Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Montréal, Canada
1. La Malbaie
Quiet coastal town offering beautiful beaches and golf courses, perfect for relaxation.
- Natural Beauty: Stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and nearby national park.
- Recreation: Opportunities for boating, hiking, and whale watching.
- Distance: Just over three hours drive from Montreal.
2. Old Quebec City
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with European charm and historic architecture.
- Culture: Explore museums, galleries, and the historic district.
- Food: Enjoy delicious French-Canadian cuisine at local restaurants.
- Distance: Approximately three and a half hours drive from Montreal.
3. Charlevoix Region
Rural getaway with breathtaking landscapes, known for its distinctive red barns.
- Scenery: Hills, valleys, and rivers create a picturesque landscape.
- Activities: Skiing, snowshoeing, and hot air balloon rides during winter.
- Distance: Approximately two hours drive from Montreal.
4. Mont-Tremblant
Popular ski resort with a village offering shopping and dining options.
- Skiing: Great for winter sports enthusiasts with a variety of slopes.
- Activities: Summer activities include golf, hiking, and mountain biking.
- Distance: One hour drive from Montreal (without traffic).
5. Saguenay Fjord National Park
Experience the unique landscape of a fjord, with hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
- Nature: Explore forests, waterfalls, and the deep Saguenay Fjord.
- Wildlife: Spot black bears, whales, and moose in their natural habitat.
- Distance: Three and a half hours drive from Montreal.
6. Trois-Rivières
A historic town with a charming old port and numerous festivals.
- History: Visit the Samuel de Champlain National Historic Site.
- Festivals: Enjoy music, arts, and food festivals throughout the year.
- Distance: One hour drive from Montreal.
7. Baie-Saint-Paul
Artistic village in the Charlevoix region known for its contemporary art and cheesemaking.
- Culture: Visit the Économusée, a museum dedicated to traditional arts.
- Food: Taste local artisanal cheeses at nearby farms.
- Distance: Two hours drive from Montreal.
8. Lake Memphremagog
Enjoy water sports and beautiful views at this large lake straddling the Quebec-Vermont border.
- Water Sports: Swim, fish, or sail on the lake.
- Scenery: Take in stunning views of nearby mountains.
- Distance: Two and a half hours drive from Montreal.
9. Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
A picturesque lakeside village offering hiking trails and a charming downtown area.
- Scenery: Admire the stunning views of Lake des Sables.
- Activities: Hike, bike, or fish in nearby parks and forests.
- Distance: One hour drive from Montreal.
10. Rivière-du-Loup
A coastal town with a vibrant downtown area and a nearby national park.
- Culture: Discover the local history at the St. Louis de France National Historic Site.
- Nature: Explore Forillon National Park for hiking, bird watching, and stunning views.
- Distance: Three hours drive from Montreal.
11. Grand-Mère Beach
A sandy beach on the St. Lawrence River offering swimming and picnic areas.
- Relaxation: Perfect for a day of sun, sand, and water activities.
- Scenery: Take in the beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River.
- Distance: Two hours drive from Montreal.
12. Île-aux-Coudres
A charming island off the coast of Saint-Malo de Rivière offering local cuisine and scenic views.
- Food: Taste delicious seafood dishes at local restaurants.
- Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River.
- Distance: One and a half hours drive from Montreal.
13. Orford and Orford Castle
A picturesque town with a historic castle offering art exhibitions and a beautiful garden.
- Culture: Visit the Orford Arts Centre for contemporary art exhibitions.
- History: Tour the historic Orford Castle and gardens.
- Distance: Two hours drive from Montreal.
14. Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
A lakeside town offering a vibrant downtown area and numerous festivals.
- Culture: Discover the local history at the Pointe-du-Moulin Historic Site.
- Festivals: Enjoy music, arts, and food festivals throughout the year.
- Distance: One hour drive from Montreal.
15. Oka National Park
A park offering hiking trails, a museum, and beautiful views of Lake Oka.
- Nature: Explore forests, waterfalls, and the lake.
- Culture: Learn about First Nations history at the Musée des Abenakis.
- Distance: One hour drive from Montreal.