A Toronto to Montreal highway journey is a drive that we take incessantly. As we depart from Toronto, we head north on the DVP, with the CN Tower disappearing behind us. Our journey to Montreal takes us via Ontario’s rolling hills and sprawling farmlands. The drive to Montreal generally is a straight shot on the freeway, however if you need to make a vacation out of it, you possibly can discover small cities and main cities alike, giving us the likelihood to discover native outlets and take pleasure in regional delicacies. With our highway journey playlist loaded, we wail to the music as we make our manner via Eastern Ontario. It is certainly one of our favourite issues to do in life….to drive.
Toronto to Montreal Road Trip
Most individuals who dwell in Ontario favor to drive to Montreal however if you’re visiting the metropolis from overseas, there are flights between Toronto and Montreal which are simply over an hour flying time. Flights depart every day from Billy Bishop downtown or from Pearson International Airport which could be reached by transit. You may take the bus or practice. They have common schedules between downtown Toronto at Union Station and downtown Montreal.
But, driving is superior and we advocate renting a automobile. This is an effective way to see the better of Ontario multi function shot. Compare automobile rental costs right here.
About the Toronto to Montreal Drive
The Toronto to Montreal Drive is filled with issues to see and do. While the direct route will take 5 hours, you possibly can simply break it up to cease at a few of the cities alongside the manner. It’s simple to flip a 5-hour drive into per week-lengthy highway journey! There are so many sights alongside the manner, that we regularly find yourself taking a few days getting to Montreal from Toronto. Once you hit Old Montreal, it’s time to immerse in the metropolis’s wealthy tradition, discover its historic websites, and take pleasure in its famend culinary scene.
How Long Does it Take to Drive from Toronto to Montreal? The drive sometimes takes round 5 to 6 hours, relying on site visitors and highway circumstances. The most direct route is by way of Highway 401 East, also referred to as the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway, which is the main freeway connecting these two cities.
Directions from Toronto to Montreal
Start on the Gardiner Expressway East from Downtown Toronto. Merge onto Highway 401 East and proceed for about 500 kilometers. Take exit 169 for Quebec 20 East towards Montreal. Continue on Quebec 20 East and merge onto Autoroute 720 East. Take exit 6 for Boulevard Saint-Laurent towards Rue Berri. Continue on Boulevard Saint-Laurent to attain downtown Montreal.
Sights Along the Way – Toronto to Montreal Drive
Two of Canada’s biggest cities are only a fast 5-hour drive alongside Highway 401 (quick by Canadian requirements) however they couldn’t be extra totally different. Toronto is the English-speaking monetary hub of the nation with skyscrapers dominating the skyline whereas Montreal is the nation’s cultural heart balancing its historic French heritage with fashionable-day dwelling.
There are so many points of interest alongside the manner that when taking a highway journey from Toronto to Montreal, you’ll need to give your self time. While it is just about 5 hours whole, you possibly can stretch it to a number of days. Here are some sights you’ll see alongside the manner from Toronto to Montreal.
Stop 1 – Port Hope
One of your first stops outdoors of Toronto might be the pretty small city of Port Hope about an hour and 20 minutes from Toronto. We used to movie a whole lot of interval TV exhibits in downtown Port Hope, so you possibly can relaxation assured that it’s the definition of charming.
Port Hope is located on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario. Along the waterfront, you possibly can take pleasure in the serene fantastic thing about the space by taking a leisurely stroll or having fun with a picnic at common spots like Port Hope Conservation Area or East Beach.
The historic downtown Port Hope is a should-go to, boasting stunning structure, quaint outlets, and wonderful artwork galleries. The Capitol Theatre, certainly one of the final totally operational atmospheric film theaters in Canada, is a spotlight, providing a spread of performances in a singular setting. Another native attraction is the Port Hope Fish Ladder, the place guests can witness salmon and trout swimming upstream throughout their annual migration in the fall.
Alternate Route
From Port Hope, you possibly can both get again on Highway 401 or if you need to actually take your time, you possibly can drive alongside Highway 2.
