Best Montreal Tours from New York

Best Time to Take a New York to Montreal Tour

This will depend on what kind of activities you prefer. The summer months of June through August offer a variety of events, including the Jazz Festival and Osheaga. The weather is warm, but it is also the peak tourist season.

September and October are ideal for scenic road trips and viewing Canada's autumn foliage, particularly in the Adirondack Mountains and Quebec. This is shoulder season, offering fewer crowds.

Ways to Travel from New York to Montreal

First, we need to know how far Montreal is from New York. The distance between the two cities is approximately 370 miles (about 600 kilometers), which offers various travel options.

● By Car: The non-stop New York to Montreal drive takes roughly 6 to 7 hours, excluding border crossing time and traffic delays, especially leaving the NYC metro area. Although driving offers the greatest flexibility for your journey, please ensure you have all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, to cross the US–Canada border.

● By Plane: The fastest option is to fly to Montreal from New York. Non-stop flights from major NYC airports (JFK, LGA, EWR) to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) take about 1.5 hours.

● By Train: Taking Amtrak is the best way to travel by train from New York to Montreal, taking 13 hours. You can enjoy views of the Hudson River Valley and Lake Champlain along the way.

● By Bus: Taking the NYC to Montreal bus is typically the most budget-friendly choice. Companies like Greyhound and FlixBus offer direct routes. The bus ride takes approximately 8 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing times.

Stopover Locations Between New York to Montreal

For those planning a road trip from New York to Montreal, these cities make excellent stopover destinations and offer diverse scenery along the way.

Albany: The capital of New York State, offering historical and cultural attractions like the New York State Capitol and the Empire State Plaza.

Lake George: Located in the Adirondacks, this large, scenic lake offers boat tours, hiking, and a classic American vacation feel, making it a perfect recreational stop.

Saratoga Springs: A charming city roughly halfway through the journey, known for its historic racetrack, natural mineral springs, and vibrant downtown area. It's an excellent spot for a lunch break or an overnight stay.

Best Way to Tour Montreal

The best way to explore is on foot, especially in downtown Montreal, where visitors can stroll through historic streets, enjoy waterfront views, and visit major attractions. Montreal offers a variety of transportation options to suit your needs.

● Metro and Bus: Operated by the STM, Montreal’s metro is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around. It connects major tourist areas, while buses provide access to neighborhoods not covered by the subway.

● BIXI Bike Share: Montreal is one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America. Visitors can rent bikes from BIXI stations located throughout the city for scenic rides along the Lachine Canal or through Mount Royal Park.

● Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and ideal for direct point-to-point travel.

● Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: A popular choice for visitors, these tours offer a flexible way to see the city’s top landmarks with informative commentary.

Montreal's Top Attractions

Old Montreal: This historic district, with its cobblestone streets and 17th-century architecture, is the heart of the city. Key sights include Notre-Dame Basilica, a Gothic Revival masterpiece, and the bustling Old Port along the St. Lawrence River.

Mount Royal Park: Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, this large park offers stunning views of the city skyline from the Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout. It's the perfect spot for walking, cycling, or relaxing.

RÉSO: This extensive network of underground tunnels connects shopping malls, metro stations, museums, and venues. It provides comfortable access to many downtown attractions during inclement weather.