At-a-Glance
| Destination | Drive Time | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Saint-Sauveur | 1 hr | Families & Skiing | | Eastern Townships | 1.5 hrs | Food & Wine | | Mont-Tremblant | 1.5 hrs | Outdoor Adventure | | Ottawa | 2 hrs | Culture & Museums | | Quebec City | 3 hrs | History & Romance |
Best Romantic Getaways from Montreal
For couples seeking quiet, the Eastern Townships are unparalleled. Stay in a boutique inn in Magog overlooking Lake Memphremagog. Alternatively, Quebec City offers a European-style romantic escape; walking the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec is a timeless experience. For more, see Where to Stay in Montreal: Best Areas for Every Traveller. For more, see Where to Stay in Quebec City: Best Areas & Hotels.
Best Family Weekend Trips
Mont-Tremblant is the ultimate family playground. Whether it is the Pedestrian Village or the beach access in summer, there is something for every age. Saint-Sauveur is also a fantastic choice, especially for the water slides at Mont Saint-Sauveur.
Best Winter Getaways
When the snow falls, head north. Bromont and Mont-Tremblant are premier destinations for alpine skiing. For a slower pace, visit the scenic region of Mauricie for dog sledding or snowshoeing in the wilderness.
Best Summer Getaways
Lanaudière comes alive in summer with hiking trails and cottage rentals. If you prefer luxury, the Fairmont Le Château Montebello is a classic choice for a lakeside retreat that features golf, kayaking, and archery.
Getaways Under 2 Hours
- Saint-Sauveur: Perfect for a quick recharge.
- Bromont: Famous for its outlet shopping and mountain biking trails.
- Eastern Townships: Explore the vineyard routes of Dunham.
Getaways Under 3 Hours
- Quebec City: A 2.5-hour drive via A-40 East.
- Ottawa: Only 2 hours away, perfect for a visit to the National Gallery.
- Mauricie: Located just under 2 hours north, ideal for nature lovers.
Where to Stay
For those seeking luxury, Fairmont Le Château Montebello offers an iconic log-cabin aesthetic. In the Eastern Townships, local inns provide cozy, high-end hospitality. Use Booking.com to find the latest deals on boutique hotels.
Suggested Weekend Itineraries
The Outdoor Adventure (Mont-Tremblant):
- Day 1: Hike the trails at Parc national du Mont-Tremblant.
- Day 2: Enjoy the pedestrian village and lake activities.
The History & Culture (Quebec City):
- Day 1: Wander the Petit-Champlain district.
- Day 2: Visit the Citadelle and dinner in a bistro on Rue Saint-Jean.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the closest weekend getaway from Montreal? Saint-Sauveur is only about an hour away.
- Which destination is best for a romantic trip? Quebec City or Magog are top choices.
- Do I need a car? While some places are accessible by bus, a car is highly recommended for flexibility.
- When is the best time to visit? It depends on your preference for skiing or hiking; both are excellent.
- Are these destinations expensive? Costs vary; camping or hostels are budget-friendly, while resorts are premium.
