A Toronto to Montreal trip is a drive that we take often. As we leave from Toronto, we head north on the DVP, with the CN Tower vanishing behind us. Our journey to Montreal takes us through Ontario’s rolling hills and stretching farmlands. The drive to Montreal can be a straight shot on the highway, however if you wish to make a vacation out of it, you can check out villages and significant cities alike, offering us the opportunity to check out regional stores and delight in local specials. With our trip playlist filled, we wail to the music as we make our method through Eastern Ontario. It is among our preferred things to do in life … to drive.
Toronto to Montreal Journey
The majority of people who reside in Ontario choose to drive to Montreal however if you are checking out the city from abroad, there are flights in between Toronto and Montreal that are simply over an hour flying time. Flights leave daily from Billy Bishop downtown or from Pearson International Airport which can be reached by transit. You can likewise take the bus or train. They have routine schedules in between downtown Toronto at Union Station and downtown Montreal.
However, driving is incredible and we advise leasing an automobile. This is a fantastic method to see the finest of Ontario all in one shot. Compare vehicle leasing rates here.
About the Toronto to Montreal Drive
The Toronto to Montreal Drive has plenty of things to see and do. While the direct path will take 5 hours, you can quickly break it up to stop at a few of the towns along the method. It’s simple to turn a five-hour drive into a week-long trip! There are many sights along the method, that we typically wind up taking a number of days getting to Montreal from Toronto. When you strike Old Montreal, it’s time to immerse in the city’s abundant culture, explore its historical websites, and delight in its popular cooking scene.
For How Long Does it Require To Drive from Toronto to Montreal? The drive normally takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending upon traffic and roadway conditions. The most direct path is through Highway 401 East, likewise called the Macdonald-Cartier Highway, which is the main highway linking these 2 cities.
Instructions from Toronto to Montreal
- Start on the Gardiner Expressway East from Downtown Toronto.
- Combine onto Highway 401 East and continue for roughly 500 kilometers.
- Take exit 169 for Quebec 20 East towards Montreal.
- Continue Quebec 20 East and combine onto Autoroute 720 East.
- Take exit 6 for Boulevard Saint-Laurent towards Rue Berri.
- Continue Boulevard Saint-Laurent to reach downtown Montreal.
Sights Along the Method– Toronto to Montreal Drive
2 of Canada’s biggest cities are simply a fast 5-hour drive along Highway 401 (brief by Canadian requirements) however they could not be more various. Toronto is the English-speaking monetary center of the nation with high-rise buildings controling the horizon while Montreal is the nation’s cultural center stabilizing its historical French heritage with modern-day living.
There are many tourist attractions along the method that when taking a journey from Toronto to Montreal, you’ll wish to offer yourself time. While it is just about 5 hours overall, you can extend it to a couple of days. Here are some sights you’ll see along the method from Toronto to Montreal.
Stop 1– Port Hope
Among your very first stops beyond Toronto will be the charming village of Port Hope about an hour and 20 minutes from Toronto. We utilized to movie a great deal of duration television programs in downtown Port Hope, so you can feel confident that it is the meaning of captivating.
Port Hope is positioned on the attractive coasts of Lake Ontario. Along the waterside, you can delight in the tranquil appeal of the location by taking a leisurely walk or taking pleasure in a picnic at popular areas like Port Hope Sanctuary or East Beach.
The historical downtown Port Hope is a must-visit, boasting gorgeous architecture, charming stores, and charming art galleries. The Capitol Theatre, among the last completely functional climatic theater in Canada, is an emphasize, using a variety of efficiencies in a special setting. Another regional tourist attraction is the Port Hope Fish Ladder, where visitors can witness salmon and trout swimming upstream throughout their yearly migration in the fall.
Detour
From Port Hope, you can either return on Highway 401 or if you wish to actually take your time, you can drive along Highway 2.
