The 15 best weekend getaways from Montreal Updated 2022
Whether it’s the quaint towns or lively cities or natural beauty, the options are endless when it comes to getting out of town for some quality time with your family.
It’s that time of year again. The weather is warming up, the birds are singing, the leaves are turning red and orange, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of maple syrup.
It’s summer! And when it comes to the best ways to enjoy some warm weather this month, there are no shortage of options. We are going to show you the 15 best weekend getaways from Montreal.
The best weekend getaways from Montreal
1. New York, New York
Montreal and New York bagel fans alike can’t help but enjoy a quick trip to Montreal or New York. Once you’ve parked and unloaded your belongings, it’s time to get moving. There’s a lot of distance to cover.
Time: 6.5 hours from Montreal
Do this: It’s difficult to see everything in New York City in a single weekend.
Breakfast at Wyckoff Starr Coffee Shop, followed by lunch at Ivan Ramen, supper at Roberta’s or the reservation-free and Michelin-starred Gramercy Tavern are the best places to start. Check out their Time Out Market as well!
Stay here: POD 39 is a viable option if you’re determined to stay in Manhattan. Despite their little size, the suites at this hotel are clean, conveniently accessible, and reasonably priced.
The beautiful terrace on the hotel’s rooftop offers spectacular views of Manhattan’s skyline.
2. Quebec City, Quebec
The city of Quebec is a treasure trove of history and culture. If you’re looking for a city with a thriving local cuisine culture, you’ll find it in Montreal.
Time: 3 hours from Montreal
Do this: Take a stroll around the historic Old Quebec district. To get a good look at the 17th-century buildings, cobblestone lanes, and Citadelle de Québec built in the 1800s, you’ll have to wade through swarms of tourists.
Stay here: Originally erected in 1893, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac overlooks the Upper Town of Old Quebec.
The Trudeau-Trudeau Suite and the Celine Dion Heritage Suite are both named after former Canadian Prime Ministers Pierre Trudeau and Justin Trudeau, respectively.
3. Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is a terrific place to enjoy art and varied food, despite the presence of the Toronto Raptors, Blue Jays, and Maple Leafs.
Spend the weekend without a car (the city may issue affordable licenses) exploring the city on foot or by tram, and filling up on street food along the way.
Time: 6 hours from Montreal
Do this: Toronto is blessed with a smattering of world-class museums and galleries, many of which are conveniently located within walking distance of one another. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and then the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), where you’ll find some of the world’s finest pieces of art.
Stay here: If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Toronto, go no farther than the Drake Hotel on Queen Street West.
In recent years, the hotel has been regarded as a cultural magnet for foodies and creatives. This is what Toronto’s Soho House might look like.
4. Montebello, Quebec
The small community is located on the eastern side of Quebec’s Outaouais region and is just a short drive from Montreal.
Time: 1.5 hours from Montreal
Do this: Many species of wildlife may be found in the Parc Omega nature reserve’s 12 kilometers of lakes, meadows, and woodlands.
Drive-through park visitors may expect to view beavers, elk, black bears, bison, and a variety of other animals.
Stay here: The Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello is the perfect place to end a day of hiking and exploring the natural world.
In addition to 210 rustic rooms (including six premium suites), the resort and spa provides year-round activities for families, couples and lone visitors.
5. Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Mont Tremblant has become a popular destination for both Quebec residents and visitors from other parts of the country. Ski resorts, bike and hiking paths, and lakes for swimming and paddling are all available year round in this alpine town.
Time: 1.5 hours from Montreal
Do this: Cross-country skiing at Mont Tremblant Resort is a great way to get your feet wet. From November through April, this ski resort in the Laurentian Mountains is open and covered in snow.
Beach volleyball, tennis, and water sports are available year-round at Lac Tremblant’s off-season beach.
Stay here: Mont Tremblant and the shore of Lac Tremblant are just a short walk away from the Lodge de la Montagne in the pedestrian village.
6. Saint Sauveur, Quebec
In the Laurentian Mountains, Saint Sauveur is a calmer choice for those who want to spend the weekend in the mountains. Due to its proximity to the mountains, this little resort town is popular with skiers during the winter months.
Time: 1 hour from Montreal
Do this: At Le Spa du Manoir Saint Sauveur, you’ll get a dose of romance for the weekend. Indoor and outdoor nature-inspired spa experiences include a dry sauna, hot tubs, yoga and meditation courses, and massages.
Stay here: Retire to the comfort of your Manoir Saint Sauveur suite after a rejuvenating visit to the Nordic spa. At the spa, there are 250 rustic guest rooms and suites to keep your weekend of relaxation going all weekend long.
