Day Trips from Montreal, Canada

Location:

Bristol, VT

Highlights:

If you're craving a summer day of pure outdoor bliss, this spot is an absolute gem. Bristol Falls (also known as Bartlett Falls) is one of the best natural swimming holes you can reach from Montreal—just perfect for a cooling dip under the sun.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, road trippers, swimmers, picnickers, and anyone seeking a laid-back summer day trip from Montreal.

What we Love:

A wide natural pool under a 15-foot waterfall, hidden swimming spots upstream and downstream, and the relaxed, bring-a-picnic vibe that keeps people coming back.

• Swim in the massive, crystal-clear natural pool—about 40 by 120 feet—formed beneath a dramatic rock overhang.
• Explore the smaller pools and quiet nooks up and down the New Haven River for your own private slice of nature.
• Relax with a picnic on the smooth rocks or shady banks while the sounds of the falls melt your stress away.
• Admission is free and open to the public, but parking can be limited on weekends—go early!

Distance from Montreal:

Expect the drive to take around 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending on border wait times.

How to Get to Bristol Falls:

Cross into Vermont and head to Route 116 South. Turn onto Lincoln Road in Bristol, VT. The falls are just off the road with a small parking area nearby. Find it on the map.

Location:

Saint-Constant, QC

Highlights:

If you're looking for a fun and educational outing just outside the city, this one's a winner—especially with kids in tow. Exporail – The Canada Railway Museum is a fantastic day trip where trains come to life through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences for all ages.

We Recommend This For:

Families with kids, train enthusiasts, educators, and anyone curious about Canada’s railway history.

What we Love:

Immersive train rides, a giant Grand Gallery of historic railcars, fun zones for toddlers and older kids, and guided weekend tours that bring railway stories to life.

• Tour the Grand Gallery, where dozens of restored railcars and engines span the evolution of Canadian rail history.
• Play in dedicated areas like the Little Railroader’s Car, Model Train Room, and Toddler Zone—perfect for young visitors.
• Ride the Miniature Railway (March to December) or hop aboard full-size engines to explore the cab and controls.
• Join weekend guided tours like “Reliving Canada’s Railway Adventure” for stories, demos, and hands-on learning.
• Admission is family-friendly, and special programming runs during holidays and school breaks.

Distance from Montreal:

Expect the drive to take around 25 minutes.

How to Get to Exporail:

Head south on Autoroute 15 and take Exit 44 toward Saint-Constant. Follow signs to 110 Saint-Pierre Street, where parking is available onsite. Find it on the map.

Location:

Eastman, QC

Highlights:

If you're dreaming of a nature-filled escape with a splash of culture and great food, Eastman delivers. Nestled at the base of Mount Orford, this charming village is a perfect all-season day trip from Montreal with something for everyone.

We Recommend This For:

Outdoor adventurers, spa seekers, food lovers, and travelers wanting a balanced mix of relaxation and activity.

What we Love:

Four surrounding lakes, year-round spa experiences, lively summer theater, and a surprising number of standout cafes and restaurants.

• Hike or bike scenic trails in summer, or try cross-country skiing and sleigh rides when winter rolls in.
• Unwind at the renowned Eastman spa with thermal circuits, massages, and wellness programming year-round.
• Explore the charming village shops, galleries, and seasonal farmer’s markets for local crafts and produce.
• Dine at gourmet restaurants and cafés that punch far above their weight in this cozy corner of the Eastern Townships.
• Catch a show at the Eastman Summer Theater for a dose of local culture under the stars.

Distance from Montreal:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How to Get to Eastman:

Drive east on Autoroute 10 toward Sherbrooke. Take Exit 106 for Eastman and follow the signs into the village. Find it on the map.

Location:

Frelighsburg, QC

Highlights:

If you're in the mood for a scenic countryside escape with art, apples, and easy cycling, this is the spot. Frelighsburg is a peaceful Eastern Townships village that makes for a wonderfully relaxed day trip from Montreal.

We Recommend This For:

Art and culture lovers, cyclists, foodies, and anyone who appreciates Quebec’s small-town charm and rural beauty.

What we Love:

Local art galleries, abundant apple orchards, and picturesque bike routes that weave through farmland, forests, and vineyards.

• Visit Gallery Dupont and the studio of Jacques Lajeunesse to view or even take part in artistic printmaking and drawing.
• Pick apples or shop for cider, butter, pies, and other orchard treats from local farms—especially in the fall harvest season.
• Cycle the region’s scenic bike paths that include portions of the Quebec Wine Route and rolling rural landscapes.
• Savor a slow-paced village stroll followed by coffee or lunch at a cozy café.

Distance from Montreal:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How to Get to Frelighsburg:

Drive southeast on Autoroute 10, then take Route 237 south through Cowansville. Follow Route 237 all the way into Frelighsburg village. Find it on the map.

Romantic Day Trips from Montreal:

Location:

Knowlton (Lac-Brome), QC

Highlights:

If you’re in the mood for quaint streets, local wine, and a dose of history, Knowlton is calling. Knowlton in Lac Brome is a charming Victorian village where heritage, gastronomy, and wine culture beautifully intersect.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, foodies, wine lovers, and day trippers looking for small-town elegance and culture.

What we Love:

Guided walking tours that immerse you in Townships history, local food tastings, museum visits, and proximity to wine country and duck delicacies.

