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Montreal is a great city to visit and live in. But sometimes, you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Here are the 14 best weekend trips from Montreal. These are the best cities and towns to visit within a short driving distance of Montreal. Some are perfect for nature weekend getaways, others are romantic escapes for couples, but all are amazing for a few days away from Montreal.

If you’re looking for a short road trip from Montreal to escape into nature, or if you want a change of scenery and want to explore a different city altogether, you came upon the right article.

We asked some of our fellow bloggers to share their favorite weekend escapes from Montreal. Below, you’ll find some of the best places to explore that are only a few hours from the city. Discover what makes these destinations so special, what to do there, and when to visit.

Weekends are pretty awesome times to visit these places, but they sometimes tend to get crowded. If you’re looking to really get away and want to mingle with locals, then make sure you head out to these spots during the week. And if you love the place, stay longer and really get to know the area.

If a weekend trip is too long, you can always check out our article for the 20 best day trips from Montreal. They’re all less than 2 hours away from the city. You can also read our full article about the most iconic road trips in Quebec to inspire you a little more.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

The 14 best weekend trips near Montreal, in Quebec

First, let’s start off with the best destinations in the province of Quebec. We’ve ordered the spots from closest to furthest, so you can plan the perfect escape from Montreal.

1. Montebello, the perfect short trip from Montreal

Montebello is a perfect destination to visit if you are looking for a weekend trip from Montreal. Located on the North Shore of the Ottawa River, Montebello village is a 1-and-a-half hour car drive from Montreal. It’s also located in one of our favorite hidden gem regions of Quebec, the Outaouais – a region where there is always a ton to do!

One of the most famous parts of the town is the world-famous Château Montebello resort, the largest log structure ever built. It has often been used as a conference center for important Canadian government meetings, NATO conferences, and G7 Summit.

The compound has facilities for cross-country skiing, dog sledding, golf, boating, and snowmobiling. The town also hosts the huge music festival Montebello RockFest which takes place once a year where music lovers come from far-off places to witness it.

Montebello has some great stays and food options but reservations have to be made well in advance. You can enjoy the lush forest, rural landscape, and accompanying mountains. You can also take to hike around the Plaisance Falls which offers some great scenic views of the 63 m fall.

Explore the Géo-Rallye, an electric bike scavenger hunt, a fun activity that would give you a tour of the landscape. Visit some national historic sites like Manoir-Papineau. Enjoy some fresh cheese at Fromagerie Montebello and some craft beer at Brasseurs de Montebello.

You can typically plan a visit for the weekend, however, if you plan to explore the city in detail, a 3-4 day timeframe would help. It’s a perfect romantic getaway from Montreal over the weekend, especially with a stay at the iconic Château Montebello.

2. Orford, a quick weekend escape near Montreal for nature-lovers

Contributed by yours truly at We Did It Our Way

Orford is a great city to visit in the Eastern Townships, about 1h40 from Montreal. It’s a great short trip from Montreal for nature lovers. It’s located at the foot of the beautiful mountains that are part of the Mont Orford national park.

The Mont-Orford National Park is the perfect place to go for a hike, get a view of the Eastern Townships, or try some of the water activities in the summer. You can also go snowshoeing or skiing in the winter months. But if you ask us, the fall is the best time to go because of all the colorful leaves.

Orford is also a great place to get away from Montreal if you’re a foodie. To get a real taste of the local offering, you can drive the wine route and stop along the way for a tasting or two. We recommend having a designated driver so you can really enjoy the route.

There are also many ciders made in the area, so make sure you try them out too! If beer is more of your thing, you can drive the microbrewery route instead. It’s a great way to support local businesses.

There are a ton of towns nearby as well, so if you’re looking to set up base in Orford and explore around, we highly recommend you stay at Chalets Hygge. They offer a ton of different Scandinavian-style chalets that vary in size. They’re the perfect place to call home while you check out what else there is to do in and around Orford.

