posted on February 24, 2025
There’s a lot to love about Montreal. From the lively hubs of Place Jacques Cartier and the Quartier des Spectacles to the serenity of Notre Dame Basilica, the cosmopolitan hub of French Canada offers something for everyone. But sometimes you need a change of scene — and when it comes to Montreal, some of Quebec’s most beautiful regions are at your doorstep.
Whether you want to take a day to unwind in nature, discover the best restaurants in a new town, or explore fine art galleries and heritage sites, you can find it all and more just a short drive from Montreal. From national parks to charming villages, there are countless attractions to discover just an hour or two outside the city.
Wondering where to visit outside of Montreal? This guide breaks down our top picks for an unforgettable Montreal day trip. Get ready to hop in the driver’s seat and discover them for yourself!
Best Montreal day trips
Parc Jean-Drapeau
Photo by Shayan Ghiasvand
Why it’s great
Located in Montreal’s Ville-Marie borough, Parc Jean-Drapeau is a natural playground just across the St Lawrence River from Old Montreal. Its two islands hosted for Expo 67 as well as the 1976 Olympic Games, and offer a packed schedule of sports programming and festivals all year round. It’s the perfect option for spending time outside the Montreal city centre without needing to travel far.
When is the best time to visit Parc Jean-Drapeau
The best time to visit the park is in the summer months, when the weather is best for outdoor activities and festival season is in full swing.
Tips for visitors
Book your tickets well in advance if you plan to attend one of the park’s popular annual events, like the Osheaga Festival and Formula One Grand Prix.
If you’re visiting in the spring, don’t miss the urban sugar shack experience at the Ste-Hélène Bistro-Terrasse restaurant. Book your table to eat and drink traditional Quebecois specialties featuring the flavours of maple harvest.
How to get to Parc Jean Drapeau
Accessing the park from Downtown Montreal can be as simple as hopping on the metro system. For ultimate freedom and convenience, book your Montreal rental car on Turo and take QC-134 West or Avenue Pierre-Dupuy from Downtown Montreal.
If you’re arriving by air, get your Montreal rental car delivered to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and follow Autoroute 20 and QC-136 to Rue Notre Dame East, then take exit 7 from QC-136 and continue along Avenue Papineau, QC-134 West, and Chemin du Tour de l’isle to reach your destination. Paid parking is available in the park.
What to do in Parc Jean-Drapeau
In the summer, go for a swim at Jean-Doré Beach or check out one of the many festivals on the island. Renting a bike and cycling along the trails and through the Old Port and to is another great option for an active day out. In the winter, try ice skating or cross-country skiing in the park. For a year-round indoor activity, head to the Biosphere museum to learn about the biodiversity of the Great Lakes and St Lawrence River.
Eastern Townships
Why it’s great
Known for its ski resorts, national parks, and outdoor activities, the Eastern Townships offer an idyllic escape from the city. Drive just 90 minutes from Montreal to eat, drink, and explore your way through charming towns and the highest mountains in southern Quebec.
When is the best time to visit the Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships are truly a four-season destination, and the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience on your day trip from Montreal.
In the winter, Mont-Orford, Sutton, and Bromont are some of the best places to be to enjoy the ski season. In the summer months, make a stop at one of the many national parks or head to Station touristique Baie-des-Sables for a wide range of outdoor activities on the shores of Lac-Mégantic. In the autumn, take a scenic drive or explore the local walking trails to drink in the gorgeous fall colours.
Tips for visitors
From Downtown Montreal, take Autoroute 10 East out of the city. Continue on for about an hour and a half to reach Sherbrooke, or go off the beaten path to explore smaller villages along the way.
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 out of the city and toward the Eastern Townships.
How to get to Eastern Townships
Don’t miss out on a scenic drive while you’re in the beautiful Eastern Townships. Explore the Chemin du Vin to drink the best wines in the region, or tour mountain villages and breathtaking peaks on the Route des Sommets. If you’re happy to head back to Montreal after dark, squeeze in some stargazing at Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve, known for its clear night skies and beautiful walking trails to enjoy by day.
What to do in the Eastern Townships
Don’t miss out on a scenic drive while you’re in the beautiful Eastern Townships. Explore the Chemin du Vin to drink the best wines in the region, or tour mountain villages and breathtaking peaks on the Route des Sommets. If you’re happy to head back to Montreal after dark, squeeze in some stargazing at Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve, known for its clear night skies and beautiful walking trails to enjoy by day.
