Best Day Trips from Montreal: Discover the Nature, Adventure and History Beyond the City (2024)
Montreal is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, and it serves as a great home base for exploring the region. But while there’s plenty to do in the city itself—not to mention the surrounding areas—sometimes you need a break. That’s where day trips come in!
The good news is that you have got plenty of excellent options to choose from for a day trip. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled excursion, there’s something for everyone within a few hours of the city.
Best Day Trips from Montreal: Discover the Nature, Adventure and History Beyond the City
So if you’re ready to take a break from your mundane routine and explore what else the region offers, grab your essentials – it is time to discover some of the best day trips from Montreal!
1. Mont Tremblant National Park: Kayaking and Mountain Trails
(142 km from Montreal)
Mont Tremblant National Park is the perfect day trip from Montreal. The park is home to lush forests and beautiful waterfalls, making it the ideal spot to explore on foot or using a kayak.
Enjoy the stunning river views while paddling and exploring trails leading to panoramic mountain peaks. You can climb Les Rousses mountain, take in the stunning scenery, and spot some local wildlife.
At Mont Tremblant National Park, you can picnic on the beach and even swim on a hot summer day! As one of Montreal’s closest parks, it’s easy to access by car or public transportation, making it an ideal escape from the city.
2. La Mauricie National Park: Boating, Hiking, and Sightseeing
(189 km from Montreal)
Are you looking for a nature-filled day trip from Montreal? Get ready to be enchanted—just a two-hour drive away lies the vast and spectacular La Mauricie National Park, offering activities like boating, hiking, and sightseeing opportunities.
Surrounded by beautiful lakes and crystal clear rivers, La Mauricie’s stunning landscape provides adventure seekers with unique activities like fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. Take your pick from the many spectacular trails of varying lengths—you can hike for an hour or spend the day in nature.
For those excited to cherish the park’s breathtaking sights, there are plenty of picturesque viewpoints to stop at along your journey. Relax at one of La Mauricie’s lakeside picnicking spots in full view of the lush Canadian wilderness before continuing your exploration.
3. Mont Orford: Skiing, Hiking, and Hot Tubs
(124 km from Montreal)
Mont Orford is a great place to take a day trip from Montreal. Sitting in the serene beauty of the Eastern Townships, Mont Orford offers an outdoor adventure you can’t get anywhere else. Whether skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or just soaking in a hot tub by beautiful Lac Memphremagog—Mont Orford has a little something for everyone!
At Mont Orford National Park, you’ll find over 30 kilometers of trails suitable for all kinds of activities, from gentle walking trails to more challenging downhill paths. The ski resort is open all year round, and in both winter and summer, you can take advantage of the incredible landscape without straying too far from Montreal.
If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your things, don’t worry — you can still enjoy Mont Orford’s beauty during winter. The park has ice skating rinks and a snowshoeing network, perfect for exploring the area on foot with family or friends. And after a long day in nature, dip in one of the resort’s hot tubs!
4. Quebec City: Markets, Notre Dame Basilica, and Chateau Frontenac
(255 km from Montreal)
If you’re looking for a dose of history with your day trip from Montreal, look no further than Quebec City. Imagine stepping back to the 1600s and exploring the cobblestone streets and historical sites like Chateau Frontenac, Notre Dame Basilica, and St. Louis Gate, just a short drive away.
But there’s more if you need a shopping fix. Quench the thirst of the shopaholic in you. Browse Quebec City’s vibrant markets and discover unique souvenirs such as handcrafted jewelry, specialty cheeses, and locally made art. The city’s lively atmosphere will have you feeling energized in no time.
Quebec City is one of Montreal’s best day trips, whether you want to explore the culture or get some local shopping done.
5. Saint-Sauveur Valley: Wineries and Adventure Activities
(75.4 km from Montreal)
If you’re looking for a more relaxed day trip, the Saint-Sauveur Valley is perfect. Just under an hour away from Montreal, the Saint-Sauveur Valley is well-known for its wineries and adventure activities.
Take your pick of the area’s many vineyards to spend the day: pop into Domaine Côté Est to sample their award-winning wines or trek over to Vignoble Ste-Gabriel for some of their unique blends. You can also stop by Pied Du Vent and La Savoie to taste their delicious craft beer!
After an afternoon spent sipping delicious wine, head outside and explore. From zip lining and ropes courses to massive slides at Mont Saint-Sauveur and Avila Beach just beyond — there’s no shortage of exciting outdoor activities here. Spend a few hours exploring the natural beauty of this region – it won’t disappoint!
6. Magog’s Eastern Townships: Cheese Tasting, Farms, and Museums
(169 km from Montreal)
Are you looking for something more rustic than Montreal? Head east to Magog in the Eastern Townships, just under two hours from the city. Here you can explore rural pastoral landscapes with dairy farms and some genuinely stunning fall foliage.
Stop by some of the area’s best farms and cheese makers to sample locally produced cheeses. Visit one of the many charming museums like the Old Magog Jail Museum, which tells stories of early settlers and Indigenous people in the area.
You can also take advantage of nearby Lake Memphremagog by participating in activities like bird watching or kayaking in summer and ice-fishing or snowshoeing in winter. With plenty of hiking trails through the hills, finding a peaceful picnic spot is easy before returning to Montreal.
7. Exploring the Charming Town of Tremblant
(131 km from Montreal)
Have you ever wanted to explore a mountain town? If so, consider taking a day trip to Tremblant! Located in the Lower Laurentians, this small town offers a fantastic view of the landscape that you won’t be able to find elsewhere.
Tremblant is a popular tourist destination – with plenty of activities and attractions easily accessible from Montreal. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or a peaceful, relaxing day, something awaits around every corner.
Here Are A Few Things To Check Out:
- Tremblant Beach and Lake: During the summer, Tremblant Beach and Lake is a great place to spend a pleasant day. The beach offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and you can rent paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks to explore the lake.
- Aquaclub La Source: Relax and enjoy the warm waters at Aquaclub La Source. It’s the perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing for your day trip.
- La Scandinave Spa: Not a fan of outdoor activities? Relax at La Scandinave Spa, which offers hot and cold baths, saunas, and massages. It’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge.
- Winter Activities: There’s no better place to experience winter than in Tremblant! Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and more for an unforgettable time on the mountain.
So make sure to add this charming mountain town to your travel bucket list – it’s one of the best day trips from Montreal!
8. Taking a Trip to Monteregie for Local Winery
(44.6 km from Montreal)
A trip to the countryside and stopping by a local winery is an ideal one-day outing for wine lovers. Just a short drive from Montreal, you can find some of Canada’s best wineries along with gorgeous views.
Take your day trip to Monteregie, where you’ll find rolling hills and fabulous vineyards. Enjoy a wine tasting and buy a few bottles to bring home as souvenirs. As you admire the beautiful vineyards and take in the lovely fragrance of the grapes, you know you have stumbled upon something special.
If you’re lucky, one of the wineries might even offer a guided tour of their premises – now that’s an unforgettable experience! Exploring the vineyards will give you a sense of peace and tranquillity we all need occasionally. So why not make some time for this beautiful escape?
Conclusion
Who said you need to go far to find beauty and adventure? When it comes to Montreal, you can find some spectacular day trips. From discovering some of the world’s oldest ice formations to mountain biking, swimming, and exploring charming villages, you’ll find plenty of options for a fun-filled day outside Montreal. So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready for one of the best day trips from Montreal!