You can road trip from Montreal to a turquoise swimming hole surrounded by 40-ft cliffs

Have you spent all summer searching for the perfect swimming hole? It may be August, but there's still plenty of time to discover incredible swim spots within driving distance of Montreal before the weather turns cold.

This picturesque limestone quarry, for instance, is a must-visit. Just a road trip away from Montreal, its gleaming turquoise waters (spanning two acres), stunning white cliffs (up to 40 feet tall) and unique heart shape make it an ideal place to soak up the sun while creating magical memories.

The Elora Quarry also happens to be located in one of Canada's "most beautiful villages," Elora, Ontario, where you can spend time exploring historic streets, browsing quaint boutiques, indulging in local cuisine and drifting down the Grand River.

In addition to swimming in this dreamy natural pool, you can sunbathe on the sandy beach beside it, enjoy a picnic amidst the lush greenery or hike a one-kilometre loop trail, meandering through cedar forests as you gaze out at gorgeous river views.

While the trip is around seven hours from Montreal, don't let the car ride put you off. Pit stops in Kingston and Toronto can help break up the trip. Plus, seven hours is well worth it to access Caribbean-like scenery when compared to the length (and cost) of an international flight.

Keep in mind that this a very popular travel destination, so you'll have to book a ticket and parking permit before you go. Tickets can be booked up to one week in advance and are released Friday afternoons for the following week (Monday through Sunday), according to the Grand River Conservation Authority website.

Each ticket allows you a four-hour time slot from either 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Parking permits and tickets to the Elora Gorge Conservation Area must be purchased separately.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.