by Turo
posted on July 9, 2025
The Quebec City to Montreal drive isn’t long, but it offers plenty of ways to make the most of your time behind the wheel. This road trip guide helps you plan your route, pick the right stops, and enjoy every stretch of highway along the way!
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Tips for driving from Quebec City to Montreal
- How are the road conditions between Quebec City and Montreal?
- What is the best time of year to drive from Quebec City to Montreal?
- Are there EV chargers along the way between Quebec City and Montreal?
- Where to stop while driving from Quebec City to Montreal
- Frequently asked questions about the Quebec City to Montreal road trip
- Book your rental car in Quebec City with Turo
Tips for driving from Quebec City to Montreal
Highway 20 is the fastest way, with frequent gas stations and rest stops. It’s a direct route, but traffic can build up near Montreal. Keep an eye on speed limits, especially near construction zones and small towns.
How are the road conditions between Quebec City and Montreal?
Highway 20 stays in good shape year-round, with regular maintenance and clear signage. Winter can bring snow and icy patches, especially past Drummondville, so only plan to head out if you’re comfortable with cold-weather driving and check the forecast before leaving.
What is the best time of year to drive from Quebec City to Montreal?
Late spring through early fall is best. Roads are clear, daylight stretches long, and you’ll find more events and roadside stops open. Take the trip in October and your route will be lined with some of the most beautiful fall colours in Canada!
Are there EV chargers along the way between Quebec City and Montreal?
Fast chargers are easy to find in major towns and rest stops. Driving an electric vehicle on this route is simple, with reliable coverage to keep you moving without long detours.
Where to stop while driving from Quebec City to Montreal
This classic Quebec road trip from Quebec City to Montreal takes around three hours, but you don’t have to rush it. You’ll be passing by historic sites, natural landmarks, and charming towns, so why not take your time?
Old Quebec
Old Quebec is the city’s core, where stone walls, narrow streets, and riverside views set the tone for the journey ahead. Shops, cafes, and landmarks fill every block of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Distance to Montreal: 250 km (~3 hours)
Why it’s great
It’s compact, full of character, and easy to navigate on foot, with architecture and charm you won’t find anywhere else in North America.
Practical tips
Mornings are quieter. Paid parking fills up fast in the afternoon. Bring comfortable shoes for hills and uneven streets.
How to get there
Old Quebec is minutes from the airport and downtown hotels. Booking a Quebec City airport car rental with Turo gets you on the road fast. For a refined ride through the city, check out exotic and luxury car rentals from brands like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and BMW.
Montmorency Falls
Just a short drive out of Quebec City, Montmorency Falls stands taller than Niagara and is surrounded by trails, lookout points, and a suspension bridge that crosses above the roaring water.
- Distance from Quebec City: 15 km (~20 minutes)
- Distance to Montreal: 235 km (~2.75 hours)
Why it’s great
The falls are dramatic, accessible, and perfect for photos. It’s a quick stop, but you’ll get so much out of it!
Practical tips
Parking fills up fast in summer afternoons. Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water for walking the trails.
How to get there
Follow Route 440 east out of Quebec City, then follow the signs for Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. If you’re driving with the kids of a group of friends, renting a van or a minivan is a great idea. Something from Chrysler, Toyota, or Ford will keep everyone comfy and entertained the whole way.
Village Québécois d’Antan
Village Québécois d’Antan near Drummondville is an open-air museum that brings 19th-century Quebec to life. Check out restored buildings, costumed guides, and seasonal events that celebrate the province’s rural roots.
- Distance from Halifax: 620 km (~6.5 hours)
- Distance to Acadia National Park: 80 km (~1 hour)
Why it’s great
It’s hands-on, family-friendly, and full of detail, with something new around every corner.
Practical tips
Paths can be uneven. Bring comfortable shoes, check event schedules, and allow a few hours to look around.
How to get there
Take Highway 20 west toward Drummondville, then follow signs to the village entrance. This stop has reliable fast chargers nearby, so if you choose an electric vehicle or Tesla as your Quebec City rental car, you can top it up while you explore.
Fort Chambly National Historic Site
Fort Chambly sits along the Richelieu River, with stone walls and grassy grounds that share stories of Quebec’s colonial past. It’s a peaceful place to pause before you reach Montreal.
- Distance from Quebec City: 230 km (~2.5 hours)
- Distance to Montreal: 30 km (~30 minutes)
Why it’s great
The drive in is open and scenic, and there is so much to see and learn about when you get here.
Practical tips
Parking is tight, especially on sunny weekends. Plan to arrive early or be ready to circle for a spot.
How to get there
Follow Highway 20 west, then Route 223 south into Chambly. Rolling country roads and riverside stretches make this perfect for a sports car, classic car, or convertible. Take the top down on a beautiful summer afternoon and enjoy the drive as much as the destination!
Mont Saint-Bruno National Park
Mont Saint-Bruno is just outside Montreal, with forest paths, small lakes, and trails that weave through quiet forest. It’s one of the best national parks in Quebec and a beautiful place to spend a few hours.
- Distance from Quebec City: 250 km (~2.75 hours)
- Distance to Montreal: 25 km (~30 minutes)
Why it’s great
Mont Saint-Bruno offers calm trails and some of the best hikes near Montreal. It’s quiet, easy to navigate, and never feels too crowded.
Practical tips
Trails are well-marked, but weekends can get busy. Bring bug spray in warmer months and pack snacks if you’re staying for more than an hour.
How to get there
Take Highway 20 west and connect to Route 30 south toward the park entrance. Renting an all-wheel drive vehicle like a Subaru, Toyota, or Jeep makes navigating gravel lots and winding roads easy, so you can focus on the trail ahead.
Frequently asked questions about the Quebec City to Montreal road trip
Where is Montreal?
Montreal sits on an island in the St. Lawrence River in southern Quebec, about 250 km southwest of Quebec City. Known for its culture, food, and festivals, Montreal draws millions of visitors every year.
Most people arrive by car or through Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, located roughly 20 km from downtown. Booking a Quebec City or Montreal airport rental car on Turo gives you flexibility to explore as soon as you land, with delivery options to suit your needs.
How long is the drive from Quebec City to Montreal?
It takes about three hours on Highway 20 without long stops. Traffic around Montreal can slow you down, especially in the late afternoon. Leaving early helps you avoid delays.
What’s the best halfway stop between Quebec City and Montreal?
Drummondville is the most popular halfway stop. It has fuel, restaurants, and plenty of space to stretch your legs. The Village Québécois d’Antan nearby is also worth a visit if you want to break up the trip with something unique.
Can you do the Quebec City to Montreal drive in a day?
Many people make the trip in a single day. The route is short enough that you’ll still have time to explore once you arrive, but adding a few stops along the way makes it feel more like a real road trip.
Is the drive from Quebec City to Montreal scenic?
It’s mostly flat farmland and small towns, but there are stretches near the St. Lawrence with views of the river. Stopping in historic villages and parks along the way adds more scenery and makes the drive feel less like a rush.
Book your rental car in Quebec City with Turo
On Turo, you can choose exactly the vehicle you want and have it delivered where it makes sense – like the airport, your hotel, or your driveway. Find something roomy, efficient, or just fun to drive, and make the trip from Quebec City to Montreal memorable!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