Stop 2 – The Big Apple
The Big Apple is an establishment alongside the 401 hall nearly 20 minutes previous Port Hope. The Big Apple is certainly one of Canada’s iconic roadside points of interest and it’s at the excellent spot to get out and take a break. Located almost two hours outdoors Toronto, you’ll be in the temper to get out of the automobile, particularly if site visitors is heavy.
Inside you’ll have the option to do some buying and decide up apple pies and apple treats and snacks. There is a petting zoo, mini putt, and even an remark deck inside the Big Apple. Plus, you need to use their restrooms and there’s loads of parking.
Stop 3 – Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Heading east alongside Highway 2 for an additional 20 minutes takes you to Presqu’ile Provincial Park, positioned close to Brighton. My sister used to dwell there! This is a wonderful cease on a highway journey from Toronto to Montreal. The park is thought for its stunning seashores, scenic woodlands, and numerous wetlands. Its wealthy biodiversity makes it a hotspot for birdwatching, particularly throughout the spring and fall migrations.
It affords a spread of leisure actions, together with mountain climbing, swimming, and chicken watching inside its lush inexperienced areas. There are quite a few trails that wind via the park, offering alternatives to discover the numerous ecosystems inside its boundaries.
Dave and I’ve gone to a maple syrup farm right here and in the winter there may be cross-nation snowboarding and snowshoeing. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is a superb cease on a highway journey from Toronto to Montreal offering the excellent break any time of the 12 months.
Optional – National Air Force Museum
My sister used to be in the Air Force and he or she used to be based mostly in Trenton years in the past earlier than transferring to Germany after which working for NATO. However, whereas she was in Trenton, we visited her typically at the base and a manner you can see what they do in Trenton is to go to the National Air Force Museum of Canada, positioned at 220 RCAF Rd, Astra, ON K0K 3W0, Canada, on the grounds of the Canadian Forces Base Trenton, the largest Royal Canadian Air Force base.
The museum boasts an in depth assortment of plane, artifacts, and memorabilia that span the total historical past of the Royal Canadian Air Force. From historic planes utilized in World War II to fashionable-day jets, the museum offers a complete have a look at Canada’s navy aviation historical past.
Stop 4 – Prince Edward County
Known for its wineries, charming small cities, and delightful seashores Prince Edward County is one other nice cease on a Toronto to Montreal highway journey. Often referred to as merely “The County,” Prince Edward County is made up of a number of picturesque Ontario Towns together with Picton, Bloomfield, Wellington, and the townships of Ameliasburgh, Athol, Hallowell, Hillier, North Marysburgh, Sophiasburgh, and South Marysburgh.
Prince Edward County is residence to greater than 40 vineyards producing a few of the most interesting wines in Canada. Visitors can take guided excursions, take part in tastings, and study the wine-making course of from educated native vintners.
Prince Edward County can be a haven for meals fans, with a spread of eating choices that remember native produce and culinary traditions. There are quite a few eating places, cafes, and meals vans serving scrumptious farm-to-table meals. The space is particularly well-known for its cheese, with a number of artisanal cheese makers providing tastings and excursions.
Where to Stay in Prince Edward County
There are quite a few galleries, studios, and workshops showcasing the work of native artists and artisans. This is commonly a weekend getaway in its personal proper so it’s your decision to keep in a single day right here.
Prince Edward County’s mountain climbing trails and biking trails entice outside lovers whereas historical past buffs will love visiting the previous farmhouses, lighthouses, and different historic buildings that inform the story of The County’s agricultural and maritime heritage.
Stop 5 – Sandbanks Provincial Park
Stopping at Sandbanks Provincial Park is a ravishing and refreshing break. The park is residence to a few of the most stunning seashores in Ontario and is known for its expansive tender sandy seashores and towering dunes.
You can expertise its pure magnificence take a break from driving stretch your legs whereas inhaling the recent air. There are a number of trails in the park that take you thru totally different ecosystems, together with wetlands, forests, and dunes, permitting you to discover the numerous pure fantastic thing about the space.
