The 11 best day trips from Montreal

While there is no shortage of incredible things to do right here in Montreal, getting out of the city is the absolute best way to experience the soul and raw beauty of Quebec. Whether you are craving rugged outdoor adventures, historic architecture, or a deep dive into our food and wine culture, the surrounding landscapes are calling.

Now, a quick reality check: to truly pull off most of these day trips, you will want to rent a car, as regional public transit and guided tour options can be pretty limited.

But honestly? That is the best part. Driving yourself gives you the ultimate freedom to design your own day—whether that means pulling over the second you spot a scenic lakeside viewpoint or stopping at a roadside greasy spoon for a quick, impromptu poutine. Hop behind the wheel and go explore!

Day trip to Quebec City

I would definitely recommend staying a few nights in Quebec City while you’re there, but going for just a day is technically doable. As the official capital of the province of Quebec and one of the oldest settlements in North America, Quebec City requires very little presentation.

In fact, I get a lot of emails about visitors planning a day trip to Quebec City from Montreal – but every time, my answer is the same: stay overnight. Not only are the train and bus schedules rather restrictive for day trips, but the city is just magical after nightfall and truly deserves a lot more than a rushed, quick-let’s-move-on-to-the-next-place few hours.

Spas near Montreal

If it’s R&R you’re after, Montreal is conveniently located near a handful of Nordic-inspired, nature-filled spas (including thermal and hydrotherapy circuits).

While most people tend to go in the summertime, why not do the brave thing and go in the winter? Very few visitors can claim to have experienced the Québécois winter… in a bathing suit!

• Ström St-Hilaire
• Scandinave Tremblant
• Spa Nordic Station
• Estérel
• La source spa nordique
• Balnéa spa

Day trip to the Laurentides

Explore the rich woodlugging history of these forest and quaint Nouvelle-France villages, taking in the breathtaking views of the mountain range —one of the world’s oldest— as you drive. This part of Québec is particularly photogenic in the fall, from early October to early November. Forests turn to gold, orange and scarlet as days get shorter and shorter; a splendid show put on by Mother Nature than even locals can’t get enough of, year after year.

North America’s first ski lift was built in the Laurentians in 1931,
and by the late 1930s “snow trains” had brought tens of thousands
of Montreal skiers to the slopes. Ever since, the Laurentians have been
Montreal’s four-season playground.
The Quebec landscape ranges from rounded mountaintops to soft,
rolling hills generously sprinkled with more than 9,000 freshwater
lakes and a host of Swiss-like, small towns.

Jackie Middleton, National Geographic

While the region would deserve at least a few days, especially if you plan on throwing in a few lengthy hikes, it can be done in a single day from Montreal as a day trip. Make sure to stop in picture-perfect towns like Val-David, Saint-Jovite, Saint-Sauveur and Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard, or take a scenic cruise on Lac des Sables.

Winery visits from Montreal

Quebec’s wine scene is currently booming with a massive, low-intervention revolution. A passionate wave of artisan winemakers is stepping away from heavy chemicals and filtration, leaning instead into organic farming and native yeasts to let the local terroir truly shine. By embracing cold-hardy hybrid grapes and experimental techniques, these producers are crafting some of the most vibrant, exciting, and living wines in North America.

Here a few of my favourite natural wine wineries near Montreal:

• Joy Hill
• Domaine du Nival
• Domaine de la Bauge

Now – please keep in mind that wine tasting glasses tend to be on the smaller side, but they’re still alcohol nonehtless. Please think about having a designated driver ahead of your day trip!

Wakefield

Further west in the Gatineau Hills, the picturesque village of Wakefield offers a deep dive into a distinct, English-speaking Quebec culture wrapped in historic charm. Nestled right along the Gatineau River, it’s a haven for water adventures like paddleboarding and canoeing, all bordered by pristine, old-growth forests. The village itself is highly walkable, filled with cozy B&Bs, an iconic red covered bridge, and fun little independent boutiques. When it’s time to refuel, Wakefield boasts great places to eat and drink, starting with a pristine morning brew at Bluebarn Coffee Roasters right by the water.

Day trips from Montreal: Sucrerie de la Montagne

Did you know that Quebec’s sugar shacks produce over 80% of the world’s maple syrup? You’re welcome.

While the production methods have remained virtually unchanged since colonial days, the real tradition is all about the feast. Bring your eating pants, because a traditional sugar shack is a glorious, unapologetic assault on your cholesterol levels. You’ll be served a mountain of heavy, traditional Québécois comforting dishes: fluffy soufflé eggs, crispy oreilles de crisses (fried pork rinds), maple-cured ham, meat pie, baked beans, and sweet sugar pie—all topped off with hot maple taffy poured straight onto fresh snow.