Stop 2– The Huge Apple
The Huge Apple is an organization along the 401 passage almost 20 minutes previous Port Hope. The Huge Apple is among Canada’s renowned roadside tourist attractions and it is at the best area to go out and take a break. Found almost 2 hours outside Toronto, you’ll remain in the state of mind to leave the vehicle, specifically if traffic is heavy.
Inside you’ll have the ability to do some shopping and get apple pies and apple deals with and snacks. There is a petting zoo, tiny putt, and even an observation deck inside the Huge Apple. Plus, you can utilize their toilets and there’s a lot of parking.
Stop 3– Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Heading east along Highway 2 for another 20 minutes takes you to Presqu’ile Provincial Park, situated near Brighton. My sibling utilized to live there! This is an exceptional stop on a journey from Toronto to Montreal. The park is understood for its gorgeous beaches, beautiful forests, and varied wetlands. Its abundant biodiversity makes it a hotspot for birdwatching, specifically throughout the spring and fall migrations.
It uses a variety of leisure activities, consisting of hiking, swimming, and bird viewing within its lavish green areas. There are many routes that wind through the park, offering chances to check out the varied communities within its borders.
Dave and I have actually gone to a maple syrup farm here and in the winter season there is cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is a fantastic stop on a journey from Toronto to Montreal offering the best break whenever of the year.
Optional– National Flying Force Museum
My sibling utilized to be in the Air Force and she utilized to be based in Trenton years ago before moving to Germany and after that working for NATO. Nevertheless, while she remained in Trenton, we visited her typically at the base and a manner in which you can see what they carry out in Trenton is to go to the National Flying force Museum of Canada, situated at 220 RCAF Rd, Astra, ON K0K 3W0, Canada, on the premises of the Canadian Forces Base Trenton, the biggest Royal Canadian Flying force base.
The museum boasts a comprehensive collection of airplane, artifacts, and souvenirs that cover the whole history of the Royal Canadian Flying Force. From historical aircrafts utilized in The second world war to modern-day jets, the museum supplies a thorough take a look at Canada’s military air travel history.
Stop 4– Prince Edward County
Understood for its wineries, captivating villages, and gorgeous beaches Prince Edward County is another fantastic stop on a Toronto to Montreal trip. Typically described as merely “The County,” Prince Edward County is comprised of numerous attractive Ontario Towns consisting of Picton, Bloomfield, Wellington, and the municipalities of Ameliasburgh, Athol, Hallowell, Hillier, North Marysburgh, Sophiasburgh, and South Marysburgh.
Prince Edward County is home to more than 40 vineyards producing a few of the finest red wines in Canada. Visitors can take assisted trips, take part in tastings, and discover the wine-making procedure from educated regional vintners.
Prince Edward County is likewise a sanctuary for food lovers, with a variety of dining choices that commemorate regional fruit and vegetables and cooking customs. There are many dining establishments, coffee shops, and food trucks serving tasty farm-to-table meals. The location is specifically popular for its cheese, with numerous artisanal cheese makers using tastings and trips.
Where to Remain In Prince Edward County
There are many galleries, studios, and workshops showcasing the work of regional artists and craftsmens. This is typically a weekend vacation in its own right so you might wish to remain overnight here.
Prince Edward County’s treking routes and biking routes bring in outside fans while history enthusiasts will enjoy checking out the old farmhouses, lighthouses, and other historical structures that inform the story of The County’s farming and maritime heritage.
Stop 5– Sandbanks Provincial Park
Stopping at Sandbanks Provincial Park is a lovely and revitalizing break. The park is home to a few of the most gorgeous beaches in Ontario and is popular for its extensive soft sandy beaches and towering dunes.
You can experience its natural appeal take a break from driving stretch your legs while breathing in the fresh air. There are numerous routes in the park that take you through various communities, consisting of wetlands, forests, and dunes, enabling you to check out the varied natural appeal of the location.
