The 5 Best Day Trips From Montreal
Presented by Destination Canada
Whether you go south towards the Eastern Townships or north towards the Laurentians, there's good, green fun to be had within an hour or two's drive of Montreal. From lakes and ski slopes, to fields of farm-fresh produce dotted with wineries, cheeseries, and maple syrup shacks—it's all there. And if it's an urban experience you're after, drive three hours westward to hit Québec City, or two hours in the opposite direction for Ottawa. Both are capitals for a reason, and wonderful spots from which to soak up unique and distinct aspects of Canada. Read on for our favorite Montreal day trips, and how to make the most of them.
Read our complete Montreal travel guide here.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Stephane Lemire/GettyEASTERN TOWNSHIPS
Full of flat farmland and soft rolling hills that recall landscapes from New England or even the U.K., the Eastern Townships spread southeastward from Montreal and engulf picturesque towns like North Hatley, Eastman, Knowlton, Frelighsburg, and Sutton. Each is a worthy destination for a road trip, or as touch points for tasting restaurants and wineries along the way.
Drew Hadley/Courtesy Manoir HarveyhotelStay: Manoir Hovey
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Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021A luxurious Relais & Châteaux property in a lush, beautiful area of Québec on the shore of Lake Massawippi, Manoir Hovey is a great place to see nature without experiencing any loss of comfort. Montrealers come here for a little hit of country, and the fine dining at Le Hatley restaurant draws crowds for its inventive gastronomy. The rooms are cozy to the max, with feather duvets, French doors, and views of the lake.
Courtesy Vignoble-de-l’OrpailleuractivityDrink: Vignoble de l'Orpailleur
L'Orpailleur brings 40 years of experience making wines in one of the country’s most marginal climates, and its shop (and tasting room) is a must-stop for any oenophile traveling through the Eastern Townships. Its signature white is the L'Orpailleur Blanc, a blend of vidal and seyval grapes, which expresses the classic Quebec white-wine character to a tee. It’s light dry, fresh, and very delicate, with notes of green apple, white flowers, and citrus. Another favorite you'll have to try is the La Part des Anges—literally, "the angels' share"—a sweet fortified wine with hints of walnut, prune, roasted grains, butter, and caramel. (It was twice a winner in the Grands vins du Québec contest.)
Wei Chen/UnsplashEat: Les Sucreries de l’Érable
Located in a space that was formerly a general store on the main street of Frelighsburg, Les Sucreries de L'Érable still has the floor-to-ceiling wood shelving and beautiful aged counters of its previous incarnation. Instead of cough drops and tinctures and flour by the pound, though, what you can buy here now is jars of jam, bottles of maple syrup, and an aromatic array of baked goods, from pies to brownies to crunchy-edged dishes of eggy bread pudding.
GettyactivityDo: Mount Pinacle
Also known as Harold F. Baldwin Park, Mount Pinacle is the perfect place for a great view with only moderate effort. There's a well-maintained, two-kilometer hiking path where you might spot deer and can bird watch for local peregrine falcons. The view from the top is just the sort of expansive, hilly vista to reward you for the journey. Find a comfortable spot on the lava-rock hilltop and look down upon Lake Lyster and the fields beyond—there's a reason this region is known as the province's bread basket.
Genevie Vearsenault/Courtesy Bistro KapzakrestaurantEat: Bistro Kapzak
$$Bistro Kapzak is all about Polish comfort food. Chef and owner Jason Kacprzak mixes Québécois ingredients with a traditional approach to Polish home cooking, with his menu ranging from classic dishes like toothsome potato pierogies, smoked sturgeon served with zingy citrus chutney, butter-poached cod, and smoked kielbasa—to more typically French-Canadian dishes prepared with his inimitable twist. A plateful of crusted veal, for example, is served with herbaceous green spätzle; a braised duck breast is infused with local honey and beer.
GettyOTTAWA
The Canadian capital, Ottawa is a beautiful, culturally rich city thanks to landmarks like the National Gallery of Canada, Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and ByWard Market—all only a two-hour drive from Montreal. If you stay overnight, plan for entertainment in advance by buying tickets for a show or play at the National Arts Centre.
Will Reid/Courtesy The Metcalfe HotelhotelStay: The Metcalfe Hotel
$Though Ottawa boasts some famous grande dames, this modern boutique hotel downtown reopens this summer after a fabulous renovation. The peerless location, large rooms, and fresh in-room amenities such as jetted tubs remain the same (albeit a little facelift), but the addition of a new restaurant will surely cause some buzz around town for guests and locals alike. The open-plan lobby, at the ground floor of a five-story-high atrium that houses the rooms, has a striking industrial-chic vibe. It's not the most romantic property in town, but it's the most seamlessly on point. You'll sleep well, work easily, and be right in the middle of things.
Marianna Massey/GettyrestaurantEat: The Whalesbone
$$When The Whalesbone opened its original (tiny) location on Bank Street in 2001, it gained fame as a premium seafood restaurant in a fish-starved town. The sourcing here goes above and beyond quality—the seafood served is all sustainable and in great part local, reserving oyster selections, for example, to Canadian oyster farms. You can't come here without ordering a dozen raw bivalves on the half shell, but the rest of the menu will beckon with its luscious surf 'n turf, too. There's a pasta, for example, that adds chorizo and salty grana padano cheese to a mountain of clams.
