places to visit in usa near montreal

Best Road Trips From Montreal

Top road trip destinations from montreal.

Quebec City

🚗 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.

Saguenay Fjord National Park

🚗 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 .

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

🚗 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.

Niagara Falls

🚗 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 .

New York City

🚗 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.

Mont-Tremblant National Park

🚗 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.

Acadia National Park

🚗 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.

Trois-Rivières

🚗 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 .

Philadelphia

🚗 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.

Rhode Island, Cape Cod & Islands

🚗 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 .

Saint-Sauveur

🚗 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.

Jacques Cartier National Park

🚗 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 .

Algonquin Provincial Park

🚗 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.

Manitoulin Island

🚗 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 .

Bruce Peninsula National Park

🚗 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.

White Mountain National Forest

🚗 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.

Adirondack Park

🚗 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 .

Longer road trips from Montreal

🚗 3,800 km ⏱️ 40 hours

Banff is a breathtaking resort town in the heart of the Rockies, known for its vicinity to the stunning Banff National Park, hot springs and outdoor sports.

🚗 4,560 km ⏱️ 48 hours

Vancouver, nestled between the ocean and mountains, offers stunning natural beauty and a city fun with great museums, restaurants, and sights.

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12 Beautiful Towns On The U.S.-Canada Border To Visit From The American Side

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Explore Even More Beautiful US Cities Near the US-Canada Border

• Discover charming Canada-US border towns: Explore the unique blend of cultures in US-Canada border towns like International Falls and Alexandria Bay.
• Experience natural beauty: From Niagara Falls to the Thousand Islands, there are many beautiful towns near the US-Canada border to visit with breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities.
• Enjoy city life: Visit cities near the US-Canada border like Detroit and Buffalo, which offer a mix of urban attractions and easy access to the Canadian border.

The US-Canada border has amazing towns and other attractions that make it an amazing and plausible budget getaway. This border has several attractions, and none is more spectacular than North America's most famous waterfall, Niagara Falls, which is famed not only for its water volume but also for its breathtaking magnificence (tip: it's possible to go behind Niagara Falls !).

The truth is that, regardless of what exactly is driving someone to tour the beautiful towns along the US-Canada border, the experience of visiting a place that bestrides two countries is sentimental and usually offers a blend of both nations' cultures. That’s the reason border towns are worth a visit ! Here are several beautiful towns on the US-Canada border to visit from the American side.

UPDATE: 2024/02/11 01:59 EST BY A. R. CALLES

The US and Canada share some amazing landscapes, especially around their borders. This article has been updated to include additional attractions and information about some of the US cities near the Canadian border to spark wanderlust in curious, adventure-seeking travelers!

7 Scenic Small Towns Along The US-Canada Border

Discover the hidden gems lining the US-Canada border, from the historic streets of Stanstead to the pristine nature of Lake of the Woods.

12 International Falls, Minnesota

This minnesota town is nicknamed "icebox of the nation".

Too charming to describe, many will swear that International Falls is the most charming border town in Minnesota, even though it is frigidly cold, which makes it be called the “Icebox of the Nation.”

Winter temperatures in International Falls are frequently low compared to those experienced in other states! A mouthful of a name, the Fort Frances–International Falls International Bridge connects International Falls with one of the Canadian border towns of Fort Frances in Ontario.

• Travel Suggestion: Whether it’s some crispy waffle fries, veggie salad, or delectable burgers, a visit to Chocolate Mousse can satisfy such culinary cravings.
• Events: Celebrate the festivities of winter at International Falls " Ice Box Days ", including activities like frozen turkey bowling and moonlight skiing!

11 Alexandria Bay, New York

This town is a gateway to the 1000 islands.

Located in the Thousand Islands region of Northern New York, a region whose breathtaking beauty cannot be disputed, Alexandria is one of the US cities close to Canada, given that it's only a bridge away from the Ontario town of Ivy Lea.

The 1000 Islands are a group of 1,864 islands in the St. Lawrence River that straddles the vast border of the US and Canada.

• Travel Suggestion: Take a trip to the famous Boldt Castle on Heart Island , originally owned by millionaire George C. Boldt!
• Events: The fun rarely stops at Alexandria Bay with yearly festivities, including the Annual Powerboat Poker Run to Fish Day in the Bay .

10 Detroit, Michigan

Michigan's largest city is less than 2 miles from canada.

The heart of the automobile industry in America is also one of the biggest border cities that border Canada. From "Motor Town" as Detroit is known, the US-Canadian border is less than 2 miles away in the Ontario city of Windsor.

The massive Windsor-Detroit border is one of the busiest international crossings in North America and provides easy cross-border passage.

• Travel Suggestion: Experience the bustle of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or the Ambassador Bridge.
• Events: The North American International Auto Show attracts car enthusiasts every year.

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There are nearly countless cross-country routes in the US, but no matter where they go, these top stops are always worth detouring for.

9 Buffalo, New York

Buffalo is the second-largest city in new york state.

Buffalo, a long-established artery of international trade, is also the second-largest city in the state of New York and the capital of Erie County.

Located at the eastern tip of Lake Erie, the shallowest and smallest of the Great Lakes, Buffalo is just across Southern Ontario. The distance from Buffalo in New York to Fort Erie in Ontario is about 9 miles, making it an easy contender among the many Canada-US border towns to visit from the American side.

• Travel Suggestion: The Peace Bridge is one of the most picturesque spots in the area. The 5,800-foot-long bridge is the link between the two countries.
• Events: The Erie County Fair has remained a community tradition since 1885 , packed with fair foods, agricultural showcases, art, and more.

8 Niagara Town, New York

Niagara town gets its name from the famous niagara falls.

Niagara Town is an obvious reference to the famous falls that lend the town its name.

Though both sides of the border have Niagara Town, the striking difference between the two is that the one on the Canadian side is uniquely called Niagara-On-The-Lake (one of the more famous Canadian border towns). And here’s the truth: some believe it's more beautiful than the one on the American side.

• Travel Suggestion: Visit Niagara Falls or the Aquarium of Niagara .
• Events: The Niagara County Peach Festival is close by in Lewiston, celebrating the region's sweet harvest with a parade, live entertainment, amusement rides, and, of course, peaches!

How To Take A Cross-Country Road Trip For Under $500

Cross-country road trips on a budget are still possible — here's how to achieve an epic trip for under $500 in accommodation costs.

7 The Thousand Islands, New York

The thousand islands encompass 1,864 islands.

The Thousand Islands straddle the US and Canada border along the St Lawrence River and the eastern shores of Lake Ontario. In the area, US cities close to Canada include communities like Cape Vincent, Sackets Harbor, and Alexandria Bay.

These charming islands combine the rural and urban waterfront town communities nestled in lush and scenic vegetation. At the Thousand Islands , among the fun things visitors can do here include skiing, fishing, cycling, golfing, boating, cruises, sightseeing, plus wining and dining.

• A Travel Suggestion or Idea: Take a sightseeing cruise, which highlights the region's attractions, like Singer Castle and Boldt Castle.
• Famous Events to Check Out: Enjoy the dazzling display of Independence Day fireworks at Boldt Castle!

6 Burlington, Vermont

Burlington hugs the picturesque shores of lake champlain.

Burlington is a vibrant tiny city in Vermont and is on Lake Champlain's eastern shoreline and is 70 kilometers from the Canadian border . From Burlington to Montreal, it takes about an hour to a 45-minute drive.

Attractions visitors can tour here include the Birds of Vermont Museum , Fleming Museum of Art , Ethan Allen Tower and Homestead , Philo Ridge Farm , and Old Round Church .

There also are many recreational activities and outdoorsy things to do in Burlington, like farm tours, skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, winter hiking, and water sports like boating, kayaking, and fishing, among others.

• Travel Suggestion: Lake Champlain is not just a pretty body of water; this "sixth" Great Lake is also ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and more!
• Events: Vibe and dance to the music at the annual Burlington Discover Jazz Festival in the Summer.

5 Houlton, Maine

When in houlton, tourists can visit "pluto".

Built in 1919, Houlton is the county seat of Aroostook County in Maine and is one of the US cities near the Canadian border at the northern end of Interstate 95.

Biking, hiking, ATV riding, and snowmobiling can be done on the Southern Bangor and Aroostook 37-mile Trail . From Houlton, visitors can also tour the Maine "Solar System" at Presque Isle, which is a science exhibit that models the solar system.

Events like the Black Fly Brewfest, Houlton Agricultural Fair , and the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race are hosted here at different times of the year, and visitors can attend them.

• Travel Suggestion: Check out the model of Pluto at the County Co-Op and Farm Store near the Visitor Center on Maine Street, which has been there since 2022 !
• Events: In addition to the events mentioned above, celebrate Spring and watch 100 river racers paddle for over 9 miles in the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race.

4 Point Roberts, Washington

Point roberts offers visitors a slice of the pacific northwest.

Point Roberts is a tiny town located in Whatcom County of Washington State and towers over the picturesque Georgia Straight that is between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland in Canada.

However, it's a bit of an anomaly; to visit it by road, one has to drive 23 miles through British Columbia, to access it. That is because it's not physically connected to the continental US. Still, it can be accessed by small plane or boat.

Kayaking, craft days, kids' camps, harvest fairs, Fourth of July events, and music performances are hosted in this unique town that is among the US border oddities of the Northwest Angle and Point Roberts , both of which are some of the strangest borders between the US and Canada.

• Travel Suggestion: Visit Monument Park to see the most North-West boundary marker in the continental US , while soaking up views of the Strait of Georgia.
• Events: Point Robert has something going on year-round, from its Fourth of July celebrations to the annual Apple Harvest Festival.

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3 Blaine, Washington

Blaine is also known as the "peace arch city".

Blaine in Whatcom County is another one of the American cities near the Canadian border worth visiting. There are plenty of things to do in Blaine , like birdwatching, strolling the Peace Arch Park , touring Blaine Marine Park , and riding the historic Plover Passenger Ferry from Blaine Harbor to the shores of the magnificent 300-acre property of Semiahmoo Resort .

There also are several dining outlets where visitors can sample Blaine's best meals.

• A Travel Suggestion or Idea: Admire the 67-foot arch of the Peace Arch Monument at Peace Arch Park, a unique park that sits in the US and Canada!
• Events: Since 2003 , the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival has taken place every spring in Blaine.

2 Port Angeles, Washington

Port angeles sits within the beautiful olympic peninsula.

Port Angeles is one of the most spectacular US cities bordering Canada! Known as the gateway to Olympic National Park (which requires 3-5 days to fully experience) and also a gateway to the Pacific Coast, Port Angeles offers plenty to do and see and is a bucket list-worthy destination.

This city was even named the second-best town according to Outside Magazine in 2015, thanks to its incredible natural scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as an excellent food and emerging microbrew scene downtown.

A true year-round destination, visitors can take advantage of skiing and snowboarding in the wintertime or world-class hiking and mountain biking on the same trails in the warmer months. Situated on a peninsula, there is also excellent kayaking, fishing, and whale-watching.

Here are some other nearby highlights in and around Port Angeles:

• Lake Crescent : Situated on the Olympic Mountain foothills, this lake reaches a depth of 624 feet !
• Dungeness Spit : One of the world's longest sand spits at over 5 miles long in the Straight of Juan de Fuca, renowned for birding, hiking, and its iconic lighthouse.
• Sol Duc Waterfalls : Located within the Sol Duc Valley , travelers can visit the neighboring hot springs at the same time.
• Events: Foodies can sink their teeth into delectable Dungeness crab at the annual Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival at the Port Angeles City Pier.

1 Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Bonners ferry is a gem along the kootenai river.

It may come as a surprise to some readers that there are many US cities near the Canadian border located in the state of Idaho. Although the shared border between the two countries only spans 45 miles , the charming town of Bonners Ferry is near Yahk in British Columbia and is easily one of the most beautiful spring destinations in Idaho , thanks to its location on the Kootenai River.

The Kootenai River flows through Bonners Ferry and provides excellent fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, and kayaking opportunities. Waterfalls, hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing peaks, stunning wildlife views, and winter snowsports venues also surround the area.

Those looking for a more mellow vacation can check out these things to do in Bonners Ferry, including:

• Kootenai Casino and Spa : An attraction that also offers accommodations, dining options, and more.
• 3 Mile Antique Mall : As the name implies, this mall features miles of vintage treasures that await the curious traveler!
• Triple-Play Family Fun Park : This family-friendly destination features an indoor water park, go-karts, putt-putt golf, bumper boats, and more.
• Heart Rock Wines : This cozy wine bar features boutique Northwest American wines as well as hundreds of beers.
• Events: Discover local goodies with a trip to the Bonners Ferry Farmer's Market , one of Idaho's oldest farmers' markets!

36 Best Stops Between Montreal and New York City

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How long is the drive from Montreal to New York City?

The direct drive from Montreal to New York City is 370 mi (596 km) , and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 10 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Montreal to New York City, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Burlington , Lake George , Saratoga Springs , Lake Placid , Albany , and Poughkeepsie , as well as top places to visit like Parc Safari and Point Au Roche State Park, or the ever-popular Canadian Railway Museum.

Top cities between Montreal and New York City

Lake Placid

Lake George

Saratoga springs, poughkeepsie, best stops along montreal to new york city drive, canadian railway museum.

Parc Safari

Point au roche state park, plattsburgh city beach, ausable chasm, church street marketplace.

Burlington Bike Park

Shelburne farms, shelburne museum, whiteface mountain, high falls gorge, lake champlain maritime museum, prospect mountain, fort william henry, the great escape & splashwater kingdom, congress park, saratoga race course, saratoga spa state park.

Scotia Cinema

Hilltop orchards home of furnace brook winery and jmash cidery and the taproom at hilltop orchards, new york zipline adventures llc, hunter mountain resort.

Muscoot Farm

Stamford museum & nature center, playland park, the met cloisters.

Willowbrook

George washington bridge, top searches in new york city, other popular road trips from montreal, explore nearby places.

• New York City
• Jersey City
• Fort Hancock
• Long Island City
• West New York
• North Bergen
• Jackson Heights
• Middle Village
• Cliffside Park
• East Elmhurst

All related maps of New York City

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New York City throughout the year

• New York City in January
• New York City in February
• New York City in March
• New York City in April
• New York City in May
• New York City in June
• New York City in July
• New York City in August
• New York City in September
• New York City in October
• New York City in November
• New York City in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in New York City?

Get inspired for your trip to New York City with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day New York City Itinerary
• 2-Day New York City Itinerary
• 3-Day New York City Itinerary
• 4-Day New York City Itinerary
• 5-Day New York City Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from montreal to new york city.

Yes! You can drive from Montreal to New York City.

How far is New York City from Montreal by car?

The drive from Montreal to New York City is 370 miles (596 km).

How long does it take to drive from Montreal to New York City?

Driving from Montreal to New York City should take you 6 hrs 10 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Montreal to New York City?

Gas from Montreal to New York City would cost around $32 to $76 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Montreal to New York City?

You could check out Parc Safari and Point Au Roche State Park, or the always popular Canadian Railway Museum!

What are the best cities to visit between Montreal and New York City?

People love visiting Burlington, Lake George, and Saratoga Springs, among others.

What's the weather like in Montreal?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Montreal in January
• Weather in Montreal in February
• Weather in Montreal in March
• Weather in Montreal in April
• Weather in Montreal in May
• Weather in Montreal in June
• Weather in Montreal in July
• Weather in Montreal in August
• Weather in Montreal in September
• Weather in Montreal in October
• Weather in Montreal in November
• Weather in Montreal in December

What are some other road trips from Montreal?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Montreal.

• Montreal to New York City drive
• Montreal to Boston drive
• Montreal to Washington DC drive
• Montreal to Toronto drive
• Montreal to Quebec City drive
• Montreal to Orlando drive
• Montreal to Ottawa drive
• Montreal to Chicago drive
• Montreal to Niagara Falls drive
• Montreal to Philadelphia drive
• Montreal to Baltimore drive
• Montreal to New Orleans drive
• Montreal to Nashville drive
• Montreal to Cleveland drive
• Montreal to Pittsburgh drive
• Montreal to Gatlinburg drive
• Montreal to Atlanta drive
• Montreal to Newport drive
• Montreal to Savannah drive
• Montreal to Williamsburg drive
• Montreal to St. Augustine drive
• Montreal to Charleston drive
• Montreal to Saint Louis drive
• Montreal to Branson drive
• Montreal to Memphis drive
• Montreal to Burlington drive
• Montreal to Miami Beach drive
• Montreal to Conway drive
• Montreal to Gettysburg drive
• Montreal to Atlantic City drive

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8 Charming Small Towns Near Montreal for a Perfect Getaway

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• Destinations

The Eastern Townships are a collection of communities situated just east of Montreal and north of the Canadian and U.S. border. New York and Toronto are both about 6 hours, while Boston, Ottawa, and Quebec City are all less than 4. And Vermont, well, it can be measured in minutes — even if you were on foot! In short, they’re easy to visit but remarkably hard to leave. You might just find it hard to tear yourself away.

While many of the communities are just a few miles from the United States, you’re in an entirely different world once you cross over into Canada. Francophone and Anglophone cultures mix together over food, breweries, markets, spas, orchards, and so much more. These pretty, vibrant hamlets are the perfect four-season destination, whether you’re looking for a day trip from Montreal or a more rural escape lasting a week or more.

If you want to escape downtown Montreal, there are dozens of small villages sprinkled throughout the Eastern Townships, and it’s hard to narrow down the list of charming spots to just a few. The villages highlighted here are the heart and soul of Quebec in more ways than one.

Many of the places on this list are designated Coeurs Villageois, regional ambassadors that are the heartbeat of the region and showcase the best cuisine, hospitality, and attractions. Each community has its own unique personality, and it’s so much fun to explore them all and find the one that is “yours.” You can see a full list of the Coeurs Villageois here to get started on your adventure.

8 Charming Small Towns Near Montreal – Your Perfect Weekend Getaway

Located just 6 miles or so from the Canada and U.S. border, Dunham guards several sweet secrets. It’s home to one of the most luxurious sugar shacks in all of southern Quebec. A sugar shack is where maple syrup is produced (sap is collected from trees, boiled down, and through exhaustive work and a bit of magic, transformed into syrup and sugar) and also consumed. Your basic sugar shack experience usually involves eating pancakes, but Vignoble du Ruisseau is anything but basic. They offer a three-course and a six-course tasting menu. Homemade baked beans with maple bacon, house-made cretons (pork spread seasoned with herbs, spices, and onions), gougeres packed with local cheese, maple glazed chicken, salmon confit with maple syrup, and my personal favorite, maple marshmallows, are often on offer.

The second draw is that Dunham’s Vignoble du Ruisseau is also a vineyard! Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gewurztraminer are produced using the grapes of their 18-acre estate. Eco-friendly technology, including geothermal heating and wastewater reclamation, is used to enhance the growing season. It’s just one of 22 vineyards in the region, which you can explore via the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route .

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2. Piopolis

The unbelievably sweet village of Piopolis is a photographer’s dream. Exactly 348 people call Piopolis their home, but there’s as much to see and explore here as in any of the villages and towns near Montreal. The views of the lake and the distant mountains are just incredible. You can take it all in by the marina, where there’s a picnic spot featuring a miniature lighthouse, a pergola with a sail-shaped roof, and benches modeled after the design of a boat hull. In autumn, when the seasonal colors are at their best, it’s hard to imagine a prettier place.

The community is also a cultural destination. At Halte des Zouaves, you can learn about the region’s heritage at the mini-interpretation center and see works by local artists and writers. They can also give you the inside scoop about special events in the region, including Piopolis’ own St-Zenon-de-Piopolis Festival , which hosts concerts in the village church.

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3. Frelighsburg

The tiny community of Frelighsburg, just an hour or so from Montreal (and a 2.5-mile hike from the border) is home to about 1,000 people. Beloved as one of the most beautiful villages in the province, the community is filled with old buildings (including the old grammar school, which dates to 1856) and surrounded by apple orchards and stunning natural beauty.

This friendly small town in Canada is famous for cider and all things apples. You can get alcoholic and non-alcoholic cider, sparkling or still, and ice cider in the area. At Clos Saragnat Orchard, where ice cider was first created in 1989, operations have evolved to create organic products. Both there and at the nearby Domaine Pinnacle Orchard, you can buy this popular cider at the tasting rooms. At the riverside property of Au Coeur De La Pomme, you can buy apple jellies, sauces, preserves, and apple cider vinegar.

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4. Danville

Danville is less than 2 hours away from Montreal but the food scene in this small town is so good, that you’d be mistaken for thinking you’re in the heart of the big city with all its culinary offerings. At the top of your travel list is Le Temps des Cerises, Danville’s star restaurant. This intimate eaterie was a local pioneer of farm-to-table dining. Fiddlehead pannacotta, guinea fowl, beef from nearby community farms, European-style venison, and halibut with eggplant, radish, and maple have all appeared on the menu.

Things are a bit more casual but every bit as delicious at the Restaurant la Binnerie du Carre, where gourmet takeout treats are extremely popular. Here, house-made pates, red or green tomato ketchup, pickled beets, classic or chocolate fudge, and rocky road squares (more marshmallows, so, of course, I love these!) are nearly always in stock. But the real star is homemade spaghetti sauce. Grab a mason jar of it before you leave.

More homemade indulgences and local produce are available at the Mante du Carre public market, which takes place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors offer homemade pasta, beeswax candles, locally milled flour, baked goods, meat, and fish, in addition to the usual fruit, vegetables, and flowers. As you can see, there’s a lot to look forward to in this small town.

