Best Road Trips From Montreal

🚗 325 km ⏱️ 4 hours

Quebec City offers a charming European vibe with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture. Here, you can explore historic sites, treat yourself to some delicious French dishes, and shop in chic boutiques.

On this road trip along the St Lawrence River, you can also visit Trois-Rivières, Parc De La Peninsule and pretty Batiscan River Park.

🚗 560 km ⏱️ 5 hours

Toronto is a colorful metropolis with world-class attractions, from the iconic CN Tower to lively neighborhood markets where you can meet the locals. Dive right into Toronto's daily buzz and explore trendy cafes around every corner.

On this scenic drive, you can spend some time in Thousand Islands National Park and make a detour to Kingston en route.

🚗 515 km ⏱️ 5 hours

For an outdoorsy getaway, Saguenay Fjord National Park is one of the best places to visit with a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and deep waters. Here, you can kayak the fjord, hike scenic trails, and spot whales in their natural habitat.

On the way, we also recommend visiting Trois-Rivières, having some urban fun in Quebec City and taking in the scenery in Jacques-Cartier National Park.

🚗 1,040 km ⏱️ 12 hours

Prince Edward Island is a picturesque gem known for its red-sand beaches, green landscapes, and the famous "Anne of Green Gables" house. Here, you can relax by the sea, bike easy trails, and enjoy local, fresh seafood.

You will cross the border into Maine on this road trip, so you can visit Bangor and make a detour to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park if you have more time.

🚗 670 km ⏱️ 6 hours, 30 minutes

Niagara Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder and a spectacular view to behold, no matter which side you visit it from. You can take boat tours close to the thundering falls and also enjoy casino entertainment, and discover local wineries.

En route to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, you can also visit Prince Edward County and spend some time in Toronto.

🚗 670 km ⏱️ 8 hours

New York City is an urban playground with amazing opportunities for sightseeing. Visit world-famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, shop in iconic stores, and catch a Broadway show in this world-famous cityscape.

Heading directly south, you will drive through many beautiful American cities on the banks of the Hudson River, such as Catskill and Woodstock.

🚗 1,020 km ⏱️ 11 hours

If you are looking for a beautiful yet quiet destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Gaspé Peninsula is an amazing place to visit. Here you can explore fishing villages, hike to lighthouse viewpoints, and enjoy fresh seafood right from the Atlantic.

On your way to Gaspé, you can add a few days to your road trip to visit Quebec City and spend some time in Bic National Park.

🚗 200 km ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

This is an amazing road trip for history buffs and urban explorers. As Canada's capital, Ottawa is steeped in history and you can explore stunning museums, skate on the frozen Rideau Canal, and watch the famous changing of the guard ceremony on Parliament Hill.

En route, you can also visit Île Perrot, home to the only working windmill in Quebec, and Calypso Theme Waterpark, great for families.

🚗 140 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 40 minutes

Looking for an adventure? Mont-Tremblant is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering amazing ski slopes and scenic hiking trails. Whether you are looking to reconnect with nature or show off your ski moves, this is the place to be.

You can also visit the beautiful small town of Saint-Sauveur and enjoy the mountain scenery of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts en route.

🚗 540 km ⏱️ 7 hours

Crossing into the US, Acadia National Park is a coastal gem with rugged cliffs, forested mountains, and ocean views. Hike or bike the carriage roads, climb Cadillac Mountain and enjoy fresh lobster from nearby harbors.

This stunningly scenic road trip will take you past the lakeside town of Burlington in Vermont before you can visit Portland and Bangor in Maine.

🚗 675 km ⏱️ 8 hours, 15 minutes

Boston is a beautiful New England city that combines historic charm with urban fun. Walk the Freedom Trail, enjoy a game at Fenway Park, and dine at waterfront restaurants that offer some of the freshest seafood.

En route, we recommend also taking some time to visit Burlington in Vermont and the pretty coastal towns of Maine such as Portland and York.

🚗 260 km ⏱️ 2 hours, 40 minutes

Gananoque is the gateway to the Thousand Islands and offers scenic boat tours and a beautiful downtown area. If you are looking for a relaxed pace of life, this is the perfect place to visit by the pretty St Lawrence River.

If you have a little extra time, you can also explore Lamoureux Park and stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic in Charleston Lake Provincial Park.

🚗 450 km ⏱️ 5 hours, 15 minutes

If you want to trade river views for ocean views, head to Portland, Maine. This beautiful coastal city is known for its laid-back atmosphere and pretty lighthouses. Explore the historic Old Port and enjoy some of the best seafood in New England.

During the colder months, you can enjoy skiing at Bretton Woods Mountain Resort and year-round hiking in White Mountain National Forest en route.

🚗 155 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 45 minutes

Burlington is a beautiful lakeside town in Vermont with a hip vibe, where you can explore lively Church Street Marketplace, enjoy picnics by Lake Champlain, and visit up-and-coming local breweries.

This is a relatively short road trip, so you can extend your journey by making a small detour to Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge after crossing the border.