Courtesy National Gallery of Canada, OttawaactivityDo: National Gallery of Canada
This impressive landmark designed by Canadian architect Moshe Safdie as a contemporary reflection of the classic architecture of Parliament Hill, which it faces across the Rideau Canal, is the country's national gallery and looks the part. It's grand, light and houses an impressive collection—think French Impressionists, Dutch masters, and works from the Italian Renaissance, plus a great selection of modern and contemporary Canadian art—and plays hosts to blockbuster traveling exhibitions, too.
Walter Bibikow/GettyactivityDo: ByWard Market
Dating back to 1865 but completely up to date as a much-used public space, this festive market retains its neighborhood feel while providing an exciting bustling atmosphere. From one-of-a-kind jewelry and clothing design shops to locavore food stalls, ByWard will give you an instant sense of place. On weekends, this happy place teems with locals doing their weekly shop alongside hundreds of visitors; but for less of a crowded experience, go on a weekday before or after lunch at one of the dozens of restaurants located in and around the market.
Andrej SakicbarDrink: Soif Bar à Vin
$$Sommelier Véronique Rivest is world-famous, let alone Canada famous, and this small space is where she's settled after taking the wine world by storm. The 120-plus bottles on Soif's ever-transforming wine list have the element of surprise in common; although they're not all big, bold showstoppers, they're all noteworthy and truly memorable, either because they challenge the palate, because they come from little-known wine regions, or because they're simply the very best possible complement to chef Jamie Stunt's menu of seasonal small plates.
GettyQUÉBEC CITY
For a real taste of Canada’s European past, a day trip to Québec City, three hours away from Montreal, is de rigueur—it’s like Old Montreal times a thousand. The ancient architecture mixes seamlessly with contemporary life, and thanks to its position on a hill by a cliff looking onto the St. Lawrence River, the views from various parts of town are just spectacular.
Courtesy Auberge Saint-AntoinehotelStay: Auberge Saint-Antoine
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2021Located in Québec City's Old Port on Îlot Hunt, an area facing the St. Lawrence River, Auberge Saint-Antoine is a Relais & Châteaux property filled with artifacts that date nearly as far back as the city's foundation. Its contemporary services, décor, furnishings, and tech amenities anchor the Auberge Saint-Antoine firmly in the present, making it a top-level stay. Rooms overlook the River on one side and the courtyard on the other, so pick lodgings with a view if possible. Each of the 95 rooms is unique, featuring its own antiques and local designer touches. (And we wish every hotel had one of the Auberge's ingenious "Do Not Disturb" buttons next to their beds.)
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Bruce DamonteactivityDo: Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec (MNBAQ)
The Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec (MNBAQ) houses historic and contemporary Québec art, but includes international touring exhibitions by the likes of Berthe Morisot, Alberto Giacometti, and the photographer Philippe Halsman. The new contemporary art pavilion was designed by an architectural power duo—OMA of New York and Provencher Roy of Montreal—and the collection ranges from the 18th century to the modern day. If you're short on time, head straight for the contemporary pavilion.
Renaud Philippe/Hans LucasactivityDo: Maison de la Littérature
Embrace a unique element of Québec culture with a visit to the Maison de la Littérature, a gorgeous building—half historic church, half new modernist-style addition. The brilliant white interior with mile-high ceilings makes a naturally edifying setting for hearing lectures, seeing exhibitions, or browsing French books. The space is entirely dedicated Québec literature, with a fully stocked library and fantastic work tables for writing, reading, and taking a load off.
GettyactivityDo: Plaines d'Abraham
This giant expanse of green grass, the site of a 1759 battle, is where anyone who calls contemporary Quebec City home can relax and have fun. The view of the St. Lawrence River and the city of Lévis is really something to behold. Kids will love rolling down the hill behind the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec, while adults have miles and miles of parkland (242 acres, if you count the surrounding Battlefields Park) and paths to stroll.
Dusan Bartolovic/GettyrestaurantEat & Drink: Buvette Scott
$$Enjoy natural wines by the glass and interesting Quebec beers at this casual, youthful bar in Quartier Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Beer lovers will love exploring the selection of the local small-batch brews on tap and by the bottle, from solid stouts like Le Puck to sour creations like the Blue Bell by La Souche. There is also a lovely selection of privately imported biodynamic and natural wines, all reasonably priced. If you're unsure where to begin, ask the staff for advice. The food goes beyond pub grub; in fact, it's some of the best in town. Chef and owner Jean-Philippe Lessard turns out dishes based on local, season ingredients, all meant to be shared with friends.