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Just an hour from Montreal, Eastman is the kind of destination with a little bit of everything for everyone. It’s home to one of the oldest spas in Canada, Spa Eastman, where you can combine traditional spa experiences like massage therapy and thermal baths with longer retreats filled with nature activities (and if you’re brave, no electronic connectivity — there’s an option to hand over your phone and tablet at the beginning of your retreat). If you prefer attractions that are more lively than introspective, the Theatre de La Marjolaine runs a summer theater program every year (mostly in French, and mostly comedies), along with a dinner program for some events. The community is also home to a walking trail honoring Quebec actress Louise Porter, whose thespian roots include performances at Theatre de La Marjolaine.

Visitors can also use Eastman as the launch point of a canoe or kayak trip, moving south along the North Missisquoi River to the border town of Highland. The 28-mile trip isn’t without its challenges, and the obstacles like dams make portaging essential in some spots. Still, if you’re up for it, you’ll find it’s one of the least-used rivers in the area, and you’ll find unspoiled natural beauty there.

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6. Ayer’s Cliff

Marc Bruxelle / Shutterstock

Yes, there really is a cliff at Ayer’s Cliff, and it offers stunning views over Lake Massawippi. But you don’t go here just to take in the views. The community is home to a fairground, where public markets are held every Saturday in the summer, as well as the Stanstead County Agricultural Society fair . One of the oldest agricultural events in the province of Quebec, the exhibits range from horticulture to horses. However, if you just want to get away from it all, the community has a beautiful sandy beach with boat rental options. A shuttle boat, Le Wippi , goes between Ayer’s Cliff and other lakeside communities and is a convenient option for bikers who want to explore different trails.

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7. Waterloo

Though fewer than 4,500 people live there, Waterloo is a residential city and one of the smallest in Quebec at that. While its name is undeniably English, it has the distinction of being the world’s only Francophone “Waterloo.” Just an hour from Montreal, the municipality is famous throughout the province not just for its unique name but also for cycling. Waterloo is situated near three major cycling trails: The Estriade , the Campagnarde, and the Montagnarde. All three follow segments of Route Verte, the world’s most beautiful cycling trail (as per National Geographic ).

In addition, the Waterloo Heritage Trail takes riders past buildings and points of interest that date to the 1800s. Throughout Waterloo, you’ll see funky bike racks that are crafted in the shape of bikes, plus there is a bike repair shop at the tourist office. If you want more fun surrounded by the natural beauty, kayaks and canoes can be rented at the municipal beach.

But no matter how active your visit might be, you have to make time to visit Beignes d’Autrefois Phil’s . This beloved local bakery creates divine lemon pie with pillowy-soft clouds of meringue, apple pies so tall the tops are dome-shaped, old-fashioned donuts and croissants, and savory treats like bagels and tourtiere meat pie.

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8. North Hatley

Located on the shores of Lake Massawippi in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, North Hatley is one of the most beautiful small towns and vacation sites in Quebec. Its landscapes offer breathtaking views while its architectural heritage and the village center are all unique.

Over the years many of the century-old homes have been turned into lovely inns and B&Bs, cute shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants. When Condé Nast Traveler named it the top place to stay in Canada, the Manoir Hovey Relais & Châteaux acquired international recognition. Its restaurant, Le Hatley, is also a great place to have a special dinner.

Visitors who come here are delighted with the art galleries, antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. But when you are not strolling its streets, there are also plenty of things to do. You can head to Pleasant View Beach, bathe at Solstice Sauna , go mountain biking, or rent a fishing boat on Lakes Massawippi and Memphremagog with Navigo.

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, this is the place. However, remember that winter months are quiet here and many establishments will be closed when temperatures drop. The village comes to life in warmer months.

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What Does Eastern Townships Mean?

The Eastern Townships is a string of small cities, quaint towns, and villages sat in nature in south-eastern Quebec. This is where people go to their summer homes, rent cottages, or stay at B&Bs. It’s similar to New England, but a bit more French.

When is the Best Time to Visit Montreal and Its Surroundings?

From June to August Montreal temperatures stay in the seventies. Summer is also the festival season, which makes it a pretty fun time of year to visit. Winters are not for the faint of heart, but if you love winter sports, the cold season is perfect. 

What Should I Pack When Visiting Small Towns Near Montreal?

Pack layers and long pants no matter when you visit. If you’re taking a road trip in the winter or early spring, be ready for snow and bring sturdy boots. All year round you’ll want comfortable shoes for walking, shades, and sunscreen.

Are Small Towns Near Montreal Good for Outdoor Types?

Yes, there are parks for exploring and hills that draw in skiers and snowboarders in winter while hiking and mountain biking take over in the summer. The region’s lakes and rivers are ideal for boating, fishing, waterskiing, and swimming.

Are There Any Wineries Near Montreal?

Certainly. The region is home to plenty of wineries, including the two oldest in Quebec. You can follow the Wine Route which connects 21 wineries in the Brome-Missisquoi region, and sample everything the Townships has to offer.

Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning freelance writer, editor, and blogger from Canada bringing warmth and depth to travel and human interest narratives. In the industry since 2012, Vanessa coaches writers from all backgrounds, areas of focus, and experience levels on developing business strategies that support their artistic endeavors. She chronicles her cozy travel adventures at TurnipseedTravel .

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Article content

We get it, America is a bit of a question mark right now. But while some Canucks are avoiding travel south of the border, there are others who continue to explore all of the spectacular natural landscapes and vibrant communities that the United States has to offer.

If you’re itching to do something different and escape from Canada for a hot minute, these American border towns are easy to access and will give you a chance to do something a bit different.

The importance of the border town

Canada is unique in that most of our population lives near the American border. It’s estimated that between 75 to 90 per cent of us are within 160 km of it.

“Seventy-five percent of Canada’s population resides in a narrow 150-km band pushing up against the U.S., with close ties south of the line. We are a border people. The border is our livelihood. The border is our identity,” wrote Normal Hillmer, a professor at the University of Carlton.

Really, it’s no surprise. Canada is the largest country in the world to border just one other nation. We have nearly 9,000 km of border; Alaska alone shares 2,477 km of border between British Columbia and the Yukon.

American border towns worthy of a long weekend getaway Whether you’re planning on spending this coming Civic Holiday south of the border or planning a getaway for Labour Day or beyond, these border towns will satisfy that desire to escape the norm, even if just for a few days.

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American border town worth visiting: Derby Line, Vermont

Visit from: Stanstead, Quebec

The sleepy town of Stanstead, Quebec, which is 160 kilometres southeast of Montreal, shares more than just a border with its American neighbour, Derby Line in Vermont. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House is built straddling the border.

The entrance to the library is technically on the U.S. side, but the majority of the books are on the Canadian side with a line painted down the centre. Locals from both countries are allowed to peruse the library without having to clear customs. The most pressing question: which currency will late fees be incurred in and how do they spell ‘centre’ or ‘favourite’?

The opera house is equally as unique: the stage is on one side of the border while the seating is on the other. It’s the only opera house in the world where you watch from one country while performers are on stage in another.

American border town worth visiting from Canada: Seattle, Washington

Visit from: Vancouver, British Columbia

Okay, Seattle isn’t technically on the border, but it’s near enough to the line to draw a continuous flow of B.C. residents into its gritty and active city centre. In fact, the seaside city in the Pacific Northwest has set a record for most tourists in a year for the last nine years in a row.

From the Vancouver city centre it’s just a three-hour drive (230 km) or a four-hour train ride, making for easy day trips for shopping. True, Bellingham does have some decent shopping options for deal-seeking Canadian consumers and it’s truly on the border, but Seattle has so much more, including world-class museums, charming outdoor markets and the opportunity to catch an NFL, MLB, MLS or WNBA (and soon NHL) game.

American border town worth visiting: Alexandria Bay, New York

Visit from: Thousand Islands, Ontario

Cross the Saint Lawrence River from Ivy Lea in Ontario’s Thousand Islands is Alexandria Bay, New York. The Thousand Islands Bridge connects two together and is a perfect weekend getaway from the Kingston or even Ottawa region.

The historic Boldt Castle is on the American side of Thousand Islands and taking a boat tour (there are both public and private options, depending on your travel style and budget) to the island will make you feel like you’re on a European adventure… even though you’re just a stone’s throw away from poutine and Steam Whistle.

American border town worth visiting from Canada: Walhalla, North Dakota

Visit from: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Looking for a small-town America culture fix near the prairies? Head to Walhalla, the second oldest centre in North Dakota. Located just eight kilometres from the border, this small North Dakotan town is bursting with history. The Walhalla Trading Post might not be much to look at – it’s basically a shed in a field – but it happens to be the state’s oldest building, dating back to 1843.

Nearby, there’s the Pembina River for paddling fans and the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, which can, and should, be explored by foot, bike, or if you really want to get into the local spirit, horseback.

American border town worth visiting from Canada: Detroit, Michigan

Visit from: Windsor, Ontario

Like Vancouverites’ relationship with Seattle, Southwestern Ontarians can enjoy similar sports perks in Detroit. Motor City is home to the Tigers, Lions as well as the Red Wings, so you can watch a baseball, football or hockey game for a fraction of the price as you would in Toronto.

Sports aside, Detroit is seeing a surge in new boutique hotels as well as bars and eateries. The city has been giving its all to shake its lacklustre reputation, and it’s working. In 2018, Lonely Planet named Detroit a “must-visit city” because of its new-found cool — the ever-popular New York City karaoke bar Sid’s Gold Request Room will open inside The Siren Hotel in Detroit this summer.

Looking to raise your heart rate? Participate in Slow Roll, group bicycle ride that takes a different route around the city once a week. Everyone is welcome.

• Canada's 'boring' border with the US has a fascinating backstory

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Montreal   Travel Guide

Courtesy of © Stéphan Poulin - Tourisme Montréal |

14 Best Things to Do in Montreal, Canada

Montréal's many museums and art galleries, historical landmarks, legendary shopping districts and trendy nightclubs provide plenty of entertainment for visitors. For a taste of historic Montréal, spend a day exploring the 18th-century buildings

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) free

As the site of the original city of Montréal, Vieux-Montréal (accessible from the Orange Line's Place-d'Armes and Champ-de-Mars métro stations) is the hub of the city's history.

The beautiful limestone-clad 18th- and 19th-century buildings have been rescued from demolition and restored despite the city's rapid urbanization. Horse-drawn carriages traverse cobblestone streets and trot past such notable sites as Notre-Dame Basilica , Montréal City Hall, built in 1878, and the monumental Bonsecours Market, a restored heritage building that houses art, design and craft stores.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal) Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal)

Adorned with intricate statues, colorful stained-glass windows and the famous 12-ton Jean-Baptiste bell, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is one of the city's most visited sites. In addition to welcoming tourists and worshippers, it also hosts an evening light and sound show that serves to highlight its spectacular architecture.

Canada’s first Gothic Revival church was constructed in 1829, designated a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. The site of many state funerals including, former Prime Minister Pierre-Elliott Trudeau, notable weddings like that of Celine Dion, and memorable musical performances, such as those by Luciano Pavarotti, the basilica is much more than a church. Among the church's highlights are a 7,000-pipe Casavant organ, its stained-glass windows, which were designed by Québec artist Jean-Baptiste Lagacé and tell the story of Montréal's history, and the interior decor, which is carved, painted and adorned with gold leaf.

Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) free

This 761-foot hill from which Montréal got its name is the highest point in the city. Towering over central Montréal, Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) is frequented by joggers, picnickers, dog walkers and bicyclists throughout the year, and it's one of Montréal's largest green spaces. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who's also the credited architect of NYC's Central Park ).

During the warmer months, you can rent rowboats on the park's Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake), while the Chalet du Mont-Royal offers breathtaking park and city views any time of year. You can also take a stroll through one of the park's three cemeteries (one English, one Jewish and one French).

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Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal) Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is a free electric shuttle to take you around the garden grounds during the summer months. – Debra Smith

Thanks to 10 large greenhouses – each tailored to a specific theme – this 190-acre botanical garden offers a scenic year-round respite from the metropolis' downtown core and a seasonal home to more than 20,000 species of flora.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts)

Montréal's most prestigious museum has been building its collection of fine arts for more than 150 years. Visitors will find its more than 45,000 paintings, sculptures, graphic artworks, photographs, multimedia installations and decorative art objects divided among six sections and spread across the museum's five pavilions.

In addition to an impressive collection by Canadian and Quebec artists, there are four floors containing works by such renowned artists as Rembrandt, El Greco, Renoir, Cézanne and Picasso. The museum's noteworthy decorative art collection includes pieces from 1400 to 1900, including jewelry, ceramics, glass, and textiles by international artists as well as several pieces of furniture designed by Frank Gehry. The state-of-the-art Cinéma du Musée presents independent and international films with English subtitles, and lectures and performances are presented regularly at Bourgie Hall.

St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) St. Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph) free

Sitting on the eastern edge of the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery in Mont-Royal is St. Joseph's Oratory, the largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father and Canada’s patron saint. It welcomes several million visitors each year. Even if you don't consider yourself religious, past visitors said it's worth adding to your Montréal itinerary for its timeless beauty and the incredible views that can be seen from its perch above the bustling city.

St. Joseph's Oratory was designed in an Italian-Renaissance style with a copper dome rising 318 feet high. There are many areas of the oratory to explore, including a museum of religious art and artifacts. The Crypt Church below the basilica is decorated with intricately-carved murals, and thousands of candles Illuminate the art deco-style Votive Chapel.

Jean-Talon Market Jean-Talon Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Always greet a shopkeeper with a cheery hello or "bonjour" upon entering a shop or store. It’s appreciated and considered good manners. – Debra Smith

In a world dominated by overly refrigerated, fluorescently lit supermarkets, the Jean-Talon Market brings a breath of fresh air to your shopping experience. It’s one of the largest public markets in North America and one of the oldest, (established in 1933) with a flavor all its own.

Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal) Montreal Biodome (Biodôme de Montreal)

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you purchased a Montréal Museums Card , you can use it at all five of the Espace pour la vie Montreal locations. – Debra Smith

Not to be confused with the Biosphere on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Biodôme is located in the Olympic District and is part of a complex that includes the insectarium, planetarium, and Montreal Botanical Garden . A favorite for families, the Biodôme features five distinct ecosystems that house plants and animals. With the way each of the ecosystems are set up, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a more immersive experience with the animals compared to a conventional zoo.

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Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum) Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière Museum)

Many say that this museum is the best place to go to begin exploring Montréal. While the modern architecture may not be typical of a history museum, the real reason to come here is to hop in the elevator and head underground. Here, visitors can look through a glass floor that sits on top of the remains of Fort Ville-Marie unearthed during archaeological digs overseen by the museum from 2002 to 2015. 

You can also follow the development of Montréal from its days as a fledgling colony and on up through the present day with a 17-minute multimedia program called "Generations MTL" that’s projected onto the archeological site and narrated by six historical characters .

Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) free

Two islands in the St. Lawrence River make up Parc Jean-Drapeau, a sports, culture and entertainment mecca for locals and visitors alike. Located just five minutes from downtown Montréal via the Jean-Drapeau metro stop (Yellow line), the former site of Expo 67 and the 1976 Summer Olympics now boasts several attractions that are sure to appeal to a variety of different interests.

Culture hounds will appreciate the collection of public art that's sprinkled throughout the park as well as the Biosphère, a museum dedicated to the environment housed in the iconic Buckminster Fuller-designed geodesic dome. There are also miles of hiking trails and the Floralies Gardens for outdoors lovers. Meanwhile, families will be delighted by La Ronde amusement park on Île Sainte-Hélène, the Aquatic Complex – specifically the outdoor pool, which has a cushioned rubber bottom – and Jean-Doré Beach. Though the park's outdoor pursuits are most popular in the summer, it’s a wonderful place to visit in early spring too, when the park’s bistro converts to an urban sugar shack.

Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park (Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques) free

Montréal’s largest park, Parc-nature du Cap Saint-Jacques sprawls across more than 800 acres and sits between Lac des Deux Montagnes and Rivière des Prairies on the southwest tip of the island of Montréal. It offers year-round activities, sandy beaches and water views.

In the winter, make use of snowshoe paths, cross-country ski trails and a sliding hill, and in the summer, explore the miles of hiking and biking trails before cooling off at the beaches that line the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes. There’s also a small organic farm, two welcome centers and free all-terrain wheelchairs and sit-skis that can be reserved in advance.

St-Viateur Bagel St-Viateur Bagel

A Montréal institution for more than 65 years, St.-Viateur Bagel is flourishing under the watchful eye of Joe Morena and his three sons. There are now four bagel cafes under the St.-Viateur banner, but for the original experience you must visit "La Maison du Bagel," or "Home of the Bagel," at 263 Rue Saint Viateur in Mile End.

Follow the delicious aroma of bagels simmered in honey water and baked on a hardwood plank in a wood-burning oven and join the line that forms day or night. Hand-rolled bagels come in classic sesame or poppy seed, all dressed with onion and garlic, or on the sweet side with cinnamon raisin or blueberry. While you’re waiting, check out the photographs of famous customers, from hockey greats to prime ministers, that line the walls.

La Grande Roue de Montréal La Grande Roue de Montréal

Enjoy a thrilling view of Old Montréal , the city center and the St. Lawrence River on the highest Ferris wheel in Canada, La Grande Roue de Montréal. Forty-two climate-controlled cabins gently lift riders up nearly 200 feet and go through three revolutions on this 20-minute ride. Choose from cabins that seat up to eight, or splurge on a spacious VIP cabin, which is equipped with a glass floor and Italian leather seating for four riders. The view through the tempered glass windows is perfect for photographs during the day. At night, the wheel lights up as well as the giant cross on the top of Mount Royal and the Jacques Cartier Bridge bringing additional romance to the ride.  

Visitors recommend a ride at sunset and consider it a must-do while in Montréal that’s worth the splurge. They report that wait times are usually short and the ride is long enough to enjoy all the sights.

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Lachine Canal National Historic Site Lachine Canal National Historic Site free

A watery wonderland in the heart of Montréal, the Lachine Canal National Historic Site runs for nearly 9 miles from the entrance at Lock No. 1 in the Old Port to Lock No. 5 at Lake Saint Louis in Lachine. The canal originally opened in 1824 to provide a source of hydraulic power and contributed to Montréal's industrial and commercial development as a major trade port. Today, it's a popular spot for a stroll and a picnic (stop at the nearby Atwater Market to pick up provisions before your visit to the canal).

From mid-May to mid-October, rentals of all kinds are available, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and small electric boats to swan-shaped pedal boats. Fishers can toss a line to catch six different fish species including perch, pike and carp, which cyclists can ride from one end of the well-maintained canal trail to the other in about an hour.

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20 amazing day trips from Montreal, less than 2 hours away from the city

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Montreal is such a special city! There’s always something going on – from new restaurants to events, festivals and a booming nightlife that allows you to dance into the early hours of the morning. But sometimes it can get hectic and you just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Luckily, there are plenty of day trips to take within 2 hours of Montreal. These lovely short road trips will make you think you’re in a completely new place, without having to go super far. And with the current price of gas, this list couldn’t come at a better time.

If you’d rather go on a longer trip, you can check out the best weekend trips from Montreal in our full article here . And if you’re looking for epic road trips all around the provice of Quebec, we have an article about the 15 most iconic drives .

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Table of Contents

The 20 best short trips from Montreal

Before we get started on our list of amazing day trips from Montreal, here’s how we’ve broken it all down for you.

As always, we broke down the list by how far each of the places is to make it easier for you to plan your trip. We’ve also grouped them by region, so if you want to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway from Montreal, you still can.

These short trips from Montreal are great if you’re looking to visit one place, or make it an epic road trip and group them together for a longer vacation getaway.

6 best day getaways from Montreal that are around the island

Here are the best super short trips from Montreal. So short that you barely have to leave the city! These places are easily accessible from the island. They’re either on the North or South shore of the island. So if you’re looking to go for a full day trip or just an afternoon or a morning exploration, they’re the perfect places to visit near Montreal!

1. Head to Montreal’s closest national park, les Îles de Boucherville, the perfect short trip from Montreal

One of our favorite places to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city is escaping to the Îles de Boucherville national park . This beautiful park has a ton of activities to offer, in the summer like the winter. It’s located a mere 20km from Montreal. This national park has 5 little islands in the heart of the Saint-Lawrence River – the perfect playground for nature lovers.

Beyond its 21 kilometers of multi-purpose trails, you can also go hike, kayak, canoe, rabaska, bike, or play beach volleyball in the summer. Or you can go snowshoe, hike, cross-country ski, or kicksled in the winter. Year-round, you can spot quite a few birds (over 200 different species, actually) and even white-tailed deer.

If you’re looking for the best national parks near Montreal, including more information about the Îles de Boucherville park, make sure you check out our article here . If you plan on taking a longer road trip, you can check out our article about the best national parks in Quebec too.

Beyond the national park, Boucherville is also home to Parc de la Frayère , where you can catch an epic sunset, watch the water birds or explore the fauna in the marshes.

You can also head to the New Deal Brewing Co , a local microbrewery where you can enjoy some local beers. Beyond supporting a local company, you also get to help them with their mission to minimize their ecological footprint all while supporting their tangible social involvement in their community. That’s pretty awesome!

Whether you only visit the park or decide to venture out into the town, there are plenty of things to do in Boucherville. This should keep you busy most of the day. This place is the perfect day getaway near Montreal!

2. Discover Mont-Saint-Hilaire, a picturesque Monreal day trip

Mont-Saint-Hilaire is a gorgeous area near Montreal. It’s one of those places that feels so far, but it’s only a short drive from Montreal.

One of the best things to do in Mont-Saint-Hilaire is to hike the trails of the Gault Nature Reserve . This park is owned by McGill University. The reserve protects more than 1,000 hectares of natural forest, hosts 25 km of trails, and offers four viewpoints of Lake Hertel.

