posted on April 8, 2025
Montreal is a great city, but sometimes you just need to get out of town! Whether you’re planning to visit Montreal for the first time or a local looking for a change of scene, there are plenty of places to visit for a memorable weekend trip from Quebec’s largest city.
From unwinding surrounded by natural beauty to exploring the vibrant fine arts scene, there’s a weekend trip with your name on it. Let’s dive in to the top five weekend getaways to inspire your Montreal itinerary!
Best Montreal weekend getaways
Montebello
Why it’s great
Located just an hour and a half from Montreal’s downtown core, the small town of Montebello is perfect for a quick weekend trip. Visiting the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site and trying cheese and chocolate from local makers are some of the best things to do in this quaint hidden gem.
When is the best time to visit Montebello
Montebello’s stunning natural beauty is a draw in both summer and winter, and the best time to go depends on your travel style and what you want to experience. From snowmobiling to spa treatments, Montebello is packed with activities and attractions for every season.
Practical tips
Weekend accommodations book up quickly in the summer, so make sure to book in advance — especially if you wish to stay at the iconic Chateau Montebello. The same goes for cabins in Parc Omega during the winter, so plan ahead to secure your spot.
How to get to Montebello
Where is Montebello? Located just one hour and 30 minutes away on the banks of the Ottawa River, Montebello is an easy getaway from the bustle of Montreal. Follow Autoroute 15 North to Autoroute 50, then head east. Exit at Route 148 to arrive in Montebello.
What to do in Montebello
Golf, boating, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and ice skating are all popular activities in Montebello. Families and nature lovers can head five minutes north to Parc Omega, where you can observe wildlife like wolf and elk, and enjoy outdoor activities for every season.
Eastern Townships
Why it’s great
A countryside escape just two hours from downtown Montreal, the Eastern Townships are one of the best places to visit for a weekend trip. From gastronomy to natural beauty, this region has it all. It’s the perfect place to slow down, indulge, and experience a deeper understanding of small town living.
When is the best time to visit the Eastern Townships
A weekend getaway to the Eastern Townships is fantastic no matter the season. It all depends on what you hope to experience. Nature lovers can choose from plenty of outdoor activities at the regions’ national parks, from cross country skiing to scenic bike paths. Mont-Orford and Ski Bromont are considered two of the best ski resorts in Quebec, perfect for a winter visit.
Practical tips
For a pre-made itinerary, check out the Eastern Townships’ tourist routes. Whether you want to explore the region’s covered bridges, local craft beers, or the highest point of Southern Quebec’s mountains, there’s a route that has you covered.
How to get to the Eastern Townships
Where are the Eastern Townships? Located about two hours of Montreal, the Eastern Townships are easily accessible from the city. If you’re flying in to Montreal, arrange to have your airport rental car delivered to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport with your host on Turo. Pick up Autoroute 20 East from the airport, following Autoroute 10 East toward the townships.
What to do in the Eastern Townships
Outdoor adventures and great food are two of the main attractions in the Eastern Townships. In the spring, visit a sugar shack like Érablière Gareau or La Cabane chez Arthur to taste test maple syrup fresh from the tree, along with iconic dishes. Yamaska, Frontenac, Mont-Orford, and Mont-Megantic national parks offer stunning lookout points and activities for the whole family.
Quebec City
Why it’s great
For a city break with a totally different vibe, look no further than Quebec City. Trade the downtown core of Montreal for the cobblestone streets and historic architecture Old Quebec, where the city’s history comes alive. For a full breakdown of the drive, check out our Montreal to Quebec City road trip guide.
When is the best time to visit Quebec City
Summer and winter are the most popular times to visit Quebec City, but they’re also the busiest. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, visit in springtime to experience a sugar shack’s maple harvest firsthand, or in the fall as the leaves turn to brilliant shades of red and gold.
Practical tips
Book your accommodations a few months in advance if you plan to visit Quebec City during the Festival d’été de Québec in summer, Carnaval de Québec in winter, or during Christmas. To experience the surrounding natural beauty, take a detour to Montmorency Falls or Jacques-Cartier National Park.
How to get to Quebec City
Where is Quebec City? The historic heart of New France is about a three hour drive from Montreal. Driving east along Autoroute 40 or the Trans-Canada Highway are the quickest ways to get there. For a slower-paced scenic drive, take Route 138 — known as the King’s Road — out of the city, enjoying the view of the iconic Montreal Tower before continuing along the St Lawrence River.
What to do in Quebec City
Strolling through Petit-Champlain and along Dufferin Terrace some of the most iconic things to do in Quebec City. The National Historic Site of Île d’Orléans is one of the first places that French settlers called home. Visit to experience and the wares of local artists and producers, just a stone’s throw from Quebec City.
