Forget about expensive international flights—these dreamy staycation spots are just a short road trip away. And if you can swing a long weekend (thanks, Labour Day!), even better.
Check out these nine whimsical weekend getaway ideas from Montreal, which promise to deliver dreamy vibes without taking you too far from home.
Baie-Saint-Paul
Location: Baie-Saint-Paul, QC
Why You Need To Go: First things first: lavender fields. Who doesn't want to frolic among the flowers? Even if you think you don't… you do. Trust me.
Baie-Saint-Paul is home to Azulee, a certified organic lavender farm. Here, you can explore the picturesque fields and shop for all sorts of lavender products. Known for its calming and relaxing properties, lavender's aromatherapy benefits will likely kick in just by strolling through the fields.
But that's not all this charming town has to offer. Baie-Saint-Paul also boasts a contemporary art museum, several microbreweries, a cider brewer, a couple of chocolate confectioners, a public market, and Hydromel, an artisanal honey-based winery.
Spend your day here indulging in wining and dining like gods and goddesses—think "feed me grapes" vibes.
Baie-Saint-Paul website
Gatineau, Chelsea & Wakefield
Location: Gatineau, Chelsea and Wakefield, QC
Why You Need To Go: Some of Quebec's most charming spots are in this region, offering a marvellous blend of nature's beauty, small-town charm, winding wooded roads, aesthetic cottages, serene lakes, wellness centers like Nordic spas, delicious restaurants, and cute shopping opportunities.
Spend a day at Nordik Spa-Nature or Koena Spa—both offering beautiful thermal spa experiences designed to prioritize sensory relaxation and self-care. Massages, facials, and pedicures are available for those not in the mood for a soak, along with a decadent yet wholesome fine-dining experience at their restaurants. Dining options range from cute ice cream shops and vegan restaurants to traditional steakhouses, bistros, and craft breweries.
Explore some gorgeous hiking trails at Gatineau Park, with Pink Lake Trail standing out as a particularly unique and whimsical path that wraps around a lake with some of the clearest turquoise water in the area.
In Chelsea and Wakefield, numerous chalets are nestled in wooded environments and near lakes. Wakefield also features a charming historical red-covered bridge just off the Trans Canada Trail.
Collines-de-l’Outaouais tourism website
Gaspésie & Percé
Location: Gaspésie and Percé, QC
Why You Need To Go: While driving to Gaspésie can take a while, it’s certainly worth it over a long weekend. The gorgeous blue sea water, the chance to spot whales in the distance, and the natural wonders of the Percé rocks make it a must-visit destination.
This area offers a perfect blend of pristine nature and charming shops, with dining experiences that cater to travellers. Additionally, you’ll be near the Mont Lyall Agate Mine, where you can split open rocks to uncover sparkling agate stones.
Located on the way to or from Gaspésie and Percé, this mine allows you to break rocks like a video game character and find treasures to take home—a fun experience for anyone who loves shiny things!
Gaspésie and Percé tourism website
Magog
Address: Magog, QC
Why You Need To Go: Everyone loves to frolic in flowers, and this town's must-visit lavender field, Bleu Lavande, is no exception. The picturesque area, with a backdrop of mountains and Lake Memphremagog, lets you walk right into a postcard-perfect scene.
In this Eastern Townships town, you can also explore the tranquil wildlife at the Marais-de-la-Rivière-aux-Cerises nature reserve. Discover walking trails, nature paths, and even some water excursions.
For wellness activities, unwind at the local Spa Nordic Station or visit one of the nearby wineries—because wine is good for your heart! Then, wrap up your day with an evening at one of the several local distilleries.
Mount Orford National Park is nearby, offering options to start your morning with a refreshing woods walk among the pine trees or challenge yourself with a leg-burning mountain hike leading to spectacular panoramic views.
Tourism Eastern Townships website
St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Bromont & Granby
Location: St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Bromont and Granby, QC
Why You Need To Go: Riding in a hot air balloon sounds spectacular, doesn't it? You get the opportunity in St. Jean-sur-Richelieu at the International Balloon Festival every August. While this is undoubtedly a pretty adventurous and luxurious activity, the rest of your stay in the area can be pretty affordable.
Between these three towns, there are reasonably priced bed and breakfasts, hotels, and Airbnbs. Plus, there are plenty of simple outdoor activities to enjoy. As apple-picking season approaches, visit an orchard-slash-pumpkin patch where you can walk with llamas, cuddle with sweet baby lambs, and shop for artisanal jams, pickles, garlic spreads, or fresh produce at the farm's market.
