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 and the slow melting of the snow that brings spring!
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!
We’ve got a list of the best road-trips (day or weekend)…
In Montérégie…
1.Hudson
Less than an hour from downtown, Hudson is a small village on the shores of Lake of Two Mountains.
We’ll take a stroll along Sandy Beach, browse the boutiques, then take a hike in the forest.
If we want to stay the weekend, we’ll spend the evening at the Willow Inn, a historic village landmark that also offers farm-to-table gourmet meals.
This is the countryside, and it’s as sweet as spring!
Population: 5,165
Distance: 57, 5 km from Montreal (55 min)
2.Mont-Saint-Hilaire
For a micro-road-trip, it’s only 45 minutes from Montreal, and Mont-Saint-Hilaire is a little jewel of the countryside.
We take a stroll through the Mont-St-Hilaire nature center, which offers several hiking trails to the top of the mountain. The views are pretty incredible, and the path is easy enough to climb.
A short drive away, you can stay at the Auberge Handfield, which also offers health and spa treatments, or drop in at the Strom spa St-Hilaire, for the luxury of relaxation in the heart of nature.
Population: 18,200
Distance: 35.1 km from Montreal (45 min)
In the Eastern Townships…
3.Knowlton
The road trip continues with the picturesque Eastern Townships village of Knowlton.
Take a stroll through the illuminated town center at night, before spending some time on Douglass Beach, directly on Brome Lake, and close to Mont Sutton for incredible views.
For fans of crime fiction and booktok and true crime junkies, there’s a guided tour of the Three Pines series by Louise Penny, who drew inspiration for her novels from Knowlton and North Hatley.
For those who prefer history, there’s a tour of the village’s museum and other historical attractions.
Population: 5,609
Distance: 109 km from Montreal (1 h 30)
4.North Hatley
North Hatley is the coziest, most nostalgic village in the Eastern Townships. If there’s only one thing you do, it’s visit Magasin Général Le Baron-which has everything from an SAQ counter to the region’s best breakfast sausages, the latest issue of Paris-Match and honey from the beekeepers next door. The floors creak and ’90s jeeps vie for one of the parking spaces. It’s almost a movie set!
Stroll around the lake or to Scowen Park, take a sauna, eat at Pilsen or drink a dirty chai at Mercantile. Everywhere you look, old and new meet for a little hint of ’70s Quebec (or earlier).
Bonus for those who like to store for antiques: there are several small antique shops in the village…
And until the end of April, the Cabane à Sucre Érabilis is open for the sugaring-off season!
Population: 675
Distance: 127 km from Montreal (1 h 35)
5.Magog
Magog is worthy of a romantic comedy set, bordered by Lake Memphremagog – said to be so deep that it’s inhabited by a creature you can see 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.
You can also take a stroll downtown to store, dine in the many small cafés and restaurants, or take in a concert or comedy show at Le Vieux Clocher.
Magog is bigger than a small village, but just small enough to feel like you’re somewhere else.
Population: 25,358
Distance: 128 km from Montreal (1 h 40)
6.Coaticook
The 2-hour drive to Coaticook is well worth it.
We start with a tour of the Parc de la gorge de Coaticook, a must-see with an impressive suspension bridge worthy ofIndiana Jones.
Dog sledding and other winter activities are also available.
For those who want a photo of the view, we climb Mount Pinnacle, a (fairly) easy ascent…
Population: 8,698
Distance: 167 km from Montreal (2 h 2 min)
In the Laurentians…
7.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.
Population: 9,646
Distance: 166 km from Montreal (2 h 9 min)
In Ontario…
8.Cornwall
If your road trip takes you out of the province, Cornwall is a great place to discover…
If you’re staying for the weekend, you can stay at the Chesley Inn, a charming little hotel that makes you want to stay for the week.
Take a stroll along the Waterfront Trail, or in Lamoureux Park. When it comes to gastronomy, Cornwall has a fine selection of restaurants, and several wineries and breweries to visit.
Population: 46,589
Distance: 114 km from Montreal (1 h 40)
In New York (State)…
9.Malone
Two hours (exactly) from Montreal, Malone is a lovely village to visit in New York State.
Bordering the Adirondacks, a mountain range in the northeastern part of the state, it’s a great starting point for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
Camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, winter fishing, you name it.
A must-see in Malone: stroll the streets to admire the large, brightly-colored Victorian houses. Don’t forget your passport!
Population: 14,139
Distance: 139 km from Montreal (2 h)
Enjoy your trip!