Baie-Saint-Paul
Why it’s great
Considered one of Canada’s cultural capitals, Baie-Saint-Paul is known for its many art galleries and street art. Stroll the historic main street, taste specialties from the local terroir, and relax surrounded by the mountains and river.
When is the best time to visit Baie-Saint-Paul
Baie-Saint-Paul is a great option for a weekend trip whether you visit Montreal in summer or winter, offering activities and festivals for every season. Head to Le Massif de Charlevoix for a winter getaway on the ski slopes or hit the hiking trails at one of the spectacular national parks nearby, like Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie or Grands-Jardins.
Practical tips
Plan your trip around one of Baie-Saint-Paul’s many festivals to fully experience this vibrant and dynamic region. The International Symposium of Contemporary Art and Le Festif are two of its most celebrated events.
How to get to Baie-Saint-Paul
Follow Autoroute 40 East to reach the charming Charlevoix region, enjoying the views along the St Lawrence River as it flows towards the Atlantic Ocean. Continue on Route 138 after you pass Quebec City to arrive in Baie-Saint-Paul. The scenic drive takes just under four hours in total.
What to do in Baie-Saint-Paul
If you’re looking for truly unique gifts or souvenirs, Baie-Saint-Paul is the place to be! Stroll the historic downtown area to browse boutiques and art galleries selling handmade goods and works of art. Don’t miss out on farm-to-table cuisine at one of the town’s excellent restaurants like Buvette Gentille or Le Mouton Noir.
Gatineau Park
Why it’s great
Filled with natural wonders and historic architecture, Gatineau Park is a great weekend trip from Montreal for nature lovers and history buffs. The Nordik Spa near the visitor centre is a great place to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures with a massage or hot pool soak.
When is the best time to visit Gatineau Park
Summer and winter are the best times to visit Gatineau Park for outdoor activities like hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Fall offers gorgeous scenery as the trees change colour — drive the quieter back roads and visit small towns off the beaten path like Wakefield to enjoy it fully.
Practical tips
Gatineau Park is a popular camping destination, so book your site early before they fill up. For the best lookout point in the park, head to Champlain Lookout.
How to get to Gatineau Park
Where is Gatineau Park? Located on the Gatineau River, the park is a two and a half hour drive from Montreal along Autoroute 50. You can also travel via the Trans-Canada and Highway 417 for a detour through Ontario to fit in a stop in Ottawa.
What to do in Gatineau Park
King Mountain Trail, Sugarbush Trail, and Pink Lake are some of the park’s best hikes, each taking an hour or less to complete. For a glimpse into the park’s history, visit the hidden gems of Mackenzie King Estate and the Carbide Wilson Ruins.
Frequently asked questions
Where to go for a weekend near Montreal?
Whether you’re local or visiting, there are plenty of options for a memorable weekend trip near Montreal. Quebec City, Ottawa, and Toronto are popular places to visit for a city break, while Mont-Tremblant, the Eastern Townships, and Charlevoix are great for getting out into nature or unwinding at a local resort. No matter your travel style, there are plenty of things to do this weekend just a short drive from Montreal.
What beaches can you drive to from Montreal?
In two hours you can be in Gananoque, a coastal town on the St Lawrence River and the gateway to Ontario’s enchanting Thousand Islands region. Drive a couple more hours to Prince Edward County to relax on the sandy shores of Sandbanks Provincial Park. If you’re up for a cross-border adventure, try the east coast of the US! You can reach Maine in five hours or less from downtown Montreal to discover stunning beaches like Ogunquit or Long Sands.
Is Montreal worth visiting for a weekend?
Is Montreal is a good weekend getaway? Definitely! Quebec’s largest city offers something for everyone, from nature enthusiasts to lovers of food and the fine arts. Walking through Mount Royal Park and exploring Old Montreal, home of the iconic Notre Dame Basilica, are some of the best things to do when you first visit Montreal. And of course, trying the city’s famous smoked meat sandwiches is a must on every Montreal itinerary.
Foodies can explore neighbourhoods like the Mile End and Little Italy for some of the city’s best wine bars and restaurants. The vibrant main streets of Boulevard Saint Laurent and Notre Dame Street offer street art, live entertainment, and plenty of places to eat and shop.
Book your Montreal rental car with Turo
There are plenty of reasons to visit Montreal — make your next weekend getaway one of them! After you’ve browsed the Jean Talon Market and explored the Quartier des Spectacles, set your sights on one of these idyllic escapes to complete your Montreal itinerary.
Ready to start planning your weekend getaway? Find the perfect Montreal rental car to visit Montreal and the surrounding area with Turo. Make your arrival even easier by picking up your vehicle at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, so you can start your trip as soon as you land!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this road trip into reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just a lover of travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
