The 13 most secluded getaways from Montreal
What do you need for a romantic getaway? What about for a fun family vacation? Or a fun weekend with friends? We’ll tell you where to go in Montreal so you can enjoy the city in your own way.
Montreal has a few secrets worth discovering. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, the art of chocolate or the best French fries in the world, this city has a lot to offer the adventurous traveler.
These 13 destinations are some of the best places to go if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Where to find the most secluded getaways from Montreal
1. Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Québec
In spite of its modest size (just 205 square kilometers of land), this archipelago in the Saint-Lawrence River Gulf makes it possible to traverse lengthy sections of road without encountering another human being.
Îles-de-la-Madeleine (or Magadelen Islands) is a world-class tourist destination, and there are several restaurants, hotels, and small bed-and-breakfasts that welcome people from all over the world to enjoy the stunning environment.
Driving from the city for an entire weekend in order to create lifelong fond memories is well worth it.
2. Gaspé Peninsula, Québec
This Atlantic-facing peninsula can be reached in half the time it takes to reach Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Small fishing communities, national parks, animal watching (including whales!), and landmarks may be found in this region of the province, which is known as the cradle of French America following Jacques Cartier’s arrival in 1534.
Even while it may appear to be a tourist’s paradise due to the fact that there are only around 130,000 people living along the shore, you’ll still have plenty of room to go about without anybody but you saying “Wow.”
3. Le Bic, Québec
Parc national du Bic, located in the municipality of Rimouski on the Saint-Lawrence River in the municipality’s southwest corner, is one of our favorite camping spots near Montreal.
Unrivaled vistas (see above) of valleys rendered foggy by brackish water running through stunted mountains may be seen in this area, which is equally suitable for hiking and glamping trips.
To begin with, this is simply on the mainland. Along the way, stop at cliffs, bays, and coves for a closer look.
4. Île d’Anticosti, Québec
Once you’ve taken the boat over to Île d’Anticosti, you’ll find that it’s one of the province’s largest islands, despite the fact that only Port-Menier is home to people.
More than 200,000 white-tailed deer live here, along with over 220 bird species and uncommon and occasionally endemic flora that can’t be found anywhere else.
The area’s proximity to the sea has eroded the cliffs into wavy monoliths via storms and time. Sépaq has chalets and cabins available for rent, and you may spend your days exploring its breathtaking scenery.
5. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
Whales and seals frolic in the surf as gigantic limestone outcroppings meander down the coastline. Isn’t that sufficient?
A wide range of lodging options, from camping in the wilderness to glamping in cabins and four-star stays in a lighthouse, are available.
After all that, if you’re still hungry, take a trip with Services Maritimes Boréale to learn about the delicious plants of the Boreal forest, such as creeping snowberry, balsam fir, cloudberries, lingonberries, and Labrador tea.
During this time, go trekking or seakayaking, then take a stroll along the shore. There is an abundance of serenity in this area.
6. Prince Edward County, Ontario
The communities that make up Prince Edward County, which is located on the north side of Lake Ontario, are full with kind Canadians who are happy to leave you to your own devices.
Sandbanks Provincial Park is a great place to camp if you’re trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Visit any of the region’s wineries or golf courses for a game of golf, or book a stay at a peaceful bed & breakfast for a more customized experience.
7. Charlevoix, Québec
Inland from the Saint-Lawrence River, the regional county municipality of Charlevoix provides beach attractions and panoramic mountain vistas that match the Rockies.
National parks and whale-watching in the summer are Instagram-worthy, while the region’s châteaus and cuisine are visual and culinary delights.
For a lonely vacation, this is the place to go if you want to feel like Caspar David Friedrich’s Wanderer over the Sea of Fog while hiking.
8. The Laurentides, Québec
With its proximity to the city and its natural attractions, this region north of Montreal makes for an easy break that’s both visually appealing and wallet-friendly.
To get away from it all, you could stay in one of Saint-Sauveur or Mont Tremblant’s chalets, but camping and trekking in its animal preserves provides an experience that is truly unique.
If you’re short on time but also short on patience, this is perhaps your best option for quickly escaping the rat race of everyday life.
9. Wakefield, Québec
This little, inconspicuous Outaouais village, known as the “gateway to the La Pêche River,” operates at a surprisingly different pace, given how near it is to Montreal and Ottawa.
The pace of life there is as sluggish as the river’s flow, and the area is home to artists, farmers, and businesspeople seeking a more sedate existence.
If you’re looking for companionship, check out the local bars and eateries, but the true treasures in this area are the people who live off the grid and rent out their houseboats for genuinely remote experiences.
10. Île Verte, Québec
Isolation is at a premium on this little island in Saint-Lawrence River that is only accessible by ferry for a few hours each way in summer and winter.
Let it be your home away from home as you contemplate that novel or screenplay you’ve always wanted to create or practice your painting whenever a whale breaches or a seal starts playing in the water by renting out the lighthouse’s lodgings.
Even though it’s a short drive from the city, it feels worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
11. Saguenay, Québec
It’s all about the fjords in this area. Don’t miss the opportunity to get up close and personal with a Nordic dream without ever having to cross the Atlantic by taking a picturesque motorbike or automobile ride around the region.
Visit Parc national des Monts-Valin, the highest point in the region, or the famed glacier-carved fjord in Parc national de Fjord-du-Saguneay, before settling at under the stars up ready-to-glamp cabins or taking a canoe-camping expedition into the wild.
12. Eastern Townships, Québec
If you’re searching for a more rural experience without having to go too far, the Eastern Townships are the place for you.
Forget about the hustle and bustle of the city when you visit the Ulverton Woollen Mills or the Parc national du Mont-Orford.
Sample local foods or just relax in the cafes, bars, and restaurants of Sherbrooke; wherever you go and whatever you do, it’s easy to forget city life ever existed during your visit..
13. Montebello, Québec
The Château Montebello, the world’s biggest log construction managed by Fairmont hotels, may not be completely cut off from society, but it deserves praise for the lakeside pleasures it offers and how it is home to one of the fanciest darn hotels this side of Eastern Canada.
Guests can anticipate first-class treatment at this spa, which allows them to put a Do Not Disturb sign on their door for as long as they like.
Consider a trip to theLagunas de Montebello natural park if money is tight. If you’re going to Montebello during the Rockfest, double-check to make sure there aren’t headbangers in every direction.
Conclusion
So if you’ve been looking for an escape from the hectic pace of daily life, here are 13 of the most secluded getaways from Montreal.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or a remote spot to spend the summer, these places will offer a variety of things to do.
Some are perfect for a relaxing vacation while others are more active, so read on to find the best spots to unwind and recharge your batteries.