7. Eastern Townships, Quebec
The spas, animals, and attractive tiny villages of the Eastern Townships are well-known. Over a dozen wineries and microbreweries can be found in the area, making it a haven for winemakers and brewers alike.
Time: 2 hours from Montreal
Do this: Visit the Le Lion Pub in Lennoxville, a little village west of Sherbrooke, and have a drink.
Since its inception in 1986, the first ever microbrewery in Quebec, it has become a popular hangout for both college students and young professionals alike. Taking a sip of history is always fun.
Stay here: At Hovey Manor, the Clintons and Canadian novelist Louise Penny have both stayed in the country-style suites.
Because of its excellent cuisine and closeness to the beaches of Lake Massawippi, North Hatley’s five-star jewel has been listed among the world’s top 50 hotels.
8. Ottawa, Ontario
If you think of Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, you might think of cabinet ministers and parliament buildings, but the city has a lot more to offer than political intrigue.
Bohemian markets, a thriving food and drink culture, and a sizable Chinatown with some of the greatest dim sum in the country can be found here.
Time: 2.5 hours from Montreal
Do this: It’s a great place to start the day, with farmers markets, handmade items and eateries like tiny bars and cafes all within walking distance of one other.
Beckta Wine Bar, a 140-year-old heritage home that serves sophisticated Canadian cuisine, is a great place to eat for supper.
Stay here: ARC The.Hotel is Ottawa’s sole boutique hotel among the city’s chain hotels and suites. You won’t have to use a car for the duration of your stay at this upscale establishment, which is located in the center of downtown.
If you’re looking for something a little fancier, the Fairmont Château Laurier is a great choice thanks to its prime location and first-rate amenities.
9. Thousand Islands, Ontario
It’s more than simply a dressing on a salad. More than 1800 islands make up the Saint-Lawrence River archipelago, which stretches from the United States to Canada.
While it used to be a favorite getaway for Canada’s upper crust, it’s now a family-friendly spot for outdoor lovers.
Time: 3.5 hours from Montreal
Do this: With Gananoque Boat Line, you may enjoy a relaxing weekend on the lake. While you’re on board, you’ll see the Boldt Castle, mansions, and natural beauties of The Thousand Islands while learning about the river’s fascinating history.
Stay here: Since its founding in 1896, Gananoque Inn & Spa has been situated on the banks of the Saint-Lawrence River, a short walk from Gananoque Boat Line. A total of 29 rooms are available on the main site, each with its own distinctive views.
10. Prince Edward County, Ontario
Wine lovers will find enough to do in Montreal, but Prince Edward County in Ontario is a must-visit for anybody who wants to sample a wide range of wines from across the world.
As a result of its comparatively grape-friendly limestone-rich soil, the Sandbanks of Lake Ontario have become a hotbed for Ontario winemakers.
Time: 4 hours from Montreal
Do this: Over fifty wineries and vineyards can be found in Prince Edward County, many of which provide tastings and tours on a regular basis.
Bring a bike or hire one from your hotel, and spend the day pedaling around the vineyards. Sandbanks Estate and TerraCello are two well-known wineries.
Stay here: The June Motel is a great place to stay while exploring the area’s small inns and hotels.
As an old roadside hotel, the wine-focused resort has been transformed into a Palm Springs getaway, complete with detox/retox yoga and fully-stocked wine bars in each room… Do you remember when we said there would be wine?
11. Burlington, Vermont
One weekend in Burlington is more than enough time to fall in love with the city and take advantage of its many attractions.
There are fewer than 50,000 people in the state’s main city, but the emphasis on leisurely living and sustainable food is enough to entice city dwellers from the surrounding areas.
Time: 2 hours from Montreal
Do this: Take a break from shopping and dining on Church Street by heading to Splash at the Boathouse, a waterfront seafood restaurant and bar. The laid-back terrace is the perfect place to unwind with a few beers while the sun sets over the city.
Stay here: Just a few blocks from the heart of downtown, Lang House on Main Street is an authentic New England rural escape. A majestic private family property, the lovely bed & breakfast goes back to 1881.
12. Montpelier, Vermont
There is no shortage of outdoor activities to be enjoyed in the state capital of Vermont, which is a nature lover’s paradise. The town’s population of little around 8000 people makes it an ideal getaway from the metropolis.
Time: 2.5 hours from Montreal
Do this: Camel’s Hump, Vermont’s 12th-largest peak, is a great place to go hiking. As you go from Montpelier to Duxbury on this path, you’ll get stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding wildlife.
