Top 10 Weekend Trips From Montreal, Canada

weekend getaways from montreal
Celeste
Celeste 
Published
| 5 min read

The beautiful city of Montreal has plenty of attractions to keep visitors occupied. But if you want to experience the old-world charm of Europe, get away from Montreal for a couple of nights. You can spend days sailing across the sparkling waters of the Bay of Quinte and wine tastings while exploring the charming, rural Prince Edward County. Cross the Canadian-US border and visit the cosmopolitan city of Burlington, Vermont. Here, you can admire the historic buildings, shop at the charming boutiques and cruise along the Lake Champlain. To give you some inspiration, here is a list of the top weekend trips from Montreal, Canada.

1. Prince Edward County

Sunset - Prince Edward County
Source: Photo by user Shannon McGee used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Leave behind the historic cobblestone streets of Old Town Montreal for a relaxing getaway to the peaceful Prince Edward County. Journey along Ontario highway 401 West, for 230 miles (371 kilometres) to reach Prince Edward County. Enjoy a tranquil day of sailing, soaking up the warm summer sunshine and accompanying refreshing breeze off the Bay of Quinte. Indulge in effervescent wine tastings at Sandbanks Estates Winery before heading over to explore the powder-soft sand dunes of Dunes Beach, at Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Visited this place?

2. Bromont

Domaine naturel du lac Gale - Bromont
Source: Photo by user jphilipg used under CC BY 2.0

Drive carefully along the winter roads while making a journey on Autoroute 10E from Montreal to the famous ski resort, Ski Bromont. It is about 54 miles (87 kilometres) away from Montreal. After driving in snowy road conditions for nearly an hour, arrive at your mountain chalet, before heading over to enjoy racing down the powdery slopes of Ski Bromont. During the summer months, indulge in adrenaline-racing water sports at Plage Municipal or enjoy a leisurely game of golf at scenic Club De Golf Cowansville. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Quebec’s autumn foliage while heading out on a hiking adventure through the Domaine Naturel du Lac Gale on a crisp fall day.

Visited this place?

3. Wakefield

Crab Apple (20591840081)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Vlad Podvorny used under CC BY 2.0

Drive out of beautiful Montreal to continue your tour beholding the stunning carpet of autumn colours through the province of Quebec. Drive along Autoroute 50 Ouest for 143 miles (235 kilometres) to reach the picturesque village of Wakefield. Rent a pedal boat or canoe to traverse through the winding watery labyrinth of Eco-Odyssee, and take in the vibrant tapestry of autumn colours woven through the meadowlands. During the winter months, enjoy surfing through the powder on a snowboard or speeding down the slopes of the Vorlage Ski Area.

Visited this place?

4. Québec City

Québec city at night, view from Lévis city
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wilfredor used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Travel along the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to historic Québec City via Route Transcadienne/Autoroute 20 E. Quebec City is about 159 miles (255 kilometres) from Montreal, and can be reached within three hours. During the summer months, stroll along the Dufferin Terrace to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mighty St. Lawrence and famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Château Frontenac. Meander through the winding cobblestone streets of the Petit Champlain district to shop at its charming boutiques, before enjoying world-class cuisine at one of the many bistros. Be transported back to Old Europe through a visit to Place Royale, where Québec City was first founded. You can admire the thick stone walls and fortifications of this historical landmark.

Visited this place?

Montreal Tour Guide

Rene Rangel Havaux

Rene Rangel Havaux

My name is Rene and after 22 years working in the clothing industry I decided to make a carrer change and do what I love and I do best: Receive, entertain and guide visitors trough beautiful Montreal, the Canadian cultural capital, that offers to its visitors more than 100 festivals every year, a great diversity of museums, outdoor activities, sports, markets, restaurantes, craft breweries , and a vibrant cosmopolitan way of living, among many other interesting things. I love travelling, ( have been to 40 different countries around the globe), people, food, architecture, cycling and history are my passions in life. Throughout all this years discovering the world, I have come to realize that the best way to really discover and understand any place is trough its local people. I love to receive clients as if they where my own family, always in a friendly and respectful manner and adapting my tours to their specific interest and needs. I have been told many times that what makes my tours so special, is my outgoing friendly and enthusiastic personality and my knowledge and passion for Montreal.