Stop 6 – Kingston
You might want to cut up up the drive for a day or two and spend an evening in Kingston. It is the excellent place to cease being the midway level between the cities. This is an superior city that has some superb points of interest. It was as soon as the former capital metropolis of Canada and it has the distinctive designation of being positioned on Lake Ontario, The Rideau Canal, and the St. Lawrence River.
You can go to the Historic locks on Rideau Canada, and take a ship cruise alongside its waterways. This is one very fairly city with certainly one of the primary points of interest being Queen’s University which has historic buildings which are simply ready to be photographed
Home to the historic Fort Henry, a nineteenth-century British navy fortress, the notorious Kingston Penitentiary, and a ton of historic websites, there are various issues to hold you occupied. But it’s the meals scene that makes Kingston stand out. A college city, this metropolis has extra eating places per capita than any metropolis in Canada. Read extra: The Ultimate Kingston Ontario Weekend Itinerary
Stop 7 – Thousand Islands
After Kingston, you’ll be leaving Lake Ontario and persevering with alongside the St. Lawrence River. The St. Lawrence River spans between Kingston and the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Quebec, so that you’ll have loads of time to take pleasure in its magnificence.
One of the hottest points of interest is the Thousand Islands. They are literally a gaggle of greater than 1,800 small islands that stretch for about 50 miles, straddling the border between the United States and Canada. They begin from the japanese fringe of Lake Ontario and stretch downstream towards the Atlantic Ocean. The islands range in measurement, from over 40 sq. miles to smaller islands occupied by a single residence, or uninhabited outcroppings of rocks.
You can take a ship tour from downtown Kingston that can take you thru the many islands or you too can e book a helicopter tour to see them from above. We’ve performed each and my vote is the helicopter tour.
Stop 8 – Thousand Islands Parkway
As you proceed east alongside the St. Lawrence River, you’ll come up to the Thousand Islands Parkway. As you wind alongside the scenic route, you’re handled to breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, superbly adorned with lots of of picturesque islands.
The clear blue waters and plush greenery present a tranquil backdrop to your journey. Along the manner, the parkway affords ample alternatives for recreation, with quite a few spots for mountain climbing, boating, fishing, and swimming. The Thousand Islands National Park, accessible from the parkway, is a treasure trove of distinctive ecosystems and numerous wildlife, promising an journey that’s each academic and gratifying. In quick, driving the Thousand Islands Parkway isn’t just about reaching a vacation spot, however quite, an invite to discover, loosen up, and create lasting reminiscences in certainly one of Canada’s most stunning areas.
Stop 9 – Brockville
Oh, Brockville how we love you. We used to scuba dive usually in the St. Lawrence River at Brockville. While our diving days are over, we nonetheless love this city.
Brockville, often called the “City of the 1000 Islands,” is an enthralling metropolis on the shores of the St. Lawrence River and affords an array of actions that make it a superb cease on a highway journey from Toronto to Montreal. Book this 1000 Islands tour the place you’ll set sail for a half day cruise from Gananoque the place you’ll get to discover Heart Island and Boldt Castle.
The 1000 Islands span up to Brockville and taking a 1000 Islands boat tour is certainly one of the high issues to do. You’ll see stunning islands, historic castles, and the wealthy wildlife of the area.
The opulent Fulford Place is a historic mansion that tells the story of Senator George T. Fulford and his household. The house is crammed with authentic furnishings and artifacts and affords a glimpse into the way of life of Canada’s elite throughout the early twentieth century.
Stroll via the metropolis’s downtown space and discover the outlets, cafes, and artwork galleries that line the streets. It is residence to certainly one of the most Instagram-worthy stops in Ontario at Canada’s oldest railway tunnel. We cherished drift diving the shipwrecks that litter the flooring of the Saint Lawrence.