3. Magog, a nature lover’s weekend trip from Montreal

Contributed by Ruma from The Holiday Story

Magog is the perfect destination for a short road trip from Montreal for nature lovers. The town is only 77 miles (125 km) away from Montreal. It’s located at the confluence of Lake Memphremagog, Rivière aux Cerises, and Magog River, Canada. 

The town gives off a picturesque view with its vineyards and lakes. The place is heavily influenced by its French residents which comprise more than 90% of the total population. Today, it thrives mainly as a tourist destination. There are several things to do in Magog if you go over for a 2-day getaway from Montreal. Here are some of the best things to do:

• Lake Memphremagog: The entire town is named after this lake. It is a long and narrow glacial lake shared by both Canadian and US provinces. Previously it was used only as a canoe route. Now the boat tours here are the most popular activity to be done in Magog. You can also go for a swim in the summer months.
• Musée International d’Art Naif: This is the only existing museum in Canada dedicated to exhibiting naïve art. Artworks of both local and overseas artists are displayed here. The museum offers a free tour for visitors. 
• Marais de la Riviere aux Cerises: It’s a 3-km long walking trail through the forests and marshlands of Magog. It comprises wooden footbridges along with forest trails. The diverse scenic beauty surpasses any other trail. Fall is the best time to visit. Free parking is available at both ends.

The town is laden with resorts and is a popular tourist destination. The local restaurants and cafes provide authentic French delicacies. All in all, it is a good place for a weekend overnight stay.

4. Val David, a short road trip from Montreal

Contributed by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Val-David is a charming French-Canadian village in the Laurentian Mountains, 80 km north of Montreal. This picture-perfect town is tiny but is full of scenery, arts, and adventure. It’s perfect for a winter escape from Montreal.

During the colder seasons, Val-David is a popular destination for winter activities. Cross-country skiers will find a network of groomed trails for all abilities in the natural areas surrounding the town. Le P’tit Trail du Nord is a linear park that runs right through downtown for fabulous cross-country skiing. The reclaimed rail right-of-way travels 200 km from Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier. You can also snowshoe into ice caves at the Val-David Regional Park.

Other winter activities include ice skating and hockey at the downtown ice rink with a cozy warming center. Alpine ski enthusiasts will find many classic ski resorts within a short drive. An outdoor equipment store has rental equipment for many outdoor adventures in all seasons.

In warmer weather, the artistic shops and quaint cafes will charm visitors. Cyclists will enjoy biking on Le P’tit Trail du Nord along the free-flowing Rivèrie du Nord. A kayak trip on the river is also possible. Bouldering and rock climbing is popular on the cliffs of the Val-David Regional Park Dufresne sector. Additionally, hiking trails take you through beautiful boreal forests.

Finish your day’s activities with a visit to the local microbrewery. Order from the menu of creative regional cuisine and enjoy a flight of the best craft brews. Spend a couple of nights at a local bed and breakfast to enjoy all the activities and small village charm of Val-David.

Summer or winter, this is a perfect escape from Montreal. It’s a short road trip from the city and it allows you to fully jump into nature.

5. Mont-Tremblant, another great weekend road trip near Montreal

Contributed by Devin of Deventuretime

Mont-Tremblant is an amazing place to visit all year round as there are plenty of restaurants, events, and things to do in the area. It’s located just over an hour and a half from Montreal, making it a great weekend or day trip from the city. The area is home to a ski resort, casino, spas, great restaurants, and plenty of activities for the whole family.

A winter getaway to Mont-Tremblant is a popular way to experience the area. During this time, the ski resort is open and attracts visitors from all around, and offers plenty of exciting things to do in winter. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, visitors can go tubing, skating, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and indulge in delicious hot chocolate.

During the summer, the mountains at the resort turn into a great place to go hiking. Visitors can take the gondola to the top of the mountain and adventure around the trails at the top. There are a number of summer activities offered, including a luge, climbing tower, mini-golf, and more.