Montreal Tour Guide

Ruby Roy

Ruby Roy

5. Burlington, VT

Richardson Building Burlington Vermont
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Beyond My Ken used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Cross the Canadian border and visit the charming Burlington in Vermont. Drive along the multilane Autoroute 35 S and I-89 S for a distance of 95 miles (152 kilometres). After travelling for two hours, you’ll reach the historic Burlington. While you’re here, make sure to stroll through the quaint downtown and shop at the charming Church Street Marketplace. Visit the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum to learn about the American Revolution War hero, before finishing off the day by sailing across pristine Lake Champlain and admiring the enchanting sunset.

Visited this place?

6. Thousand Islands, ON

Power House at Boldt Castle on Heart Island, Thousand Islands, New York
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Fhard555 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Journey out of Montreal to Ontario’s picturesque Thousand Islands National Park via Autoroute 20 and ON 401-W. It is 141 miles (226 kilometres) away from Montreal. After travelling for two hours, through scenic Quebec and Ontario, hop into your kayak to explore the granite islands surrounding the quiet bays. Book a cruise to travel along the river maze and behold the pine tree-covered islands, medieval Bolt Castle, and historic estates. Hike along the granite rock faces dotted with pine forests, in search of native birds and elusive turtles.

Visited this place?

7. Ottawa

Ottawa - ON - Parliament Hill
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wladyslaw used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Travel to Canada’s dynamic capital of Ottawa from Montreal by travelling 123 miles (198 kilometres). It can be reached within two hours. During February, join visitors and locals in Carnivale celebrations, by lacing up your skates to twirl, jump, and skate along the frozen Rideau Canal. Set aside time to wander the corridors of the National Gallery of Canada and gaze admiringly at the Canadian and indigenous artwork on display. Join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Parliament Hill to behold the bedazzling Northern Lights illumination show, featuring important Canadian figures and historic accomplishments

Visited this place?

8. Orford

Orford2015
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Louis Jones used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Depart from the underground city of Montreal for the hidden mountain getaway of Orford by travelling 80 miles (129 kilometres) along Autoroute 10 E. After voyaging for one and a half hour, stretch your legs upon your arrival by going on a reinvigorating bike ride past the lush vineyards. Enjoy a leisurely round of golf at Golf Village Manoir des Sables, while admiring the dense surrounding forest. Spend a magical day hiking through the national park and admire Mont Orford, while observing bewildered white-tailed deer and imperial great blue herons.

Visited this place?

9. Toronto, ON

Toronto Harbour
Source: Pixabay

Leave Montreal’s mighty St. Lawrence River behind for pristine Lake Ontario in Toronto by driving on ON-401 W. It is 337 miles (542 kilometres) away from Montreal and can be reached in less than six hours via road. Enjoy speedily ascending the elevator at the CN Tower to experience stunning panoramic views of metropolitan Toronto. Spend a day on the white sand of Sugar Beach, soaking up the sunshine before sailing across pristine Lake Ontario to admire the stunning shoreline and cityscape. Indulge in a cultural evening by watching the grace and beauty of the National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

Visited this place?

10. Mont Tremblant

Fall Colors of Mont Tremblant
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kuiyan Xu used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Leave the glittering lights of Montreal behind for the amazing natural beauty of Mont Tremblant. Mont Tremblant is about 81 miles (130.8 kilometres) from Montreal and is easily accessible via Route Transcanadienne/Autoroute 15N. Hike through the majestic Laurentian Mountains, before setting down your canoe to paddle through Mont-Tremblant National Park. After racing down the powdery slopes of Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort, sit by the chalet’s fireplace and enjoy a hot chocolate while watching the glowing embers ignite. During the summer, enjoy wandering through wildflower accented mountain meadows, before returning for a leisurely stroll through the town’s charming shopping village.

Visited this place?

Plan an unforgettable weekend getaway from Montreal

Enjoy voyaging out of bustling Montreal to discover historic castles and estates set against the backdrop of granite islands in the Thousand Islands. Traverse the Canadian Shield’s famous Laurentian Mountains of ancient igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock formations while visiting Mont Tremblant’s rustic oasis. After stopping in Ottawa and Toronto for some city adventures, return to Montreal full of memories of iconic destinations founded centuries earlier.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Celeste is a writer based in British Columbia with a profound passion for travel and the exploration of new destinations. Her adventurous spirit leads her to engage in exciting activities during...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Montreal
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.