Whether your dream trip involves snuggling up by a fireplace, relaxing in a hot tub, enjoying a candle-lit dinner or walking along a waterfront, these holiday havens make for worthwhile road trips from Montreal. Despite being spread across New England, New York, Ontario and other parts of Quebec, each place is no more than three hours away by car, and every spot on this list has something incredible to offer us city folk.
So, have you made a playlist yet? Did you pack snacks for the car? It's time to hit the open road. This is an adventure you and your boo won't soon forget.
Magog, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Reason to go: The quaint city of Magog, in Quebec's Eastern Townships region, is a dreamy escape from the urban chaos with its vineyards, boat tours, distilleries, art galleries and tasty restaurants.
It's also home to Espaces Bleu Lavande, which immerses visitors in beautiful, aromatic lavender fields. There, you can walk, relax or picnic in the floral gardens, taking advantage of seasonal programming during the lavender blooming period, which includes musical performances and yoga classes. Thanks to lavender's soothing properties and the stunning setting, you and your partner will be on cloud nine.
More at easterntownships.org
Morin-Heights, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour
Reason to go: Most of us associate Morin-Heights with skiing, and although it is an epic place to ski, the town has a lot more to offer. Plus, there are great views from the chairlift all year round.
Located in the Laurentians, a serene energy is palpable everywhere you go in Morin-Heights — from the cycling trails to the lakes to the farmers' market — which is probably also why several spas call it home (hello, couples massages). This is a great destination if you need to refresh and recharge, injecting a dose of tranquility into your love life.
More at morinheights.com
Baie Saint-Paul, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 4 hours
Reason to go: You may know this town as the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil, but it's also one of the cutest and most amusing destinations in Quebec — ideal for couples who love to discover new things together.
Thanks to its contemporary art museum and numerous galleries, Baie-Saint-Paul was named one of Canada's cultural capitals. But let's not forget that it also boasts historic architecture, music festivals, stunning natural scenery, local terroir food products and gourmet restaurants. All of this makes Baie-Saint-Paul an explorer's paradise.
More at baiesaintpaul.com
Burlington, Vermont
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Reason to go: The most populous city in Vermont still maintains a small-town vibe and connection to its natural surroundings. In addition to sweeping views of Lake Champlain and its many islands, Burlington is a remarkable place to visit due to its positive energy and New England charm. Stay in a nearby bed-and-breakfast, but try not to snuggle the day away — as cozy as that sounds, there's lots to see and do.
And, yes, there is a Trader Joe’s.
More at helloburlingtonvt.com
Estérel, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Reason to go: Estérel is one of those towns that instantly makes visitors feel at home. You'll often encounter Montrealers who either have a chalet there or frequent the famous Estérel Resort, which allows you to feel like you're travelling to an all-inclusive in the Caribbean without leaving the province.
Whether you and your significant other are into kayaking or sipping cocktails by the pool, Estérel is a go-to place to live your best vacation life while being surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
More at villedesterel.com
North Hatley, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Reason to go: Do you remember the town in The Notebook where Noah and Allie first meet? Well, North Hatley looks just like it. It's one of the most picture-perfect places you'll ever encounter what with its rich vegetation, charming heritage homes, spas, galleries, golf clubs, marina and chocolate-themed inn — all built around the northern point of Lake Massawippi.
North Hatley is also the birthplace of the now-famous Little Blue House boutique and Hatley brand, known for their cozy prints.
Whether your love language is quality time or receiving gifts, North Hatley has everything couples need in order to connect with each other while enjoying a little slice of heaven.
More at northhatley.org
Plattsburgh, New York
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Reason to go: Our proximity to the U.S. gives us the chance to go to another country for the day — which is pretty cool, right? Plattsburgh, New York is a small city about thirty minutes from the border.
Known as the "lake city" because it sits on the shores of Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh has a beautiful freshwater beach — one of the largest in North America — and a state park. It also provides visitors with a little taste of Americana thanks to its Fourth of July fireworks, holiday parades, corner stores... and loads of chain restaurants we don't get in Montreal.
Plattsburgh may be underrated, but we promise you'll fall in love with it!
More at discoverplattsburgh.com
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Reason to go: When it comes to popular tourist destinations around Montreal, there's no denying that Mont-Tremblant is at the top of the list. Say what you will about it being too expensive or too crowded, people flock to this colourful and lively resort town for good reason — and the majestic views are just the beginning. Brimming with bars, restaurants, spas, hotels and nature activities, Tremblant is one of those places that keeps you coming back time after time because it never gets boring. Plus, whether you're on the waters of Venice or in the mountains of Quebec, what could be more romantic than taking a gondola ride?
More at tremblant.ca
Sainte-Adèle, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour
Reason to go: Because it's so close to Montreal, Sainte-Adèle is one of the easiest road trips with the biggest returns on investment. By committing to just one hour of driving, you can take full advantage of top-notch ski hills, gorgeous lakes, winding rivers and some of the cutest B&Bs you have ever seen.
Blending urban attractions — such as fine dining options, a cinema complex and the Zénon-Alary museum — with quiet forests, horseback riding centres and bicycle trails, Sainte-Adèle is perfect for a quick getaway where you can recharge your batteries in good company.