Stay here: Check into The Stowehof after a day spent exploring the great outdoors.
Despite the distance from downtown Montpelier, this hotel and spa is worth a visit for its stunning mountain views, indoor and outdoor fire pits, and restaurants serving locally produced food and artisan beer.
13. Wakefield, Quebec
Wakefield, a community in the Outaouais area just north of Ottawa, is one of many in the Municipality La Pêche. There are two main reasons that thrill seekers come to this area: skiing and bungee jumping.
Time: 2.5 hours from Montreal
Do this: Visit Great Canadian Bungee, North America’s tallest bungee jump, if you’re feeling really daring. Overlooking a spring-fed lagoon, the 200-foot water dip bungee leap tests even the most experienced daredevils.
Stay here: The Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa is a great option for a relaxing getaway. The site was once a flour mill built in 1838, but has subsequently been transformed into a luxurious spa and hotel.
14. Boston, Massachusetts
In every cobblestoned street and historic landmark structure, the rich history of Boston, one of the United States’ oldest cities, is evident.
Time: 5 hrs from Montreal
Do this: The Charles Street stores are a great place to start the day, before going across to the Boston Commons for some fresh air.
Squirrels, swans, and other wildlife are unusually friendly there. Continue on to Back Bay Fens, where you’ll find a slew of world-class art institutions.
Stay here: The Liberty Hotel is a good place to stay. The facility, which was built in 1851, was previously a jail and imprisoned Malcolm X and the Boston Strangler, among others.
The concierge may send you in the right direction if that isn’t enough for you to get a sense of the hotel’s past jail days.
15. Portland, Maine
Are you looking for a beach vacation? Portland, Maine, is the place to be. With lighthouses, delicious seafood restaurants, and beautiful beaches, Portland is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation.
Time: 5.5 hours from Montreal
Do this: Spend the weekend at the beach, taking advantage of the area’s closeness to the Atlantic Ocean. Crescent Beach State Park and Willard Beach, two of the city’s nicest beaches, are less than 30 minutes away from the city center.
Stay here: Block-print wooden sculptures and attractive newspaper print wallpaper are only two examples of The Press Hotel’s reinterpretation of a bygone era in its current style and spirit.
15 Best Day Trips from Montreal
1. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
The Parc National des Iles-de-Boucherville is only a few miles from Montreal, making it easy to get there and the perfect place to get away from the city’s bustle.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the chain islands may be a genuine playground for all kinds of sports and activities including hiking, running, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, among others.
Many First Nations people lived in the vast protected natural reserve; if you’d want to brush up on your history while also learning about animals and conservation, join an instructive tour.
2. Domaine Labranche
Maple sap is gathered and processed by the Labranche family at Domaine Labranche, located just south of the St. Lawrence River in a very lovely area.
The beautiful grounds feature a farm, a vineyard, and nearby hiking trails where visitors can explore.
As you might think, the culinary scene in this part of the country is growing, and you can sample anything from local farm products and wines to creative maple recipes.
3. Calvaire D’Oka
One of the best hiking trails in Canada can be located just meters from the Oka Provincial Park, a vast natural reserve that includes stunning woods, lakes, and a substantial number of ancient structures, including oratories and churches.
For all ability levels, the Calvaire D’Oka hiking path provides stunning views of Lac des Deux Montagnes and the Adirondack Mountains.
There are several water sports available at the lake, from stand-up paddle boarding to pedal boats and kayaks, to cool you down after a long climb.
4. Granby Zoo
Granby Zoo is the largest zoo in Quebec, not only because it shelters so many animals of so many different kinds, but because of the physical vastness of its conservation area, which ensures that all of the animals have plenty of room to roam around.
Every year, thousands of visitors go to the Animal Kingdom to see the delights of the Animal Kingdom and its 1,000 animals, which include both domestic and foreign species.
Water park at the nearby Zoo is a favorite destination for families in the summer, where you can cool off, enjoy a snack, and soak up some sun.
5. Sucrerie de la Montagne
Because it is open all year round, unlike many of its Quebec equivalents, this real sugar shack lets visitors experience pioneer Canada at any time of year.
Mont Rigaud, Quebec, is bordered by a massive maple forest, and visitors can get a fascinating look at what life was like for those who lived and worked there while manufacturing maple products.
There’s more than enough to keep you occupied for the day between the restaurant and general shop, but if you want to remain in the lovely forest for longer, lodging is available.