Oka
Why it’s great
Best known for Oka National Park and its iconic Oka cheese, this small town in the Lower Laurentians is packed with places to eat, drink, and explore the outdoors. Located just an hour from Montreal, it’s a relaxing getaway that will make you feel miles away from the Mile End.
When is the best time to visit Oka
Oka is a four-season destination, so the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. The summer months are the best time to explore the hiking trails and relax at the sandy beach at Oka National Park. In the winter, the national park offers outdoor entertainment for the whole family with plenty of activities like snowshoeing, winter hiking, and fat biking.
Many local restaurants offer seasonal menus, so there’s never a bad time to eat and drink your way through Oka!
Tips for visitors
For a sugar shack experience with a twist, visit Labonté de la Pomme, a family-owned orchard serving a classic sugar shack menu at its on-site restaurant.
If you’re visiting in the spring, take a detour to Cabane à Sucre Constantin, just fifteen minutes outside of Saint-Eustache, to experience the maple harvest on your way to Oka. Shop homemade French-Canadian specialties and local microbrews, or sit down at the restaurant to eat, drink, and be merry over a traditional sugar shack meal.
How to get to Oka
From Downtown Montreal, take Autoroute 20 West, then continue on Autoroute 13 North to head out of the city. Take exit 22-O to merge onto Autoroute 640 West toward St-Eustache/Oka, and continue onto QC-344 West until you reach your destination.
The drive is even shorter if you’re departing from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. Book your Montreal rental car on Turo and arrange to have it delivered to the Montreal airport for a seamless arrival. Drive along Autoroute 520 East in your Montreal airport rental car and continue to Autoroute 13 North to begin your journey to Oka.
What to do in Oka
Kayaking, hiking, and biking are some of the best things to do in Oka if you want to get out in nature and enjoy incredible views of the Laurentian landscape. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a wine tasting or distillery tour in Oka or Saint-Eustache while spending a few hours in the area. You’ll be spoiled for choice!
Mont-Tremblant
Why it’s great
Mont Royal has got nothing on this peak! Home to one of Canada’s most world-renowned ski resorts, Mont-Tremblant offers a mountain retreat just two hours from Montreal. A popular getaway for Montreal locals and visitors alike, Mont-Tremblant is a breath of fresh air when you’re craving a break from the city bustle.
When is the best time to visit Mont-Tremblant
Mont-Tremblant is spectacular during all four seasons, so the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do. The Laurentian region has a deep-rooted skiing culture, making it one of the best places in Eastern Canada — not to mention the world! — for winter entertainment. Winter activities remain accessible in the spring.
In the summer and fall, Parc National du Mont-Tremblant offers plenty of outdoor activities. Go walking or hiking on the scenic trails to admire the scenery and relax in the mountain air.
Tips for visitors
Balance your Mont-Tremblant activities with a visit to Scandinave Spa. It’s the perfect way to unwind during your escape from the city, and you can even enjoy a view of the Rivière du Diable from the wooden sauna.
If you’re seeking a day on the slopes even closer to Montreal, this route has you covered. Cut the drive short with a detour to Saint-Sauveur, a vibrant village surrounded by the Les Sommets ski area, located just an hour from Montreal.
How to get to Mont-Tremblant
From Downtown Montreal, pick up the rental car you booked on Turo and head out of the city via Autoroute 15 North. Past Saint-Agathe-des-Monts, Autoroute 15 becomes QC-117 and continues to Saint-Jovite, also known as Downtown Tremblant. From Saint-Jovite, turn onto Route 327 North and follow it until you reach Mont Tremblant Village.
If you’re starting your adventure from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, take Autoroute 520 East to Autoroute 13 North to exit the city, then use Autoroute 640 East to join up with Autoroute 15 North. To save time and enjoy a stress-free journey, have your airport rental car delivered to the Montreal airport. Then hop in and hit the road!
What to do in Mont-Tremblant
Nature lovers will find plenty of things to do in Mont-Tremblant. In the winter, go ice skating day or night at the outdoor rink, or glide down the slopes at the world-famous Tremblant Ski Resort. Parc National du Mont-Tremblant also offers plenty to do in the summer and year-round. Tempted to stay longer? Book a site at one of the local campgrounds and settle in for the night.
For the less-outdoorsy, walking through Mont-Tremblant Village reveals plenty of boutique shops to browse and amazing restaurants to try. Head to La Savoie to eat your fill of fondue, or grab a drink at La Maison du Brasseur, a local microbrewery.