The trails at the Gault Nature Reserve are not very hard, but they tend to get quite crowded on weekends. Apart from hiking, the Reserve has a ton of conservation efforts you can learn more about. You can go bird watching in warmer months, or go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. There’s also a little beach by Lake Hertel where you can plop down, have a picnic and enjoy the view.

If you’re looking for the hikes near Montreal, including more information about the Gault Nature Reserve, make sure you check out our article here .

You can also visit the Vignoble Les Murmures , where you can enjoy some local wine. Or, head to Brasseurs du Moulin for beer tasting and discoveries. Another option is to head to one of the many apple orchards around. In the fall, you can go apple-picking. You can also visit them year-round and try their apple ciders or one of their many apple products.

Another great option, especially on a rainy day, is to visit the Musée des beaux-arts de Mont-Saint-Hilaire , their amazing museum. There are always great expositions going on. Or if you just want to relax, check out the Strom Spa in town.

Mont-Saint-Hilaire is a quiet place where you can enjoy some of the best outdoor activities, only a short drive from Montreal. Perfect for a day trip or an afternoon getaway!

3. Head to St-Jean-sur-Richelieu for a quick day trip near Montreal

Located about 40 minutes south of Montreal, you have the historic town of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu. For Montrealers, this is the hot air balloon mecca, and it’s a great place to explore if you want things to do around Montreal.

This is where you’ll find the Chambly Fort , a historic monument and boardwalk along the water. You can walk or bike along the path and enjoy views of the locks and boats passing by. There are also a few restaurants and terrasses where you can enjoy a bite to eat while gazing out. In the winter, you can skate along the path in nature at the Roland-Beauregard park perfect during the day or at night.

But what makes St-Jean-sur-Richelieu so special is the hot air balloon festival that takes place here every summer. In mid-August, the International Hot Air Balloon festival takes place here. For one week, the largest number of balloons in the country take flight in this town. The festival brings to town music, food tastings, carnival rides and games and a ton of other activities. It’s truly a great experience!

4. Check out the different spots in the South of Montreal, perfect for a Montreal day trip from the city

The South shore of Montreal has a ton of different places to check out. This makes it one of the places to escape from Montreal.

Sure, you have the Îles de Boucherville national park, but you also have the Saint-Bruno national park. You can also hike in Mont-Saint-Hilaire. There are plenty of parks and hiking trails all around the Montérégie region, on the south shore of Montreal.

Another great place to visit is the Chambly Fort, where you can walk along the path on the water. It has exceptional views. The Strom Spa in Mont-Saint-Hilaire is the perfect place to disconnect from the hectic pace of Montreal and enjoy a relaxing moment.

The region of Montérégie, on the south shore of Montreal, has a ton of things to offer, no matter what you’re looking to do. From indigenous art and culture to foodie finds, museums and beaches, there is so much to discover on the south shore, just a short drive from Montreal.

5. Explore Oka, a beach, hiking trails and culture so close to Montreal

Oka is another fan favorite of Montrealers. It’s easy to see why! There’s so much to do in such a small place, and especially, a short drive from Montreal.

The national park in Oka is less than a one-hour drive from Montreal. Here you can find one of the province’s best beaches, especially when it comes to being so close to the city. It does tend to get crowded, mainly on weekends when the weather is nice. But it’s still a great outing and a short drive from Montreal.

Another great thing about this park is that you can visit a complex of historic buildings that are unique in America and the wetlands. Plus, it’s the perfect place to get a view of the Lac des Deux Montagnes and the Adirondacks. In the summer, other than the beach, you can go hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and camping. In the winter, you can explore the trails on a fat bike or kicksled. You can also go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Oka is also home to many historic places like the Oka Abbey and the Calvaire d’Oka , where you can also hike. Or you can check out the pristine Lac des Deux Montagnes (Lake of Two Mountains). At the Abbey , you can also go and taste the famous Oka cheese. This is one of Derek’s favorite cheeses. It was first produced here by trappist monks and has been a staple of Quebec cheeses for over a hundred years.

Whether you’re looking to chill on a beach, go hike or explore the rich history of the area, Oka makes for a great day trip from Montreal.

6. Discover the North shore of Montreal, one of the best road trips from Montreal

Beyond exploring Oka, the North shore, from Laval to Saint-Jerome, has so much to offer those looking for a quick getaway from Montreal.

Ok, if you say ‘Laval’ to Montrealers, they will automatically think of the Carrefour Laval Mall, one of the largest malls close to Montreal. Or they’ll think about the insane amount of traffic there is to get there. But there are so many places to explore in such a short distance from Montreal.

The Parc de la Riviere-des-Milles-Îles is a beautiful park in Sainte-Rose. it’s home to protected wildlife, super calm waters and stunning views over the water. If you’re looking to kayak or canoe, you can rent them here. The Berge aux Quatre vents is another great place. These sandy banks on the river are like having a beach, but not so far from Montreal!

You can also check out the Chateau Taillefer Lafon , a castle in the middle of Laval! Here you can taste the local wines, walk around the grounds and shop their boutique where many local products are sold. The Chateau is dedicated to taking care of the environment, and local producers and businesses in the area.

And if you really want, you can check out the typical Laval things like shopping at Carrefour Laval , watching a movie at the Colesseum , learning about the universe at the Cosmodome , or learning to fly at SkyVenture .

Even though Montrealers often have a rivalry with Laval, there is still plenty of things to do here, such a short drive from Montreal.

3 amazing Montreal day trips in the Laurentians

About 45-minutes to 1.5 hours North of Montreal, you will get to the Laurentians. This area of Quebec is probably one of the most popular places to escape the city, in the summer and in the winter. There’s just so much to do here all year-round.

In fact, the Laurentians are one of the most popular touristic regions in Quebec. With plenty of mountains to hike up or ski down, a bunch of lakes to chill on and rivers to explore, plenty of waterfalls to see, plus a growing foodie scene, there’s something for everyone here!

7. Drive up to Saint-Sauveur for a perfect short day trip from Montreal

Located about 45 minutes driving north of Montreal, Saint-Sauveur is a quaint little town to explore, in the summer and in the winter.

For those who love to hit the slopes, the town of Saint-Sauveur offers many different hills to ride. All these hills are located a quick drive from each other, like Mont-Saint-Sauveur , Mont-Avila , and Mont Habitant . You can also go tubing on the hills, which is super fun to do.

If you don’t want to ski or snowboard, there’s a beautiful park where you can ice skate in the winter. The Parc John-H. Molson Outdoor Skating Rink is an ice trail that goes through the forest. It’s a beautiful place to skate when the cold weather hits. It’s even open at night, with lights along the trail, so you can make a romantic evening out of it!

In the summer, the hills are taken over by waterslides and luges. The waterpark is the best one of its kind in Quebec. If you’ve never tried it, it’s well worth making the trip. It can be tons of fun! However, if you can, try to go during the week as weekends tend to get very busy and crowded, which means long lines in the scorching heat!

Another great option in Saint-Sauveur, as much in the summer as the winter, is to walk around the main part of town, on the main road. There, you will find tons of little local shops and boutiques, as well as a few great restaurants. Crèperie à la Gourmandise Bretonne is one of our childhood favorites!

Saint-Sauveur is a great place to discover on a short trip from Montreal. There’s plenty to do here, especially if you combine it with a half-day activity (which can easily turn into a full day!)

8. Go to Mont-Tremblant, the resort town that’s a great escape from Montreal

Just past Saint-Sauveur, about 1.5 hours from Montreal, you’ll find the most famous (for now) resort town in Quebec. Mont-Tremblant is where you’ll likely run into some celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas or Laurence Stroll who all own property in Mont-Tremblant.

The Mont-Tremblant resort is where most people choose to go when visiting this area on a day trip from Montreal. This town was created at the foot of the ski resort and is a family-friendly and party-friendly place to hang out for a day or even a weekend ! Here, you’ll find a ton of shops, boutiques, hotels and restaurants. There’s something for every taste, and budget… but it is more expensive than staying in town.

In the summer, or in the winter, you can do a ton of activities here. In the winter, the slopes are the place to be. These hills are the tallest you’ll find within a 2-hour driving radius from Montreal. Other notable hills like Mont-Laurier and le Massif de Charlevoix are much further.

In the summer, you can try rock climbing, riding the luge down the hill, and taking the gondola up the mountain. There’s also the option to zip-line or to check out the night projection show: Tonga Lumina . You can also play golf, go hike at the national park or chill out at the many spas in Tremblant. You can also go white water rafting on the Rivière Rouge if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. There is no shortage of things to do here!

Mont-Tremblant is also a great place to check out the fall foliage. In mid to late September, the leaves change color and the mountains come alive with bursts of red, orange and yellow! It’s really a beautiful site to see! There’s the Mont-Tremblant national park where you can hike up different hills to get an amazing viewpoint of the foliage.

Depending on what you plan on doing here, you can either spend a day in Mont-Tremblant, or you can easily spend a week. There’s really plenty to do here.

Looking for a place to stay in or around Tremblant? Check out this article where we share the best accomodations near Mont-Tremblant (and all around Quebec). We also have another guide about the best hikes in the Laurentians .

9. Tour the Laurentians on a day getaway from Montreal, one of the best short road trips from Montreal

Of course, if you plan on going on more of a road trip on your day escape from Montreal, you can always tour the Laurentians! There are plenty of cute towns along the way from Saint-Sauveur to Mont-Tremblant (and further).

You can start your short road trip from Montreal in Saint-Sauveur, walk around the town and visit a few stores, you can also go on a tour of the Lac des Sables.

Then, on your way to Mont-Tremblant, or further, you can stop by the cute towns of Saint-Adolphe-D’Howard, Sainte-Adèle, Morin Heights, Sainte-Agathe-Des-Monts, Val David and more.

Another popular way to tour the Laurentians is to ride Le P’tit Train du Nord trail. This is a 234-km cycle path built over an old railway line. It goes from Bois-des-Filion to Mont- Laurier. It’s the longest park of its kind in Canada! You can also rollerblade or walk on the trail.

Sure, you can drive down the highway, but we recommend you take the scenic route instead. This way, you can explore more of the towns and really enjoy the beauty of the regions. Winding roads, hills and lakes, plenty of lush forests await you on your path.

Again, you can stay and visit the Laurentians on a short day road trip from Montreal, or you can stay here all weekend or even longer. There’s plenty to do!

If you want to check out the best hikes in the Laurentians, we have you covered! Discover our full article on all the best hiking trails in the Laurentians of Quebec, and find out exactly what you need to have the best time yet!

4 short road trips from Montreal in the Eastern Townships

Another one of the great Quebec tourist regions to explore is the Eastern Townships . This area has so much to offer in such a short drive from Montreal.

From cute towns to ski hills, bike paths, spas, golf courses, amazing hikes and national parks , wine and microbrewery routes, there’s really something for everyone here.

We have an article that covers all the best things to do in the Eastern Townships. You can find it all here .

10. Visit Orford on a day getaway from Montreal

Orford is the main town you can visit in the Eastern Townships. It’s a great place to base yourself if you’re looking to set up camp and explore for more than a day. If not, the town has tons of things to do.

Orford is home to one of our favorite national parks. At the Mont-Orford National Park, you can find amazing hiking trails that range from the easy to the more challenging. You also have access to bike paths, a beach, lakes and more. In the summer months, you can rent kayaks, canoes, pedalos, SUPs and more. You can also just chill on the beach if you prefer.

The main street in Orford has a ton of great shops and restaurants to hop into. You can also explore the nearby wineries, the lavender field or breweries. At night, the main street comes alive with live music pouring out from the many pubs.

In the winter, you can hit the slopes at Mont-Orford, or snowshoe at the national park. You can also choose to skate on the path they create just on the water. The frozen trail is beautiful to glide on at sunset.

Orford is an amazing place to visit on a day trip from Montreal. There’s just so many different things to do here, in such a beautiful setting.

11. Discover the hidden gem of Coaticook and all its things to do outside Montreal

Not many people think of heading to Coaticook when they go on road trips from Montreal . But this little town has so much to offer.

First, one of our favorite hikes ever is located there. Mont Pinacle is a short 1-hour round-trip hike that has one of the best views for sunset. On weekdays, the trail and the summit are practically empty. The hike is only open from May to November.

There’s also the Coaticook gorge that you can hike. This trail is a great easy one that goes along the gorge, into a cave, up an observation tower and across the longest suspended pedestrian bridge. It’s also home to Foresta Lumina , an illuminated projection experience in the heart of the forest.

Coaticook is also where they make amazing ice cream. So on hot summer days, you can visit the ice creamery, get a tour of the factory and enjoy some delicious ice cream.

You can also hang out on the shores of the many lakes around Coaticook. Lac Lyster is a great little beach where you can chill out and enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake. If you want to stay overnight, there are many camping options around, or you can head back to Orford and stay at Chalets Hygge , our favorite cabins in the Eastern Townships .

12. Discover the scenic town of Sutton, a short day getaway from Montreal

Sutton is another one of those amazing places to discover on a short getaway from the city. Nestled in the mountains, this cute town has so much outdoor fun to offer, as well as some hidden gems too!

Located very close to the US border, Sutton is in a very hilly region of Quebec. It’s no surprise that it’s home to some great ski mountains, like Mount Sutton. Perfect for those who want to rip down the slopes. There are also a few microbreweries around where you can grab a drink for your après-ski, or on a hot summer day.

During the short Quebec summers, you can visit the vineyards in Sutton. Or stop and say hello to the alpacas. Walking around the main town is also really beautiful. Or even just driving around on the Route des Cantons. It makes for fun, scenic and lazy day trips from Montreal.

There’s also the Diable Vert that’s a great place to check out while in Sutton. You can pretty much spend a whole day here. There are hairy Highland cows to admire, the flying bike to ride (VéloVolant), many hiking trails to explore, as well as a lazy river to drift down. Or, if you want more active water sports, you can rent their kayaks or SUPs.

And if you want to spend more than a day here, they have some pretty cool accommodations to book , like treehouses, pods, rustic cabins and more!

Sutton is another one of those beautiful day trips to take from Montreal.

13. Tour the Eastern Townships for your day escape from Montreal

We’ve mentioned already how the Eastern Townships are one of our favorite regions in Quebec. Nestled in the mountains, windy roads, lush forests, plenty of lakes and a burgeoning wine scene! What more could you ask for?!

You can start your journey in Orford and go for a short hike or hang out at the beach at the Mont-Orford national park. When you’re done, head to North Hately, a beautiful town on the water. You can walk around the boardwalk and grab lunch there.

From there, you can drive along the Chemins des Cantons, where you’ll encounter many vineyards and microbreweries as well as so many quaint towns to discover. The Townships Trail takes you around 31 towns in total. Interesting stops include Magog, Frelighsburg, Stanstead, Sutton and Sherbrooke.

If you finish your route in Sherbrooke, make sure you stop at Strom Spa Nordique . It’s the perfect place to unwind and disconnect after a long day of exploring all the fun things to do outside Montreal.

The Townships Trail (or Chemin des Cantons) is probably the best way to discover the very best of the Eastern Townships. On summer days, spend as much time as possible – there are plenty of beaches where you can cool down. In the winter, the vineyards and microbreweries will keep you warm. And on fall days, treat yourself to an old fashion road trip. The colors in this magical landscape will blow your mind!

2 amazing Lanaudière day trips from Montreal

Lanaudière is one of those areas that has not yet been discovered by many Quebecers. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Montreal, and there’s so much to discover in this region.

The main attractions here are waterfalls. They’re really plenty to discover in this area. Plus, with all the mountains around, your drive here will be beautiful!

14. Discover some waterfalls in Lanaudière, near the Seven falls regional park

From Montreal, head toward the Seven Falls Regional Park. Here, you can choose to hike some of the many trails. Some are easy while others are harder. There are quite a few hikes that will give you an amazing view of the Matawinie region.

The main reason to head here is the many waterfalls in the park. An easy hike is the Voile de la mariée (Bride’s veil) which is a short 2km hike that takes you to a beautiful waterfall. More challenging hikes are Mont Barrière (at an altitude of 610 meters) or the rocky ridges of Mont Brassard (at 650 meters).

Once you’re done in this park, you can head to the Chutes à Bull park . They are just 30 minutes apart. Here, you have a ton of short hikes. It’s the perfect park for families to explore.

At the end of the hike, you have the impressive Chutes à Bull that you can admire from many viewpoints. You can also head up the hill there where you will find another viewpoint and platform. This is the perfect place to catch a sunset.

Along the routes in Lanaudière, you’ll find many restaurants and microbreweries to try. But in certain towns, choice is limited. We recommend coming prepared with snacks and maybe lunch, if you have certain dietary restrictions.

If you plan on staying the night, we recommend booking one of these cool pods at Les Boisés de la Rivière Noire .

15. Head to Rawdon and the Dorwin Falls, amazing places to go near Montreal

Another great place to discover in Lanaudière is the area in Rawdon. It’s a cute town with a few fun things to do, either as a full day or as a driving road trip through the area.

Rawdon is a lovely town about an hour or so away from Montreal. It’s full of amazing things to do. Especially for those who want to spend time outside.

First, Rawdon is home to the Dorwin waterfalls. These falls are an impressive 60 feet in height and you can see and feel them crashing down on one of the two lookouts. They are located in a park that bears the same name where you also have 2.5 km of paths to stroll around.

There are also many outdoor activities to do like hiking the many trails of the area, mountain biking or just cycling the paths around, playing golf with friends, or challenging yourself at ‘arbraska’. This is when you go on a path in the treetops, hanging from wires, stepping on planks and nets to get to the end.

And if that’s not enough, you can also check out one of our favorite outdoor spa experiences at La Source Rawdon . It’s a lovely spa with many hot and cold baths that you can dip in and out of.

Rawdon is really a great place to discover and it’s so close to the city. At only an hour away, it’s one of the easiest day trips to take from Montreal.

4 lovely day trips from Montreal in the Outaouais region

Outaouais is another great tourist area in Quebec that hasn’t been explored so much. Which is a great reason why you should head there. Fewer crowds mean more fun. Always!

Although Outaouais is a very large region, we focused on the parts that are accessible within less than a two-hour drive. This means you’ll have more time to explore where you choose to go.

If you want a full guide to all the best things to do in Outaouais, we’ve got you covered. Check out our article here for your Outaouais summer travel guide.

16. Exploring the peaceful Chutes de Plaisance

The Plaisance waterfalls are located about 1h30 from Montreal. This site is great to explore as part of a larger road trip or on a full-day trip from the city.

At a height of 63 meters, the Chutes de Plaisance are a great site to discover. These falls are very easy to access and explore. There’s a large parking lot at the entrance which makes access easy. The first belvedere is a short walk from there.

You also have access to many picnic tables all around the grounds, some at the top of the falls, where you can relax and enjoy the view. If you pack a lunch, you can treat yourself to some delicious food with an epic view.

The hike from the top to the bottom of the falls is about 1 km long. The trail is very well maintained. And at the end of the trail, there is a little beach where kayaks come to dock for a bit, or where you can take a dip. This is another great place to set up shop and hang out for a while.

Although this might seem like too short of a day trip, it’s nice to take some time and chill. The Chutes de Plaisance park is best enjoyed slowly. If not, you can combine it with a trip to the next destination.

Looking for more waterfalls to explore? Check out our full article about the best waterfalls in Quebec .

17. Explore the cute town of Montebello on a day getaway from Montreal

Another cute town to visit in Outaouais is Montebello. This town is home to the renowned Chateau Montebello , which is excuse enough to stay overnight. It’s also where you can experience the Rockfest – a 3-day rock music festival that takes over the main park in town. But on regular days, it’s a quaint town to explore.

One of the best things to do in Montebello is to check out the world’s largest log cabin – The Fairmount Chateau Montebello . This Canadian Landmark is worth exploring in its own right. This is where many international political events took place, like a G7 summit and a NATO meeting as well. It’s also where you can walk on the grounds, play golf, or enjoy one of the 40 activities available on site. However, since the pandemic, access to the Chateau Montebello has been limited to guests only.

Around town, another great place to visit is the Manoir Papineau . You can walk around the beautiful grounds and hiking trails around – it’s actually connected to the Chateau Montebello . Or, you can visit the Manoir itself. Either way, it’s a lovely place to go for a stroll and take in the history of the area.

Other great stops include the Brasseurs de Montebello and the Chocomotive Economusem . The brewery is wonderful on sunny days. You can sit on their terrasse (patio) and enjoy a brew. Best of all, they have quite a few meal options as well, including quite a few vegan dishes!

As for the Chocomotive Economuseum, you can see how chocolate treats are made. This little boutique and chocolatier is a great stop if you’re looking to treat yourself. In the back, you see the master chocolatier make their delicacies. Sometimes, you can test out the treats they make, if not, you can also buy them to take home. Unfortunately, there weren’t any vegan options when we visited.

Walking around the main road is also a fun thing to do, just to take the vibe of the town in. These are all the fun things to do in Montebello on a short trip from Montreal.

18. Explore the Val-des-Monts area, a short drive from Montreal

The Val-des-Monts area is about 40 minutes from Ottawa and around 2h30 from Montreal. It’s such a great region to check out on a day trip from Montreal, especially on a hot summer day.

First, you can start the day off at Eco-Odyssée Nature Park . This is a water maze, walking maze and conservation effort all rolled into one. You can pedalo, kayak or SUP on their water maze where you can discover a few beaver dams. In the winter, you can even go skating on the maze. On Fridays and Saturdays in the summer, after sundown, you can enjoy a projection show here as well.