Courtesy LégenderestaurantEat: Légende
$$At Légende, chef Frédéric Laplante's progressive approach to farm-to-table fine dining in Old Québec means everything in his kitchen is from Quebec—everything. That means no lemons, avocados, tropical fruits, or black tea—not even black pepper. You'll taste pure boreal flavors here, which may include seasonal hits like a seafood platter entirely drawn from the St. Lawrence River, Cornish hen paired with herbed gnocchi and oyster mushrooms, elk carpaccio with tofu crumble and golden sea-buckthorn berries, and seared scallops with smoked duck, fennel, and Nordic shrimp. Get the $95 tasting menu for the full experience.
Hadimor/GettyMONT TREMBLANT
Eastern Canada’s best winter sports resort has a reputation for its ski slopes and adorable European-style village—but any Montrealer will tell you that, at just under 90 minutes from the city, Tremblant is an enjoyable diversion at any time of year. In the warmer months, it’s a great place for hiking, road and mountain biking, water sports on Lac Tremblant—and in the fall it’s a stunning place for leaf peeping. There are just enough restaurants and bars for refueling while you’re here, as well as a charming hotel or two, in case you decide to make an overnight of it.
Nat Lapointe/Quintessence HotelStay: Hotel Quintessence
With a perfect location on the shores of Lac Tremblant, yet conveniently situated walking distance from town, the Quintessence offers a boutique experience that’s unique—and not just for a mountain resort town. The Restaurant La Quintessence offers a fine dining experience that blends French influences with Québecois ingredients: If you’re looking to splurge on a dinner while you’re in town, this is where to do it. Each of the 30 suites offer wood-burning fireplaces, luxurious king-size beds, and superb views over the lake, as well as private balconies from which to take in all that mountain air.
GettyDo: Hike Mont Tremblant
During the warmer months, accessing the resort town’s trail network is simple and free of charge. Clearly marked trails ranging in length and difficult zig-zag the mountain and surrounding woods. Keep an eye out for waterfalls, birds, and the occasional deer.
GettyDo: Scandinave Spa
Steam baths, Finnish saunas, plunge pools, waterfalls, zero-gravity chambers—there’s something about a Scandinavian-inspired spa experience that just feels right in a Canadian landscape. A sprawling indoor-outdoor spa, Scandinave Mont Tremblant is a worthy excursion after a long day of hiking—or if you’re just in need of a few hours away from your phone to inhale some eucalyptus steam in peace.
Oscar Wong/GettyEat: sEb l’artisan culinaire
These days, there’s a fresh crop of chefs in the Laurentians out to prove that mountain cuisine is anything but boring. At sEb, chef Sébastien Houle, cooking in a place like Tremblant is a “culinary odyssey.” His menu is a mix of locally-sourced ingredients prepared with international flavor, like coquille St-Jacques scallops with leeks and chicory, or pork cheeks with rosemary and maple syrup. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the four course tasting menu for $70.
Melissa Renwick/GettyEat: BeaverTails
Yes, it’s a chain (stay with us here) for fried-dough goodies—but a Canadian one. It’s definitely not diet-friendly, and may even be a little hokey—but there's something about biting into a giant, warm piece of beaver-shaped fried dough slathered with sweet—or savory!—topping that feels like a quintessential Tremblant experience. (Our recommendation: Go for the classic, which comes sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.)
GettyHUDSON
What is it with bucolic, peaceful towns named Hudson? This adorable village under an hour from downtown Montreal is just the right size to conquer in a day trip. With cute places to eat, interesting local places to pick up a souvenir, and plenty of outdoor space to get some fresh air, Hudson (Quebec) is quickly becoming a new favorite for city slickers in search of a reset.
Auberge Willow InnStay & Eat: Auberge Willow Inn
It often takes a single inn or restaurant to get a once-sleepy town on the radar of city folk, who will then visit and droves, and for Hudson, the Auberge Willow Inn is that place. Chef Danny Smiles leads the way with flavorful, farm-fresh dishes that bring the best of Québec ingredients together (try the whole marinated sea bream for two, or the grilled turnips with seaweed). Upstairs from the restaurant, ten unpretentious rooms make a serious case for turning your day trip into an overnight sojourn, with comfortable touches like USB charging ports and certified-organic bath products.
Atelier Knox/GettyDo: Jack Layton Park
Leave the mountains to the more adventurous day trippers; the trails you’ll find in Hudson are decidedly low-key, yet peaceful and rewarding. The town’s website has a listing of what’s on offer in town. While there are a few options to choose form, it’s hard to pick a better one than strolling along the river in Jack Layton Park, or the aptly named Sandy Beach.
GettyDo: Oka
Take the cheap car ferry across the Ottawa River to Oka, a similarly charming village—the key difference being the presence of a Trappist monastery famous for its creatively named OKA cheese. If you’re a cheese lover, it’s definitely worth sampling. If dairy isn’t quite your thing, Oka is also home to the Labonté de la Pomme apple orchard and cidery, which offers pick-your-own apples in the fall, as well as a fabulous cabane à sucre prix-fixe brunch experience.
FurleyEat: Furley
Wine, charcuterie, and bread—what else does one need? The artisanal craft butchery, bakery and wine bar Furley is the best place in town to stock up on some picnic goodies, and to catch up on your local gossip.
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