Bromont offers mountains and forests to explore, hiking trails, and wilderness to enjoy. For a touch of luxury, the Amerispa Château Bromont and Balnea Spa and Thermal Reserve provide excellent self-care options, as do Granby's Halta Spa and Saint-Christophe Hotel Boutique and Spa.
St. Jean-sur-Richelieu tourism website
North Hatley
Location: North Hatley, QC
Why You Need To Go: North Hatley is one of the cutest small towns in Quebec, known for its charming historical architecture and old-timey vibes. Located at the northern point of Lake Massawippi, its main commerce area boasts a whimsical aesthetic, featuring century-old homes turned into cozy bed and breakfasts or inns.
Consider staying at Hotel Ripplecove, Manoir Hovey, or Auberge La Chocolatiere. While the latter isn't made of chocolate, it serves a lot of it! This adorable inn, once a historical ice house used to store the lake's ice during winter, now offers a cozy chocolate and sweets theme.
Spas and wellness centers abound, including Solstice Spa and Spa Manoir Hovey. Dining options range from fine dining at Le Hatley in Manoir Hovey to casual spots like Restopub Pilsen, Auguste, and the charming breakfast and lunch terrace at Massawippi Mercantile.
A walk along Scowen Park or the Massawippi Trail is a must for nature enthusiasts. Arts and culture buffs can visit the Jeannine Blais Gallery for a dose of local artistry.
North Hatley tourism website
Tadoussac
Location: Tadoussac, QC
Why You Need To Go: Tadoussac is the whale-watching capital of Quebec, offering a prime spot to witness these magnificent creatures. In addition to whale watching, you can enjoy various water-based activities like kayaking or explore numerous hiking trails and national parks.
The region is also a haven for bird-watching, bear-watching, and other wildlife observation. Jardin de la Grève (Shoreline Garden) and the national park are prime spots for these activities, or you can take a fjord mini-cruise for a different perspective.
Don’t miss the natural wonder of The Dunes near Moulin à Baude Bay. These two large marine terraces made of sand were deposited approximately 10,000 years ago during the last glacial melt.
Fun fact: In the 1940s, sand skiing was popular in Tadoussac, and it was the only place in the world where it was possible. Why not give it a try after your whale-watching adventure?
Tadoussac tourism website
Perth
Location: Perth, ON
Why You Need To Go: Perth, Ontario, is a charming small-town village just a quick road trip from Montreal. It offers a well-rounded experience with its historic and adorable cottages lining the streets, creating a picturesque village aesthetic.
This town boasts a variety of attractions, including breweries, distilleries, and chocolate and cheese makers. You can explore local history at museums, admire the dry stone bridge, and unwind at any of the six different spas and wellness studios. Outdoor activities abound, with golfing, hiking, swimming, and paddling options.
Perth is also rich in cultural experiences, offering theatre, arts and crafts workshops, and even a nearby drive-in theatre where you can watch movies under the stars.
Don't miss the Gore Street Antique Market, where you can hunt for treasures like midcentury tables and Edwardian lamps—just make sure you have enough space in your car for all your finds!
Perth tourism website
St. Andrews and Grand Manan Island
Location: St. Andrews and Grand Manan Island, NB
Why You Need To Go: This trip might be a bit far for a short weekend drive, but it's perfect for a long weekend or a quick flight, offering a delightful escape outside the province. Experience the ocean, a secluded island with small village vibes, and some of the cutest parts of New Brunswick, including a charming tourist town near the American border.
Explore historical hotels with spa treatments in St. Andrews, stroll along a quaint tourist promenade, indulge in chocolates and ice cream, and enjoy dinner on sunny patios.
A day on Grand Manan Island starts with a ferry ride where you will likely spot porpoises swimming or jumping alongside. There's also the chance to see whales, seals, and rare birds. This island was a favourite of ornithologist and artist John James Audubon, known for his classic bird-watching books.
Surrounded by beautiful beaches—some rocky, some sandy, and some filled with shells—Grand Manan Island is also known for the seals and whales that visit its shores. Explore stunning cliff hikes along the water's edge for breathtaking views and an unforgettable adventure.
St. Andrews tourism website
From frolicking in lavender fields in Baie St. Paul to whale watching in Tadoussac, and from indulging in luxurious spas in Bromont to exploring the quaint streets of Perth, each of these trips is perfect for a mini getaway from Montreal. Have fun!
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.