Around the Eco-Odyssée park, you will also find an Arbraska adventure (trails in treetops) and hiking trails in Nakkertok park . Great for spending time outdoors. You can also explore around the old town of Wakefield, with a mandatory stop at the Wakefield Mill .

A perfect way to spend the afternoon is by going to Nordik Spa in Chelsea. This is North America’s largest outdoor spa. And it’s also home to Kalla, which is one of only two salt water pools in the world. This place is perfect to relax, unwind and chill out. There are also a few lakes in the area that you can visit if you’re looking to hang out by the water.

All in all, this area is so great if you want to reconnect with nature. The scenery is breathtaking with all the mountains and lakes, and there’s so much to explore. If you feel like a day trip is not enough, make sure you book a stay at Hom Mini Chalets . They’re the perfect cabins for couples.

19. Tour the Quebec tourist region of Outaouais on a getaway from Montreal

As we mentioned, Outaouais is a great region to explore, but it’s also very vast. But the parts that are within a two-hour drive from Montreal will give you a sneak peek into what makes Outaouais so special.

Start off by heading to Montebello, and explore the town and some of its main sites. You can then go to the Plaisance waterfalls , only 15 minutes away. This is a perfect way to spend the morning.

After, head for lunch at the Wakefield Mill. Weather permitting, you can sit outside and enjoy the view there. Walk around town – it will make you feel like you stepped back in time.

Then, you can either head to Ottawa for an afternoon of exploring the nation’s capital, or head to the Val-des-Monts area where you can go on an outdoor canoe adventure, or relax at the spa. The possibilities are endless when you explore everything Outaouais has to offer.

Want to discover all the best things to do in Outaouais? Check our full article out here .

A last fun day trip from Montreal in Ontario

Our last day getaway from the city will take you to Ontario. Specifically to Ottawa. If you’re exploring the Outaouais region, it’s a great place to stop, as you’ll probably be driving through here.

In the summer like in the winter, there are some great things to do in Canada’s capital city.

20. Discover Ottawa on a quick day trip near Montreal

Located just under two hours away from Montreal, Ottawa is a great place to visit on a day trip or a longer weekend getaway .

A classic trip includes a stop at Parliament Hill. The Neo-Gothic building is an iconic part of Ottawa’s landscape and is the home of the Canadian legislature. The Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada are definitely worth visiting, especially on really cold or rainy days. Both places will give you a view into Canada’s history, diversity, art and culture.

There are also plenty of great little boutiques and restaurants to check out all over the city. Walking or cycling around are great ways to take it all in. You can also walk through Major’s Hill Park. It’s an urban green space located among some of the most notable buildings in Ottawa, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the U.S. Embassy, and the Byward Market. In the spring, it’s the perfect place to check out the Dutch tulips.

And of course, a stop at the Rideau Canal is a must. The canal connects the city of Ottawa to Lake Ontario. On summer days, it’s the perfect place to go biking or sail through it by boat. And what’s really cool is that on winter days, you can go ice skating on it.

Ottawa is a great little day trip from Montreal, any time of year, on weekends or weekdays!

Top 20 best road trips from Montreal

There you have it! 20 amazing places you can get away to on short day trips from Montreal. Of course, there are plenty of other towns to visit, but these are the ones that have the best to offer and explore in a short timeframe.

As a recap, here they are again:

• Ile de Boucherville
• Mont-Saint-Hilaire
• Saint-Jean-sur Richelieu
• South of Montreal
• Oka National Park
• North of Montreal
• Saint-Sauveur
• Mont-Tremblant
• Tour of the Laurentians
• Tour of the Eastern Townships
• Parc régionnal des septs chutes & Chutes à Bull
• Rawdon & Chutes Dorwin
• Chutes de Plaisance
• Val des Monts area
• Tour of Outaouais

Let us know in the comments which of these you’re most excited to visit. Are there other towns or regions that we should add to our list? What are some of your favorite places to explore on day trips from Montreal?

Thank you so much for reading the article all the way through!

We put a lot of time and effort into the content we create. Please like, comment and share – every action on your part helps us out tremendously and is very appreciated.

You can also help us by pinning this article for others to find.

You Might Also Like:

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Home » Travel Guides » Canada » 15 Best Day Trips from Montreal

15 Best Day Trips from Montreal

With an electrifying cultural dynamic and countless things to do, Montreal is favoured as one of the most irresistible destinations in Canada by both visitors and locals alike.

The tangible French influence means there’s endless places to eat mouthwatering food, fascinating art attractions throughout the city and much more.

However, Montreal also happens to be in the heartland of the Quebec countryside and as a result, there is a whole world of small townships, lakes, rivers and mountain ranges just outside the city limits and these destinations are well worth taking a day to go and visit.

Most being only a couple of hours drive away, here are the top day trip attractions that can be reached from Montreal.

1. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park

Only a few miles from Montreal, it couldn’t be easier to reach the Parc National des Iles-de-Boucherville and it offers the perfect escape from the busy city.

Come prepared to be active, as the series of chain islands is a veritable playground for all kinds of sports and activities from hiking, jogging and snowshoeing, to canoeing and cross-country skiing to name but a few.

The huge expanse of protected natural reserve was also the home to many First Nations people – if you want to brush up on your history, you can take an educational tour that gives a rare insight into this, as well as wildlife and conservation.

2. Domaine Labranche

Located in the beautifully picturesque region just south of the St. Lawrence River, Domaine Labranche is a family-run sugar shack which historically collected and processed locally produced maple sap.

Visitors can come and explore the gorgeous grounds, which include a farm, vineyard and hiking trails that are right around the corner.

As you can expect, there is a thriving culinary offering here and you can indulge in just about everything from fresh farm produce, wines and ingeniously prepared maple dishes.

3. Calvaire D’Oka

The trailhead to this wonderful hike can be found just metres from the idyllic Oka Provincial Park which is a huge natural reserve complete with beautiful forests, lakes and a significant number of historic buildings including oratories and chapels.

The Calvaire D’Oka hiking trail is accessible enough for any skill level and you’ll be rewarded with striking views of Lac des Deux Montagnes and the famous Adirondacks.

If you want to cool off after the hike, then make your way down to the lake where you can enjoy every kind of water sport imaginable, from stand-up paddle boarding to pedal boats and kayaking.

4. Granby Zoo

The ideal day trip for both families and travellers, Granby Zoo is in fact the biggest zoo in Quebec, not only because it houses so many animals of so many different species, but because of the physical size of its conservation area, meaning all the animals have ample space.

With wildlife that is both domestic and exotic, the 1000 strong community of animals attracts crowds of people each year who want to escape city life and marvel at the wonders of the Animal Kingdom.

Particularly popular amongst families is the zoo’s water park that is across the street, where you can cool off, grab a bite to eat and catch some sun in the summer.

5. Sucrerie de la Montagne

Unlike many of its counterparts across Quebec, this authentic sugar shack is open throughout the whole year, whereas others only tend to open during winter – meaning you can get a taste of pioneer Canada no matter when you visit.

The Quebec Heritage site is surrounded by a vast maple forest in the beautiful Mont Rigaud and visitors will have the chance to gain a fascinating insight into what life was like for the people who lived and worked here while producing maple products.

Between a restaurant and general store, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained for the day, though if you want to stay in the picturesque forest for longer, there is accommodation available.

6. Mont-Tremblant

Between it’s famous ski resort and pristine national park, its little wonder that locals from Montreal and visitors alike make the 2-hour trip to the slopes of the beautiful Mont-Tremblant to spend the day enjoying everything the mountain has to offer.

The charmingly quaint village was actually designed to look like a Swiss alpine town and it matches its mountain settings perfectly.

You’ll have no trouble finding something exhilarating to do even if you’re not a skier, from paddle boarding to mountain biking or swimming.

In the winter, it’s a skier and snowboarder haven, so if you’re into snowsports it’s a worthwhile time to visit.

Recommended tour : Private Day Tour to Mont Tremblant

Incredibly easy to reach thanks to the many bus routes and a rail line that connects Montreal with Ottawa, the city offers a different perspective of Canadian life, one that is incredibly rich in history owing to its parliamentary significance.

Home of the governmental heartland, Ottawa’s Parliament Hill is an architectural marvel and well worth a visit.

The city also has a blooming outdoor events culture, with festivals, concerts and markets occurring regularly throughout the year.

Book online : Private Day Tour to Ottawa

8. Quebec City

Also easily reachable from Montreal and without a doubt one of the most popular day trips, is the beautiful Quebec City.

Famously one of the oldest settlements built by European colonists in the whole of North America, the history here is apparent in the traditional architecture, whilst the museums hold enough knowledge to keep you fascinated for days.

The Vieux-Quebec District still exhibits the walls that surrounded the original fortress and offers one of the prettiest skylines in the city.

Not to be missed are the impressive museums and legislature buildings, including the National Assembly of Quebec and the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec.

Top rated tour : Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip

9. Petit Train du Nord Trail

Once a thriving railroad trail, this gorgeous route through the Laurentian Mountains has now been converted into an incredibly popular bike path and cross-country ski trail that winds its way through glades and alpine lakes and forests.

The 200km trail can be undertaken as one long trip or you can cover sections of it and stop off at a number of charming little towns on the way that grew from the old train stations.

At a mere 30 minutes from Montreal it’s the perfect place to do some do-it-yourself exploring while getting back to nature.

10. Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park

A relatively small slice of alpine paradise tucked away behind West Island’s housing developments and therefore having the feel of hidden gem.

Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park features the largest beach nearby to Montreal and visitors have endless choices when it comes to what activities to do there.

From windsurfing to beach volleyball to kayaking, it’s impossible to get bored here and the scenery is pretty enough to simply sit back and take it all in.

Remember to take some food with you as there are no restaurants in the area, though if you visit on the weekend there are sometimes food trucks selling fresh, local recipes.

11. The Laurentians

The Laurentian Mountains are one of Montreal’s best kept secrets when it comes to day trips as they are only about an hour away from town and don’t necessarily require an overnight stay.

Here you’ll find rolling mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes and a network of adorable alpine villages and townships that are all too reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.

Explore on your own or embark on a tour that’ll take you on a meandering route through the forests and mountains, even to Lac Des Sables where you can take a cruise and soak in the incredible views from the water.

12. Canada Railway Museum

A mere 20 minutes away from downtown Montreal, this intriguing insight into the pioneering railroad industry is the perfect place to start a day out – it’s so close that you can spend an hour or two here and move on to a different day trip.

The Canada Railway Museum showcases an assortment of technological breakthroughs that shaped the Canada of today and most of its exhibits are in pristine condition.

A great day out for families, it can be found in St Constant, just across from the St Lawrence River.

13. Au Diable Vert Canopy Cycle

One of the only attractions of its kind in the area, Au Diable Vert is home to not only stunning views from atop its perch on an alpine pasture, but is also home to a unique type of cycling.

Canopy cycling takes visitors above the tree line on hanging, open air cable cars that are powered by your pedal-pushing-power.

With no traffic in sight or earshot, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking panoramas of the Green Mountains and the Missisquoi River Valley as you pedal your way across the sky.

14. Whale Watching at Rivière-du-Loup

A full-day commitment for wildlife lovers – this day trip clocks in at around 10 hours in total including travel to the idyllic Rivière-du-Loup.

If you have the time however, its an incredibly worthwhile experience that you’re not likely to ever forget.

After being picked up from a central Montreal location, you’ll be whisked away on a 3 hour guided cruise that’ll take you to within almost touching distance of the huge, majestic beasts, allowing for some truly heart-stopping photography moments.

15. Eastern Townships

A popular escape for city dwellers to get back to nature whilst not having to rough it, the Eastern Townships are about two hours away from Montreal and offer a vast range of lakeside destinations that are particularly beautiful in the summer, where you can visit for the day or rent one of the many cottages peppering the region.

Throughout the year you can also enjoy festivals, wine-tasting fairs and all manner of outdoor activities whilst enjoying the Township’s lake district-esque charm.

15 Best Day Trips from Montreal:

• Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
• Domaine Labranche
• Calvaire D’Oka
• Sucrerie de la Montagne
• Mont-Tremblant
• Quebec City
• Petit Train du Nord Trail
• Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park
• The Laurentians
• Canada Railway Museum
• Au Diable Vert Canopy Cycle
• Whale Watching at Rivière-du-Loup
• Eastern Townships

15 Best Beaches Near Montreal, Canada — The Closest River & Lake Beach Spots

By: Author Christina Rado

Posted on Published: February 17, 2021  - Last updated: June 12, 2023

Looking for a splash of sun-soaked serenity during your Montreal adventure? 

Who’s to say you can’t find your own seaside escape, even if the city is more than a thousand miles from the ocean? 

In this dynamic metropolis, you’re never far from a stunning waterfront retreat. 

So, let’s cast off our urban preconceptions and slip into our favorite beachwear. 

Today, we’re exploring the best beaches near Montreal, Canada – each one handpicked, promising you an unforgettable blend of sun, sand, and vibrant memories. 

Perfect for families, these destinations redefine your Montreal experience and guarantee a refreshing summer interlude. 

Discover the best beach escape near the city with my tips below. 

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Best Beaches Near Montreal, Canada Compared

If you’re looking for the best beaches near the city, let me share my picks for your family. 

Get ready to soak up the sun and create unforgettable memories.

Editor’s Choice

Oka National Park

Nestled 62 kilometers away from Montreal, this 9.2-square-mile park is a haven of fun for beach lovers.

• Family-Friendliness: 4/5
• Safety: 4/5
• Amenities: 3/5
• Water Quality: 5/5
• Accessibility: 3/5

#2nd Best Choice

Plage Saint-Zotique

Sitting along Saint Lawrence River’s shores, this budget-friendly beach has been a popular family destination for several years.

• Family-Friendliness: 5/5
• Amenities: 4/5
• Water Quality: 4/5
• Accessibility: 4/5

#3rd Best Choice

Jean-Dore Beach

Jean-Dore is 5 minutes away from downtown, making it the nearest beach spot to Montreal.

• Safety: 3/5
• Water Quality: 3/5
• Accessibility: 5/5

Here are the top 15 beaches near Montreal, Canada.

1. Oka National Park (Editor’s Choice)

2020 Chemin d’Oka Oka, QC J0N 1EO, Canada (450) 479-8365 Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Natural beauty: Oka National Park offers stunning natural beauty with its sandy beaches, clear water, and surrounding forests. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque scenery and relax in a tranquil environment.
• Activities and amenities: The park provides a range of recreational activities, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking trails. It also has picnic areas, rental services for water equipment, and camping facilities, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
• Crowded during peak times: Oka National Park can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, due to its popularity. Finding a spot on the beach or parking can be challenging, and the overall atmosphere may become more bustling and less serene.
• Limited swimming areas: The designated swimming areas in the park can be limited in size, particularly during busy periods. This can result in crowded conditions in the water, which may not be ideal for those seeking a more secluded swimming experience.

Why We Recommend This Beach

Oka National Park is, no doubt, one of our favorite quick beach getaways from Montreal.

Not only does it feature a stunning beach, but it also mesmerizes visitors with gorgeous views of Lake Deux Montagnes.

What’s more, the park offers an array of outdoor activities, including pedal boating, biking, kayaking and canoeing.

Spice up your trip by hiking the 2.7-mile Calvaire trail.

Built by the Sulpicians, this Stations of the Cross pathway is pretty easy and ends in a picturesque viewpoint.

And, guess what?

This vantage point is an excellent spot for sunset viewing.

Recommended Hotel Near Oka National Park: Courtyard by Marriott Montreal West Island/Baie D’Urfe

Related: Best Things to Do in Montreal

2. Plage Saint-Zotique

105 81e Av Saint-Zotique, QC j0P 1ZO, Canada (450) 267-3003 Visit Website Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

• Family-friendly atmosphere: Plage Saint-Zotique is known for its family-friendly environment. The beach is well-maintained and offers shallow waters, making it suitable for children to swim and play safely. It also has playgrounds, picnic areas, and amenities like showers and changing rooms.
• Recreational activities: The beach provides various recreational activities such as beach volleyball, soccer fields, and pedal boat rentals. Visitors can engage in these activities to add more excitement to their beach experience.
• Limited natural shade: Plage Saint-Zotique doesn’t have many trees or natural shade areas, so it can get quite hot and sunny during peak summer hours. It’s advisable to bring sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas to protect against the sun.
• Occasional algae blooms: The beach occasionally experiences algae blooms, which can affect the water quality and make swimming less enjoyable. It’s recommended to check for any advisories or warnings before visiting the beach to ensure safe swimming conditions.

Plage Saint-Zotique will captivate you in so many ways.

With its crystal clear water and soft sands, it’s a prime spot for classic beach activities.

Furthermore, it offers a slew of attractions, including a playground, hiking trails, watercraft rentals, a wading pool and a splash park.

With lifeguards on duty, shallow waters and nonexistent waves, it’s also the safest beach for kids near Montreal.

You need to buy tickets online to access this beach near Montreal.

We also recommend that you arrive early to snag a nice spot on the shoreline.

It’s quite a popular beach, so it often gets crowded, especially on weekends.

Recommended Hotel Near Plage Saint-Zotique: Hampton Inn & Suites Montreal-Dorval

3. Jean-Dore Beach

151 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Montreal, QC H3c 1A9, Canada (514) 872-0199 Visit Website Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

• Proximity to Montreal: Jean-Dore Beach is conveniently located in Parc Jean-Drapeau, just minutes away from downtown Montreal. This proximity makes it easily accessible for city dwellers and tourists without the need for a long commute.
• Beautiful views of Montreal skyline: The beach offers stunning views of the Montreal skyline, providing a unique backdrop for relaxation and leisure activities. It’s an excellent spot for taking memorable photos or enjoying a picnic while admiring the cityscape.
• Limited sandy area: Jean-Dore Beach has a relatively small sandy area compared to other beaches, which can lead to crowded conditions on busy days. Finding a comfortable spot on the beach might be a challenge during peak times.
• Water quality concerns: Due to its location near a major city, water quality can sometimes be a concern at Jean-Dore Beach. After heavy rainfall, there may be temporary water quality advisories in place, affecting swimming conditions. It’s advisable to check for any alerts before visiting.

Looking for more family-friendly lake beaches nearby?

Why not take a day trip to Jean-Dore Beach?

Home to a 15,000-square-meter swimming area, this beach lures visitors with its crystal clear waters and golden sands.

And, the best part is, it’s easily accessible by public transit or bike from downtown Montreal.

There are lockers where you can store your things on this beach destination.

Just make sure to bring your own lock if you plan to use one of them.

Recommended Hotel Near Jean-Dore Beach: Hotel Gault

Also See: Beaches Near Paris, France Best Beaches in The South of France

4. Lac Saint-Joseph Beach

7001, Rte de Fossambault Fossambault-sur-le-Lac, Québec G3N 1×7, Canada (418) 875-2242 Visit Website Yelp Open in Google Maps

Rated “A” by Canada’s Ministry of the Environment, this sandy beach in Saint-Joseph Lake stretches for almost a mile.

Lac Saint-Joseph Beach is the only place in the whole province of Quebec where you’ll spot genuine coconut trees.

Although imported, these trees still look eye-catching and Insta-worthy.

Of course, this beach offers a host of activities, like jet-skiing, rowboats and water slides.

Once you’ve had your fill of sand and sun, check out the other attractions in the area.

Our favorites include Les Vergers Lafrance, Centre d’Interprétation de la Courge du Québec, and A la Croisée des Pommes.

Recommended Hotel Near Lac Saint-Joseph Beach: Station Touristique Duchesnay – Sepaq

Related: Best Restaurants in Montreal

5. Saint-Timothée Beach

230 Rue Saint Laurent Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC J6S 6B9 Canada (450) 377-1117 Visit Website Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

Nicknamed the Carribean of Quebec, this beautiful beach is set inside St. Timothee Islands Regional Park.

With decent waves and crystal clear waters, this waterfront hideaway is the best beach for swimming near Montreal.

Surrounded by verdant landscapes, this cove is also -picture-perfect, even though it’s not a white sand beach.

There’s also an on-site rescue staff and scores of recreational activities, like pedal-boating and kayaking.

Hit the 2.5-kilometer-long, flat and multipurpose trail that runs along 2 nice beaches and protected woodlands.

Thanks to the provided interpretation panels, this trail will give you interesting information about the park’s natural environment as well.

Recommended Hotel Near Saint-Timothée Beach: Hôtel Plaza Valleyfield

6. Pointe-Calumet Beach

701 38e Rue Pointe-Calumet, QC J0N 1G2, Canada (450) 473-1000 Yelp Open in Google Maps

Situated 45 minutes away from downtown Montreal, this unique beach beckons young travelers with its party vibe.

If you’re searching for vibrant weekend beach trips from Montreal, look no further than Pointe-Calumet.

From festivals to concerts, this beach has been a host to a plethora of colorful events.

Plus, it offers tons of exciting activities, including kayaking and water skiing.

Traveling with kids?

Even though it’s known as an adults-only beach club, there’s actually a section here dedicated for families who just want to relax.

Alternatively, you may check out the kid-approved Super Aqua Club.

Recommended Hotel Near Pointe-Calumet Beach: Novotel Montréal Aéroport

Related: Fun Things to Do in Montreal with Kids

7. Major Beach Lac-des-Sables

1 Chemin du Lac des Sables Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC J8C 2Z7, Canada (819) 326-0457 Visit Website Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

The largest and most beloved beach of Lac-des-Sables is located 60 miles away from “The City of Saints”.

No list of the best beach vacations from Montreal is complete without Major Beach.

Serene and secluded, it’s the perfect antidote to your frenzied and stressful city life.

And, if you feel restless, you’ll find a range of outdoor activities here, like canoeing, kayaking and paddle boards.

And, did we mention that it’s free for everyone?