The village at the resort is fun to visit all year round and is home to many shops, candy stores, and much more. There is even a stall for the famous BeaverTails dessert, which is a fried pastry topped with a variety of sweets. Nearby, there is a popular Scandinavian Spa for those looking to relax on their trip to Mont-Tremblant and a casino that is great to visit in the evening after dinner.

There are plenty of delicious French Restaurants around Mont-Tremblant to check out as well. C’est la Vie boasts a great fine-dining experience, serving up unique meats and great wines. The food alone is reason enough to visit Mont-Tremblant on a weekend road trip from Montreal!

Mont-Tremblant offers a ton of accommodations. You can choose to stay in the resort village or rent a place that is close by. If you’re looking to rent a lovely cabin a few minutes away from Mont-Tremblant, we highly recommend staying at Ölch Cabin. This Scandinavian-style cabin is nestled in nature and offers all the comforts (and more) you can ever ask for.

6. Gatineau Park, a great nature lover’s escape from Montreal and Ottawa

Contributed by Nina of Nina Out and About 

Gatineau Park is an essential short trip from Montreal for nature lovers. Located by the border between Quebec and Ontario, Gatineau Park is a national park full of hiking trails, camping spots, and fun outdoor activities. Add it to a stop on your Quebec road trip itinerary to make the most of the area.

Gatineau Park is an amazing destination to visit in the summer or the winter. Summer features long hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, overlooks across the lakes, and historical ruins. You can find the remnants of a Prime Minister’s home on the McKenzie King trail.

In winter, Gatineau Park becomes a haven for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Most of the trails close to hikers so you can fly down them at high speeds on your skis. You can bring these with you from Montreal or rent a pair in the nearby town.

When you need some relaxation after all of that hiking, check out the Nordik Spa for amazing treatments. Soak in their outdoor hot pools, letting any tension melt away from your muscles. Or upgrade and get a massage and facial.

You’ll be so relaxed you’ll happily melt into your sleeping bag at a camp in the park. Most people opt to camp in tents in the designated areas throughout Gatineau Park. Some people prefer to book accommodations at local lodges and B&Bs for a more luxurious experience.

Staying for at least 2 days is how to get the best experience of the national park.

When you visit Gatineau Park, be sure to stop at some of the nearby towns before you leave. They have adorable cafes with sausage rolls and homemade pies that will warm your belly on your journey back to Montreal.

7. Mont-Mégantic National Park, the perfect weekend getaway from Montreal

Contributed by Audrey of That Backpacker

If you’re looking for a nature escape with a side of star-gazing, I would recommend visiting Mont-Mégantic National Park.

Located a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal, Mont-Mégantic is situated in the heart of the first International Dark Sky Reserve. That means it’s an astronomy lover’s paradise. Because there is hardly any light pollution in the area, it’s the perfect weekend destination near Montreal to turn your gaze upwards and marvel at the stars. Plus, there’s also plenty of hiking to be enjoyed by day!

For accommodations, I would recommend staying in the park where they have these spacey, futuristic-looking cabins named after each of the planets in our solar system. You’ll be surrounded by nature, and have access to hiking trails right at your doorstep.

If camping is not your thing, we have two other accommodations nearby that are close enough to the Mont-Mégantic National Park – Chalet Hygge & Laö Cabines

Another place not to miss on your visit is the ASTROLab, which offers daytime guided tours with exhibits focusing on earth and space. You can also watch a film called Cosmic Rhythms, which really puts into perspective just how vast our universe is. Make sure you check out entrance conditions before going.

For a nice dinner, Aux Toits Rouges is highly recommended, which specializes in regional cuisine. They have dishes featuring royal quail and duck from Lac Brome, and their maple syrup pie is a must-try!

