounds like the perfect getaway!
The Bay is almost a 7-hour drive from Montreal
Niagara falls
This destination does not need an introduction. The falls have been showcased over and over again worldwide. The falls make the border between the US and Canada in this section, so half of it is in the state of New York and half is in the province of Ontario. You can also stroll down Clifton Hill; it is like the mini Las Vegas stripe.
The falls are a 6h30 drive from Montreal and a 1h20 drive from Toronto.
Niagara on the Lake
NotL is the perfect getaway for wine lovers and foodies. Here you can indulge in wine and champagne tasting while eating in farm-to-table restaurants. Inside the Canadian heartland of the Ontario province, you will find a small Victorian town surrounded by miles and miles of vineyards. Only 2 hours away from the busy Toronto metropolis, and a 30-minute drive from the world-renowned Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a great foodie getaway. The wine region surrounds the Niagara peninsula and offers unusually warm temperatures allowing the vines to survive the harsh Canadian winters.
This is a 3-day itinerary of things to do and eat in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The wine country is a 7-hour drive from Montreal.
In the U.S
The White National Forest, NH
This New Hampshire national park is beautiful. You can take a scenic route on your way to Portland or as a stand-alone trip (it is a 3-hour drive). The panorama is astonishing. Cutting through the mountains, you will drive by lakes, rivers, and dense forests, to name a few. Along the way, you can stop several times at observation points, and do some hiking and other outdoor activities which are perfect to explore the area. Note that the National Park offers different activities such as skiing, hiking, and camping throughout the seasons.
Portland, ME
Lobster rolls, fresh seafood, and craft beer are the perfect ingredients for a perfect weekend getaway. For the past few years, Portland has paved its way to being a key player in the food and beer scene and was named the restaurant city by Bon Appetit Magazine in 2018. So be prepared to eat the best lobster rolls ever!
Portland will seduce you with its old architectural buildings made of red brick, cobblestone streets and the sea breeze along the harbour. After a stroll around the beach, head back to the city and visit a few art galleries and shop at some thrift stores. Of course, the Portland Head Lighthouse needs to be part of your must-see attractions. For a complete list of things to do in Portland, click here.
Portland is a short 5-hour drive from Montreal.
Boston, MA
The historic city of Boston is only 5 hours away from Montreal. If you are a history buff, then this city will delight you as it is full of museums marking the key role that the city played in the American Revolution. It is also known for its numerous team sports and Ivy League universities such as Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Berklee, and Tufts University among others. The city is characterized by its colonial architecture with its predominant red bricks.
New York City, NY
In a short 6-hour drive, you will find yourself in one of the most exciting cities in the world. While you could live here all your life and always find something new and exciting to do, New York can be a perfect city road trip from Montreal. So get ready to crunch all the things to do in New York into a short stay.
Philadelphia, PA
Another historic city very close to Montreal, Philadelphia is an 8-hour drive. Whether you will be channelling your inner Rocky, eating your heart out while deciding which restaurant has the best Philly Cheesesteak, admiring all the street art or learning everything about American independence, this city offers great things to do.
Looking for full itineraries and road trip ideas?
There is no secret that I love a good road trip, they are easy and comfortable travels. There are also great ways to go off the beaten path and discover new places. Here are a few ideas:
Plan for your ultimate road trip through Quebec. This trip is the perfect mix of city life and nature it will take you through Montreal, Quebec City, Charlevoix & Gaspésie.
Have you always dreamt about going to Eastern Quebec and immersing yourself in nature and the sea? Then you should consider doing an epic Road trip in Gaspésie! Here is my 10-day itinerary.
There is no secret, Canada is HUGE! It's the second-largest country in the world Here is how you plan a 10-day trip in this enormous country! This trip takes you to Toronto, Niagara Falls & Niagara on the Lake, Kingston and the Thousand Islands, Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa.
So which destination will be your next getaway from Montreal?
PIN IT FOR LATER!
40+ travel tips from Montreal. This article gives you the complete list of day trips and multi-day trips, weekend getaways and more ideas from Montreal! #Montreal #Nature #daytrips #getaways #trip trips montreal
Do you like the content? Why not help me by buying me a virtual cup of tea?
![The ultimate list for weekend getaways from Montreal [+40 ideas]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58ae4fa346c3c4b688b9ac9f/1561219399368-0OGZ0UGY9ZF98C8TSLUN/m3.jpg)