You don’t have to pack a lot of food for your escape on Major Beach.

There’s an on-site restaurant, a snack bar and a picnic area on this beach.

You may use its barbecue facilities too if you want to save some cash on food.

Recommended Hotel Near Major Beach Lac-des-Sables: Super 8 by Wyndham Sainte Agathe Des Monts

Also See: Best Beaches in Portugal Beaches in Spain

8. The Clock Tower Beach

1 Clock Tower Quay St Montreal, Quebec H2L 5C1, Canada (514) 496-7678 Visit Website Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

Open since 2012, this waterfront attraction is one of the newest beaches in Montreal.

With a whopping land area 3.2 acres, this urban getaway gives you plenty of space to unwind and have fun.

While swimming is not allowed, there are misting stations where you can cool off.

Moreover, the beach boasts stellar views of the city’s skyline.

On summer evenings, the beach is a prime spot for viewing the spectacular firework displays of the Old Port.

Recommended Hotel Near The Clock Tower Beach: Hotel Nelligan

9. Plage Saint Gabriel

Avenue du Parc Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, QC J0K 2 N0, Canada (450) 835-2212 Visit Website Yel p Open in Google Maps

With an average depth of 90 feet and a 6.5-square-mile land area, this beach offers ample opportunities for adventure.

Plage Saint Gabriel is a haven of fun for intrepid travelers.

Thanks to its ideal conditions, the beach is perfect for sailing, stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking and swimming.

If you’re not in the mood for some splashy thrills, there’s a picnic area where you can relax and relish the view.

Pack sunscreen, food, a first-aid kit and other essentials for your safety and comfort.

Unlike other beaches, there’s no restaurant or concession on this cove.

Recommended Hotel Near Plage Saint Gabriel: Sacacomie Hôtel et Spa

10. l’Île Charron Beach

2495 Rue de l’Île Charron Longueuil, QC J4G 1R6, Canada (450) 463-7311 Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

Open year-round, l’Île Charron Beach sits 18.6 miles from Montreal, and is free to the public.

l’Île Charron Beach has everything you need for a pleasant beach day trip from Montreal.

Refreshing waters?

Soft sand and scenic beachside vistas?

Absolutely!

The beach is even fitted with a disc golf course, a picnic area, volleyball courts and a boat lunch.

In summer, the beach is pretty accessible through the area’s public transport.

You can easily take the RTL Bus des Îles shuttle to the area from the Croisières Navark riverboat or Université-de-Sherbrooke metro station.

Recommended Hotel Near l’Île Charron Beach: Auberge de la Montagne Coupée

11. Cap-Saint-Jacques National Park Beach

20099 Boul Gouin O Pierrefonds, QC H9K 1C6, Canada (514) 280-6778 Visit Website Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

At 820 acres, this oasis in the West Island is Montreal’s largest nature park.

Not to mention, it’s home to one of the region’s prettiest beaches.

Cap-Saint-Jacques National Park enthralls summertime visitors with its fantastic beach.

With gentle, calm waters, this beach is a terrific spot for swimming and other splashy activities.

Surrounded by verdant fields and woodland, the park is ideal for hiking, kayaking and cycling.

Pay a visit to the Cap-St-Jacques organic farm.

At the farm’s on-site shop, you’ll discover a myriad of products as well as snacks, like crepes.

There are also sleigh rides, greenhouses and farm animals at this spot.

Recommended Hotel Near Cap-Saint-Jacques National Park Beach: Courtyard by Marriott Montreal West Island/Baie D’Urfe

12. Voyageur Provincial Park

1313 Front Rd Chute-a-Blondeau, ON K0B 1B0, Canada (613) 674-2825 Visit Website Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

Opened in 1966, this 3,620-acre park has a few beaches and features more than 400 campsites.

Voyageur Provincial Park has 4 incredible beaches lying along the Ottawa River.

Each beach has its own barbecue spots, showers and rentals for water sports.

Add in children’s playgrounds and fishing opportunities, and you have the ultimate recipe for fun family break.

There’s no long and adrenaline-pumping trail within the park.

But, it has a couple of small pathways that let you soak up the beauty of the park.

The 1-mile Coureur des Bois trail winds through different aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

Likewise, the trail features interpretive plaques that educate you about the fauna and flora that you’ll spot along the way.

Recommended Hotel Near Voyageur Provincial Park: Super 8 by Wyndham St-Jerome

13. Verdun Beach

4110 Boulevard LaSalle Verdun, QC H4G 2A5, Canada (514) 280-0789 Visit Website Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

Located on Saint-Lawrence River’s shore, this extraordinary urban beach is refreshing respite from summer’s hazy days.

There’s no shortage of thrills and spills on this unique waterfront hangout.

Here, visitors will discover sandy play areas, hammocks, a climbing wall, slides and a calm swimming area.

For non-swimmers, there are life jackets that you can use for free.

While there are lifeguards on duty, you should still be extra careful when swimming on this beach.

Due to heavy currents and high water levels, we recommend that you wear a life vest as you swim on this waterfront spot.

Recommended Hotel Near Verdun Beach: Hôtel Uville Montréal

14. Centre Touristique De Lac-Simon

1216 Rue Principale Duhamel, QC J0V 1G0, Canada (800) 665-6527 Visit Website Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

Set in an isolated area of Cheneville, this vacation destination draws visitors with its 1.2-mile sandy stretch.

From cross-country skiing to ice fishing, this resort has a tpm of thrilling activities in winter.

But, it also has a majestic, exotic-looking beach with warm, soft sands and spotless, sparkling waters during the warmer months.

Make your summer escape more memorable here by checking out the resort’s other attractions.

As you explore the resort, you’ll find organized activities, slides, climbing games and even a trampoline.

Recommended Hotel Near Centre Touristique De Lac-Simon: Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites

15. Douglass Beach

213 Lakeside Rd Lac-Brome, Québec J0E 1V0, Canada (450) 242-2020 Visit Website Tripadvisor Open in Google Maps

Douglass Beach is an underrated family destination that’s just an 80-minute drive from Montreal.

Douglass is, hands down, one of the best beaches near Montreal, Canada.

Perfect for families, this waterfront wonder offers swimming, lifeguards, beach volleyball, a snack bar and a picnic area that overlooks the water.

Additionally, the beach has access to a bundle of walking trails.

Drop by Lac Brome, which is a charming, quaint town.

Trust me, you’ll adore the town’s attractions, including Brome County Museum, Les Champs Vallons and Espace Mosaik.

Recommended Hotel Near Douglass Beach: AUBERGE Knowlton

Also See: Best Beaches in Japan

Beachgoer Guide 

Comparing beaches: which one is right for you.

Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape or a fun-filled family adventure, these beach destinations offer something for everyone.

Let’s begin with Oka National Park, a true hidden gem. 

The expansive beach, nestled along the crystal-clear waters of Lac des Deux Montagnes, is perfect for nature lovers. 

Next up is Plage Saint-Zotique, a popular choice for those seeking a lively beach atmosphere. 

The beach’s shallow waters make it ideal for young children to splash around, and the well-maintained facilities ensure our comfort throughout the day. 

Finally, we explored the lively Jean-Dore Beach, located on the picturesque Île Notre-Dame. 

The beach’s close proximity to downtown Montreal makes it easily accessible, and its vibrant atmosphere draws crowds of locals and tourists alike. 

The beach’s water activities, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, added an extra element of excitement to our visit.

How I Picked The Beach Spots 

Choosing the best beaches near Montreal was no easy feat. 

I wanted to ensure that I recommended destinations that I had personally experienced and researched thoroughly. 

I even sought insights from other locals and fellow travelers. 

I wanted to provide you with the most accurate and reliable information to help you plan your perfect beach getaway.

Our Beach Rating Method

I rate these beaches based on the following criteria:

• Family-Friendliness: I use this to evaluate if the beach is ideal for families with children. Does the beach offer kid-friendly activities and playgrounds? Does the beach have shallow waters and gentle waves? I ask myself these questions when I rate the family-friendliness criterion. 
• Safety: This is used to assess the safety of every beach destination. Are there lifeguards manning the beach? Does it have safety equipment? What are the other safety measures at the beach? I consider these factors when evaluating the safety of every beach. 
• Amenities: I use it to evaluate the quality and availability of facilities on every beach.  Is it equipped with restrooms, showers, and changing rooms? Does it have ample parking? These questions are important whenever I rate the amenities of each beach. 
• Water Quality: This evaluates the cleanliness and clarity of the water at the beach. Are there algae in the water? Is the water safe and clean enough for swimming and other activities? I ask myself these questions in order to rate the beach’s water quality. 
• Accessibility: This measures how accessible the beach is for visitors. How far is it from the major cities? Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Is the beach wheelchair accessible? I use these questions to evaluate the accessibility of every beach. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What ocean is near montreal.

The closest ocean to Montreal is the Atlantic Ocean. It is located on the eastern coast of Canada, approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) away from Montreal.

How Far Is Montreal To The Ocean?

Montreal is situated in the Saint Lawrence River Valley, which is connected to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. While the Gulf is not technically an ocean, it serves as an entry point to the Atlantic Ocean, making Montreal indirectly connected to the ocean through this route.

What Are The Nicest Beaches In Canada?

Some of the nicest beaches in Canada can be found in the provinces of British Columbia and Prince Edward Island. Popular beaches include Long Beach in Tofino, British Columbia, which is known for its stunning scenery, and Cavendish Beach in Prince Edward Island, famous for its beautiful sand dunes and warm waters.

Conclusion 

Oka National Park is our top choice for the best beaches near Montreal, Canada. 

As an avid traveler and beach enthusiast, I have personally explored these coastal retreats and carefully evaluated each destination. 

Oka National Park stands out with its stunning natural beauty, including sandy beaches, clear water, and surrounding forests. 

It offers a wide range of recreational activities, such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking trails. 

It is an ideal choice for a day trip or weekend getaway with your loved ones. 

While it can get crowded during peak times and swimming areas may be limited, Oka National Park remains a hidden gem.

This beach will transport you to a world of sun, sand, and relaxation.

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Best Montreal beaches to visit right now

From secret surf spots to the best stretch of warm sand, head to one of the city's coolest beaches this summer.

Photograph: Saint-Anicet Beach | @hamiltoncidade / Instagram

Montreal is an island. Take advantage of it! From long stretches of sand dotted with tiki-inspired huts to surf spots, our picks for the best beaches in and around Montreal include urban oases, park-adjacent shores and kid-friendly getaways that are always worth the trip (this secret beach  should be on your Montreal road trip bucket list—and have you heard about this nudist beach just outside of Montreal). Pack your favourite cheap eats , grab a beach chair and don’t forget the sunscreen.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Montreal Montreal's best pools to cool off in this summer Best parks in Montreal 21 best things to do in Montreal with kids

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best beaches in and around Montreal

1.  clock tower beach.

Clock Tower Beach is located right in Montreal’s Old Port, making it the ideal spot to unwind after a long day without having to venture too far from the city centre. The urban beach venue is essentially part bar and part park, trading in traditional terrasse seating in favor of sand, plastic chairs and parasols. A little slice of the city reminiscent of the French Rivieria, it’s also a great spot to watch the International Fireworks Festival.

2.  Jean-Doré Beach

Easily accessible by metro or by foot, Jean-Doré Beach is conveniently located on Parc Jean-Drapeau, the same island festival-goers flock to for the likes of Osheaga and Piknic Electronik. It may be manmade, but Jean-Doré boasts 15,000 square meters of outdoor space and is home to activities for all ages, from paddle board yoga to beach volleyball. It's also home to Aquazilla, the epic floating water park for kids of all ages.

3.  Village Des Écluses

Located on picturesque Lac St-Louis at the mouth of the Soulanges canal, Village Des Écluses —just 40 minutes from downtown Montreal—has it all: sandy beach; kayaks and paddle boards for rent; outdoor terrasse with beer garden vibes and camping for those who want to spend the night.

4.  Saint-Zotique Beach

This might just be the most beautiful beach in Québec. Located about an hour outside of Montréal, this long stretch of fine sand is dotted with tiki-style thatched huts and flanked by crystal-clear water. A celebration of the beach’s 40th anniversary this year promises a summer full of live music, DJ’s, morning yoga, games and tournaments, in addition to the mega nautical course, splash park, wading pool, water craft rentals, SUP Polo area, playground and hiking trails. Forgot snacks? The restaurant and ice cream shop have got you covered.

5.  Vague à Guy

It might not technically be a beach, but Vague à Guy (“Guy’s Wave”) is one of the best spots in the city for surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding. The wave is stationary thanks to the rocky relief of the St. Lawrence River bottom, and once you’re in the rapids you can stay indefinitely on an endless standing wave. Located in Lasalle’s Parc des Rapides (20 minutes south of downtown Montreal), it’s important to note that the city doesn’t supervise this area, so make sure you use the (experienced) buddy system. 

6.  Oka Beach

A few kilometers outside of Montreal’s core, Oka Beach is located in Oka National Park. Aside from the beach area, you’ll find everything you need here, from campsites and picnic areas to cycling and walking trails. Word to the wise, the beach—while open to the public—has two distinct sections: The family-friendly side and the adult-only side, where swimwear is optional and nudity is encouraged. It shouldn’t take you long to figure out which one is which.

7.  Plage du parc Jules-Léger / Saint-Anicet Beach

Right off of Route 132, an hour and 15 minutes' of driving south along the Saint Lawrence River, you'll need to only turn onto Caza Avenue and check out this gem at the heart Saint-Anicet: With steps going down into its clear water, it's a great spot to completely chill and escape despite its popularity. How's that work? Turns out that animals, alcohol, fireworks, barbecues and camping aren't allowed at this public beach, and for some that means quieter times for leisurely swimming during hot summer days. Access to the nearby Jules Léger Park, municipal wharf and the public beach is free.

8.  Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard Nature Park

Located about half an hour from downtown Montreal, this nature park feels more like a hidden gem in the country than a big city suburb, and the beach here is no exception. Come here for a more relaxed, secluded beach day and enjoy some impromptu birdwatching between dips in the blue.

9.  Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park

If you’re looking for a traditional beach experience, look no further than Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park. This charming beach and nature park located in Pierrefonds is the go-to spot for many West Island residents, and for good reason. The natural sand beach is regularly tested “excellent” in terms of water quality—an important factor to consider when swimming in lakes and rivers—and the surrounding park offers everything from picnic areas and walking trails to food trucks and a small farm with organic produce for purchase.

10.  Verdun Beach

When it comes to urban beaches, few get as good as the Verdun Beach behind the Verdun Auditorium. By day, families are flocking here to let the kids jump in the Saint-Lawrence, while evenings are full of mini dance parties (at least when the cops aren't breaking them up). With just the right depth and a jetty to break the current, this hangout right on the Saint-Lawrence is perfect and easy to access by metro. Just note that access is currently limited to 80 people at a time, a crowd that's turned over by lifeguards every 45 minutes. Open from 10am to 7pm daily, it doesn't cost a thing to chill here.

11.  Plage de l'Est

Montreal's newest urban beach is grand and spacious, and it's got the design to match. Part of a revitalization project for Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, it's the first beach to have been created on the eastern side of the city. At 1.2 hectares, the area includes outdoor toilets and showers, two beach volleyball courts, hangout spots, and a steel and wood jetty to break the current for the pebble beach, making this a favoured spot for water sport lovers. Fun fact: Archaeologists discovered as many as 12,000 artefacts while this site was created including objects like arrowheads and shards.

12.  Pointe-Calumet Beach / Beach Club

Pointe-Calumet Beach has become synonymous with Beach Club, the rowdy adult-only outdoor club, but the beach is actually divided into two sections: One for those who are down for day drinking and dancing, while the other is for families and those looking for a more laid-back day in the sun. If you’re going for the Top Gun-esque volleyball experience during your next day at the beach, this is the spot.

13.  RécréoParc Beach

A little less than half an hour outside of the city centre, RécréoParc Beach boasts natural sand, supervised swimming and lake-like water. While folks tend to flock here in the summer for an urban camping experience, there’s also an indoor restaurant on the premises for those who need a break from the sand and sun, or at least to grab a drink before heading back out into it.

14.  St. Timothée Islands Regional Park Beach

Accessible by car or bus, St. Timothée Islands Regional Park Beach has excellent water quality, rescue staff on-site, and recreational fittings for rent like kayaks and pedal boat rentals. The crystal-clear water and surrounding greenery are almost enough to feel as though you’ve escaped to The Laurentians without leaving the city.

15.  Chutes Sainte-Marguerite

While not exactly the sandy locale you might expect, these waterfalls an hour north of the city supply a secluded spot by Lac Masson for dipping in the frothy water of its naturally formed pools. It’s rocky but has all the trappings of a relaxing beach. While it’s open to all to bring picnics and parties, it’s also a popular dating and hookup spot, so be respectful if you plan on visiting—or suggest a trip there on Grindr.

16.  Voyageur Provincial Park

An hour’s drive westward from the city centre, this provincial park’s an easy roadtrip that worth the drive. It sports four beaches in total along the Ottawa River and each have their own water sport rentals, showers and spots to barbecue. Couple that with the fishing opportunities, playgrounds for the kids and spots to camp to find that a daytrip here can easily turn into a weekend getaway.

Prefer to stay in one of Montreal parks?

The best parks in montreal.

When looking for where to relax and escape the city in every season, look to the greenery of the best parks in Montreal

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10 Montréal “musts” for first-time visitors

Daniel Baylis

To simplify your initial Montréal visit, we’ve compiled a simple list of crowd-pleasin’ attractions. Think of it as a “ greatest hits ” list of what to see and do in a diverse and exciting city.

In no particular order, here are 10 activities and attractions that first-time Montréal visitors might want to put on their “must see” list.

Climb Mount Royal (the lookout)

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same landscape architect who crafted New York’s Central Park), the “mountain” park at the heart of the city is the city’s most iconic landmark — and the most popular place to snap a Montréal selfie. Reach the viewpoint at the top of  Mount Royal Park  by walking up the stairs or with a guided tour. In the chalet at the summit, visitors will find washrooms and a small canteen for refreshments. Give yourself at least two hours.

Spree on Sainte-Catherine Street

As one of the longest commercial strips in Canada, Sainte-Catherine Street is the perfect place for retail rehabilitation. You’ll find international fashion mainstays such as Zara, Victoria’s Secret and H&M. But don’t miss the regional retailers, such as Montréal-made leather goods at  M0851 , the coolest kicks at  Little Burgundy  and a plethora of options at beloved department store  Simons . Plus, don’t miss the shops in Centre Eaton de Montréal , Complexe Desjardins , and Place Montréal Trust .

Eat emblematic Montréal cuisine

Part of the  joie de vivre  culture of Montréal includes chowing down on great grub. Sink your teeth into a juicy smoked-meat sandwich at world-famous  Schwartz’s  deli. Discover why Montréal locals fervently adore their bagels at the wood-fire bakeries of  Fairmount Bagel Bakery   or  St-Viateur Bagel . (Clue: the bagels are dipped in honey water before baking). Sample our notorious poutine at  La Banquise . Finally, quench your thirst with a locally produced beverage, such as  Rise kombucha  or  1642 Cola .

Head back in time (in Old Montréal)

A first-timer’s visit to Montréal is not complete without meandering through the charming cobblestone streets of the  city’s old district . With juxtaposed architecture dating back as far as 1685, visitors have the opportunity to see — quite literally — how the city first began developing. Stop at  Notre-Dame Basilica   for a glimpse at the incredible stained glass art (and for a moment of stillness). Then head to historic  Place Jacques-Cartier  and install yourself on a terrace, where you’ll be perfectly positioned to watch street performers and portrait artists — and where the sangria floweth freely.

Ascend to Saint Joseph’s Oratory

Saint Joseph is often viewed as the saint of everyday life. It’s not everyday, however, that you can visit one of the most popular catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.  Saint Joseph’s Oratory  is a Montréal masterpiece — the  pièce de résistance  among a city of one thousand stunning churches. The oratory is home to a magnificent Rudolf von Beckerath organ, which is ranked among the ten most prestigious in the world. Also, the basilica’s huge dome reaches 97 meters making it second only in height to Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Temporary exhibitions are available throughout the year. Ride the metro to Côte-des-Neiges station and then walk the divine staircase to the oratory.

Go “underground”

Montréal contains  a vast network of pedestrian walkways  — 32 kilometres (20 miles) of connecting passageways, to be exact — beneath street level. During the winter months, approximately 500,000 people circulate on this network daily, using the passages to connect with offices, trains, shops, and restaurants. Referred to as RÉSO (“network”  en français ), the system connects the city’s convention centre, 10 major hotels and a handful of shopping malls, such as the Centre Eaton de Montréal, Complexe Desjardins , and Place Montréal Trust .  Grab a PDF map  and get started on a truly “sub” urban adventure.

Market yourself

Montréalers love to eat. Sure we’ve got our characteristic local food (see above), but one of the best ways to savour the city is to visit one of the   local public markets . With a wide range of regional products from across Québec,  Marché Jean-Talon  — located in the heart of Little Italy — is the largest and most culturally diverse market in Montréal. For a smaller yet equally delicious option, the art deco-style  Marché Atwater  offers an array of specialty products and delicatessen treats. (Plus, it’s located beside the picturesque Lachine Canal.) Wherever you go, be sure to sample seasonal treats such as maple syrup in the spring, strawberries in the summer, and Macintosh apples in the autumn.

Hit a new plateau

The spiral staircases of the colourful  Plateau  neighbourhood present an iconic image of Montréal. In this  quartier  you’ll find a predominantly French-speaking community featuring an eclectic mix of artists, international students, and young professionals, spiced with a healthy dose of other cultures and languages to raise the diversity quotient that much higher. For a glimpse of the Plateau, walk along Avenue Mont-Royal, stopping for a recharge at Kouign Amann Bakery , or eat a meal at stylish bistro  Chez Victoire . If it’s a sunny day, we recommend doing as the locals do: grab a picnic and lounge beneath the leafy trees in peaceful  Parc La Fontaine .

