Experience a weekend getaway from Montreal
Whether you want relaxation, excitement, adventure, or something in between, a weekend getaway is a perfect way to get a break from the daily grind and experience a new destination. Even with just a few days off of work, you can take a trip to cities like Toronto or New York to sightsee, resort areas like Mont Tremblant for outdoor adventures, or the quiet countryside for a trip of rejuvenation and relaxation in nature. No matter how you want to spend your weekend, take a look at the top destinations for a weekend getaway from Montreal to plan your trip for you or for your family.
Quebec City for history and culture
Quebec City is one of Canada’s top travel destinations and a beautiful place for a weekend trip. Quebec City is the oldest city in Canada and offers all kinds of exciting historic sites and stunning architecture, especially in Old Town with its cobbled streets and 17th-century buildings. The nightlife and dining are excellent as well, so you can try an up-and-coming restaurant and go out for drinks in the city’s bars and live-music venues.
Mont Tremblant for outdoor fun
Known for its year-round outdoor recreation, Mont Tremblant is a favourite for outdoor adventurers. The alpine town provides endless opportunities to explore the wilderness, such as skiing, hiking, cycling, and canoeing or kayaking in the lakes and rivers. You could also relax on the beaches of Lac Tremblant in the warm months, which offers water sports and beach games as well. At night, visit the alpine village for dinner and drinks with stunning landscape views.
New York for sightseeing
New York has so much to see and do that you couldn’t fit it into 1 weekend, but you could still have a memorable trip with some planning. One of the best ways to experience New York is by eating at its incredible restaurants and seeing famous landmarks and attractions in between, such as the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. New York has impressive museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Solomon R. Guggenheim. You’ll find incredible shopping in New York as well, especially on the luxurious 5th Avenue.
Montebello for alpine adventure
Located on the edge of the Outaouais region, Montebello is a charming village with picturesque meadows, forests, and lakes to explore. You’ll find quaint cabins, numerous hiking trails, and sandy lake beaches for outdoor fun. If you like animals, Montebello has a drive-through safari park with all kinds of native wildlife, such as elk, bison, black bears, and beavers.
Saint Sauveur for skiing
Nestled in the Laurentian Mountains, Saint Sauveur offers a quiet alpine retreat for rest and relaxation over your free weekend. The resort town boasts skiing and snowboarding at premier resorts in winter, not to mention excellent après-ski activities. In warmer months, you can explore the wilderness with hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. Several lovely spas can be found in Saint Sauveur for a little luxury and pampering. Treat yourself to a hot tub soak, dry sauna, or a meditation class.
Toronto for fun with the kids
Toronto is a diverse city with a lot to see and do, so you’re sure to find plenty to fill your itinerary for sightseeing. You can explore the city by bike or tram to see sights like the Royal Ontario Museum and the CN Tower. If you’d rather enjoy some time outdoors, the Toronto Islands are just offshore of the downtown area and have amusement parks, harbour cruises, parks, and sandy beaches for sunbathing and swimming. Before you leave, be sure to check out the St. Lawrence Market and try artisan foods from the top vendors in the city.
Ottawa family sightseeing
Canada’s capital is one of the best cities to explore over a weekend. If you’ve never had a chance to see Canada’s government buildings or national museums, now is the time. You can visit the National Gallery of Canada to see indigenous and Canadian artwork, or you can tour the Canadian Museum of History or Canadian War Museum to learn about fascinating historical events. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner and bohemian markets in Chinatown, such as the Byward Market, which is one of the largest farmers’ markets in the city.