Numerous weekend getaways that offer adventure, leisure, and amazing experiences are available in Montreal, which is recognised for its rich history and antique scenery. If you’re a student studying abroad and have a free weekend in Montreal, there are a lot of interesting attractions around that are just a short drive away.
These weekend excursions offer students the option to go outside of Montreal, see new things, and create unforgettable memories while still having time to relax and re-energise before returning to class. In this blog, we’ll discuss a number of enjoyable weekend getaways from Montreal.
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Orford
It is only a 1-hour 40-minute visit from Montreal and is located in eastern townships. For those who appreciate nature, the trip from Montreal will be memorable for you. It is situated at the base of the stunning mountains that make up Mont Orford National Park.
In the summer, the Mont-Orford National Park is the ideal location for water activities, hikes, and viewing the Eastern Townships. In the winter, you may also go skiing or snowshoeing.
If you’re a foodie, Orford is an excellent area to get away from Montreal. You can drive the wine route and make a few stops along the way for tastings to get a true sense of what the area has to offer. To fully appreciate the route, it is advised that you choose a designated driver.
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Montebello
If you want to enjoy and are seeking something beautiful from Montreal, it is the Montebello, the ideal weekend vacation for students. Montebello Village, on the North Shore of the Ottawa River, is located 1.5 hours by car from Montreal. It is located in Western Quebec, Canada’s Papineau Regional County Municipality. It boasts the largest log building ever constructed, the renowned Château Montebello resort.
Cross-country skiing, dog sledging, golf, boating, and snowmobiling are among the activities available on the property. Every year, the town also plays host to the massive Montebello RockFest music event, which attracts visitors from all over the world.
Although there are some excellent places to stay and eat in Montebello, bookings must be made well in advance. Generally, you can schedule a visit over the weekend, but if you want to tour the city thoroughly, 3–4 days would be helpful. A weekend trip from Montreal is ideal, especially if you stay at the venerable Château Montebello.
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Magog
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Magog is the ideal location for a quick road trip from Montreal. Montreal is only 77 miles (125 kilometres) from the town. It is situated in Canada at the meeting point of the Magog River, Rivière aux Cerises, and Lake Memphremagog.
With its vineyards and lakes, the town has a lovely appearance. If you travel there for a two-day trip from Montreal, there are many things to do. Some of the best activities are listed below:
- Lake Memphremagog: This lake serves as the name for the entire town. In the summer, it is advised to try swimming there.
- Musée International d’Art Naif: The only museum in Canada that currently displays simple art is this one. Visitors can have a free tour of the museum.
- Marais de la Riviere aux Cerises: A 3-km walking path winds through Magog’s marshes and woodlands. Autumn is the best time to travel. There is free parking at both ends.
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Gatineau Park
For those who enjoy the outdoors, a quick trip to Gatineau Park from Montreal is important. Gatineau Park is a national park close to the Ontario-Quebec border that offers a variety of hiking paths, camping areas, and exciting outdoor pursuits. To make the most of the region, include it as a stop on your road trip plan to Quebec.
Gatineau Park is a fantastic place to travel to in both the summer and the winter. Long hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, lakeside vistas, and historic ruins are available throughout the summer. Gatineau Park transforms into a sanctuary for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
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Val David
80 km north of Montreal, amid the Laurentian Mountains, sits the quaint French-Canadian town, of Val-David. This little, picture-perfect town is packed with beauty, the arts, and adventure. It’s ideal for a Montreal winter getaway.
You can engage in a few things. Ice skating and hockey at the city ice rink with a cosy warming centre are some wintertime activities. Alpine ski aficionados can drive to a number of renowned ski destinations. For numerous outdoor experiences throughout the year, a rental store for outdoor gear is available. Visitors will be enchanted by the beautiful boutiques and cosy cafes in warmer weather as well.
Visit the neighbourhood microbrewery to cap off the activities you had for the day. To fully experience Val-David’s attractions and charming small-town atmosphere, spend a few nights at a nearby bed and breakfast.
This is a wonderful getaway from Montreal, regardless of the season. It’s only a short drive from the city and it lets you immerse yourself completely in nature.
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FAQs on the Weekend Getaways from Montreal
It is located 1.5 hours by car from Montreal. Some of the main attractions are Cross-country skiing, dog sledging, golf, boating, snowmobiling, etc.
Magog is approximately 77 miles (125 kilometres) from Montreal. During a weekend trip to Magog, you can enjoy activities such as swimming in Lake Memphremagog, exploring the Musée International d’Art Naif, and taking a scenic walk through the Marais de la Riviere aux Cerises marshes.
Gatineau Park, easily accessible from Montreal, is a nature lover’s paradise. In summer, it offers extensive hiking trails, leading to waterfalls, lakeside views, and historic ruins. In winter, it transforms into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing haven. Optimal times to visit from Montreal are summer for hiking and winter for winter sports enthusiasts.
Famous weekend getaways from Montreal include Quebec City for its historic charm, Mont-Tremblant for skiing and outdoor activities, Ottawa for museums and cultural sites, Eastern Townships for scenic countryside and wineries, and the Laurentians for nature and adventure. Each offers a unique and relaxing escape from city life.
Oka Beach, located in Oka National Park, is about an hour from Montreal and offers a sandy shoreline and various activities. If you’re looking for a beach a bit further, Plage Saint-Zotique, approximately an hour’s drive, is also popular. Both make for great day trips.
Montreal offers the ideal attraction of a vacation destination for a student. If you enjoy everything pertaining to natural beauty, wildlife, or anything else, it is the ideal location. For student weekend vacations, Montreal is great. So let’s prepare for the pleasant weekends by putting your bags in your car and leaving.
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