Go East (for a feast of attractions)

Montréal’s eastside neighbourhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is home to a handful of awesome attractions — all within walking distance to each other. Firstly, the  Olympic Stadium  is a grandiose remnant from the history-making 1976 summer games, and arguably the most recognizable architectural structure in the entire city. At the soaring inclined tower of the stadium (even taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa), visitors can ride an elevator for a bird’s eye view of the cityscape. Also in the neighbourhood are the internationally-lauded  Montréal Botanical Garden , which feature seasonal installations such as the much-loved Chinese lantern festival in the autumn months. Last but not least, the kids will go wild for the critters at the  Biodôme , where five ecosystems are home to over 250 different species of animals.

Find your art beat

Montréal is a creative city. Artistic-inclined visitors will relish the multiple museums and galleries, home to both historic and modern works. 

As one of the most important institutions in North America, the  Montréal Museum of Fine Arts  is the premier stop for any art aficionado. The multiple rooms contain painting, sculpture, graphic art, photography, and decorative art objects, and the gallery prides itself on world-class temporary exhibits.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

For a more modern approach, visit Canada’s leading museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. The  Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal  (MAC) features a permanent collection, however the curators truly flex their “modern” muscles with the numerous multimedia events. 

Musée d'art contemporain

Finally, the  Phi Centre  showcases art in all its glorious forms — check out the event schedule for a listing of live performances.

Daniel Baylis is a writer, poet, and musician. Several years ago he moved to Montréal to chase silly bohemian dreams. And he’s still at it.   Facebook  /  Instagram  /  Twitter

Best Old Montreal Attractions

A popular tourist destination and posh neighborhood with evidence of First Nations encampments and artifacts dating back thousands of years, Old Montreal's past as a French settlement founded in 1642 is on copious display via its cobblestone roads, greystone buildings, and heritage sites, the closest mirage of Europe you'll spot this side of the pond.

Planning a visit ? Make sure the following top 10 things to do in Old Montreal make it on your bucket list. And brush up on your French with a few Quebec expressions for the occasion.

Check Out the Churches

No visit to Montreal's historic district is complete without a tour of Notre-Dame Basilica , one of Canada's most stunning churches. Catch AURA while you're there, a multimedia light show initially created by Moment Factory in honor of Montreal's 375th anniversary.

Contrast Notre-Dame Basilica's ornate grandeur with the simplicity of Notre-Dame-Bon-Secours, the site of Montreal's oldest chapel which happens to house the body of a saint, Marguerite Bourgeoys. Only one other holy site in Montreal can lay claim to the same . A crypt, archaeological dig, and museum associated with the chapel are also on location.

Visit Its Museums

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Pointe-à-Callière is a history and archeology museum built right over the birthplace of Montreal, what was once a tiny plot of land by the shores of the Saint Lawrence River where a small group of settlers led by Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve and Jeanne Mance landed their boat in 1642. Pointe-à-Callière specializes not only in urban archeological digs and history but also features international exhibits often relating to ancient cultures like those of Rome, Ancient Greece, Ancient China, and more.

Another history museum to drop by is Château Ramezay . Staff dress up in pioneer costumes for effect, in line with the museum's exploration of 500 years of history via exhibits, a French colonial style garden and multimedia portrayals of historical figures available in six languages.

And don't miss out on the Montreal Science Centre , an extremely family-friendly museum proposing fun interactive exhibits and IMAX science and nature films.

Finally, visit the Centre d'histoire de Montréal for an exhaustive history of the city and for a glimpse into upper crust Victorian life, drop by the Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier National Historic Site , where one of the founding fathers of Canada once lived with his family.

Catch a Festival

Old Montreal squares and the Old Port serve as regular –and notably picturesque– backdrops for a variety of Montreal festivals and annual events .

Most, if not all summer weekends see the Old Port come alive with activities, many of them free.

Catch June festivals like family science fair Eureka and foodie fest Taste of the Caribbean. Old Port fests in July include Canada Day activities and the massively popular Montreal International Fireworks Competition .

Come August , it's the Montreal International Reggae Festival and YUL EAT sets up food kiosks Labour Day weekend.

And in the winter, the Old Port and nearby Place Jacques-Cartier feature everything from Christmas markets to New Year's Eve fireworks to the outdoor dance wonder that is Igloofest through January and February.

Wake up to the kind of views you only get in Europe at  Old Montreal's  ​​ top-rated  hotels . Some on the list are a steal. Others are among the most luxurious in the city.

Old Montreal's restaurant scene is filled with critic-approved upscale gems.

On the more affordable end of the scale, start with some of the best brunch in the city. Le Cartet and Olive and Gourmando ​are on the list.

Do lunch at Kyo , one of Montreal's top Japanese pubs , or go vegan at LOV , and linger on Jardin Nelson's terrace, one of the city's most beautiful patio spaces adorned with trees and live jazz.

Donut fans won't regret sampling  BeaverTails  down by the Old Port. For elegant chocolates, pastries and desserts, drop by Maison Christian Faure . Or stop by Ming Tao Xuan for tea and cheesecake. It's one of Montreal's top tea rooms .

As for dinner, options are off the charts.

For one of the finest meals in Canada, try Toqué 's seasonal tasting menu composed of refined Québécois dishes featuring regional ingredients.

Le Bremner is an upscale ''kind-of-a-seafood-diner'' where all the cool kids go.

Le Club Chasse et Pêche  is the place in the city for fish and game, one of Montreal's finest restaurants, period.

Diners rave about  Le Robin Square , a family-owned restaurant located on the Main, especially over its decadent Mac&Cheese and pork belly dishes.

Fine French dining is easy to find in Montreal, but for a top-shelf experience with Quebec-sourced ingredients and desserts to die for, book a table at Les 400 Coups .

On a cold winter's night,  Auberge Saint-Gabriel  and its lush, cozy, centuries-old interior is a dream paired with authentic Swiss fondue and its seasonal menu including a handful of Thai delicacies courtesy of sous-chef Nongyao Truadmakkha, who grew up learning culinary arts in her mother's small restaurant in Buriram, a small town northeast of Bangkok. Head for the terraces in the summer.

Barroco  makes killer cocktails, the best paella in the city, and has the kind of lively atmosphere that attracts all the beautiful people. No coincidence it's one of Montreal's most romantic restaurants . Also try Bocata , a wine and tapas bar adjacent Barroco. It's owned by the same people.

For live jazz and a choice rack of lamb, make a beeline to  Modavie . 

And there are at least a dozen more must-eats in Old Montreal that deserve a mention. It's remarkable how many solid upscale restaurants are crammed into one small neighborhood.

Enjoy Free Art

Old Montreal is teeming with artists and art galleries.

Start on the eastern side of the neighborhood in public square Place Jacques-Cartier where buskers and artists gather to showcase their talents and wares. Sketches, live caricatures, and paintings for sale liven up the area in warmer months.

Proceed along rue Saint-Paul, a cobblestone road connected to the square going west. You'd be hard-pressed not to find a slew of art galleries lining the street, like Galerie Got , who's represented acclaimed international photographers like Harry Benson and Steve McCurry. You could also head east toward  Marché Bonsecours  to browse through a couple of galleries in and around the heritage building beforehand.

Keeping west on Saint-Paul, you'll eventually reach rue Saint-Pierre. Take a right to go to PHI Centre , a multidisciplinary arts venue which nearly always features some sort of free art exhibit or digital art experience, often virtual reality film. PHI also features concerts, conferences, celebrity talks, theatrical presentations, and repertory film screenings, easily one of Montreal's most creative and forward-thinking spaces.

And a few minutes walk away is the  DHC/ART  Fondation  pour  l'art   contemporain , a nonprofit organization featuring a regular roster of contemporary arts exhibits.

While you'll never, and I mean never find shopping malls in Old Montreal, boutiques are another story.

Marché Bonsecours  houses a handful of shopping destinations showcasing everything from Inuit art to local leather designs to maple products and jewelry.

High fashion is brilliantly represented in Montreal's historic city centre. Outside of Paris, Montreal designer  Rad Hourani 's unisex designs --and the occasional art exhibit-- can be found on rue Saint-Paul. The first Canadian designer to present a collection at Couture Week in Paris, Hourani's 2013 invitation was groundbreaking. It was also the first time the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris invited a designer to present a genderless, unisex collection on its exclusive runway.

For a well-curated selection of upscale menswear labels, including Neil Barrett, Yohji Yamamoto, and Montreal's own Want Les Essentiels, visit Michel Brisson on rue Saint-Paul.

And the most eclectic Old Montreal shop of all,  Espace Pépin , also on rue Saint-Paul, sells everything from designer women's and men's apparel, footwear, accessories, bags, tea, housemade fragrances, housewares, kitchen accessories, and art. 

Experience Exclusive Nightlife

Courtesy of Velvet / Karel Chladek

Beautiful people take over Old Montreal when the sun goes down.  

A chunk of them, including A-list celebrities, head to The Coldroom  for its amazing cocktails and no-dicks-allowed house rules . First time? Try not to walk straight past it. There's no sign and the address is a secret but the street it's on, Saint-Vincent, is pretty short. Once you figure out which door it is, press the buzzer and someone will let you in. It's a small place though so don't get there too late or you won't score one of its 60 seats.

La Voûte  is the historic district's hottest club right now. French for ''The Vault,'' the club is literally in one given that it's located in a former bank.

Philemon is a solid standby for wine, drinks and people-watching if you can score a spot near the window. Food –oysters, charcuterie–  is sold earlier in the evening.

Velvet is hot, especially when the Canadian Grand Prix rolls through town. An underground club –as in literally underground– part of Auberge Saint-Gabriel , a building with roots dating back to the 17th century, patrons walk through an eerie, centuries old grotto hallway to get the dance floor and two bars manning the space.

Flyjin follows the supper club formula serving Japanese fusion and izakaya fare in the evening, turning up the music come midnight. 

Like bubbly? Saber a bottle at La Champagnerie . Good spot for the over 30. A savory food menu is available with appetizers and mains like filet mignon poutine , fish tacos, and red snapper.

Three of  Montreal's 12 most interesting spas  are in Old Montreal, notably Bota Bota, which is basically a floating Nordic water circuit. It's a boat anchored at the Old Port near the corner of McGill Street, one of those things you have to try at least once in your life. And the view is spectacular.

But spas aren't for everyone. 

Some people prefer relaxing to performance art. Catch the latest play at Centaur Theatre , Montreal's most prominent English theatre venue. It's roughly two blocks away from  Notre-Dame Basilica .

Others like to bathe in the sun all day at the Clock Tower Beach .

Play at the Old Port

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Perhaps the most popular activities at Montreal's Old Port are skating in the winter , and simply hanging out in summer. The waterfront is gorgeous. Droves of tourists and locals content themselves walking by the water. Some rent segways to zoom around. Others bike their way through .

Daredevils prefer ziplining by instead or enjoying a casual, controlled vertical descent head first. Whatever works.

Family-friendly fun includes access to  life-size replicas of "a royal and a pirate ship of the 18th century of over 100 feet long" with aerial obstacle courses, climbing activities, and an inflatable park open April through October. And May through October features  SOS Labyrinthe , a two-kilometre maze in a nearby hangar. 

Water activities include dinner cruises as well as jet and speedboating on the St-Lawrence. I'd add the ​ Clock Tower Beach  to the list but no swimming is currently allowed.

A brand new  observation wheel  60 meters high offering a panoramic view of the city debuted in the Old Port July 2017. 

And there's food. Food trucks, food stands, restaurant terraces are all over the Old Port, and a farmer's market sets up shop Thursdays from 3 p.m.to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Note that the schedule is subject to change without notice.

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10 Mountains You Can Go Hiking on Close to Montreal

Montreal is a city built around a mountain. As such, we have a natural appreciation for climbing these monolithic stone mounts to get some incredible views . Mount Royal is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the gorgeous summit views we have access to with a reasonable car ride. None of that six hour drive to see that one great park in Saguenay nonsense: these are the great mountains that you can hike with a car ride of less than 1h30 .

Parc National du Mont St-Bruno

Mountain is sometimes a relative term. And so it is for Mont St-Bruno, as what you are really doing is taking a leisurely stroll around a lake . Sure, there are other small trails that will lead you to lookout points of either the mountain or on one of the 5 lakes, but really the vast majority of people take a stroll around Lac Seigeurial with little elevation change . And that is perfectly fine, as it is a beautiful 7km walk in nature. If hiking is new for you, this is a great place to test the water in a beautiful setting. It is also only a 30 minute drive from Montreal in St-Bruno-de-Montarville. Map of Trails (page 6) .

Quick Look : 6 trails, up to 8.8km long, max elevation 180m, many lakes, $8.50/person, 30 min drive

330 Rang des Vingt Cinq E, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC J3V 4P6

Mount Royal is a beautiful mountain and an island of green in our city’s center. It has hundreds of crisscrossing paths all over, which allows someone to walk through the park for anywhere between 30 minutes to several hours. The nice part is that it is just so close! If you have never hiked Mount Royal, there are some essentials to see, including Beaver lake, the Belvedaire Lookout, the Cross, and the actual summit at 233m high. A short walk will give you a truly beautiful view of our city and its many bridges to the south. The hiking is still in the easy range as most paths don’t have much elevation difference. Map of Trails .

Quick Look : Crisscrossing trails, max elevation 233m, Beaver lake, Belvedaire lookout, city center

1260 Remembrance Rd, Montreal, QC H3H 1A2

Mont Rigaud

The west is sorely lacking in mountain offerings below the Ottawa River. However, there is the cute little mountain called Mont Rigaud. Though the area had many troubles due to the flooding this year, it still sports a beautiful nature park centered on the mountain . There are two main trails of interest. You either go to the Cross or to the lookout. The Cross is accessible via the ski mountain which has crisscrossing trails of up to 3.7km one-way. On the other hand, the Lookout is accessible from the center-of-the-forest path behind the Sanctuary Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes . While both are beautiful, the lookout is certainly made to see the Ottawa River Valley in all its glory . Trails Map .

Quick Look : 2 trail areas, max elevation 190m, lookout on Ottawa River Valley, $2/person, 55 min drive

321 des Erables, Rigaud, QC J0P 1P0

Mont-Saint-Grégoire

Deep in apple picking country lies the singular bump that is Mont-Saint-Grégoire. It’s rather hard to miss as it is the only hill among the thousands of acres of farmland and apple orchards. Climbing it is quite different from the other mountains ranked easy. In fact, it’s only really easy because it’s a short 2.5 km loop. Be prepared to climb the natural equivalent of steps because much of the trail going up is steep . It’s worth it though, as the summit affords a beautiful unobstructed view in every direction. The descent, though, is less so, taking you through the old stone quarry with 100 ton rocks strewn around the path. Make no mistake: you will sweat going up, which makes conquering the mountain that much more satisfying. Trails Map .

Quick Look  : 6 trails, 2.5km loop, max elevation 260m, 360 0 summit view, $4.75/person, 37 min drive

16 chemin du Sous Bois, Mont-Saint-Grégoire, QC J0J 1K0

Intermediate

Mont rougemont.

Mont Rougemont is a beautiful mountain mostly used for apple orchards and maple syrup cultivation. If you’ve ever driven along autoroute 10 at night, then you have surely seen the giant glowing cross to rival Montreal’s . It sits atop the 360m elevation of one of the peaks of Mont Rougemont. It can also be accessed on foot via a gravel road at the end of Chemin du Moulin . The nicer hike, however, is over at Cidrerie Michel Jodoin , who maintain a beautiful 3.6km loop and lookout on their side of the mountain. It’s another short hike, though several sections are quite steep. The forest itself is beautiful and the path is well marked, though somewhat wild. As a bonus, solve the 5 questions along the way to get 10% off anything you buy at Cidrerie Michel Jodoin . Trail Map on site.

Quick Look : 3 trails, 3.6km loop or 2.8km one way, max elevation 360m, $3/person, 46 min drive

1130 Rang La Petite Caroline, Rougemont, QC J0L 1M0

Mont Saint-Hilaire

Mont Saint-Hilaire is one of the most impressive mountains near Montreal. It has been maintained for the last 45 years by McGill University as a nature reserve, so the paths are beautifully tended and yet right in the middle of the forest. When recommending a mountain for anyone interested in hiking, this is always first on people’s list. That is because it can be easy or work up a crazy sweat, but either way, the view from one of the three summits is undeniably gorgeous. You can see the city below along the Richelieu River as well as Montreal in the distance. It is a very popular mountain, so don’t expect to be alone with nature, unless you pick one of the two hard paths. If you dislike a long drive but are looking for a long hike , this is the place for you. Trails Map .

Quick Look : 7 trails, 25km of trails, max elevation 416m, 3 summits, amazing view, $7/person, 49 min drive

422 Chemin des Moulins, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC J3G 4S6

Morin Heights

Just an hour north of Montreal is the small town of Morin-Heights. It is surrounded by mountains and lakes and it is beautiful. Thus, hiking around the area is also beautiful . The region includes three areas of trails, the Morin-Heights mountain area, the Bellevue mountain area, and the Rue des Bouleaux area which delves deep into the wilderness. The Morin-Heights area is by far the most impressive, as it rises above all the surrounding mountains . The view from its peak is an incredible thing. However, the work needed to get there is sure to break a sweat. Though not as hard as many mountains, if you do a couple of trails, you can make an entire day of it. Trails Map .

Quick Look : 27 trails, 30km of trails, max elevation 460m, 3 regions, 5 peaks, many lakes, free, 1h drive

232 Rue Allen, Morin-Heights, QC J0R 1H0

Parc Naturel de Sutton

Sutton is at the limit of the 1h30 mark but it’s definitely worth the wait. The drive is up and down and so is the hike. Walking the trails, you’ll climb and descend more times than you realize . The slope can be intense and as such the hiking is also quite difficult. However, as these things are, the harder the hike, the more amazing the view. Looking out upon the US/Can border from the top of the 968m of Round Top is purely amazing. If the view and silence up there do not inspire your love of nature , then no hike will! Just be sure to wear the right gear because some of the rocky trail can be dangerous at times. Trails Map .

Quick Look : 6 loop trails, 52km of trails, max elevation 968m, 6 summits, view of USA mountains, 1h25 drive

900 Chemin Réal, Sutton, QC J0E 2K0

Parc National du Mont Orford

This park includes distinct mountain regions: the Mont-Chauve side and the Mont-Orford side. Both are intense hikes requiring lots of water and the right footwear. But the views… even the least of the summits, Pic de la Roche Fendue, affords an awe-inspiring view of nature at its most beautiful : Lake Stuckley in the background and countless kilometers of forests around. It is, however, not for the faint of heart. The more difficult trails, such as the Sentier des Cretes, involves near constant climbing on mismatched rock stairs with few level reprieves . That route will bring you to three separate summits, each more incredible than the last, culminating in Mont Orford’s 853m summit. If hiking is your cup of tea and you are in shape, then here is where you need to be. Trails Map .

Quick Look : 8 trails, 80km of trails, max elevation 853m, 4 summits, unbelievable views, $8/person, 1h21 drive

3321 Chemin du Parc, Orford, QC J1X 7A2

Parc National du Mont-Tremblant

Though technically right out of the 1h30 range according to Google, we’re willing to assume no one will drive 100 the whole way. It simply needed to be on any Montreal hiking list, as those who have climbed it feel how great an achievement it is . It is tough, it is long, but once on top of the mountain itself, you will take the victory walk called 360 and get to see far and wide in every direction. And that is only Tremblant itself. There are 82 km of trails throughout the National Park. Each leads to a different peak or different lake. And it is all gorgeous. Along with Orford, Tremblant takes the hiking crown around Montreal. Trails Map .

Quick Look : 20 trails, 82km of trails, max elevation 930m, achievement worthy, $8/person, 1h40 drive

3824 Chemin du Lac Supérieur, Lac-Supérieur, QC J0T 1P0

The North and East are full of mountains and hiking paths. Certainly, there are many that are missing from this list, and we would love to know all about them. If you have a favourite that we have left out, tell us about it! We love a challenge… that we don’t have to drive several hours to get to. Ouareau Forest Regional Parc? Mont Saint-Sauveur? Mont Bromont? Tell us all about your favorite hiking spots with a view!

Photos by Jonathan Brouillette ( @darksteelangel ) – featured image included, Dahlia Merlo ( @dahllii ), and the respective mountain trail websites.

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America's Best Towns to Visit

10 great US towns to check out now

These destinations, selected by CNN Travel editors, offer loads of personality and plenty to see and do without the elbow-to-elbow crowds of the big tourist cities.

Making the most of life on the lake: How this town got its cool reputation

This ‘scruffy little city’ tastes and sounds great

Why ‘Beer City USA’ is so much more than a drinking town

From ‘ghost town’ to ‘popping’: How this Southern destination got its groove back

This Grand Canyon pit stop is now a bona fide hot spot

The laid-back California dream lives on here

This coastal culinary hub has a ‘big-city feel in a small-city package’

‘Grit City’ shines thanks to stunning scenery and glass art

This Rhode Island gem moved rivers to emerge as New England’s creative capital

Our top town offers first-rate arts, food and festivals and a hard look at its complicated history

how we chose

We tapped our network of CNN Travel contributors for nominations for our inaugural list, winnowing the finalists to 10 by looking at each town's attractions, food and beverage offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and wow factor. We also looked at lodging options and the ease of getting there and around.

