Did you know that Montreal is an island? There are many things to do in the city, but take a short drive out, and you’ll find much more to explore. I’ll walk you through the best day trips near Montreal and what to do there.
Montreal is a vibrant city, and there’s plenty to do. But there are also some great day trips from Montreal with or without a car or public transport. The city is well-connected, and it won’t take long to figure out how to reach some of the best experiences.
I enjoyed many Montreal day trips while living in this exciting Canadian city. A warning: Some of these destinations are so good that you may want to plan a few extra days into your trip to revisit them!
In this article, I’ll lead you through some of the most fun things to do in Montreal and beyond.
Don’t want to venture out of the city for the whole day? Check out this list of the best local museums to explore on a rainy day.
The Best Day Trips From Montreal to Explore
1. Mont Tremblant
If you like skiing, Mont Tremblant is the place to go. It really encompasses all the best the region has to offer. You get the cobbled streets, the relaxing spas, beautiful sights, and plenty of fun things to do.
If you don’t have long in and around Montreal, Tremblant is a great place to visit on a day trip. Tremblant offers a little bit of everything, so you’ll get a good idea of what Southeastern Canada is like in the winter.
Tremblant is a popular holiday and ski resort for couples, families, and solo travelers. There’s also a good mix of beginner and intermediate slopes, so you’ll be able to test your skills regardless of what level you’re at.
They also have 12 cross-country ski trails! So, if downhill skiing isn’t your thing, consider cross-country skiing.
For souvenir seekers, there are plenty of pretty shops in the center of Tremblant. And don’t miss the romantic ice skating rink at the bottom of the hill!
Bromont and Mont Tremblant too far? Head to the closer Mont Rigaud for skiing instead.
How to Get There
It’s only about an hour and a half’s drive to Tremblant from Montreal, so it’s easily accessible by car. There are also decent public transport connections. Though these take a little longer, the bus will get you there in around two hours.
2. Quebec City
Quebec City is the perfect day trip from Montreal if you want to travel a bit. It’s a beautiful city with cobblestones and gorgeous buildings for cyclists and walkers to explore. Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredible history to explore.
A guided walking tour is an excellent idea as you’ll learn all about the history of this fascinating region. Grab some Beaver Tails, a yummy fried dough pastry a little like fresh doughnuts, and explore the city’s picnic areas.
Montmorency Falls is well worth a visit! A friend of mine got engaged there. It’s a very romantic spot!
How to Get There
It’ll take three hours to get to Quebec City from Montreal, so it’s less accessible than the other options. That said, this does make it the ideal short road trip from Montreal. Taking a tour bus from Montreal is an excellent option if you don’t fancy driving.
3. Nuns’ Island
Nun’s Island is a small island in the St. Lawrence River that’s perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s easy to get to from the city and offers activities like golf, kayaking, and hiking trails. But for the ultimate relaxing day trip from Montreal, visit the Strøm Spa Nordic.
I might be slightly biased here, having enjoyed some wonderful times with my husband at the Strøm Spa on Nuns’ Island. The spa offers outdoor hot tubs and the most peaceful setting to enjoy. You can get spa treatments, enjoy a delicious light lunch, or sample the drinks at the bar.
Visiting a thermal spa is always great, but have you tried it in the winter? Canadians love an outdoor spa and don a “toque”—or a winter hat to you and me—to avoid freezing their hair. The temperature changes are wonderfully relaxing, and there’s something extraordinary about the combination of warm water and cold air!
How to Get There
You can get to Nun’s Island by car, bus, or taxi or take a long walk from the city. If you do the latter, plan a taxi for the way back, as you’ll not want to move a finger or toe after your day at the spa.
4. Bromont
Bromont is a great place for avid skiers and snowboarding fanatics. It’s also great fun if you like to eat delicious food! There’s also a large water park and plenty of mountain biking and hiking opportunities.
One of the best reasons to head to Bromont is to enjoy freshly made maple syrup. February and March tend to bring much-awaited warmer weather to Montreal, and with it comes Sugar Shack season.
What’s a Sugar Shack, you ask? It’s also known as a sap house, Cabane à Sucre, or Erabliere, where yummy maple syrup is made! At the end of winter, maple syrup is poured over ice and picked up with lollipop sticks to create a delicious treat.
How to Get There
Bromont is about an hour’s drive east of Montreal, so it’s easily accessible for a fun day trip. You can also take a bus, which takes a little over two hours.
5. La Ronde
La Ronde is a super popular option for an easy thing to do near Montreal. This famous amusement park draws thousands of visitors to the Island of St. Helen each year. The 146 acres of land are home to over 40 attractions operated by the famous Six Flags company to explore.
There are rides for every age at La Ronde, including thrilling roller coasters and more relaxed options for young children. There’s also a good selection of restaurants and shops. It’s not the most expensive theme park, starting at $35.99 for a regular day ticket.
How to Get There
There’s a shuttle service from the Jean Drapeau and Papineau stations in Montreal. Just jump on shuttle bus 769, and it’ll take you straight to the amusement park, making La Ronde an excellent choice for an easy day trip.
Plan Your Montreal Day Trip
Let’s explore! Now you know where to have a fantastic day trip near Montreal, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.