🚗 150 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 40 minutes

Trois-Rivières is the second oldest French-speaking city in North America, and as such, you can expect to see a lot of historic sites and buildings all around. Enjoy visiting the city's microbreweries and enjoy a meal in at one of its many amazing restaurants.

If you love racing and history, then a must-visit en route is the amazing Musee Gilles Villeneuve, located in Berhierville.

🚗 210 km ⏱️ 2 hours, 20 minutes

Stowe, a picturesque mountain town in Vermont, is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering excellent skiing, snowboarding, and hiking opportunities. It's a picturesque town perfect for a relaxing retreat.

Make sure to plan for a stop in Burlington en route and you can also extend your trip by driving further north on the incredibly scenic Vermont Route 100.

🚗 920 km ⏱️ 10 hours, 20 minutes

Philadelphia is the birthplace of US democracy, and as you might expect, the city is home to many historic sights. This is an amazing road trip for any history buff, where you can visit Liberty Bell to Independence Hall in person. Don't forget to try the Philly cheesesteak!

You will get a chance to visit Syracuse once you cross the border into upstate New York and discover the wineries of the Finger Lakes region.

🚗 750 km ⏱️ 7 hours, 40 minutes

For a relaxed getaway in the US, enjoy the quintessential New England charm of Rhode Island, Cape Cod, and the surrounding islands. Here, you can walk sandy beaches, explore historic towns, and treat yourself to seaside dining.

On the way, you can also spend some time discovering the scenic beauty of Vermont in the charming towns of Burlington and Montpellier.

🚗 80 km ⏱️ 1 hour

Saint-Sauveur is famous for its ski slopes and charming village atmosphere, making it a perfect getaway if you are looking to enjoy the outdoors and spend some time doing boutique shopping.

As you travel to the beautiful mountainous landscapes of the north, you can make stops to visit Saint-Jérôme and the adjacent Parc régional de la Rivière-du-Nord.

🚗 130 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Montebello is a small, beautiful village with luxurious resorts surrounded by stunning scenery. Here, you can enjoy amazing golf courses, visit wildlife parks, and relax in pampering spa retreats surrounded by views.

You will find plenty of charming small towns to explore on this route, such as Lachutte and Grenville on the banks of Ottawa River.

🚗 300 km ⏱️ 3 hours, 20 minutes

If you are an outdoors lover, this road trip might be the one for you! Jacques Cartier National Park is a haven for adventurers, with its stunning river valleys and forested trails. Here, you can hike, canoe, and just enjoy a quiet moment in the wilderness.

You will have plenty of interesting places to keep you busy en route such as Centre du Quebec Dinosaur Park, Chaudiere Falls Park and Quebec City.

🚗 440 km ⏱️ 4 hours, 50 minutes

Algonquin Provincial Park is a beautiful, expansive wilderness area offering a true escape into nature. Here, you can paddle through pretty lakes, observe wildlife, and camp under the stars.

As you drive west to Algonquin Provincial Park, you can also visit Ottawa and have an underground adventure in Bonnechere Caves.

🚗 475 km ⏱️ 5 hours, 40 minutes

Tadoussac is a charming village located where the Saguenay and St. Lawrence Rivers meet. The village is famous for its excellent whale watching and you can also explore sandy beaches here.

On the way to Tadoussac, we highly recommend adding Quebec City and La Malbaie, the birthplace of Canadian holiday resorts, to your itinerary.

🚗 855 km ⏱️ 9 hours, 20 minutes

Manitoulin Island is the world's largest freshwater island and it is one of the most peaceful retreats you can have traveling from Montreal. You will have beautiful scenic trails to explore and amazing festivals to participate in.

This is a longer drive, so you might want to add a few other amazing places to visit en route, such as Ottawa and Greater Sudbury.

🚗 800 km ⏱️ 8 hours, 30 minutes

Bruce Peninsula National Park features stunning geological formations and crystal-clear waters, ideal for hiking and diving. Let your inner adventurer out and explore hidden coves and rocky grottoes.

Following the pretty shores of Lake Ontario, you can also take some extra time to visit Kingston and Toronto on the way to the Bruce Peninsula.

🚗 310 km ⏱️ 3 hours, 15 minutes

The perfect location for year-round activities, White Mountain National Forest offers a rugged landscape ideal for hiking, skiing, and scenic drives. Here, you can explore picturesque trails, enjoy panoramic views, and relax in cozy mountain lodges.

Before crossing into the US, you can visit Mont-Orford National Park near Magog and visit the mountain resort of Bretton Woods once in New Hampshire.

🚗 180 km ⏱️ 2 hours, 45 minutes

Adirondack Park is a beautiful natural playground, with over six million acres of forested mountains and serene lakes. You will find activities for all kinds of adventurers here, including a variety of levels of trails and boating opportunities.

Before crossing the border, you can visit Bâtisseurs Park on Île-de-Salaberry to enjoy views of the mainland across St Lawrence River.

🚗 160 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 40 minutes

Looking for a quirky day trip to see the Canada-US border? It passes right through Stanstead, a small town, where you can take fun photos to remember your journey by. You will find a blend of both Canadian and American cultures here.

On the way, we recommend also visiting Fort Chambly National Historic Site and Mont-Orford National Park near Magog.