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
- Orford
- Coaticook
- Sutton
- Tour of the Eastern Townships
- Parc régionnal des septs chutes & Chutes à Bull
- Rawdon & Chutes Dorwin
- Chutes de Plaisance
- Montebello
- Val des Monts area
- Tour of Outaouais
- Ottawa
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?
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