More at ville.sainte-adele.qc.ca
Almonte, Ontario
Distance from Montreal: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Reason to go: Almonte aka “The Friendly Town” may only be two hours and forty minutes away, but it feels like another world compared to Montreal's daily grind. Expect a slower pace of life where people greet you with a smile, strike up conversations and are exceedingly polite. It's quintessential small-town Canada, formerly known for its mill, with everything a Hallmark movie stan could ever dream of: antique shops, heritage architecture, a spectacular riverwalk, an award-winning chocolatier and a farmer's market — plus local butchers and bakers and candlestick makers.
Come to think of it, Hallmark actually does film movies here so you can literally recreate your favourite rom-com.
More at almonte.com
Hudson, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 45 minutes
Reason to go: Hudson is the closest spot on the list, providing easy access to small-town charm and idyllic settings. You'll find quaint boutiques and antique stores, delicious eateries, a sandy beach, a theatre, nature trails, and — if you're into recreational house hunting — some extraordinary properties.
Do you and your boo love animals? The Clarke Sydenham nature reserve houses a variety of different habitats as well as Le Nichoir, a well-known wild bird rehabilitation centre. Hudson also has a number of equestrian facilities and a horse rescue.
More at hudson.quebec
Lake Placid, New York
Distance from Montreal: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Reason to go: Adventurous couples, this one's for you! Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is perhaps best known as the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics — and it's still a sought-after destination for sports fans and athletes alike thanks, in part, to the remaining infrastructure.
"There's so much to do, be it a summertime day hike to an open summit, a relaxing paddle on Mirror Lake, or a day filled exploring Olympic Legacy Sites," reads the Lake Placid website. "The 'what to do' is up to you in Lake Placid, but we promise the memories made here will bring home the gold!"
More at lakeplacid.com
Stowe, Vermont
Distance from Montreal: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Reason to go: From the renowned ski hills to the farm-to-table restaurants to the magnificent homes, anyone who has been to Stowe knows how special it is. The New England gem, oozing with character, truly has something for everyone. You and your partner can stroll down the adorable main street, tour the original Ben & Jerry’s factory, sip some of the best apple cider ever or enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery, as you bond over your newfound desire to quit your jobs and stay forever.
More at gostowe.com
Oka, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 50 minutes
Reason to go: Oka is a cute little village on the northern bank of the Ottawa River. Chances are, you've been to Oka Beach — widely considered one of the best beaches in the area, but there's more to Oka than that.
In addition to exploring Parc national d'Oka, where you can find exceptional views of Lac des Deux Montagnes and the Adirondacks, you can also check out the surrounding town, which has a public market, general stores, bistros, bakeries, craftspersons and more. Don't forget to swing by the Magasin de l’Abbaye d’Oka to pick up the region's famous OKA cheese!
More at municipalite.oka.qc.ca
Saint-Sauveur, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour
Reason to go: Besides its close proximity, there's a reason Saint-Sauveur attracts so many Montrealers. Located in the heart of the Laurentians, this enchanting resort town is bursting with activities year-round from the ski hills to the water park.
To top it off, Saint-Sauveur has some legendary outlet shopping, meaning you can drop a few extra bucks at the spa and still afford to buy your sweetheart a gift (or just stock up on new clothes for future date nights).
More at valleesaintsauveur.com
Bromont, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour
Reason to go: The exceptional ski trails may draw tourists to Bromont in the winter, but the summer is just as dynamic.
With a water park, mountain biking paths, boutiques, bistros, art galleries and antique shops, Bromont is stocked with everything a road trip destination should possess. Plus, there are several excellent wineries and vineyards in the area. How romantic!
The best part? It's only an hour away from Montreal.
More at tourismebromont.com
Joliette, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Reason to go: A little over an hour northeast of Montreal is Joliette — a small city with a big personality. If you and your partner are looking to shake things up for a day, let the novelty of this town be your playground. It's got a cathedral with a permanent Ozias Leduc exhibit, an art museum, parks, bike trails and L’Assomption River, which turns into Quebec's longest groomed skate way come winter.
More at joliette.ca
Orford, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour 30 minutes
Reason to go: If you're feeling the need to connect with nature after spending too much time in the city, consider heading to Orford. Just an hour-and-a-half from Montreal, this township — with its esteemed Parc national du Mont-Orford — is a cherished way to spend the day (or a few days) away with a loved one.
"Beside two beaches, vacationers have a wide range of fun-filled activities to choose from. Come fall, colourful sugar maples treat hikers to a blazing show. Come winter, the park is a destination of choice for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing fans," reads the Sépaq website.
In summer, you also observe white-tailed deer and Great Blue Heron in their natural habitat and access some of the most spectacular views in the Eastern Townships, including via gondola.
More at montorford.com
Montebello, Quebec
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Reason to go: Not many people realize that this quiet town en route to Ottawa is home to the world’s largest log cabin, and you can actually stay there. Fairmont Le Château Montebello offers a rustic yet luxurious experience that's uniquely Canadian with tons of activities to partake in, including tennis, swimming, golf and spa services.
The surrounding town is just as delightful as you'd expect (from Fromagerie Montebello to Chocomotive, an acclaimed chocolatier in the old train station). But for a truly memorable activity, check out Parc Omega where you can have a safari experience without leaving your car.
More at chateau-montebello.com
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.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
Parc Omega.Helena Hanson | MTL Blog
A female elk surrounded by fall foliage.Helena Hanson | MTL Blog