For the ultimate time-capsule experience, head to Sucrerie de la Montagne. Tucked into a 120-acre forest of century-old maples atop Mont Rigaud, this official heritage site feels like stepping back in time. It was founded by Pierre Faucher, a man driven by a noble quest to keep Quebec’s pioneering traditions alive with absolute authenticity. Pierre has since become a local icon, famous for his jovial personality and an impressively dense, legendary beard that you’ll see featured in portraits all over the cabin. It is loud, sticky, and completely unforgettable.

Whale watching cruise

Now, this one is a bit of a stretch for a single day as you’re looking at a 10-hour car ride return; it’s honestly much better suited to at least a 2-day trip so you can actually take your time. But if whales are your thing, then you won’t want to miss seeing them upclose in Rivière-du-Loup. Embark on a whale watching cruise on the St. Lawrence River, in the heart of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park where you’ll mingle with up to 13 different species, including six varieties of whales. With the explanations of a certified naturalist guide on board!

Val-David

For a vibrant, artsy escape that packs a massive punch without the longer drive to Mont-Tremblant, Val-David is the perfect sweet spot. This bohemian village in the Laurentians is legendary for its creative soul, anchored every summer by the massive 1001 POTS ceramic festival where you can browse incredible artisan works right in the heart of town.

It’s an incredibly full day trip that seamlessly blends culture with the outdoors; you can rent a kayak to glide down the calm Rivière du Nord, explore the charming local boutiques, and hit at riverside Ayawan microbrewery for a well-deserved pint.

For the best view in the area, head straight into the Parc régional de Val-David-Val-Morin (Secteur Dufresne) and hike up Mont Condor, where breathtaking panoramic lookouts over the canopy reward a relatively short trek.

Day trip to Mont-Tremblant National Park

Discover the stunning, lush coniferous forests of the Mont-Tremblant National Park and its colourful Alpine village. Just two hours north of Montreal, there are plenty of things to do up there for almost all types of people: luxury spas, light hikes, full-on treks, gourmet restaurants, and more!

Hikes near Montreal

Pack your hiking boots—if you’re itching for fresh alpine air, these stellar trails near Montreal are worth the drive. You’ll definitely want to rent a car to reach them, but the total freedom to chase epic views makes it entirely worth it.

• Sentier La Roche & La Corniche Loop (Mont-Tremblant): This combo (~8 km) gives you two massive wooden viewing platforms hanging over glacial valleys, offering spectacular views of Lake Monroe and the sweeping Laurentian mountains. If you want a longer, quieter, and far more rugged day, tackle Le Centenaire (a technical 14 km loop) which climbs through wild maple stands and along craggy ridges.
• Le Pinacle Trail (Mont Pinnacle): Short, sweet, and highly dramatic. This intermediate 4.3 to 6 km loop leads to a sheer, massive cliff edge with a jaw-dropping vertical look straight down onto Lake Lyster. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare peregrine falcons nesting in the rock face.
• Inter-Centre / Main Summit Loop (Montagne Noire): A rugged, demanding 13 km trek packed with history. On your way up to the 875-meter peak, you’ll pass the actual, preserved crash site of a 1943 RCAF military plane before hitting the Mirador lookout for sweeping views of Lake Archambault.
• Sentier du Mont-Chauve (Mont Orford): This rewarding, moderate 10.6 km loop climbs to a beautifully bare, wind-swept ridge looking directly over Stukely Lake. Craving a technical, multi-summit alpine challenge? Tackle Les Crêtes instead to track the main massif up to Pic de l’Ours.

Day trip to Ottawa

Visit Canada’s capital on this short and sweet day trip from Montreal aboard the Empress of Ottawa, a historic triple-decker boat on the Ottawa River. Also included in the programme is Parliament Hill, of course, along with the famed Rideau Canal (as North America’s oldest continuously operated canal system, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Rideau Hall and a chance to visit the Canadian Museum of History and War Museum.

Écomuseum Zoo

Now, I’m not one to advocate for just about any zoo. This one really is different. Located on the western tip of the island of Montreal, it’s entirely dedicated to educating and preserving the local fauna and only welcomes animals that are either unable to return to the wild or that were been born in captivity. It’s home to 115 species, making it Canada’s largest number of fauna species from the St. Lawrence Valley, such as bears, porcupines, gray wolves, owls, foxes, and more.

Eastern Townships

While the French influence is unmistakable across most of Quebec, the Eastern Townships have beautifully preserved their rich English heritage. Settled in the late 18th century by American British Loyalists, followed by waves of Irish and Scottish immigrants, this scenic region is dotted with century-old Anglican chapels and historic brick villages. It’s an incredibly easy escape to pull off on a quick day trip or a leisurely weekend getaway from Montreal.

Today, that deep history blends seamlessly with a vibrant, modern culinary scene and endless outdoor adventures. Whether you’re chasing high-mountain hikes, touring artisan cider farms, or checking in to a charming Victorian-era B&B, there is a distinct, soulful energy here.

Don’t miss a few of my absolute favorite stops along the way: the picture-perfect villages of Dunham, Frelighsburg, and Sutton, a serene afternoon at the Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, and an unforgettable, hyper-local meal at Parcelles.