Best Canada Tours from Montreal

Montréal Highlights & Things to do

Here are the must-see highlights to include in your Montréal itinerary:

Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal)
Head up to Mount Royal for the best panoramic view of the city from the Kondiaronk Belvedere. You can walk, bike, or drive up. In the summer, locals picnic on the grass; in winter, it turns into a snow-covered wonderland ideal for sledding and snowshoeing.

Old Montréal (Vieux-Montréal)
This historic area is packed with 18th-century architecture, cobblestone lanes, and landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica. Don't miss the Old Port and Place Jacques-Cartier for riverside walks, street performances, and ice skating in winter. Old Montréal is also home to many art galleries, cafés, and boutique shops.

Plateau Mont-Royal & Mile End
For a more local vibe, explore these artistic neighborhoods. Plateau offers colorful street art and quirky row houses, while Mile End is known for indie bookshops, record stores, and some of the best food in the city - including the famous bagels from Fairmount and St-Viateur.

Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy
Located in the heart of Little Italy, Jean-Talon is one of North America’s largest public markets. It’s a go-to for fresh produce, maple syrup, local cheese, and lunch on the go. The surrounding area is filled with authentic Italian cafés and bakeries.

Space for Life (Espace pour la Vie)
This science-focused district includes the Montréal Botanical Garden, Biodome, Insectarium, and Planetarium. It’s great for families or anyone interested in nature and sustainability - and it’s open year-round.

Underground City (RÉSO)
Especially useful in colder months, RÉSO is a 30+ km network of underground pedestrian paths that connect shopping centers, metro stations, hotels, and office buildings - ideal for staying warm while exploring the downtown area.

Day trips from Montréal: nearby attractions

There are some scenic destinations within 1-3 hours of the city - perfect for day trips:

Québec City & Montmorency Falls: About 3 hours by car or train. Combine UNESCO-listed Old Québec with a visit to Montmorency Falls nearby. Day tours from Montréal often include hotel pickup and commentary.

Ottawa: Canada's capital is just 2 hours by train. Highlights include Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal and the National Gallery. Easy to fit into a 1-day trip.

Mont Tremblant: Around 1.5-2 hours by car, this Laurentian resort town is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts, with skiing in winter and hiking, zip-lining, or kayaking in summer.

Other local options include the Eastern Townships (charming villages and wineries), Granby Zoo, or Boucherville Islands for kayaking and nature walks.

Canada Vacations from Montréal: Multi-City Trips

If you're planning more than just a quick getaway, Montréal connects well with several other major Canadian destinations. Here are cities that pair well with Montréal for extended vacations, though they are best visited with at least one overnight stay:

Toronto
Canada’s largest city is about 5-6 hours by train or car from Montréal. Visit iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and Kensington Market. You can also take a day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto. Consider combining Montréal-Ottawa-Toronto for a well-rounded Eastern Canada route.

Niagara Falls
While too far for a day trip from Montréal (about 6.5 hours by car), Niagara Falls is a must-see on any longer Canada vacation. Most travelers pair it with a Toronto visit. The falls are spectacular year-round, especially from boat tours like the Hornblower or Journey Behind the Falls.

Charlevoix Region
Northeast of Quebec City, Charlevoix offers stunning mountain and coastal scenery, whale watching along the St. Lawrence River, and luxury stays like the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. This region is best visited over 2-3 days.

Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l'Est)
Located southeast of Montréal, this region is dotted with wineries, small towns, lakes, and mountains. It's ideal for a peaceful 2-3 day escape and especially scenic during fall foliage season.

Suggested Itineraries: 3 / 5 / 7 Day Plans

3-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Mount Royal, Plateau, Old Montréal
Day 2: Day trip to Québec City and Montmorency Falls
Day 3: Jean-Talon Market, Mile-End or mini trip to Mont-Tremblant

5-Day Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Deep dive into Montréal neighborhoods and cuisine
Day 3: Quebec City overnight trip
Day 4: Ottawa or Mont-Tremblant
Day 5: Eastern Townships or local museum hopping

7-Day Itinerary:
Days 1-2: Montréal
Day 3: Québec City
Day 4: Mont-Tremblant
Day 5: Ottawa
Day 6: Toronto
Day 7: Niagara Falls (return or continue west)

Getting Around: Transportation Tips

Trains: VIA Rail offers reliable connections to Quebec City, Ottawa, and Toronto. It's a comfortable and scenic way to travel without worrying about parking or highways.

Buses: FlixBus and Orléans Express serve nearby cities with budget-friendly options.

Driving: Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for places like Mont Tremblant or Eastern Townships, where public transport is limited. Roads are well maintained and signage is clear.

Within Montréal: The STM metro and bus system is fast and easy to use. You can also walk or rent a BIXI bike to explore local neighborhoods.

Guided Tours: Guided trips from Montréal often include round-trip transport, bilingual guides, and skip-the-line access. Ideal for stress-free travel to major sights.

Insider advice & pro tips

• Best travel window: late September to mid-October for fall colors and fewer crowds
• Book ahead for Mont-Tremblant accommodations in fall or holidays
• Don’t skip Montréal’s food scene - try poutine at La Banquise and bagels from St-Viateur or Fairmount
• Use the STM Metro for easy and budget-friendly travel within Montréal
• If visiting Niagara Falls from Montréal, bring your passport - especially if crossing into the U.S.
• Tipping: Standard in restaurants is 15-20%. It’s also customary to tip taxi drivers and hotel staff.