Mont-Mégantic is a fun nature escape year-round, however, if you’re an astronomy enthusiast, you may want to plan your visit in the summertime. The Popular Astronomy Festival takes place in July and is the biggest gathering of novice, amateur, and professional astronomers in Québec. This is also one of the few times of the year when the public is granted access to the Mont-Mégantic Observatory to scan the skies using a 1.6-meter telescope. Another important event is the Perseid Meteor Shower, which is visible every year from mid-July to mid-August. The ASTROLab puts on a special program and invites people to spend the night under the stars.

Not only is Mont-Mégantic national park a great place to hike and explore, the town is also the perfect nature escape from Montreal.

8. Québec City, a big city weekend escape close to Montreal

Contributed by Stephanie from The World As I See It

For a fabulous weekend getaway from Montreal head to Quebec City. Located approximately three hours outside of Montreal, Quebec City is a must-visit! Home to UNESCO World Heritage status, a wealth of museums and an old-world charm that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a village in Europe, old Quebec City has something for everyone.

With so many great things to do in Quebec City the ideas to fill your days are endless. If you love exploring the history of places you visit then you’ll love the wealth of historical sites, museums, and walking tours. Be sure to wander the Old City Gates, visit Place Royal and the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site.

Whether you’re looking for incredible architecture or epic views there are a ton of great photography spots in Quebec City too. Like the views atop Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace or the iconic Chateau Frontenac. A few other things to add to your itinerary should include a ride on the Funicular, stroll Rue de Petit Champlain, explore the thriving art scene and visit Battlefields Park.

A weekend trip to Quebec City is ideal any time of year depending on your preference. For fun festival vibes visit in the winter for the Winter Carnival. If you’re looking for more comfortable temperatures and the ideal time to explore the city’s parks consider a trip in the summer. Any time is a great time to visit Quebec City. And with an endless list of things to do, places to go and fantastic restaurants you’ll want to plan at least two to three days to truly appreciate this incredible city.

If you want to explore a different city than Montreal, and want to get immersed in Old-France vibes, this is the weekend road trip you need!

9. Ile d’Orléans, a quick trip from Quebec City, and a weekend road trip from Montreal

Contributed by yours truly at We Did It Our Way

While you’re visiting Quebec City, and even as a quick escape near Montreal, Ile d’Orléans is a great place to explore. This little island, about 3 hours from Montreal, is a local produce lover’s heaven! In fact, some of the best local strawberries all around the province of Quebec come from Ile d’Orléans. It’s well worth the detour to get your fill. You even have the choice of picking these scrumptious berries yourself.

While you’re on Ile d’Orléans, make sure to stop and check out the Observation Tower which gives you great views of the island and the shores across the St Lawrence River. On clear days, you can see pretty far.

For foodies, check out Tigidou jams, a great local producer of jams, sorbets, and other delicious treats made from local produce. There are also quite a few wineries that are on the island. We loved our stop at Isle de Bacchus vineyard! We had a tasting menu of wines where we tried 6-7 of their best sellers. Another must is Cassis Monna et Filles. It’s an economuseum where you can discover the island’s famous blackcurrant liqueur, try their ice cream or other blackcurrant delicacies.

On your way to or from Ile d’Orléans, don’t miss the Montmorency Waterfalls. You can spot them from a mile away! They’re one of the largest waterfalls in Quebec. You can zipline over them, check out the many vantage points, take the cable car, or just admire them from the suspension bridge that goes above them. They really are impressive when you’re close by!

There are a few places to stay on the Ile d’Orléans, but if you’re looking for an escape from Montreal, or from Quebec city, check out Nöge Hébergement. Here, you can disconnect from the stressful world around you, and reconnect with nature.

10. Saguenay Lac-St-Jean, a perfect region to discover near Montreal

Contributed by yours truly at We Did It Our Way

The Saguenay Lac-St-Jean area is the perfect weekend destination near Montreal, and the summer is an amazing time to visit the region. The weather warms up, the days get longer, the local produce offering is incredible and there are a ton of beautiful places to visit and things to do outdoors.