Stop 10 – Upper Canada Village
A enjoyable cease on a highway journey with household is Upper Canada Villages. Step again in time because it transports you again to the nineteenth century, offering a glimpse into the every day lives of the folks dwelling in Upper Canada throughout that point. The village is meticulously reconstructed, with historic buildings, furnishings, and costumed interpreters who deliver historical past to life.
The interpreters at Upper Canada Village aren’t solely wearing interval costumes, however additionally they carry out the duties and crafts of the nineteenth century, reminiscent of blacksmithing, baking, and weaving. Visitors to Upper Canada Village may even take part in a few of the actions making it an immersive expertise.
Upper Canada Village hosts a spread of particular occasions and applications all through the 12 months, reminiscent of the Pumpkinferno in the fall, the place hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins mild up the night time, and the Alight at Night competition throughout the vacation season.
Located in Morrisburg, Upper Canada Village is a captivating dwelling historical past museum that gives a singular and immersive expertise, making it a incredible cease on a highway journey from Toronto to Montreal.
Stop 11 – Long Sault Parkway
This is certainly one of our favorite drives on our highway journey that we stumbled upon between dives years in the past. The Long Sault Parkway is a sequence of causeways and bridges connecting islands of the St. Lawrence River. The Long Sault Parkway is greater than only a highway; it’s a vacation spot that guarantees a wealthy and fulfilling expertise for each customer.
These picturesque landscapes present an ideal backdrop for a leisurely drive with ample alternatives for picnicking, swimming, and mountain climbing. This space is dotted with stunning seashores and handy boat launch areas, catering to each leisure and journey.
Long Sault Parkway is 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Ingleside to Cornwall working between the Canada US border.For these wanting to prolong their keep, the Long Sault Parkway can be residence to a number of campgrounds, every providing a singular tenting expertise surrounded by the fantastic thing about the area.
Ontario-Quebec Border
Just previous Bainsville, you’ll cross the Ontario-Quebec border. Highway 401 turns into the A20 and also you’ll discover indicators develop into French. There isn’t any official border crossing, so chances are you’ll not even discover. After you cross the border its simply over an hour to Montreal, so prepare to loosen up.
Final Destination – Montreal
Once you attain Montreal there are such a lot of issues to try this you want to spend at the very least two days in the metropolis. , immerse your self in the metropolis’s vibrant tradition and wealthy historical past with these should-go to points of interest: Where to Stay in Montreal – A Guide To The Best Places and Neighborhoods
Old Montreal: A historic district recognized for its charming cobblestone streets, stunning structure, and vigorous ambiance. One of the primary points of interest in Old Montreal is Notre Dame Cathedral, be sure that to go inside. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: One of the largest and most distinguished artwork museums in Canada, that includes a variety of artworks from varied time intervals and cultures. Mount Royal: A big hill positioned in the coronary heart of the metropolis, providing panoramic views of Montreal and a spread of outside leisure alternatives. Read extra: 29 Best Things to Do in Montreal, Canada
Make certain to keep downtown to be inside strolling distance of all the points of interest. Montreal is a really walkable and historic metropolis so that you’ll need to be proper in the coronary heart of the motion.
Where to Stay in Montreal
Looking for a spot to keep in Montreal? Make certain to examine our information of Where to Stay and What to Do in Montreal!
Old Montreal – The most historic (and touristic) a part of Montreal. This is the place most of the sightseeing in the metropolis is positioned. Downtown – Skyscrapers, museums, and the hustle and bustle of being proper in the coronary heart of all of it. Le Plateau-Mont-Royal – Hipster haven, that’s recognized to have high quality espresso outlets, boutique shops, road artwork, and an abundance of cyclists. Very Francophone. Mile End – Similar to the Plateau however extra up and coming. Stylish, artsy, multicultural. Where you’ll discover the greatest bagels in the metropolis. The Village – Colorful neighborhood with good nightlife that has been gentrified lately. One of the largest homosexual communities in North America.
