14 Road Trips From Montreal To Daydream About Right Now
As soon as the snow starts to melt, Montrealers start to daydream about summer: long, lazy days in the park, evenings spent drinking on terraces and warm weather seem closer than ever. There is something about spending days on end cooped up in a small apartment that really makes me yearn for a road trip from Montreal.
None of the spots listed here are much more than a five-hour drive from Montreal, so they are excellent options for long weekend road trips to plan ahead.
Flume Gorge
Distance from Montreal: 3 hours
This gorgeous natural park in New Hampshire's most stunning feature is the eponymous gorge, which rises to a height of up to 800 feet.
A wooden boardwalk takes visitors to the top of the gorge, where they can bask in spectacular views.
Montmorency Falls
Distance from Montreal: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Located just minutes outside of Quebec City, the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is well worth the detour. The park, with easy-to-walk trails, is of stunning natural beauty.
The crown jewel of the park is the massive waterfall, which is a stunning site no matter the season. If you're not too afraid of heights, you can walk on the bridge right above the falls themselves.
Tadoussac
Distance from Montreal: 5 hours and 30 minutes
This small village, located where the Saint-Lawrence and Saguenay rivers meet, is famous both for the natural beauty of its bay, where you can marvel at the Saguenay Fjord, and for its whale-watching tours.
On these tours, tourists can marvel at minke, humpback and blue whales, as well as many other species, throughout the summer.
Saguenay Fjords
Distance from Montreal: 5 hours
Many people are surprised to find out that they do not need to fly to Norway to look at spectacular Fjords. In the summer, you can walk in the national park and try sea kayaking, fishing and sailing.
The fjords are an awe-inspiring sight well worth the five-hour drive.
Ottawa
Distance from Montreal: 2 hours
Canada's capital has a lot to offer. Visitors can take in the stately beauty of Parlement, drink and eat in the bustling Byward Market, take long walks along the canal, and enjoy art in one of its many top-notch museums.
Mont Tremblant
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Mont Tremblant isn't just for skiers. This small mountain town is beautiful all year round.
In the summer, you can make the most of beautiful hiking trails by foot or by bike, get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline, or spending some well-deserved me-time at the spa.
Upper Canada Village
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes
This small village, which retains all of its 19th-century charm, is a perfect place to escape to, if even just for a day. Tour the old-fashioned village, eat in one of its quaint restaurants or go for a haunted walk.
Magog
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes
This small town is well-known for its natural beauty. Check out the public market, or spend a day in a vineyard.
Of course, you cannot go to Magog without spending some time wandering on the bank of Lake Mephremagog hoping to see Memphre — Canada's very own lake monster.
Rivière-du-Loup
Distance from Montreal: 4 hours and 10 minutes
Rivière-du-Loup is a charming town that borders the St-Lawrence River. This town, rich in culture, has beautiful boutiques and quaint restaurants.
One of the highlights is the Parc des Chutes, a sprawling park located in the middle of the city. Getting lost in its beautiful trails on a warm summer day is the perfect antidote to city living.
Boston
Distance from Montreal: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Boston is a city with a lot to offer. From walking tours of historic monuments to a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, the city is full of culture and history.
Scarborough Bluffs
Distance from Montreal: 5 hours
These beautiful bluffs look like something straight out of a beachside town: the crystal clear waters and sandy beaches are almost out of place in Canada, which is probably what makes it such an interesting attraction.
Adirondack Park
Distance from Montreal: 3 hours and 15 minutes
This park is the largest in the United States. Marvel at the beauty of the forests, and make the most of what the outdoors have to offer: hiking, camping, canoeing, and so much more!
Oka
Distance from Montreal: 45 minutes
A trip to this adorable Quebec town is doable in just a day if you don't have the time or money for an overnight stay.
Once you're here, you can wander through the national park, spend a day lazing at the beach, or check out the Magasin Abbaye Oka, where you can try (and buy) a large selection of the famous Oka cheeses!
Rimouski
Distance from Montreal: 5 hours
This quaint riverside town boasts some impressive sights. Not only is the drive there beautiful, but the town itself looks like it jumped straight out of a storybook.
When you get there, make the most of the fresh seafood, and be sure to check out the Le Bien, le Malt microbrewery.
Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.