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What makes Montreal a great base for day trips?
- In Montreal, Canada's second largest city, locals and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to planning a day trip out of the city.
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What are some notable destinations near Montreal?
- For a start, there are a string of beautiful lake-side villages, which form part of the Eastern Townships, which are just begging to be visited.
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What can visitors do in the Laurentians?
- To the north of Montreal you will find the Laurentians, a beautiful range of mountains which form the scenic backdrop to a valley full of adventure activities.
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What outdoor activities can be found around Quebec?
- You will never be far from water in Quebec and unlimited opportunities for water sports can be found around every corner. Scenic hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, natural swimming holes and an abundance of winter sports are all waiting to be discovered.
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What other cities near Montreal are worth visiting?
- In addition, cities like Ottawa and Quebec City offer a host of cultural diversions.
Best Time for Day Trips from Montreal, Canada:
- May to June – Spring brings blooming parks, maple forests, and perfect weather for exploring quaint villages and trails.
- July to August – Summer is ideal for lakeside escapes, wineries, outdoor festivals, and historic river towns.
- September to October – Crisp air and fiery fall foliage make this the best time for scenic drives and orchard visits.
- November – Quiet roads and cool weather are great for museums, cozy cafés, and local markets.
- December to March – Winter offers festive charm, snowy mountain adventures, and relaxing spa retreats.
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1. Bristol Falls, VT
Swim in cool pools and admire forest views on a refreshing summer trip.
There are few activities more enjoyable than cooling off in a natural swimming hole on a hot summer’s day. One of the most popular and enjoyable destinations for an outdoor day-trip from Montreal has to be the Bristol Falls (aka Bartlett Falls), on the New Haven River across the border in Vermont. The 15-foot high falls tumble over a rocky over-hang into a huge natural swimming pool that is at least 40 foot by 120 foot in size. Most visitors bring a picnic and spend the day exploring other pools up and down stream, where you can always find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy nature at its best. Find it on the map
Bristol Falls, 24 Lincoln Rd, Bristol, VT 05443
2. Canada Railway Museum
See vintage trains and explore exhibits on a fun family adventure.
Exporail, the Canada Railway Museum, is located in Saint-Constant (Quebec) where if provides an excellent destination for a family day-trip. Besides admiring the impressive permanent exhibition in the Grand Gallery, the museum offers a number of fun and educational activities which adults and children of all ages will enjoy. The youngest visitors can have fun in the Little Railroader’s Car, the Model Train Room and the Toddler Zone, while everyone will enjoy a ride on the Miniature Railway (March to December). Older children can hop aboard the larger engines and see how it feels to be a driver and weekend visitors can join a guided tour called Reliving Canada’s Railway Adventure. The museum is about 25 minutes by car from Montreal.
Canada Railway Museum, 110 Saint-Pierre St, Saint-Constant (Quebec), J5A 1G7, Canada, Phone: 450-632-2410
3. Eastman
Bike on quiet roads and relax in spas on a peaceful retirement getaway.
Located in the Eastern Townships, due east of Montreal, you will find the pretty village of Eastman at the foot of Mount Orford. The village stands at the edge of the Missisquoi Valley, surrounded by four lakes, and offers day trippers an excellent selection of outdoor, cultural and gastronomic attractions. Outdoor recreational activities include hiking, biking and water sports in summer and cross-country skiing, sleigh rides and more in winter. Eastman has a great spa where you can relax and rejuvenate all year round and the village is known for excellent restaurants and cafes. Cultural attractions include the Eastman Summer Theater.
Eastman, Quebec, J0E 1P0, Canada
4. Frelighsburg
Stroll through apple orchards and visit local cafés on a charming fall day.
Located in the Quebec Eastern Townships, close to the border with Vermont, Frelighsburg is a most pleasant destination for Montreal day trippers. Art lovers can visit the Gallery Dupont or the studio of Jacques Lajeunesse to admire printing and drawing (or perhaps to take a class). The area around the village is home to many apple farms where you can stock up on fresh fruit or a wide variety of apple products. One of the best ways to experience the area is on two wheels along one of several enticing cycling trails which will lead you to beautiful corners of the region including part of the Quebec Wine Route.