6. Mont-Tremblant
With its famed ski resort and national park, Mont-Tremblant is a popular destination for Montrealers and tourists alike to spend a day on the mountain.
Designed to resemble a Swiss alpine town, this delightful little hamlet fits well in with its mountainous surroundings.
Even if you’re not a skier, you may still have a blast trying paddle boarding, mountain biking, or swimming.
If you’re a fan of skiing or snowboarding, it’s a great place to come in the winter.
Recommended tour: Private Day Tour to Mont Tremblant
7. Ottawa
With several bus lines and a train connection between Montreal and Ottawa, this city gives a unique look at Canadian life and is steeped in history as a former seat of Canada’s Parliament.
Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, the seat of the federal government, is a stunning piece of architecture and well worth a visit.
Throughout the year, the city hosts a variety of outdoor events, including festivals, concerts, and markets.
Book online: Private Day Tour to Ottawa
8. Quebec City
Quebec City, another popular day trip destination from Montreal, is easily accessible as well.
One of the earliest European towns founded in North America, the history here is evident in the classic architecture, while the museums have enough information to keep you intrigued for days
Vieux-Quebec still has its ancient fortress walls, and it has one of Montreal’s best views from above.
The National Assembly of Quebec and the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec, among other spectacular museums and parliamentary buildings, should not be missed.
9. Petit Train du Nord Trail
This beautiful route across the Laurentian Mountains, which was once a bustling train line, has been transformed into a well-traveled bike and cross-country ski track. It passes through glades, alpine lakes, and forested areas.
Many attractive little villages that evolved out of abandoned railroad stations dot the 200-kilometer track. It may be done in its whole or in halves.
It’s a great area to conduct some independent exploration and reconnect with nature, yet it’s only 30 minutes from Montreal.
10. Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park
It has the sense of a hidden gem because it is nestled away behind West Island’s housing projects.
Visitors to Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park may enjoy the largest beach in the Montreal area, as well as a plethora of activities.
It’s difficult to be bored here, from windsurfing to beach volleyball to kayaking, and the backdrop is beautiful enough to just sit back and take it all in.
Keep in mind that there are no restaurants in the neighborhood, but if you visit on a weekend, you may be able to get some fresh, locally sourced cuisine from street vendors.
11. The Laurentians
For day vacations, the Laurentian Mountains are a great option because they are only an hour distant from Montreal and do not necessitate an overnight stay.
For a taste of the Swiss alpine hamlet experience without really having to leave the United States, head to the mountains of the Adirondacks.
You may go exploring on your own or join a trip that takes you through the mountains and woods, including to Lac Des Sables, where you can take a boat and take in the breathtaking views.
12. Canada Railway Museum
You can easily spend an hour or two here before moving on to another day excursion because it’s only 20 minutes from downtown Montreal. This fascinating look at the early days of the railroad business is a great way to kick off a day trip.
Exhibitions at the Canada Railway Museum include a wide range of technological advancements that have helped define Canada today, and most of them are in immaculate condition.
If you’re looking for a fun family day, head to St Constant, right across the St. Lawrence River.
13. Au Diable Vert Canopy Cycle
There are few places like Au Diable Vert, which offers breathtaking vistas from its elevation atop an alpine meadow as well as a distinct kind of riding.
In open-air cable cars suspended above the treetops, tourists may bike their way into the forest canopy on the canopy cycling tour.
Get ready to take in spectacular views of Green Mountains and the Missisquoi River Valley as you bike your way through skies without any traffic in sight or audible.
14. Whale Watching at Rivière-du-Loup
Wildlife enthusiasts will need to put in a whole day for this excursion, which clocks in at roughly 10 hours, including travel time to the quaint Rivière-du-Loup.
A worthwhile experience that will stay with you forever if you take the time to do it.
A 3 hour guided cruise will take you to within touching distance of the enormous, beautiful monsters, providing for some genuinely heart-stopping photographic opportunities after being picked up from a downtown Montreal location.
15. Eastern Townships
Lakeside resorts in the Eastern Townships, which are about two hours from Montreal, are popular with city residents who want a break from the city but don’t want to have to rough it.
You may come for a day or rent one of the numerous cottages scattered across the region.
Festivals, wine tasting events, and other outdoor activities abound all year long in this lake district-inspired community.
Conclusion
Montreal is a very diverse city with many amazing things to see and do, so here are my 15 favourite weekend getaways from Montreal to make your trip worthwhile.
Whether you’re looking for nature, culture, food, or a good night out, you’ll find all that and more in this list of the best weekend getaways from Montreal.