PHOTO CREDITS

• Intro : Chris Johnson/Visit Richmond
• Duluth : Visit Duluth
• Knoxville : SeanPavonePhoto/iStockphoto/Getty Images
• Grand Rapids : Ideology/Experience Grand Rapids
• Macon : Visit Macon
• Flagstaff : CNN
• San Luis Obispo : Brittany App/Visit SLO
• Portland : Visit Portland
• Tacoma : CNN/Travel Tacoma/Museum of Glass
• Providence : N. Millard/GoProvidence.com
• Richmond : Richmond Region Tourism

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Where to Stay in Montreal: Complete Guide for First Timers

Want to know a little secret (and a mildly warm take)? Montreal is the best city in Canada. Yes, we like Montreal more than Vancouver.

We’ve fallen head over heels in love with Montreal, and are here to help you do the same. It’s a great city with everything we love: a thriving art and culture scene, a charming Old Town, and a great food and drink scene. Oh, and good public transportation! 

The best part? Unlike the other major cities in Canada like Toronto and Vancouver, it’s somewhat affordable! Which you’ll see as you start to look at some of the hotel options and prices.

I like the city so much that when I think of my favorite travel destinations of 2023, the answer is about as easy as it gets. 

It’s Montreal. 

Montreal is a city that, truthfully, was never really on our radar until some friends who live in the Northeast mentioned to us that it reminds them of Portland in a lot of ways. As Portland residents who love our city, our ears perked up at that, and we found ourselves in Montreal less than a year later. 

And they’re absolutely right about Montreal and Portland sharing some important characteristics. Perhaps the most important is the thriving food and drink scene, which we attribute to a relatively low cost of living that allows people to, you know, try cool things (without a million dollars in the bank so spend on it). 

But it also has the great green spaces, leafy streets and residential neighborhoods punctuated by commercial strips, and the river (rivers, in this case) running through it. 

In this guide to the best places to stay in Montreal, we’re going to use our experiences exploring the city to help you decide on the right neighborhood for your particular travel style and budget. 

Each of the neighborhoods in this guide offers a different blend of vibes, prices, and pros and cons, and we’ll cover it all below so that you’re armed with all the information you need to figure out where to stay for your particular style and budget. 

The intention here is to give you the information you need to find the perfect place to stay for your trip to Montreal.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Montreal: The 4 Best Places to Stay

Let’s get right into where to stay for your visit to Montreal.

Our philosophy when it comes to deciding on a place to stay is to first choose the neighborhood , then move on to finding a great hotel, hostel, or apartment in that area. 

Montreal is a relatively compact city, at least when we’re talking about the neighborhoods where it makes sense for tourists to stay, though which area you choose still matters because each has a distinct vibe. 

At a high level, though Montreal sprawls across an entire island – Yes, Montreal is on an island – called “Montreal Island” that sits between the Saint Lawrence River on the south and the Prairies River on the north. 

The south end of the island is where you’ll find Downtown and Old Montreal, which is the core of the city. It becomes residential fairly quickly as you head outwards from there. 

While the city covers the entire island, the list of places to stay in Montreal is actually relatively short for a few reasons. 

First, there are only a few places where you’ll find hotels and guesthouses , mostly concentrated around Downtown Montreal and Old Montreal along the Saint Lawrence River. 

Second, as of a few years ago, short term vacation rentals are basically illegal in Montreal unless it’s the owner’s primary residence, which is not the case for a vast majority of rentals. The city has been cracking down on illegal listings, and you need to be very careful if you book a short term rental here (we didn’t know this before our trip).  

The result is that there are only four neighborhoods that are really an option for tourists. 

The reality is that, depending on what you’re looking for, there are other neighborhoods that probably meet your needs. But these are the ones that we think are the best for 99% of travelers, and we’ve shown our work, doing our best to explain why we think that. 

For each of the neighborhoods below, we’ve created a structure to help you figure out if it’s the right home base for you. Here’s what we’ll cover: 

• An overview of the neighborhood and our experience with it. We’ve personally been to and explored (more than once) all of the areas on this list, so we’ll try to give you a little bit of our perspective on what makes each area special. 
• Pros and cons of staying in this area. The things you need to know to make your decision. 
• A collection of a few places to stay that stood out to us. Sometimes it’ll be because they have rooms with river views, sometimes it’s that the hotel offers a great value given the location.

In the guide below, we’ve written a comprehensive mini travel guide for each of the neighborhoods we’re covering, but we’re well aware that a few of you are currently ready to throw your left shoe at the screen, saying “I don’t have time to read all of that, JUST TELL ME THE BEST PLACE TO STAY!” 

Here is a quick summary of the guide, though we’d recommend reading the longer section for the area that you think fits best for some of our favorite places to eat and drink in the neighborhood! 

In reality, we think that you’re essentially choosing between three areas for your trip, and which one you choose depends on your own personal style and budget, and what you want your trip to look like. 

These three areas – and we’d actually argue that most people are really choosing between the first two – cover the needs of 99% of travelers, though each of them does offer different vibes. 

• If it’s your first time in Montreal and you only have a couple of days , stay in Old Montreal . This is the part of the city that was built when it was founded, and is full of charming cobblestone streets, unique architecture, and a buzzing energy that is borderline intoxicating. I’ve stayed at both the Auberge du Vieux Port , an upscale boutique hotel in a historic building with rooms that look out over the river (and a great rooftop bar), and Maison Sainte-Thérèse , a collection of comfortable, spacious apartments with kitchens. I’d recommend both of them! 
• If you want to be in the middle of all of Montreal’s best food and drinks , stay in the Plateau . This was, by far, our favorite part of the city, and is where you’ll find many of the city’s best places to eat and drink. We stayed here on the second half of our recent trip, and enjoyed the proximity to those things while also being within 5 minutes of the Orange metro line, which takes you Downtown, to the Lachine Canal, and up towards Little Italy and Jean Talon Market. Stay at Auberge de la Fontaine , which is a small guesthouse right on the best park in the city. 
• If you’re in Montreal for work , stay in Downtown Montreal . While not nearly as warm and inviting as the other two neighborhoods on this list, it’s convenient if you’re in Montreal for a short trip (or to visit McGill). Stay at Hôtel Le Germain , a beautiful boutique hotel right in the heart of Downtown, or at Sonder Maisonneuve if you’re looking for a comfortable apartment. 

Here’s a map to help you visualize what we’re talking about, with the neighborhoods we’ll cover in this guide along with some key landmarks (the yellow stars) to help you understand the geography of the city. 

Where We’ve Stayed in Montreal

As usual, we like to start our guides with where we’ve stayed in a city, because who doesn’t like a personal recommendation?

In Montreal’s case, we have three of them!

Matt has stayed at Auberge du Vieux Port , which is right along the waterfront in Old Montreal. It’s a beautiful historic building, and the rooms feature brick walls and writing desks (which is where some of this guide was written).

Half of the rooms overlook the St. Lawrence River, and the other half overlook Rue Saint-Paul, the charming cobblestone street you see in all the pictures of Old Montreal. 

We have also stayed at Maison Sainte-Thérèse , an aparthotel (that’s just a hotel where the rooms are apartments) with nice, spacious rooms. They lean into the technology for a contactless check-in and most rooms have some sort of kitchen facilities (which is why we ended up there). 

They have a sister property around the corner called Maison Saint-Vincent , which has a similar vibe. Both are highly rated, and we’d recommend them. 

Our friends came to meet us in Montreal for a long weekend get-together, and we decided to stay in Plateau Mont-Royal , which turned out to be our absolute favorite part of the city. 

Think pedestrianized streets (in the summer, anyway), huge green spaces (Parc de la Fontaine is incredible, especially on a warm weekend evening), and the best food and drinks in the city. 

Old Montreal: The Best Place to Stay for First Timers & Short Trips

Old Montreal –  Vieux-Montréal in French – is the site of the original city of Montreal back when it was founded in the 17th Century by the French as a fur trading post. Over the years, the city expanded outwards from this spot along the Saint Lawrence River. 

It retained its role as the most important part of the city thanks to the port of Montreal, which was located here. Until, of course, boats became too big to come up the rivers and rail became a more efficient way to transport things. 

It kind of reminds me of Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco in terms of vibes. It’s certainly built for tourists – there’s a ferris wheel, which is a good indicator that it’s going to be tourist-centric – but there are several things that make it well worth spending some time exploring this area. 

It’s all brick buildings and charming streets, including some pedestrianized areas that are nice in the summertime when everyone is out eating and drinking on the patios of the bars and restaurants around the neighborhood. 

Two of the main attractions that you shouldn’t miss are the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History (at Pointe-à-Callière) and the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. 

I’m not usually a “go into every church person” but after a strong recommendation from a walking tour guide ( this is the walking tour of Old Montreal I did and I’d recommend it), I decided to go for it. 

And the interior of this cathedral is magnificent, and absolutely outshines the relatively boring exterior. 

The downside of Old Montreal is that, as you might expect based on my comparison to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, the best eating, drinking, and shopping is going to be found elsewhere.

So you’ll have to go to other neighborhoods for the best food and drinks in Montreal (which is fairly easy to do with good bus and metro connections). 

Pros and Cons of Staying in Old Montreal

Here are the pros and cons of staying in Old Montreal as we see them. 

Pros of Staying in Old Montreal

• It’s central. You’ll be able to walk to Downtown, the southern end of the Plateau, and along the Lachine Canal along the St. Lawrence River, and everything else is a short metro, bus, or bike ride away. 
• It has great transit connections. It’s a 5-7 minute walk to the Orange Line of the metro, which takes you Downtown, or up north to the Plateau and Mile End. Plus, there are buses that run out to the Lachine Canal and straight up Boulevard Saint-Laurent. I found it really, really easy to use this area as a home base. 
• It’s very lively. The energy is palpable, with the charming cobblestone streets full of people going about their days, chattering away. The sidewalk patios lining the main streets also add a nice European flair. 

Cons of Staying in Old Montreal

• It’s full of tourists. Between 10am and 8pm, this area is a very popular spot for tourists visiting Montreal. On a neighborhood walk, you’re bound to hear at least four or five different languages being spoken. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that you should be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.
• Bars and restaurants are fairly average. Especially for the price. It’s just like eating and drinking in Times Square in NYC or Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. The area is full of tourists, so restaurants don’t HAVE to be amazing to be successful. We’d plan on eating most of your meals elsewhere. 
• It’s expensive, relatively speaking. While very few things in Montreal are truly expensive, this is arguably the most desirable place to stay in Montreal, and the prices here reflect that. 

The Best Places to Stay in Old Montreal

Here are a few places to stay in Old Montreal that stood out to us. 

Auberge du Vieux-Port (Where I’ve Stayed): A Beautiful Boutique Hotel in a Great Location

I – Matt – was looking for a nice boutique hotel near the Saint Lawrence River for my first few days in Montreal, when I was traveling solo and looking to get a feel for the city, its history, and its culture. 

I settled on Auberge du Vieux-Port after considering a few other nearby options because the rooms looked nice – spacious, comfortable, stylish – and it was literally across the street from the river. 

It’s an old brick building that used to be an industrial warehouse that has been completely re-worked, keeping the bones of the building and its history front and center (like the exposed brick walls in the rooms) while also adding a more modern touch of luxury. 

It was a little more expensive than I’m used to, but I decided to stay here for a couple of nights before moving somewhere a little more affordable. 

I would say that it’s worth the splurge, especially for the riverfront rooms. My window looked out across the street to the south over the Saint Lawrence River. 

As I’ve already mentioned, the location of this hotel is unbeatable. On one side, you have the walkway along the river. On the other side you have Rue St. Paul, the main pedestrianized street through the neighborhood lined with places to eat, drink, and shop. 

My room had a nice seating area, a desk that was perfect for working in the downtime between activities, and the bathroom was stocked with some of the most luxurious bath products I’ve ever used in my life. 

The front desk people were friendly and helpful every day, and honestly were one of the highlights of the stay. If you know me, you know I have a lot of questions. And they all got answered with a smile and an understanding that my French needed a few days to come back. 

In terms of amenities, you’ve got a very comfortable bed, a great shower, and bathrobes in the room. There’s a rooftop bar called Terrasse sur L’Auberge , but I didn’t make it up there because it was pretty smoky in Montreal thanks to nearby forest fires in Quebec. 

Parking is valet only, and is $38 a day. 

No pets allowed here. 

Maison Sainte-Thérèse (Where I’ve Stayed): A Comfortable Aparthotel in the Heart of Old Montreal

As we’ve traveled more and more over the past several years – it is our full time job now, after all – we’ve started to see more and more “aparthotels” around the world. And we’re here for it. 

An aparthotel is, well, exactly what it sounds like. Part apartment, part hotel. You have a front desk and all the amenities that come with a hotel (like housekeeping), but you also get a little more space for added comfort and a kitchen that comes with staying in an apartment. 

Given that Matt has Celiac Disease and needs to eat strictly gluten free, a kitchen is often a must-have for us, so aparthotels are a great option. 

After a couple of nights at Auberge du Vieux-Port, I moved on to a different option with a little more space to spend a few days before my friends and Alysha arrived in Montreal to join me. 

Maison Sainte-Thérèse was at the top of the list in terms of ratings and reviews, and after realizing that there are only 12 rooms in the entire hotel, I decided it would be a nice, quiet place to spend a few nights. 

The location is similar – it’s one block north of Rue St. Paul on a quieter street a few blocks from all the action. 

My room – a studio – was spacious and comfortable, with a full kitchen, a dining room island, and a comfortable bed.

Each room is a little different, even within the different categories, and all are decorated by local designers and artists.

One thing to note here is that the front desk is only occupied during check-in hours, and everything outside of that time is going to be virtual (by text). However, I will say that responses were super helpful and prompt, which is not always the case when that’s the situation. 

Maison Saint-Vincent: Another Stylish Aparthotel in a Good Location

A sister property of Maison Sainte-Thérèse, this stylish aparthotel is less than a block away from the one we stayed at, and is basically the same proposition. 

Stylish rooms designed by local designers and artists – most have full kitchens, and a streamlined self-serve experience when it comes to check in and check out. 

I would say that the rooms here are a little more “boutique”, and are a bit nicer than the ones at Maison Sainte-Thérèse, which lean more industrial-chic.

Hôtel Uville Montréal: A Stylish Mid-Century Hotel

This boutique hotel is intentionally designed to evoke the 60’s and 70’s in Montreal, with decor that is somehow both dated and modern simultaneously. Think wood tones and wild wallpapers. It’s a nice blend of modern and classic. 

The location is great – it’s across the street from the Museum of Archaeology and History and a few blocks from both the cathedral and the river. 

Rooms come in two configurations; a single king bed or two queen beds. A surprisingly simple and comprehensible way of organizing rooms, we think.

Breakfast in the big ground floor cafe is included in the room rate, and they have amenities like mini fridges and TVs with streaming capabilities (bring your own device). 

No onsite parking here – the staff will direct you to a couple of nearby lots to park there, for a fee (of course). 

Pets are allowed, but I was unable to get more information on what rooms were pet-friendly and what the fee would be unless I was ready to book a room (which was odd to me). 

Downtown Montreal: The Most Convenient Area to Stay in Montreal

In terms of convenience, it’s pretty hard to argue against Downtown Montreal as the most convenient area to stay in Montreal. 

The transit connections – particularly the metro – are unmatched (basically everything runs through Downtown), the walkability to Old Montreal, the Plateau, and up to Mont-Royal itself is nice, and the selection of hotels is about as good as it gets. 

There are a nearly unlimited number of places to stay in Downtown Montreal across a range of different budgets and styles.

The tradeoff, because of course there’s a tradeoff here, is that the central location means you’ll be sharing sidewalks with business people in suits and the occasional tourists, because nobody who lives in Montreal really lives Downtown. 

However, its central location and the fact that it is effectively also the city’s Financial District (or Central Business District, take your pick) means that it does have the best selection of hotels in the city. 

Like we said, pros and cons. 

It makes the most sense for your first trip AND a short trip (24-48 hours or so) . In that scenario, you’re going to want to be as central as possible to maximize your time, and you don’t really have time to do much exploring outside of the Downtown area (including Mont-Royal and Old Montreal) anyway. 

However, there’s also a strong argument for staying here for a longer trip if you’re looking to have the best transit connections to the rest of the city, including to and from the airport. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in Downtown Montreal

Here are the pros and cons of staying in Downtown Montreal as we see them. 

Pros of Staying in Downtown Montreal

• There are a ton of places to stay. This is the highest concentration of places to stay, with hundreds of hotels within the relatively small Downtown corridor. Plus, there are options for a range of budgets – it’s not all fancy, high end hotels. 
• It’s as central as it gets. It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that Downtown Montreal is central. You’ll be able to walk to Old Montreal, the Plateau, and even up to the top of Mont-Royal itself (the trail leaves from here and features a bunch of stairs). 
• There are great transit connections. Between the metro lines and stops for just about every bus route in Montreal, you’re really well connected to the rest of the city if you choose Downtown as your home base. It’s easy to get around town, and to get to and from the airport. 

Cons of Staying in Downtown Montreal

• It’s not charming. This is a concrete jungle, and while there are a couple of green spaces sprinkled throughout (we like Dorchester Square), it feels very urban.
• Our favorite places to eat and drink are elsewhere. The bars and restaurants here cater to businesspeople, which means they’re not going to be as diverse and interesting as some of the places on the Plateau, in Mile End, or down near the Lachine Canal near Griffintown and Little Burgundy. Plan on eating and drinking elsewhere if you stay here. 

Le Plateau Mont Royal: Our Personal Pick for the Best Area to Stay in Montreal

“Le Plateau,” which refers to the flat section of the city on the northeast side of the mountain, turned out to be the place we spent the most time on our trip to Montreal, even when we weren’t staying there. 

It reminds us a lot of our neighborhood in Portland, which we love. It’s largely residential, with several strips of commerce running through it with a variety of places to eat, drink, and shop (our favorite is Avenue du Mont-Royal). 

It also happens to be fairly central, tucked away between Mile End and Little Italy to the northwest, and the Downtown core (including Old Montreal) to the southeast, conveniently accessible via the metro and numerous bus lines running through the neighborhood. 

We consistently found ourselves exiting the metro at Mont Royal (or Sherbrooke) for one reason or another (mostly to eat or drink), and decided that it was by far our favorite stretch of the city. 

It has everything we love in a neighborhood that blends the amenities of a city, like a great selection of places to eat, drink, and shop, and a residential area with great green spaces (like our home in southeast Portland, for example). 

The biggest challenge that comes with staying here is the fact that, because short term rentals are strictly regulated (as they should be!), there are relatively few places to stay in this mostly residential area. 

Because the Plateau is a long, narrow stretch running basically all the way from Downtown up to Mile End, it makes sense to talk about what area to stay in.

We’d find a place somewhere between Avenue du Mont-Royal and Sherbrooke St., which puts you within walking distance to either Mont-Royal or Sherbrooke metro stations.

And being within a few blocks of Saint Laurent Boulevard will also give you access to the bus lines that run up and down that main thoroughfare.  

For what it’s worth, the highest concentration of places to stay are going to be on the southeast end of the neighborhood, closer to Downtown and UQAM (the University of Quebec in Montreal), with a few nice guesthouses further north. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in Plateau Mont Royal

Here are the pros and cons of staying in the Plateau as we see them. 

Pros of Staying in the Plateau

• There is tons to do, eat, see, and drink. You could spend an entire weekend in Montreal just in this area eating and drinking and never run out of deliciousness. We have suggestions based on our own experiences below. 
• It’s walkable to Mile End and Little Italy. It’s a nice, easy walk – it’s a plateau, which means it’s flat – up Saint Laurent to both Mile End and Little Italy. Everything else is a short metro ride away, which brings us to our next pro…
• Easy transit connections. Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll have access to the Orange Line of the metro (at either Sherbrooke or Mont Royal, most likely) and the buses running up and down St. Denis and St. Laurent. 

Cons of Staying in the Plateau

• There are fewer places to stay. As you’d expect to see in a more residential part of town, there are fewer places to stay on the Plateau. There are a couple of hotels and guesthouses, and a few apartment buildings that are legally renting apartments, but the options are relatively few and far between. 
• Being further northeast means a longer journey to the metro/bus lines. The further northeast you go, to places near Parc la Fontaine (which is our favorite park in the city), the longer the walk to the main metro/bus lines becomes. It can easily add 10-15 minutes of walking or an extra bus ride. We’d suggest utilizing the Bixi bikes to make these connections, which are easy to use on Montreal’s extensive network of bike lanes.
• It can be loud and rowdy. After 10pm or so, this area becomes one of the main nightlife scenes in Montreal. Which is fun if you’re into that – we have some bars that we enjoyed in the highlights section below – but can be a pain if you’re trying to, you know, sleep (which we also enjoy). Not necessarily a deal breaker, but something to know going in!

Griffintown: An Alternative with Access to Canals + Great Food & Drinks

Griffintown is a neighborhood southwest of Downtown Montreal that feels like an extension of Old Montreal that, for various reasons, hadn’t seen the same level of development and investment.

Until the past decade, when a plan was put in place to develop the formerly industrial area into a more modern hub for industry (this time, the technology industry).

It’s clearly a former industrial area, full of warehouses and brick buildings interspersed with more modern apartment and office buildings. Which makes sense given its proximity to the river and the canal, which were main arteries of transportation until relatively recently. 

While Old Montreal has become the main area for tourists, Griffintown seems to be in the middle of a cycle of gentrification that has seen the neighborhood go from a haven for artists and creatives to a place where young urban professionals (aka yuppies) live.

Little Burgundy, which is immediately to the southwest of Griffintown, is a charming, more residential neighborhood where you’ll find some of the city’s best food and drinks.  