The Saint-Jean region is known for its beautiful bike paths. The most popular one is the Blueberry Route, a 256-kilometer pathway that goes all the way from the estuary to up and around the lake. Its name is no coincidence either. There are a ton of blueberries to pick along the route so if you’re looking for a delicious snack, don’t be shy to stop and pick some. This region is famed for its delicious berries.

In the region, you can visit The Fjord du Saguenay national park is amazing for hiking or canoeing. There’s also the Ouiatchouan hiking trail which is a multi-day hike that crosses the amazing waterfall that bears the same name as the trail. You can also visit the Val Jalbert ghost town or one of the many museums in the area. Plus, there are a ton of small cute towns that are worth the detour.

Finally, if you’re looking to relax, you’re in luck. The Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean region has some of the best beaches that are near Montreal. The best ones are located around the lake.

If you’re looking to escape Montreal for the weekend, make sure you stop and enjoy everything the Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean region has to offer.

Looking for more fun things to do around the province of Quebec? Here are some of our articles to help you plan the best trips:
– The best things to do in the Eastern Townships
– Unique cabins to book around Quebec
– The best things to do in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean
– The best hikes around Montreal
– National Parks around Montreal you should check out
– The best national parks in Quebec
– The best waterfalls in Quebec
– Top 10 attractions in Quebec’s Côte Nord
– A trip to the Magdalen Islands
– The best day trips from Montreal
– The best things to do in Outaouais

Weekend getaways from Montreal in Ontario

11. Kingston, a cute town to explore on a weekend road trip from Montreal

Contributed by Alicia from travelswiththecrew.com

Kingston is a city in Eastern Ontario, Canada, and it’s a great place to visit as a weekend trip from Montreal or from Toronto. It’s a perfect destination for people who enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking. It is also a great destination for people who love good food and a quaint downtown.

The best things to do in Kingston are to visit the Fort Henry National Historic Site. This famous fort was built in 1812 and served as a strategic defense against the United States. Next, check out the Rideau Canal, which is one of the largest man-made waterways in North America. It stretches from Ottawa to Lake Ontario and passes through Kingston on its way. You can visit the Rideau canal locks, or even rent a boat to take the scenic voyage.

In the evening, go for a hike at Frontenac Provincial Park. These trails offer scenic views of Lake Ontario, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way! You can also relax outdoors on Kingston’s waterfront. The city has many walkways right by its beautiful lakeshore that are perfect for taking enjoyment from nature to your heart’s content.

Visit Kingston’s City Hall. This beautiful art deco building is a historic landmark that was built in the late 1920s. Go for a walk through downtown Kingston with its brick streets and quaint shops! There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, concert venues, and more to choose from within this area. Some of the city’s best restaurants are Tony’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Casa Domenico, or the Kingston Brewing Company.

A weekend trip is the perfect amount of time to see what Kingston has to offer and to really feel like you got to know the city. There are also plenty of accommodations to choose from, so book a night, take your time and enjoy this little gem!

12. Ottawa, discover Canada’s capital, a quick trip from Montreal

Contributed by Dymphe from Dymabroad

One of the best weekend trips from Montreal is one to the city of Ottawa. You can find Ottawa on the border with Quebec, in the province of Ontario. The city is best known for being the capital of Canada and for its history. This makes it a very interesting place to visit! Moreover, there are lots of things to do and see in Ottawa.

One of the best things to do is to visit the National Gallery of Canada. You find here a large collection of artworks from all around the world. In total, you find here almost 100,000 different pieces of art.

Another great place to visit in the city is Parliament Hill. This is where you find a beautiful Neo-Gothic building that is the home of the Canadian legislature. Also, the Canadian Museum of History is definitely worth visiting. This is the perfect place if you want to learn about the human history of the country of Canada and the diversity of the people that live in the country.

Besides that, Rideau Canal is great to see as well. This is a beautiful canal that connects the city of Ottawa to Lake Ontario. This is also a fun place, as you can go biking here, go sailing through it by boat, or go ice skating in winter!

