An amazing city to call home or visit, Montréal is also the perfect base to explore a beautiful region. Located in southern Quebec and bordering US states Vermont and Maine, outdoor adventures await around every corner. But city lovers rejoice, as a handful of vibrant cities are a pleasant drive away. These are 11 weekend getaways from Montréal, grouped by best season to visit.

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Year-Round

#1- Wine Tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake

The charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake turns wine tasting into a year-round affair. In spring and summer, enjoy a tasting of whites and rosés overlooking the vines. Stratus Vineyards is a modern winery, while Peller Estates is a classic estate with a long tradition. Both make delicious wines, paired with beautiful outdoor spaces to spend a sunny afternoon.

In fall and winter, cosy up inside one of the wineries specializing in ice wine. This unique dessert wine is made from grapes that are frozen on the vine. Inniskillin Winery put Canadian wine on the map and won many awards for their ice wines.

Getting there: six-hour drive from Montréal. Staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a peaceful alternative to the high-rises of Niagara Falls.

#2- American History in Boston, USA

The capital of Massachusetts is hard to beat when it comes to American history. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Stroll the streets steeped in history on the Freedom Trail Tour, a great introduction to Boston’s eventful past.

But Boston offers far more than history. The streets lined with iconic brownstones are very much alive in modern days. Visit the campuses of Ivy League universities Harvard and MIT, while seeing their sailing teams in action on the Charles River. On the menu are creamy seafood dishes, like New England clam chowder and lobster mac ‘n cheese. Top it off with cannelloni from North End, Boston’s Little Italy neighborhood.

Getting there: five-hour drive from Montréal. The trip can easily be turned into a road trip, as you pass through scenic US states Vermont and New Hampshire.

#3- Culture in Capital Ottawa

Ottawa is often overlooked in favor of its neighbors, Montréal and Toronto. As the cultural and political center of the country, it merits a visit. The city is centered around Parliament Hill, a collection of Gothic-style buildings that house the government. Ottawa is also home to seven of the nation’s nine national museums, including the Canadian Museum of History.

After a stroll with views of Parliament Hill in Major’s Hill Park, explore local eateries and shops in the public ByWard Market. The first store of a well-known Canadian pastry chain opened in this market decades ago. BeaverTails help with an extra layer for the winter temperatures.

Getting there: with a two-hour direct train connection from Montréal, there is no reason to skip Canada’s capital.

#4- Nature’s Power in Niagara Falls

The three impressive waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls were formed at the end of the last Ice Age. Even though Niagara Falls is a natural wonder, it was turned into a powerful hydro-electric project by human engineering over a century ago. The falls are actually the largest producer of electricity in New York State. You can learn about the history of Niagara Falls at The World Changed Here Pavilion.

Niagara Falls is located on the border of Canada and the USA, making it possible to visit both sides for a very different experience. While the American side is taken up by a state park, the Canadian side is lined with high-rise hotels. Stay the night in one of these hotels to wake up with sunrise views over the falls. Niagara Falls can be visited year-round, turning into a unique winter wonderland with extreme cold.

Getting there: six-hour drive from Montréal. The Canadian side can be combined with an afternoon in Niagara-on-the-Lake. With many trails and activities, the US side easily fills up a full day.

#5- Big City Life in Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s biggest city and multicultural heart. With only a day to spare in the city, Downtown Toronto is the place to be. Visit Canada’s version of Times Square, have your pick at lunch from around the globe in Kensington Market and rise to the top of the landmark CN Tower. For the best views of Toronto’s skyline, board the Ward’s Islands Ferry to Toronto Islands.

Getting there: five-hour drive from Montréal. Toronto is a perfect stopover point on a trip to Niagara Falls.

Spring – Summer

#6- Kayaking in Jacques Cartier National Park

Jacques Cartier National Park is located in a beautiful glacial valley outside of Quebec. When the ski-season ends, a scenic river is revealed between the mountains. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent, as well as a shuttle service to transfer you back to the starting point. The park counts both primitive and serviced campgrounds, with water and electricity hookups.

Getting there: three-hour drive from Montréal. You can add a stop at Montmorency Falls Park just outside Quebec.

#7- Summer Charm in Cape Cod, USA

Cape Cod is a beautiful destination year-round, but summer stands out just a little bit more. Miles of pristine beaches, quaint fishing towns and a vibrant atmosphere make the Cape into one of America’s beloved summer holiday destinations. Colorful beach shacks sell lobster rolls and drinks with sunset views over the bay. If you want to leave the activity behind, Cape Cod National Seashore offers miles of uninterrupted nature.

A quick ferry ride lands you in Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, dreamy island destinations lined with summer homes of the elite. The scenic lighthouses and picture-perfect towns warrant at least a day trip from the Cape.

Getting there: six-hour drive from Montréal to enter Cape Cod. Driving up to Provincetown at the northern tip of the island adds another hour, summer traffic not included.

#8- Whale Watching in Tadoussac

One of the best places to go whale watching in Eastern Canada is the St. Lawrence River. From June to October, up to 13 whale species come to these feeding grounds at the crossing of fresh and salt water. Tadoussac is a village on the St. Lawrence River, scenically located in the Bay of Tadoussac. Boat excursions of all sizes leave from the small harbor. Even if you don’t get lucky in whale spotting (like me), the charm of Tadoussac makes up for it.

Getting there: five-hour drive from Montréal, plus a short ferry crossing to the other side of the river.

Fall – Winter

#9- Fall Foliage in Mont-Tremblant

Mont Tremblant is a popular ski resort during the winter months, but fall is far more enchanting. Between September and October, the Laurentian Mountains are covered in gorgeous hues of red, orange and yellow. There is a wide choice of beautiful mountain chalets for rent in Mont-Tremblant, allowing you to wake up with a view like a painting.

Embark on one of several hikes that depart from Mont-Tremblant town to rise above the lakes, for truly exceptional views of the fall foliage. The colors usually peak in the first week of October. At the time of our visit in mid-October, the colors were mostly past peak, but the landscape remains stunning nonetheless.

Getting there: less than a two-hour drive from Montréal, a visit to Mont Tremblant can be planned last-minute at the peak of fall foliage season. Just keep in mind to reserve your daily access, up to one month in advance.

#10- Fall Road Trip in Vermont, USA

Not surprisingly, Quebec’s American neighbor to the south offers fantastic fall foliage as well. Vermont is one of six New England states in Northeastern USA that draw visitors from across the world during fall season. For an extended roadtrip in beautiful New England, check out my one-week itinerary.

Vermont’s scenic byway Route 100 takes you on a journey across the state. The road is dotted with Vermont’s iconic attractions and fall activities: go apple picking or hard cider tasting at one of many orchards, visit scenic mountains towns like Stowe and Woodstock and drive through historic covered bridges. Let the road guide you through the breathtaking fall foliage of the Green Mountains.

Getting there: the northern entry to Route 100 is a two-hour drive from Montréal. You could also drive straight to Stowe in two hours, passing the highest peak in Vermont, Mt. Mansfield.

#11- Holiday Vibes in Ville de Québec

The capital of Quebec can be visited year-round, but is at its most charming during the end-of-year holiday season. Just like Old Montréal, the historic section of Quebec turns into an enchanting winter wonderland. The decorations and festive lights in the cobblestone streets of Petit Champlain look like a scene from a holiday movie.

I did not get to visit Quebec in winter, but could only imagine the holiday potential of this charming historic city. Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Stroll the elegant streets of Old Quebec and Terrasse Dufferin, a wooden boardwalk with views of the river and Château Frontenac.

Getting there: two and a half-hour drive from Montréal.