Notre Dame Street is the main thoroughfare that runs through these neighborhoods along the canal, collectively known as “Les Quartiers de Canal,” and is where you’ll find most of the best places to eat, drink, and shop. 

Staying here means you’ll be right on the Lachine Canal, one of our favorite parts of Montreal, and within a 15 minute metro ride of Downtown and Old Montreal (a little further to the Plateau). 

Pros and Cons of Staying in Griffintown

Here are the pros and cons of staying in Griffintown, at least as we see them.

Pros of Staying in Griffintown

• The Lachine Canal. Trust us, it’s awesome. Especially by bike, which you can rent via Bixi , Montreal’s bikeshare program. 
• Good food and drinks nearby. Between the places actually in Griffintown and the places over in Little Burgundy (a few blocks southwest on Rue Notre Dame), you probably could just eat and drink here and never leave (but that’s definitely not our recommendation). 
• You’re close to Downtown and Old Montreal. You’re within walking distance (or a short metro ride) of both Downtown and Old Montreal, which will absolutely be on your Montreal itinerary . 

Cons of Staying in Griffintown

• It’s a ~15 minute walk to the nearest metro station. To get to the nearest metro station that serves line 2, which is the most useful one, it’s a 15 minute walk. 
• There are relatively few accommodation options. Since this area is dense and residential, there are relatively few hotel options to be found. Most of the hotels that do exist are in the area adjacent to Downtown, at the northeastern corner of the neighborhood. 
• The options here skew more luxury (and expensive). Given the yuppie vibes, this area’s hotels skew a little more expensive and modern than other parts of the city. Though it’s worth noting that “expensive” is all relative (we’ve spent a fair amount of time in Vancouver in the past few years, and even the most expensive parts of Montreal are downright affordable, comparatively). 
• You’re pretty far from the Plateau, Mile End, and Little Italy. The biggest disadvantage of staying in Griffintown is the fact that you’re on the opposite side of the center of the city from the Plateau, Mile End, and Little Italy, which is our favorite part of Montreal. It’s a 30-40 minute metro journey to Jean Talon Market, which is probably the furthest you’ll have to go. 

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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Top American Malls Within Driving Distance of Montreal

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Top ten american malls within driving distance of montreal.

If you’re fortunate enough to call Montreal home it’s no secret this city in the province of Quebec has plenty of exciting Malls to keep you busy. Nonetheless your weekend starts tomorrow and you want a different venue. You’re determined to head for the border. More importantly you’re determined to shop. We’ve comprised a list of the top ten American Malls near Montreal to help you succeed on both fronts.

Essex Experience, Vermont

This mall is home to a wide variety factory outlets. Once you’ve built up an appetite from so much shopping be sure to take full advantage of the premium dining. The main attraction of Essex is a featured state-of-the-art stadium seating movie theatre. This makes it a great choice for shoppers that also need to keep their family entertained. The Essex Outlet Mall is a mere 1.5 hour drive from Montreal. You can shop, eat, take in a movie and still be back home in time for dinner. Essex is located at 21 Essex Way, Essex Junction, VT (802)878-2851.

• Open 10-8 (10-6 on Sundays)

Crossgates Mall, New York State

by Matt H. Wade / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Welcome to the second largest mall in Upstate New York. Get the full experience of gourmet American food at the featured Dave and Busters of CROSSGATES. And how many malls have a comedy club? After whetting your appetite with fun and dining, embrace 2 floors and 250 shops to begin a spending frenzy. Driving to CROSSGATES will take you approximately 3 hours . 1 Crossgate Mall Road, Albany, NY (518)869-9565.

• Approximately 200 shops, restaurants and attractions
• Open 10-9:30 (11-6 on Sundays)

Colonie Centre, New York State

This is the place to go when all you want is a large size shopping center without the frills. With the exception of the holiday season, you will find the stores are rarely overrun with too many consumers. The local residents and store attendants have been noted as being genuinely friendly when compared to the typical New Yorker stereotype. So if someone smiles it’s ok to smile back. The 3 to 4 hour drive (depending on traffic) will be worth the trip. 131 Colonie Ctr, Albany, NY (518)459-9020.

• Open 10-9:30

University Mall, Vermont

Representing the largest Mall in Vermont, University Mall has all the Major Retail chains coupled with unique and intriguing independent vendors. It is located just a few short minutes from Church Street Marketplace where you can take a well-deserved rest, drink gourmet coffee and continue shopping. You can expect to arrive in Vermont in a little less than 2 hours . 155 Dorset St, South Burlington, VT (802)863-1066.

• Open 9:30-9

Pheasant Lane Mall, New Hampshire

Close proximity to the border and no sales tax is by far the primary reason why many Canadians frequent the largest Mall in New Hampshire. Pheasant Lane features over 140 stores and kiosk. Hence one stop shopping would be an understatement. The drive is a little longer than going to the aforementioned Vermont. However the potential sales tax savings should motivate you. 310 Daniel Webster Hwy, Nashua, NH. (603)888-0005.

• 4.5 hour drive
• Open 10-9 (11-6 on Sundays)

The Maine Mall, Maine (obviously)

This is the largest shopping center in northern New England. You will not find New York- or Boston-style high fashion stores at this mall. Quite frankly that’s exactly how the people of Maine like it. That being said you will not be disappointed with the selection of retailers. The outstanding feature of this mall is the community spirit it engenders. This becomes evident by opening their doors early to encourage patrons to take up brisk walking and jogging, free health checks and dance marathons. The drive will be a bit of a stretch from Montreal so enjoy the scenery while you’re on your way to the most down to earth shopping center across the border. 364 Maine Mall Rd, South Portland, ME 04106 (207)774-0303.

• 5 hour drive
• Over 140 shops

Stuyvesant Plaza, New York State

Stuyvesant has one of the best reputations for offering a wide variety of specialty items, if you’re crossing the border for authentic fur and fine jewelry this is the place to be. Many shoppers find the prices moderate compared to most high-end boutique locations. 1475 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203 (518)482-8986.

• 3.5 hour drive

Church Street Marketplace, Vermont

by Beyond My Ken / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

This shopping center is the heart of Burlington Vermont. From the brick lined streets reminiscent of Europe to the bubbly outdoor restaurant areas. Church Street is where everything happens. Your everyday retail stores are surrounded by tourist shops and food carts. It provides a unique venue for live entertainment featuring weekly plays and classical music. With good reason this place is a must see. 2 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401 (802)863-1648.

• Less than a 2 hour drive
• Approximately 85 shops
• Open 10-7 (individual store hours vary)

Clifton Park Centre, New York State

Getting the best of both worlds is the theme for this Mall. It features an outdoor strip mall and indoor shopping center by design. The trendy layout provides practical options of shopping inside during the cold winter months or virtually outside to enjoy the fresh air during summer. The five storey Hilton Hotel overlooking the Mall is an added plus. Especially in the case of those choosing to take advantage of the full 48 exemption for Canadian tourists. 22 Clifton County Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065 (518)371-7010.

• 3 hour drive

Champlain Centre North, New York State

This mall is a great option if you just want to cross the border for conservative shopping and a little entertainment without putting a stretch on your budget. The relatively short one hour drive from Montreal, good variety of stores carrying the essentials and a movie theatre makes Champlain Centre a very practical choice.

• Approximately 60 shops

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We will close with this final suggestion. As you decide which location is the best to embark upon, try to match your personality and flavor with the features of the mall. Remember you can now bring back $800.00 worth of goods from the United States duty free, if you stay long enough, so happy spending and safe travels.

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Make the Most of Your Visit to Montreal

Stay close to Montréal-Trudeau Airport and make Hyatt Place Montreal Airport your gateway to all that the city has to offer. Zip downtown or to the historic Old Port to shop, dine and visit museums and outdoor markets. Hop on Highway 20, just minutes from our hotel, to start your Montreal adventure. Choose one of our comfortable, spacious rooms for a business or leisure travel stay—our list of thoughtful amenities will delight. Enjoy our fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, versatile meeting rooms and much more while you discover Montreal.

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We are committed to providing equal access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. The features also make this hotel more accessible for older individuals with changing abilities to ensure a seamless experience. Our overall goal is to improve usability throughout the hotel for all guests.

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25+ Best Places to Visit in August and September in the USA (2024)

A s an avid traveler, I can’t help but get excited about exploring new destinations. Here’s the scoop on the best places to visit in August and Septemeber in the USA.

These months offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures of the United States.

From the sun-soaked beaches to the stunning national parks of the Southwest, there’s so many incredible places to visit during this time of year.

This list of the best places to visit during August and September promises unforgettable adventures and memories that will last a lifetime!

Glacier National Park

Exploring the beauty of Glacier National Park in August and September offers a truly unforgettable experience.

During these summer months, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in the park’s natural beauty.

Plus the warm temperatures make it the prime time for hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

With fewer crowds around during these months, you’ll have the chance to truly soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this incredible park.

You can even enjoy a drive through its variety of landscapes and you might even see some wildlife as you go.

As summer turns into fall, the changing colors of the leaves add an extra layer of beauty to the National Park. Creating a truly unforgettable experience.

San Francisco

Visiting San Francisco offers a blend of culture, innovation, and natural beauty in the months of August and September.

You can enjoy sunny days and mild temperatures that are perfect for exploring iconic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park.

The city also offers a variety of outdoor adventures from hiking in the park to biking around the city.

Plus you can learn more about the city’s rich history by visiting historical sites or joining in on the diverse cultural events and live music.

Whether you’re seeking exploration or nature retreats, San Francisco has something for everyone during these months.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the charm of this park city at its finest in late September!

Yellowstone National Park

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains you can find Yellowstone National Park with its beautiful nature and wildlife.

As one of the most renowned national parks, Yellowstone offers a perfect destination as one of the top places to visit in the USA.

Especially during the high season of August and September.

During its peak season, which aligns with the warm weather , I find the park perfect for exploring its trails, spotting wildlife, or enjoying activities like horseback riding.

It even offers hot springs, each with its own unique colors and formations.

With the perfect daytime temperatures for outdoor adventures, Yellowstone offers a variety of fun activities. Promising an unforgettable late summer escape with the beauty of nature.

On the sunny shores of Southern California, San Diego sits with its vibrant culture and endless attractions.

San Diego has beautiful beaches perfect for soaking up the sun or even trying out various water sports .

One of the must-visit places is Balboa Park. It offers lush gardens, museums, and live performances.

Plus with the warm days in San Diego it makes it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures and exploring the charming small towns nearby.

Whether you’re looking to relax on sandy beaches or simply have a great time under the sun, San Diego is the perfect place to visit in late summer!

As you visit Santa Fe during the late summer months of August and September, you’ll be greeted by a city with rich cultural heritage and art.

There’s something exciting about exploring its unique blend of history and creativity, set against the high desert of New Mexico.

And as you walk through the streets of Santa Fe, you’ll be charmed by the architecture that gives the city its unique character.

You won’t want to miss a visit to the Santa Fe Opera House or the chance to join in on exciting outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

Lake Michigan

Discover the beauty and endless recreational opportunities of Lake Michigan during the late summer months of August and September.

The cooler temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities along the shores of this magnificent lake.

Here are some highlights to enjoy during your visit:

• Breathtaking Scenery : Take in the stunning views of Lake Michigan with its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches .
• Water Sports : Engage in water activities like swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the lake waters.
• Lakeside Dining : Enjoy delicious local cuisine at waterfront restaurants while enjoying the sunset views.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lake Michigan before the vibrant fall colors take over, turning it into an ideal late summer getaway spot.

You can even visit during Labor Day weekend to enjoy fun activities outside.

Visiting Lake Tahoe offers an unforgettable experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and a variety of activities.

The crystal-clear waters of the lake are perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. While the nearby trails provide opportunities for peaceful nature walks.

Plus, the charming towns around the lake offer delightful dining options, shopping, and cultural attractions to enhance your visit.

September is the best time to visit Lake Tahoe when the summer crowds have disappeared and the fall leaves begin to fall with vibrant colors.

North Carolina

North Carolina beckons has a rich history with diverse landscapes and vibrant culture.

When exploring North Carolina in August and September, make sure to visit these best spots:

• Blue Ridge Mountains : Explore the stunning beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect for hiking and enjoying panoramic views .
• Outer Banks : Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks, known for their pristine shores and charming coastal towns.
• State Parks : Discover the natural beauty of North Carolina by visiting its numerous state parks, offering great opportunities for outdoor activities.

During this time, North Carolina’s festival season is also in full swing. Making it an ideal time to experience the state’s vibrant culture.

It’s a great place to enjoy the best things the state has to offer!

Rhode Island

Rhode Island apart of the New England region is the smallest state in the US, its filled with a rich history and beautiful coastal towns waiting for you to enjoy!

During the months of August and September, the weather in Rhode Island is ideal, with little rain and average temperatures making it the perfect time to visit.

Whether you’re exploring historic sites, relaxing on the sandy shores, or enjoying delicious seafood, this big Island offers something for everyone!

It’s no wonder that this time of year is considered the best time to experience this hidden gem in the northeastern parts of the country.

Lake Placid

Tucked away in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, Lake Placid offers a serene beauty and an array of outdoor activities for you to enjoy.

This village is famous for hosting the Winter Olympics not just once but twice, making it a hub for winter sports enthusiasts.

And as summer unfolds, Mirror Lake offers a great atmosphere for kayaking or paddleboarding.

Plus the hiking trails around Whiteface Mountain present stunning views and adventures for everyone.

In the heart of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, lies Park City, a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Park City is best known for its world-class ski resorts, offering thrilling slopes in the winter and mountain biking or hiking during the summer months.

The town isn’t only for outdoor activities but also offers charming art galleries, historical sites, and summer concerts.

Whether you’re exploring the beauty of the mountains or enjoying the cultural aspects of the town, Park City offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for your getaway.

Mackinac Island

If you’re looking for one of the best vacation spots, Mackinac Island is the perfect destination.

Towards the end of the month for August, you can enjoy lower prices and fewer people, making it an amazing place to unwind.

Visitors can enjoy fudge from one of the island’s famous shops, rent bikes to explore the scenic trails, or simply relax on the beaches.

This island offers a delightful escape where you can enjoy yourself!

This popular destination in Massachusetts is a great starting point for trips to nearby islands like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

As summer transitions into early fall, the weather remains pleasant, perfect for exploring the Cape’s beaches, bike trails, and even lighthouses.

From enjoying the fresh seafood to embarking on boat tours, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or exciting adventures, Cape Cod has something for everyone.

South Carolina

Explore the southern charm and rich history of South Carolina, a state known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture.

When visiting in August or September, some of the best places to check out include:

• Myrtle Beach : Enjoy the sun, sand, and entertainment at one of the top beach destinations in the United States .
• Charleston : Discover the cobblestone streets, colorful houses , and delicious Southern cuisine in this historic city.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride : Experience South Carolina from a different perspective by taking a hot air balloon ride over the picturesque landscapes.

These destinations offer a perfect blend of relaxation, history, and adventure during this time of year.

Pike Place Market

Located in the heart of Seattle, Pike Place Market is an iconic destination for locals and tourists.

The market offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can explore fresh produce, unique crafts, and delicious local treats.

And you can’t forget the entertaining fishmongers tossing fish or the famous original Starbucks coffee shop.

Pike Place Market isn’t just a place to shop; it’s an experience that immerses you in the culture of the Pacific Northwest.

Whether you’re looking for fresh flowers , handmade souvenirs, or a quick snack, Pike Place Market is a must-visit spot during your time in Seattle.

Grand Canyon National Park

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park in August or September promises an unforgettable adventure and experience.

As the temperatures begin to cool slightly, it’s the perfect time to enjoy hikes along the park’s numerous trails.

Here are three must-do popular activities during your visit:

• Hike along the rim trails to witness stunning panoramic views of the canyon.
• Descend into the canyon on a guided mule ride for a unique perspective of its vastness.
• Watch the sunrise or sunset over the canyon, painting the sky with a myriad of colors and casting a magical glow over the ancient rock formations.

Zion National Park

Visiting Zion National Park in August and September offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Utah’s most iconic national park.

As the temperatures begin to gradually cool off from the peak of summer , Zion’s red rock formations and sandstone cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor adventures.

And don’t miss the chance to witness the stunning sunrise casting a golden glow over the canyon walls or the vibrant fall foliage painting the landscape in rich hues.

Zion National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Pacific Northwest

Getting to visit the Pacific Northwest in August and September offers the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

From the forests of Oregon to the coastlines of Washington, this time of year showcases the area’s natural beauty at its finest.

In August, the weather is generally warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking , camping, and exploring.

September brings cooler temperatures and the beginning of fall foliage, adding an extra layer of beauty to the landscape.

Here are three must-visit destinations in the Pacific Northwest:

• Olympic National Park : Explore temperate rainforests, wild coastline, and glacier-capped peaks all within one park.
• Mount Rainier National Park : Encounter the iconic Mount Rainier, an active volcano surrounded by meadows of vibrant wildflowers.
• Columbia River Gorge : Witness breathtaking waterfalls, scenic drives, and numerous hiking trails along the Columbia River.

North Cascades National Park

As summer transitions into early fall, the North Cascades National offers weather ideal for outdoor adventures.

Hike through over 300 glaciers and countless waterfalls, or set sail on a scenic drive along winding mountain roads offering breathtaking views.

The park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife spotting.

You can even see the ecosystems that range from old-growth forests to alpine meadows.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the stunning fall foliage in vibrant hues of red , orange, and yellow during September.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a breathtaking stretch of road winding through the Appalachian Mountains.

As you drive along this iconic route, you’ll encounter stunning views, charming mountain towns, and even outdoor activities.

• Enjoy panoramic views of rolling mountains and lush forests .
• Stop by overlooks for perfect photo opportunities.
• Hike trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and peaceful meadows.

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for a road trip or a nature-filled adventure .

Don’t miss the chance to explore this picturesque drive during your late summer or early fall travels .

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of America’s most iconic natural landscapes.

As summer transitions to early fall, the park comes alive with vibrant colors, cooler temperatures, and a sense of tranquility.

As you hike through the ancient mountains, you’ll encounter over 1,500 species of flowering plants , including vibrant wildflowers like trilliums and violets.

Keep an eye out for the park’s famous black bears , white-tailed deer, and salamanders.

Whether you’re into trekking, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying nature’s beauty, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something for everyone.

Las Vegas has dazzling lights and vibrant entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a thrilling escape.

• Experience the iconic Las Vegas Strip with its world-renowned casinos, hotels, and extravagant shows.
• Indulge in gourmet dining at celebrity chef restaurants or savor a buffet feast offering a wide array of cuisines.
• Explore beyond the strip and discover the natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon, just a short drive away, offering hiking trails and stunning desert landscapes.

It truly has something for everyone, whether you’re into gambling, live entertainment, fine dining, or outdoor adventures.

It’s a city that’s filled with energy and excitement, promising an unforgettable experience with plenty of fun things to do.

Priest Lake

Priest Lake offers a serene escape surrounded by pine trees and crystal-clear waters.

Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, this hidden gem has something for everyone.

You can explore the 23-mile-long lake by kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply taking a swim.

And if you’re into fishing, Priest Lake is a haven for anglers with its abundance of trout and kokanee salmon.

Make the most of your late summer days at Priest Lake, where nature’s beauty awaits.

Myrtle Beach

With its sun-kissed shores and vibrant boardwalk, Myrtle Beach is a place for travelers to escape and relax .

The good reason to visit this city is that it offers an array of activities and attractions for you to enjoy:

• Sandy Beaches: Miles of pristine sandy beaches invite you to relax under the warm sun or take a leisurely stroll along the shore.
• Boardwalk: Explore the bustling boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and live entertainment, creating a vibrant atmosphere day and night .
• Golf Courses: Myrtle Beach is renowned for its world-class golf courses, attracting golf enthusiasts to tee off against stunning coastal backdrops.

Experience the charm and excitement of Myrtle Beach for an unforgettable vacation by the sea.

Denali National Park

Getting to visit Denali National Park in August or September offers a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Alaska’s wilderness as summer transitions into fall.

August is an ideal time for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep roaming freely throughout the park.

While September brings cooler temperatures and the possibility of witnessing the northern lights dancing across the night sky .

Whether you’re exploring the park’s vast wilderness or on a drive along the Denali Park Road promises unforgettable experiences and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City in August and September offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and natural beauty.

As summer transitions into early fall, the city’s pleasant weather makes it an ideal time to explore its numerous attractions.

If you enjoy the outdoors you can visit the nearby Wasatch Mountains for a hike or enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Jordan River Parkway Trail.

Whether you’re taking in the breathtaking views from Ensign Peak or strolling through the charming streets of downtown Salt Lake City, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy!

Lake Powell

Seeing Lake Powell in August and September offers an exciting retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and water lovers.

Water sports such as kayaking , paddleboarding, and jet skiing provide endless opportunities for adventure and excitement.

Plus anglers can try their luck at fishing for bass, catfish, and trout in the abundant waters of Lake Powell.

As the sun sets over the horizon, visitors can unwind and enjoy a peaceful evening under the starlit sky, creating unforgettable memories of Lake Powell.

Visiting Place in The USA

August and September are great months to explore some of the best destinations in the USA.

Whether you’re into outdoor adventures like hiking in Glacier National Park or enjoying the vibrant city life in San Francisco, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t miss out on the stunning natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park or the excitement of Las Vegas.

With so many amazing places to choose from, you’re sure to have a memorable end-of-summer getaway.

Get the scoop on more like this:

• 25 Best Warm Beaches in Florida to Visit
• 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA
• 20+ Best Places to Visit in June for Couples
• 30+ Best Warm Places to Visit in May in USA

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