There is no one perfect time to visit the city of Ottawa, the city is great during every season! You can also cover the highlights of the city during a 2-day weekend, but you can easily spend more time here if you want to see even more!

Looking for the best things to do in Ottawa?
Check out our article that covers the top 10 activities to do on a weekend in Canada’s capital.

13. Prince Edward County, a peaceful 3-day weekend escape from Montreal

Contributed by Taima from PoorinaPrivatePlane.com

Located on Lake Ontario, less than four hours away from Montreal, Prince Edward County makes for a great 3-day weekend destination. In the winter, you can take advantage of activities such as snowshoeing and ice skating. And in the summer, spend the weekend on the beach and cooling off on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Not to be confused with Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward County is a hidden gem. Here you can go wine tasting in many of the local vineyards. Visit one of the many brew pubs. Or just spend a relaxing weekend in one of the inns near the Lake. 

For those that like beer, check out Midtown Brewing Company. But the food and beer here are phenomenal.

If wine is more your style there are so many wineries/vineyards to choose from. Sandbanks are one of the most popular and a must-visit for first-timers to Prince Edward County. Other must-visits in the area are Sugarbush, Trail Estate, and Traynor.

In the summer be sure to check out Sandbanks Park located right on Lake Ontario. This is a popular place to visit both in the summer and winter. In the summer, enjoy the sunshine and take a dip in the lake. In the winter, the park turns into a winter wonderland.

There are many smaller inns where you can stay in town. However, if you are looking for more inexpensive options, or if the smaller inns are sold out, then check out Belleville which is just over the bridge.

14. Toronto, a big city weekend getaway from Montreal

Contributed by Carolin from Happy when Abroad

From Montreal, it takes about 5 hours by train to reach Toronto, Canada’s largest city in the province of Ontario. Along the way, you will pass the picturesque Ontario Lake. Being home to over six million people, Toronto is not only a popular tourist destination in North America but also the largest city in Canada.

The city offers numerous attractions and activities for every season and for every kind of budget. Climbing up the unmistakable CN Tower and taking a boat to the Toronto Islands should definitely be on your Toronto Bucket List.

If you are traveling on a budget, there are many options for you as well. Free activities in the metropolis include walking around the lovely harbor front, enjoying the view over Lake Ontario while eating ice cream, soaking in the vivid atmosphere, and the colorful hustle-and-bustle, at Yong-Dundas Square as well as strolling around the historic Distillery District. On top, you should not miss trying all the delicious food at Kensington Market and St. Lawrence Market and taking photos of painted walls in Graffiti Alley.

It is hard to say which is the best time to visit Toronto, because at every time of the year, there are different things to do and see. If you want to go on boat trips and enjoy the harbor front, it is better to come in summer (June-September). However, you can enjoy the many ice-skating rinks and Christmas markets in winter.

As you can see, there are always many things to do and see in Toronto. From one day to several weeks, the city will not become boring for you so easily.

Here are the 14 best weekend trips from Montreal

As always, here are the best weekend escapes near Montreal. Of course, these are places you can go to on a quick drive and spend the weekend discovering their beauty. However, if you want to take a bit more time and really enjoy your time, take a few extra days in these amazing towns and cities.

1. Montebello
2. Orford
3. Magog
4. Val David
5. Mont-Tremblant
6. Gatineau Park
7. Mont-Mégantic
8. Quebec City
9. Ile d’Orléans
10. Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
11. Kingston
12. Ottawa
13. Prince Edward County
14. Toronto

Of course, there are a ton of other small towns around Montreal that are worth a visit. But if you’re looking to make the best of your weekend getaways, without going too far from the city, these are your best bets.

We tried to keep these places close enough to the city so that you have ample time to explore the destination once you get there. Wherever you decide to go, make sure you visit the place respectfully and leave without leaving a trace.

Let us know in the comments if there are other places near Montreal that are great weekend destinations.

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