Frelighsburg , Quebec J0J 1C0, Canada
5. Knowlton
Explore bookshops and walk along the lake on a relaxing weekend retreat.
Day trippers will find the historic Victorian village of Knowlton in Lac Brome, southern Quebec where it lies at the intersection of the Townships Trail and the Brome Wine Route. The best way to delve into the interesting history and heritage of the village is to join a guided walking tour. Your tour will include a visit to the Brome County Museum and a short stop to taste some local fare. Once you are familiar with the history of the region you may like to visit the Brome Lake Duck Farm to stock up on delicious duck products or experience a tasting at one of several wineries on the Wine Route.
Knowlton, Lac-Brome, Quebec J0E 1V0, Canada
6. La Mauricie National Park
Canoe across peaceful lakes and hike wooded trails on a scenic spring escape.
La Mauricie National Park is located 187 km from Montreal, where it offers day trippers and vacationers a delightful outdoor playground where you can shake off the stresses of the city and embrace Mother Nature. In summer you can enjoy a wonderful variety of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and picnicking. In winter the park is covered in snow and offers cross-country skiing, ice-climbing and snow-shoeing. Of course, you may prefer to just sit back and relax as you take in the awesome views in one of the park’s iconic red Adirondack chairs, conveniently located at several remarkable look-out points.
La Mauricie National Park , Chemin de Saint-Jean-des-Piles, Shawinigan, Quebec, G0X 2V0
7. Lac Saint Joseph (Lake Saint Joseph)
Paddle on still waters and admire mountain reflections on a romantic couples outing.
Lac Saint Joseph (Lake Saint Joseph) is located close to Quebec City, where it offers visitors a lovely sandy beach and a wide variety of water activities. The beach is particularly suited to families as children can enjoy some sand-castle building and there is shallow water for wading and a children’s playground. Adults and older children can have hours on fun on the water slide, or hire canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats. If you need a break from water activities you can rent a bike or set off to do some hiking. When hunger strikes you can visit the on-site restaurant or enjoy the picnic area.
Lac Saint Joseph (Lake Saint Joseph), 7001 Route de Fossambault, Fossambault-sur-le-Lac, Quebec, G2N 1X7
8. Lake Massawippi
Fish from the dock and explore lake villages on a quick waterside trip.
Located in the Eastern Townships adjacent to the town of Hatley, Lake Massawippi is a popular destination for recreational fishermen and water sport enthusiasts. The extensive lake shore also offers many trails for walkers, hikers and cyclists, and there is a special boat shuttle available for cyclists who would like to cross the lake from North Hatley to Ayer’s Cliff. There are two beaches and a marina where you can rent canoes, kayaks and pedal boats and in winter you can enjoy activities like ice hockey, ice skating, curling, cross-country skiing and much more. There is also a golf course, summer day camps for children and excellent bird-watching in fall when the lake is visited by thousands of migratory birds.
Lake Massawippi, Hatley Canton, Quebec, Canada
9. Laurentians
See colorful foliage and hike high ridges on a breathtaking fall adventure.
Located just north of Montreal, the Laurentians (named for the chain of mountains which guard its northern boundary), is an enormous area which covers over 22,000 square kilometers, home to outstanding natural scenery, unlimited outdoor activities and endless horizons. Whether you are looking for an adrenalin-boosting adventurous day out or a quiet scenic drive – the Laurentians has something for everyone. With nine thousand lakes and rivers to choose from, water sports are the dominant summer activity. In addition, people come from near and far to enjoy superb hiking and biking against the beautiful mountain backdrop. Adventure activities include guided forest snow-mobile trails, zip-trails and helicopter flips while less adventurous visitors can enjoy fishing, boat cruises, wine-tastings and great regional cuisine.
The Laurentians, Quebec, Canada
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