• Join a guided walking tour through the village’s historic streets and heritage sites along the Townships Trail.
• Visit the Brome County Museum to dive into regional history and get a feel for the past.
• Taste local specialties during your tour, and stop by the Brome Lake Duck Farm to stock up on renowned duck products.
• Explore nearby vineyards along the Brome Wine Route for tastings and scenic vineyard views.

Distance from Montreal:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

How to Get to Knowlton:

Take Autoroute 10 East toward Sherbrooke, then exit at Exit 90 for Route 243 South toward Lac-Brome. Follow signs into the village of Knowlton. Find it on the map.

Location:

Shawinigan, QC

Highlights:

If you're craving a deep breath of fresh air and a full reset in nature, this park is pure magic. La Mauricie National Park is a year-round outdoor haven just a couple of hours from Montreal, perfect for both adventure and quiet reflection.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, paddlers, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to recharge in Quebec’s wilderness—summer or winter.

What we Love:

Crystal-clear lakes, forested trails, seasonal adventures from kayaking to cross-country skiing, and those iconic red Adirondack chairs with million-dollar views.

• Hike scenic trails for all levels, including lookouts with breathtaking panoramic views.
• Paddle serene lakes by kayak or canoe, or take a dip in one of the park’s designated swimming areas.
• Explore by bike in the summer or switch to snowshoes and skis once the snow falls.
• Relax in the Parks Canada red chairs, thoughtfully placed at some of the most beautiful spots in the park.

Distance from Montreal:

Expect the drive to take around 2 hours and 15 minutes (approx. 187 km).

How to Get to La Mauricie National Park:

Take Autoroute 40 East toward Trois-Rivières, then Route 55 North to Shawinigan. Follow signs for the Saint-Jean-des-Piles entrance. Find it on the map.

Family Day Trips from Montreal:

Location:

Fossambault-sur-le-Lac, QC

Highlights:

Need a beach day with plenty to do for the whole family? Lac Saint Joseph near Quebec City is a lakeside gem packed with water fun, sandy shores, and scenic trails.

We Recommend This For:

Families with young kids, beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and summer road trippers.

What we Love:

A spacious sandy beach, shallow water for safe play, tons of watercraft rentals, and land-based options like biking and hiking too.

• Relax on the family-friendly beach while little ones build sandcastles and splash in the shallow water.
• Slide into the lake from the fun water slide, or paddle around by kayak, canoe, pedal boat, or stand-up paddleboard.
• Explore the surrounding area on two feet or two wheels with hiking and bike rentals available.
• Recharge with lunch at the lakeside restaurant or enjoy a laid-back picnic in the designated area.

Distance from Montreal:

Expect the drive to take around 3 hours (approx. 265 km).

How to Get to Lac Saint Joseph:

Drive northeast on Autoroute 20 toward Quebec City, then take Autoroute 40 West to Route 367 North. Follow signs to Fossambault-sur-le-Lac. Find it on the map.

Location:

Hatley, QC

Highlights:

If you're after a classic lake escape with four-season fun and scenic trails, this one’s a solid bet. Lake Massawippi in the Eastern Townships has everything from paddle sports and beaches to winter skating and birdwatching.

We Recommend This For:

Outdoor enthusiasts, families, cyclists, birdwatchers, and those looking for year-round nature adventures.

What we Love:

Multi-use lakeside trails, a bike-friendly boat shuttle, great fishing and boating in summer, and fun winter sports when the lake freezes over.

• Fish or paddle across the lake’s calm waters—rentals available at the marina.
• Cycle the lakeside routes and hop on the special boat shuttle between North Hatley and Ayer’s Cliff.
• Enjoy two inviting beaches and watercraft rentals like canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats.
• Experience winter fun with activities like ice skating, curling, cross-country skiing, and even ice hockey.
• Watch thousands of migratory birds during fall for a peaceful and inspiring nature moment.

Distance from Montreal:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

How to Get to Lake Massawippi:

Take Autoroute 10 East toward Sherbrooke, then follow Route 108 South to Hatley. The lake and surrounding villages like North Hatley and Ayer’s Cliff are easy to access. Find it on the map.

Location:

The Laurentians, QC

Highlights:

If you're craving variety—from peaceful lakeside lounging to adrenaline-pumping adventures—the Laurentians have it all. The Laurentians stretch just north of Montreal and offer an incredible mix of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and cultural charm year-round.

We Recommend This For:

Adventure seekers, couples, families, nature lovers, and road trippers looking for a diverse and scenic getaway.

What we Love:

Thousands of lakes and rivers, lush forested mountains, year-round activities from snowmobiling to summer cruises, and top-notch food and wine.

• Paddle, swim, or sail across any of the 9,000 lakes and rivers during summer months.
• Hike or bike along scenic mountain trails with incredible views and plenty of fresh air.
• Adventure with zip-lining, snowmobiling through snowy forests, or even a helicopter tour over the mountains.
• Relax with local wine tastings, boat cruises, or by dining on regional cuisine in charming villages.

Distance from Montreal:

Drive times vary by destination within the region, but many popular spots like Saint-Sauveur or Mont-Tremblant are about 1 to 2 hours away.

How to Get to the Laurentians:

Head north from Montreal via Autoroute 15. Depending on your destination, exit at signs for towns such as Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Adèle, or Mont-Tremblant. Find it on the map.