Trois-Rivières
Why it’s great
Situated on the shores of the St Lawrence River, Trois-Rivières is a small city packed with culture, fine arts, and outdoor beauty, just 90 minutes from Montreal. Spending time here promises plenty of things to do for art and history buffs, foodies, and nature lovers looking for a fun day out.
When is the best time to visit Trois-Rivières
The best time to visit Trois-Rivières is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) to enjoy the warmest weather for outdoor activities, summer festivals, and relaxing on the St Lawrence River.
In August, don’t miss the Grand Prix Trois-Rivières, the longest-running street race in Canada. It’s a great alternative to Montreal’s Formula One events at a fraction of the price.
Tips for visitors
Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Cap for a majestic view of the St Lawrence River. Along with St Joseph’s Oratory and Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, it ranks as one of the largest churches in Canada and is notable for its gorgeous stained glass windows. Pope John Paul II even paid a visit in 1984.
If you have some extra time, opt to drive The King’s Road to Trois-Rivières and explore a world of Quebecois history, following Route 138 instead of Autoroute 40. You’ll also get a view of the Olympic Stadium and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium on your way out of the city. Booking a car on Turo allows you the flexibility to explore the route’s heritage sites and local places to eat, drink, and shop at your own pace.
How to get to Trois-Rivières
Hop on Autoroute 40 East to depart from Downtown Montreal or Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, admiring views of Mount Royal Park and St Joseph’s Oratory as you cruise through the city. Continue for about an hour and a half and you’ll arrive in the heart of Trois-Rivières.
Book your rental car on Turo and have it delivered to the Montreal airport for the smoothest arrival in Montreal. By opting to have your Montreal rental car delivered, you can avoid long lines, hit the road straight away in your airport rental car, and enjoy more time exploring Trois-Rivières.
What to do in Trois-Rivières
Drink in the city’s vibrant arts and culture by checking out a performance at the Amphithéâtre Cogeco or visiting a museum like Musée POP or Boréalis. In the summer, don’t miss the chance to attend a festival like FestiVoix or DansEncore. Foodies will love exploring the downtown core and drinking local brews at Le Temps d’une Pinte or eating at one of Trois-Rivières’s many upscale restaurants like Poivre Noir.
Frequently asked questions
What cities are two hours away from Montreal?
Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke, and Ottawa are some of the best city break options if you want to stay within two hours of Montreal. If you’re in the mood for a cross-border road trip, you can even head to Burlington, Vermont on the shores of Lake Champlain.
Can you do a day trip from Montreal to Quebec City?
The drive from Montreal and the province’s capital is approximately three hours each way, so it’s possible to spend the day there if you leave early and plan ahead.
Wondering is there a scenic drive from Montreal to Quebec City? There sure is! The King’s Road, or Chemin du Roy, is a historic route connecting the two cities and features heritage sites, museums, and charming towns to explore, as well as plenty of local businesses where you can grab a bite to eat.
Is it worth going to Montreal for a day?
Yes! Montreal is one of Canada’s most iconic cities. Even a brief visit is worth doing, and will likely tempt you back for a longer one.
Need a definitive list of Montreal sights for a short visit? If you only have a day, don’t miss walking the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, visit Notre Dame Basilica, and exploring the Old Port for a bite-sized tour of the historic old town. For a quick lunch, don’t miss out on eating some of Montreal’s most iconic food. Grab a smoked meat sandwich or famous Montreal bagel while you’re in town to complete your visit.
If you have some extra time, hike up to Mount Royal Park to enjoy the view of the city from St Joseph’s Oratory and Mont Royal. If not, look up at Mont Royal from the city and see if you can spot the giant cross illuminated at the top, an iconic beacon to Montreal’s Catholic heritage measuring over 100 feet tall. Don’t be put off by the weather if you visit in the winter — you can escape the frigid temperatures by exploring Montreal’s underground city.
Book your Montreal rental car with Turo
If you’re planning a trip to Montreal for a festival or event like the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, exploring beyond the city is a great way to see more of Quebec at your own pace. Whether you’re going from Sainte-Catherine Street to Saint-Sauveur or trading the Jean Talon Market for the food scene of Trois-Rivières, you don’t have to venture far from Montreal to discover something new.
Ready to start planning your Montreal adventure? Find the perfect rental car to visit Montreal and the surrounding area with Turo. Browse available cars and let nothing hold you back from experiencing more of French Canada’s stunning landscape and culture.
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this Montreal day 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.
