Explore the Best Day Trips from Montréal
Montréal’s picturesque city parks and “the mountain” Mont-Royal are stunning natural idylls within a bustling city; however, you can’t beat a day trip to truly appreciate the great outdoors. A rental car is the best way to explore the countryside, where lush forested hills, waterways, and a taste of Québécois culture await. Moreover, no Québec road trip is complete without indulging in poutine (French fries, squeaky cheese curds, and flavorful gravy) from a casse-croûte (fry shack).
1. Go Hiking at a Provincial Park
Travel time: 30 minutes
Just 30 km (18.6 miles) from Montréal near the suburb of Longueuil, lies the opportunity to go hiking amidst 27 km (16.7 miles) of trails at Parc National du Mont-St-Bruno. The lovely park features five lakes and plenty of wildlife, including 200 species of birds and endangered Western chorus frogs that sing a mating song. Facilities also include canoe and stand-up paddleboard rentals, as well as cross-country skiing trails in winter.
How to get to Parc National du Mont-St-Bruno from Montréal: Drive over the Samuel de Champlain Bridge and take Ave de l’Acier. Alternatively, take a bus from Terminus Radisson Sud and change at Terminus Sainte-Julie.
2. Road Trip to the Eastern Townships
Travel time: 1 hour
Québec may not be widely known for its wine, but the Eastern Townships region is changing that. This fertile landscape, dotted with quaint cottages akin to those in New England, boasts numerous wineries pushing the boundaries of Canadian wine. One notable spot is Clos Saragnat, whose owner invented ice cider—similar to ice wine—and offers tastings. Other excellent wineries for tastings include Vignoble du Ruisseau and Vignoble de l’Orpailleur.
The Eastern Townships also host fantastic microbreweries and gourmet food producers, with plenty of unique products to discover. Additionally, you can visit the Trappist monastery Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac to taste their delicious cheeses, chocolates, and sparkling ciders.
How to get to the Eastern Townships from Montréal: Drive southeast over the Samuel de Champlain Bridge and take Hwy 10 to the Townships. Some charming villages worth visiting include Sutton, Dunham, Bromont, Granby, and Frelighsburg.
3. Taste Maple Syrup at a Sugar Shack
Travel time: 1 hour
As spring arrives and the snow begins to thaw, so does the sap in maple trees. This sap is collected and cooked down into Québec’s liquid gold—maple syrup. Québécois celebrate syrup season (late February through April) by indulging in traditional meals generously bathed in this sweet goodness at a cabane à sucre (sugar shack). Classic feasts feature fluffy crepes, glazed ham, tourtière (meat pie), and more, all drizzled with plenty of maple syrup.
It’s also a delight to roll the syrup in snow and savor it like a popsicle. While there are sugar shacks on the outskirts of Montréal and across southern Québec, a reliable option close to the city is Sucrerie de la Montagne in Rigaud, which is open year-round.
How to get to Sucrerie de la Montagne from Montréal: Drive west on Hwy 40 and take the exit to Rigaud. The sugar shack is located on Ch St-George.
4. Go Kayaking, Cycling, and Rock Climbing in Val-David
Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Surrounded by lush Laurentian hills, Val-David is a vibrant town known for its arts and outdoor adventures. It serves as a gateway for various adventure sports, making it perfect for families. You can rent kayaks from local businesses to paddle down the river before taking a cruiser bike along the scenic rails-to-trails bike path.
On the edge of town, Parc Régional de Val-David – Val-Morin is a popular spot for rock climbers, offering hundreds of traditional and bouldering routes to explore.
How to get to Val-David from Montréal: Take Hwy 15 north or cycle along Le P’tit Train du Nord for a unique adventure.
5. Ski the Slopes at Mont-Tremblant
Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Since 1939, Mont-Tremblant has been Québec’s premier ski resort, boasting breathtaking runs that descend from majestic peaks through snow-laden evergreens. The town below resembles a quaint European village, complete with numerous shops, restaurants, and accommodations. After a day on the slopes, you can refresh yourself at local spas.
In summer, Mont-Tremblant offers a whole new playground for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and golfing. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore nearby Parc National du Mont-Tremblant for a chance to reconnect with nature.
How to get to Mont-Tremblant from Montréal: Drive north on Hwy 15 until you reach the resort town.
6. Feed Majestic Mammals at Parc Oméga
Travel time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Canada’s extensive wilderness is home to a variety of majestic creatures, including caribou, moose, elk, and bears; however, encountering them in the wild can be rare. Thus, Parc Oméga offers a unique opportunity to observe these animals up close in a protected environment. This reserve carefully balances the needs of wildlife and visitors, ensuring sustainable interactions.
As you drive slowly through the park, you will likely be greeted by gigantic elk. It’s a memorable experience to feed these gentle giants carrots through your car window. The tour will also take you past caribou, ibex, wolves, and cinnamon bears, concluding with a chance to stroll among deer in a dedicated area.
How to get to Parc Oméga from Montréal: It’s located north of Montebello, roughly halfway between Montréal and Ottawa on the Québec side. You will need your own vehicle for the tour.