Back to Toronto
If you aren’t a resident of Toronto, you’ll need to spend a while in Canada’s largest metropolis earlier than you embark in your highway journey. Toronto was our hometown (we’ve moved simply an hour away now) and we now have a number of articles showcasing the greatest issues to see and do in Toronto. But to get you began, listed here are a number of highlights of the greatest Toronto points of interest.
CN Tower: Toronto’s iconic landmark, providing breathtaking views of the metropolis from its remark deck. Royal Ontario Museum: A world-famend museum that includes a various vary of displays from pure historical past to world cultures. Toronto Islands: A bunch of small islands positioned linked by ferry from Toronto providing a peaceable escape from the metropolis. Distillery District: This is a tremendous neighborhood in the metropolis that’s all strolling streets, boutiques, microbreweries and eateries. Kensington Market: Located in the coronary heart of Chinatown, Kensington Market is the hippest neighborhood in Toronto with classic clothes shops, unbiased boutiques, artwork galleries, and numerous meals choices that mirror the multicultural cloth of the metropolis. The space has a bohemian, laid-again ambiance that’s not to be missed. Find out extra about Toronto – 50 Best Things to do in Toronto Canada
Where to Stay in Toronto
Accommodation has develop into dear in Toronto and our go-to place as of late is One King West Hotel. It has a luxurious really feel whereas being reasonably priced and really central. We have a complete article about the greatest areas to keep in Toronto right here.
Taking the Train from Toronto to Montreal
Taking the practice is my favorite possibility because it takes us to and from the coronary heart of 1 metropolis to one other. Plus when taking the practice, we don’t have to fear about the price of parking downtown and we don’t have to combat the heavy site visitors leaving the metropolis day-after-day.
It can really find yourself being extra price-environment friendly to take the practice to Montreal quite than driving. For vacationers, it saves on the prices of automobile leases or the problem of standing in lengthy strains at airports. Via Rail is Canada’s nationwide passenger railway.
From Toronto Union Station
Trains depart in Toronto at Union Station. Union Station is a Grand Old Station courting again to the 1920’s. The primary entrance is a superb corridor with vaulted ceilings and marble flooring. There is loads of buying, eating and locations to decide up snacks for the experience.
In 1975 Union Station was designated a nationwide historic web site due to its stunning Beaux-Arts type structure. It is taken into account certainly one of the biggest practice stations constructed throughout the twentieth century.
Cost of Train to Montreal from Toronto
The price of practice journey has come down loads lately. Escape Tickets from Toronto to Montreal begin as little as $76 a technique.
The different lessons of practice journey on Via Rail are: Economy Economy Plus Business Class Business Plus
The Escape class affords no refund or switch. Economy Plus affords free exchanges or refunds. If it had been the similar value as the Spring sale all 12 months spherical, I’m certain that extra Canadians would look to practice journey as an possibility to journey via this huge and fabulous nation.
Via typically affords offers. We booked our ticket throughout their Spring Seat sale for 50% off. You can hold an eye fixed out for offers right here. There are additionally offers every Tuesday when reserving for the following week at Discount Tuesday right here.
Montreal Train Station
Montreal Train Station is positioned downtown and is well accessible to Old Montreal and St. Catherines Street. Like Union Station, it’s the central Metro hub of the metropolis and it’s simple to join to anyplace you need to go. I do know that we’ll make our summer season journey plans and Via Rail might be an enormous a part of it if they’ve their spring sale once more.
A highway journey from Toronto to Montreal affords the excellent alternative to discover the numerous communities of Eastern Ontario. As you journey from the bustling streets of Toronto to the vibrant, historical past-wealthy metropolis of Montreal, you’ll expertise the fantastic thing about Ontario’s countryside, the attraction of small cities, and the pleasure of city facilities.
Along the manner, take pleasure in regional delicacies, discover native outlets, and immerse your self in the distinctive ambiance of every vacation spot. So pack your baggage, hit the open highway, and prepare for an unforgettable journey that mixes the better of metropolis and nation, modernity and historical past, multi function unimaginable journey.