6 Best Day Trips from Montreal

In this article you'll find the best things to do in and around Montreal. Embark on an epic journey to make the most of your Canadian holiday with the day trips I'm about to tell you about.

From the fascinating tour to Mont Tremblant to the vibrant excursion to Ottawa to the breathtaking Thousand Islands National Park, you won't be short of options to discover dreamy landscapes. In this article you will find the tours with prices and duration so that you can choose the activities that suit your tastes. Join me!

To book a Mont Tremblant tour is to embark on an exciting adventure through the Laurentian Mountains and discover the majesty of Mont-Tremblant National Park.

There is a range of trails to explore and a world of breathtaking scenery and panoramic views. And if you prefer other activities, you can take a cable car ride, paddleboard, zip-line across the mountains, join in festivals and special events - especially if you're travelling in summer - and much more.

Some tours even stop in Saint-Sauveur, a charming village that will captivate you with its architecture and historic ambience where you can enjoy the best things to do in winter such as skiing and mountaineering, as well as indulge in Canadian cuisine and stroll through the shops.

Interesting details

• Price: from €232 per person.
• Duration: 7-10 hours.
• What you need to know: You have time to explore at your own pace, with the activities and sights of your choice.
• What the tour may include: expert guide service and transportation to and from Montreal.

This tour starts with a pick-up from your accommodation. The bus leaves behind Canada's most cosmopolitan city to visit the main landmarks of the historic centre of Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once in Quebec, stroll through the picturesque streets of the old city and marvel at the architecture of Place Royale, Old Quebec and the Petit Champlain on the Cap Diamant escarpments. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Notre-Dame de Quebec Church and the imposing Quebec Citadel, among many other sites.

Next stop is Montmorency Falls, where stunning views await you. Watch as the water turns to ice during its 83-metre drop. It's a wonder of nature, so you won't be able to resist the temptation to take pictures and make unforgettable memories of this breathtaking place.

Interesting details

• Price: from 89 € per person.
• Duration: 12 hours.
• What you need to know: the bus used is top-notch so you can relax on your 3-hour trip from Montreal.
• What the tour may include: shuttle service to and from your hotel, St. Lawrence River cruise and professional guide.
• Pros: One of the best ways to get to Quebec from Montreal.

The two-hour road trip takes you through breathtaking scenery as you head towards the Canadian capital, one of the icons of the ' Great White North'.

Start by strolling up the hill where Canada's imposing Parliament stands. From there, on the banks of the Ottawa River, take in the majesty of the legislative seat that resembles the British House. If your visit takes place between July and September, make this one of your summer things to do in Montreal so you don't miss the light show around the building.

Along the way, you'll also see the Ottawa River Pathway, the Senate of Canada, the Library of Parliament and the ByWard Market, famous for its variety of products and lively atmosphere. Along the way you will also find the Bytown Museum and the Rideau Canal, a World Heritage Site that will leave you in awe.

Interesting details

• Price: from €242 per person.
• Duration: 7 - 10 hours.
• What you should know: this type of tour includes free time to wander the streets at your leisure.
• What the tour may include: professional guide service in your language, transport to and from your hotel and bottled water.
• Tip: don't forget to enjoy a good beer or glass of wine among Ottawa's craft breweries and wine bars.

When you book a tour to Park Omega and Montebello Lodge the trip begins with a scenic drive through the countryside, taking you directly into the captivating Omega Park, home to a variety of Canadian wildlife such as moose, deer, fox, wolves, buffalo, bear, caribou, wild boar and other enchanting creatures.

You'll also have time to do the included maple syrup ice cream making activity and then indulge your senses with lunch accompanied by dreamy panoramic views.

Next, head to the iconic Montebello Lodge, an architectural landmark with the largest log castle in North America. This stunning resort features Fairmont Le Château Montebello, a five-star hotel with a golf course, spa, exquisite restaurants and a wide range of recreational activities for your enjoyment.

Details of interest

• Price: from 256€ per person.
• Duration: 6 - 8 hours.
• What you should know: this type of tour offers free time for you to explore the space at your leisure.
• What the tour may include: entrance to Omega Park, professional guide service, transport to and from your hotel and bottled water.
• Cons: Only offered in English and French.

This is a tour of the major landmarks east of Montreal:

• First stop is Austin, where you can capture stunning photos of both the lake and majestic Mount Orford.
• St. Benedict's Abbey, which boasts an architectural marvel perfectly integrated into nature. Learn about monastic life and the famous cheese made by the monks.
• Magog Bay Park, where you can admire the scenery flanking the Memphremagog River.
• North Hatley, a popular retreat for those looking to escape city life. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Lake Massawippi.
• The city of Sherbrooke, where you'll have the opportunity to visit Bishop's University, the only English-speaking institution outside cosmopolitan Montreal.
• Then let yourself be seduced by the lively Marche de la Gare before strolling through the City Hall and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Michael of Sherbrooke.

Interesting details

• Price: from 150 € per person.
• Duration: 8 - 10 hours.
• What may be included in the tour: transport service to and from your hotel, expert guide and bottled water.

The first stop is Upper Canada Village, a village that relives the late 19th century and recreates rural life in 1860s-era English Canada, with over 40 historic buildings including its famous Union Cheese Factory, a factory where cheddar cheese is still produced the old-fashioned way.

You can enjoy traditional farming, watch products being made and immerse yourself in the social and cultural life of the 19th century. Afterwards, it's time to explore the stunning scenery of the Thousand Islands National Park with a boat ride on the St. Lawrence River.

Witness the fairytale castles built by the elite of the early 20th century, such as Boldt Castle, White House and Singer Castle.

Details of interest

• Price: from €132 per person.
• Duration: 12 - 14 hours.
• What you need to know: During this tour, professional photographs are often taken in classic costume for souvenirs. You can get your own for an additional supplement.

• The transportation service: often only the main hotels in the city are included, for the rest of the private accommodations such as Airbnb and other hotels, operators suggest a central location such as Dorchester Square Park.
• Language: Most tours are only available in English and French.
• Always pack a mackintosh and warm jacket- even if you're travelling in summer, you may need them.