Day Trips From Montreal

Montreal is a pretty cool city, I even came up with five things I love about Montreal here. However there are also some pretty cool places around Montreal worth visiting – you can even see them in a day trip.


View Montreal Day Trips in a larger map

Burlington, Vermont

155km – about two hours drive one way (plus customs hassle)
A short drive down into the US and you’ll find some beautiful countryside as well as cheaper shopping (if you like shops). Burlington city is the state capital of Vermont and offers pleasant lakeside views, a slightly bizarre pumpkin festival in October and a yummy flat bread restaurant.

July
Vermont Brewers Festival (July 20-21st, 2012)
Artisan craft beer festival held on the Burlington harbour waterfront, tickets go on sale May 1st.
http://vtbrewfest.com/

August
Festivals of Fools (August 3-5th, 2012)
Street theatre festival which attracted over 10,000 visitors each day last year
http://www.burlingtoncityarts.org/festival_of_fools/

October
Pumpkin Regatta (October 7, 2012)
Held on Lake Champlain at the Burlington Waterfront Park this crazy pumpkin festival has people racing on the river in giant hollowed out pumpkins.

If you head to any of these festivals I recommend you try a flatbread pizza while you’re in town.
http://americanflatbread.com/restaurants/burlington-vt/

Burlington Vermont image

Mont Tremblant Resort & Village

143km – about two hours drive one way
Head north and you’ll reach the charming Mont Tremblant resort village nestled at the base of Mont Tremblant mountain and right beside Lake Tremblant. Along with Banff National Park this looks like a perfect Canadian winter destination for great ski holiday packages. Find plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes and outdoor activities.

Primarily a winter skiing destination the resort has been recognised as offering some of the best skiing in eastern North America (not sure you can expect great skiing, but certainly nice). Tremblant is however great for a relaxing get-a-way any time of year.
http://www.tremblant.ca/index-e.htm

Mont-Tremblant-Resort image

Ottawa

200km – about two and a half hours drive one way
To the west is Ottawa, Canada’s capital but otherwise not normally that interesting a destination. However hit up Ottawa during a festival and you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time.

May
Canadian Tulip Festival (May 4-21st, 2012)
If you like flowers head over to Ottawa in May for the tulip festival. Even if you’re not a big flower person the festival draws over 500,000 annually and is sure to be something to experience while you visit the rest of Ottawa.
http://www.tulipfestival.ca/

February
Ottawa Winterlude (Early February)
Skate along the ‘world’s largest skating rink’ and enjoy the winter festivities along the way including ice sculpting competitions.
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude

Ottawa

Quebec City

256km – about three hours drive one way
Follow the Saint Lawrence river north-east and you’ll reach Quebec City. One of the oldest cities in North America with a rich history and vibrant cultural personality.

July
Summer Festival (Festival d’été de Québec) (July 5-15th, 2012)
One of the largest events in Canada, the Summer Festival attracts top musical talent and is sure to be an amazing party.  Aerosmith are going to be there, so should you!
http://www.infofestival.com/

February
Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) (February 1-17th, 2013)
Attending the Quebec Winter Carnival is a great way to enjoy winter! Catch dog sled races, parades, ice sculpting competitions and even a canoe race across the Saint Lawrence river (partially frozen).
Our experience at the winter carnival in 2012.
http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/en

Quebec-City

There you have it; four great locations only a few hours drive from Montreal. Let me know what you think.

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