Day trips from Montreal
Montreal sits at the crossroads of Quebec's best landscapes. These trips are all within a few hours and worth the drive.
Mont-Tremblant
90 minutes north
The Laurentians' crown jewel. In winter, Tremblant is Quebec's top ski resort with a pedestrian village at the base. In fall, the drive up Route 117 is one of the best foliage routes in the province. Summer brings hiking, the national park, and beach towns around Lac Tremblant. The village itself is touristy but the surrounding area rewards exploration.
Quebec City
2.5 hours east by car, 3 hours by train
Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only walled city in North America north of Mexico. The Chateau Frontenac, the Plains of Abraham, and the cobblestone streets of Petit-Champlain are worth the trip in any season. Winter is especially atmospheric with Carnaval, toboggan runs, and ice hotels. VIA Rail makes it a car-free option.
Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l'Est)
1.5 hours southeast
Rolling hills, vineyards, covered bridges, and small towns with English and French roots. Knowlton (Lac-Brome) is a good anchor point for a day trip, with local restaurants, antique shops, and a duck farm. Sutton is popular with hikers. In fall, the drive along Route 10 and Route 112 is stunning. The region also produces some of Quebec's best wines and cheeses.
Ottawa
2 hours west by car or train
Canada's capital is a quick trip by VIA Rail. The National Gallery, Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal (skating in winter, boating in summer), and the ByWard Market are the highlights. Cross the bridge to Gatineau for the Canadian Museum of History and the park trails. Spring tulip season in May is the most photogenic time.
Parc national d'Oka
45 minutes west
The closest national park to Montreal. A sandy beach on Lac des Deux Montagnes, easy hiking trails through forests, and cross-country skiing in winter. Good for a half-day escape when you want nature without a long drive. The Oka cheese factory nearby is worth a stop.
Montérégie and the Richelieu Valley
30 to 60 minutes south
Mont Saint-Hilaire and Mont Saint-Bruno are the closest serious hikes from Montreal. The Richelieu River valley has cider houses, orchards in fall (apple picking season runs September through October), and quiet towns like Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu with historical roots going back to the Patriot rebellions.
Val-David and the P'tit Train du Nord
75 minutes north
A small artist village in the Laurentians with rock climbing, swimming holes, and independent studios. The P'tit Train du Nord is a 230 km cycling path (summer) and cross-country ski trail (winter) that runs through the valley. Val-David makes a good lunch stop on a longer Laurentians loop.
Practical notes
Most day trips require a car. Standard international agencies have downtown outlets. VIA Rail works for Quebec City and Ottawa. Leave early in the morning to avoid traffic on the bridges, especially on summer Fridays when half of Montreal heads north.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car for day trips from Montreal?
For most of these trips, yes. Quebec City is reachable by train, and Oka by bus in summer, but Mont-Tremblant, the Eastern Townships, and the Laurentians require a car. Check our car rental picks for affordable options from downtown Montreal.
How far is Quebec City from Montreal?
About 250 kilometres or two and a half hours by car on Autoroute 20. VIA Rail runs the same route in about three hours. It is a comfortable day trip but an overnight stay lets you experience Old Quebec properly.
What is the best day trip from Montreal in fall?
Mont-Tremblant for peak colour, typically mid-September to mid-October. The drive up Route 117 through the Laurentians is one of the most scenic in Quebec. Alternatively, the Eastern Townships around Knowlton and Sutton are quieter and equally beautiful.
Are there any day trips from Montreal by train?
VIA Rail runs to Quebec City (3 hours), Ottawa (2 hours), and smaller towns along the St. Lawrence. The Quebec City route follows the river and is a scenic ride. For everything else, you will need a car.
What is the closest nature from Montreal?
Parc national d'Oka is about 45 minutes west. Mont Saint-Bruno is 30 minutes south. Both have hiking trails and beaches. For something wilder, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant is about 90 minutes north.