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13 Spontaneous Day Trips That Are Less Than 2 Hours Away From Montreal
A couple walks through a ruin. Right: A person basks in a field of sunflowers.
There are so many aspects of living in Montreal that I love, but like everyone else, sometimes I simply crave an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Although our city is beautiful at any time of year, during the months of summer, day trips from Montreal to the following locations truly shine.
Not only do each of the below locations have a ton of charm, but they're all less than two hours away, making them the ultimate spontaneous day trip from Montreal.
Being able to just get in your car, pack some snacks, and escape somewhere exciting is one of my favorite things to do.
And, we're so lucky to live in a city that is surrounded by so many gorgeous locations, especially if you're looking to take part in a fun and spontaneous day trip.
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From spending some time by the lake to hiking up gorgeous trails, there's a lot of fun that can be had within a two-hour radius of Montreal.
I love Montreal as much as the next person, but sometimes I just need a day away to refresh and recenter myself, while being surrounded by natural beauty.
And these spots are the perfect places to do just that.
Mont Tremblant
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 25 minutes
As one of the most popular destinations for a day trip, Mont Tremblant offers a variety of activities to be had, restaurants to try, and nature to explore.
Saint Raphael Ruins
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes
The Saint Raphael Ruins is only a 90-minute drive from the city.
From the eerily beautiful burnt down church, to the charming surrounding areas, this location is a great place to spend the day.
Park Omega
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes
If you love animals, Park Omega is the perfect day trip for you.
This natural museum is home to a slew of wild animals and will provide you with a magical experience.
Dorwin Falls
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour
Less than one hour from Montreal resides the breathtaking Dorwin Falls, which is an 18-metre tall waterfall.
The gorgeous views from the lookout points combined with the walking paths are great for anyone looking for a little adventure.
Upper Canada Village
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes
This quaint, 19th-century village is one of my go-to spots when I need a day away from Montreal. I love locations with an old-world charm and Upper Canada Village offers just that.
Lavender Fields at Bleu Lavende
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes
What began as a passion project in 2004 turned into a dream spot just 90 minutes outside of Montreal.
From the stunning scenery to the sweet smells of lavender, this spot will be sure to thrill all your senses.
North Hatley
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 25 minutes
This charming little town not too far from Montreal oozes character and reminds me of a storybook town.
From the gorgeous views to the quaint bed and breakfasts and the good eateries, North Hatley has a lot to offer its visitors.
Magog
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 20 minutes
In Magog, there are tons of vineyards and eateries to enjoy while visiting this adorable town.
Beloeil / Mont St-Hilaire
Distance from Montreal: 40 minutes
Located just 40 minutes from Montreal, this location is a go-to if you're looking for a quick escape from the city. Although it's super close, it'll give you the illusion of being somewhere very far from Montreal.
Coaticook
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 50 minutes
If you're an ice cream lover like myself, you're totally going to want to take the drive to Coaticook.
As one of the world's ice cream capitals, there's no denying that this is a go-to spot for the dairy fanatic in you.
Lake Champlain
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Lake Champlain stretches through both the U.S. and Canada and has an undeniably calming vibe which is one of the things that makes this lake so special. You can rent boats, swim, and even fish while visiting this location.
Estérel
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Esterel is a go-to for a ton of Montreal locals looking to escape for the weekend or even the day. You can swim in gorgeous lakes and nosh on some awesome casse-croûtes along the way.
Tournesols Orford
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Sunflowers are known to be very happy flowers and Tournesols Orford exudes happiness.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and obey any local laws.