Winter in Montreal can seem like a long time. After our two snowstorms in one week in February, we want to get out of the city and enjoy – really enjoy – the end of the Quebec winter.
Less than a two-hour drive away, we can recharge our batteries with postcard-perfect scenery, snow walks (to reconcile ourselves with the snow), mountain treks and the breath of small-town-charm . Plus, it’s almost Sugar Time!
1.Mont-Tremblant
Just a 90-minute drive from Montreal, Mont-Tremblant and its eponymous ski resort are a must-see destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Downhill skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding… Mont-Tremblant offers a multitude of activities to enjoy the snow with family and friends.
Breathtaking scenery, beaver tails in the evening after a day’s skiing, a trip to the spa and you’ve forgotten all about the little annoyances of the city in winter.
2.Magog
Situated in the Eastern Townships, about 1h30 from Montreal, Magog is worthy of a romantic comedy set, bordered by Lake Memphremagog – said to be so deep that it is inhabited by a creature that can be seen on foggy mornings…
In winter, it freezes over and becomes a playground for skaters, ice-fishermen and snowmobilers. Stroll along the snow-covered shores and warm up around a campfire, admiring the mountains in the background. A perfect getaway for lovers of nature and tranquility.
3.Venise-en-Québec
It’s not far from Montreal, but it feels like Venise-en-Québec is at the end of the world. Snow-covered, it’s like a snow globe you don’t want to leave.
We take advantage of the tranquility of the area to recharge our batteries, admiring the snow-covered landscapes and enjoying activities such as snowshoe hiking, ice fishing or simply watching the snow fall. It’s on the shores of Lake Champlain, another of the region’s lakes just as photogenic as the Memphrémagog.
4 Trois-Rivières
Roughly halfway between Quebec City and Montreal, Trois-Rivières is a charming city that’s larger than a village but still retains the warmth and comfort of a small provincial town.
Here, you can eat comforting local dishes, relax in a Nordic spa or explore the snow-covered trails of the surrounding parks – including Domaine Enchanteur and its ice trail, which is our favorite!
Happy spring break, and happy reconciliation with winter!