Stop 6– Kingston
You might wish to break up the drive for a day or more and invest a night in Kingston. It is the best location to stop being the middle in between the cities. This is a remarkable town that has some remarkable tourist attractions. It was when the previous capital city of Canada and it has the distinct classification of being found on Lake Ontario, The Rideau Canal, and the St. Lawrence River.
You can go to the Historical locks on Rideau Canada, and take a boat cruise along its waterways. This is one really quite town with among the piece de resistances being Queen’s University which has historical structures that are simply waiting to be photographed
Home to the historical Fort Henry, a 19th-century British military fortress, the notorious Kingston Penitentiary, and a lots of historical websites, there are lots of things to keep you inhabited. However it’s the food scene that makes Kingston stick out. A university town, this city has more dining establishments per capita than any city in Canada. Find out more: The Ultimate Kingston Ontario Weekend Travel Plan
Stop 7– Thousand Islands
After Kingston, you’ll be leaving Lake Ontario and continuing along the St. Lawrence River. The St. Lawrence River covers in between Kingston and the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Quebec, so you’ll have a lot of time to enjoy its appeal.
Among the most popular tourist attractions is the Thousand Islands. They are really a group of more than 1,800 little islands that go for about 50 miles, straddling the border in between the United States and Canada. They begin with the eastern edge of Lake Ontario and stretch downstream towards the Atlantic Ocean. The islands differ in size, from over 40 square miles to smaller sized islands inhabited by a single home, or unoccupied protrusions of rocks.
You can take a boat trip from downtown Kingston that will take you through the lots of islands or you can likewise reserve a helicopter trip to see them from above. We have actually done both and my vote is the helicopter trip.
Stop 8– Thousand Islands Parkway
As you continue east along the St. Lawrence River, you’ll come near the Thousand Islands Parkway. As you wind along the beautiful path, you are dealt with to spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River, wonderfully embellished with numerous attractive islands.
The clear blue waters and lavish plant offer a relaxing background to your journey. Along the method, the parkway uses adequate chances for leisure, with many areas for treking, boating, fishing, and swimming. The Thousand Islands National forest, available from the parkway, is a gold mine of distinct communities and varied wildlife, guaranteeing an experience that is both instructional and satisfying. In other words, driving the Thousand Islands Parkway is not almost reaching a location, however rather, an invite to check out, unwind, and produce enduring memories in among Canada’s a lot of gorgeous areas.
Stop 9– Brockville
Oh, Brockville how we enjoy you. We utilized to scuba dive frequently in the St. Lawrence River at Brockville. While our diving days are over, we still enjoy this town.
Brockville, called the “City of the 1000 Islands,” is a lovely city on the coasts of the St. Lawrence River and uses a variety of activities that make it an exceptional stop on a journey from Toronto to Montreal. Reserve this 1000 Islands trip where you’ll set cruise for a half day cruise from Gananoque where you’ll get to check out Heart Island and Boldt Castle.
The 1000 Islands cover approximately Brockville and taking a 1000 Islands boat trip is among the leading things to do. You’ll see gorgeous islands, historical castles, and the abundant wildlife of the area.
The extravagant Fulford Location is a historical estate that informs the story of Senator George T. Fulford and his household. The home is filled with initial home furnishings and artifacts and uses a glance into the way of life of Canada’s elite throughout the early 20th century.
Walk through the city’s downtown location and check out the stores, coffee shops, and art galleries that line the streets. It is home to among the most Instagram-worthy drop in Ontario at Canada’s earliest train tunnel. We enjoyed drift diving the shipwrecks that litter the flooring of the Saint Lawrence.
Stop 10– Upper Canada Town
An enjoyable stop on a journey with household is Upper Canada Towns. Go back in time as it carries you back to the 19th century, offering a glance into the lives of individuals residing in Upper Canada throughout that time. The town is diligently rebuilded, with historic structures, home furnishings, and costumed interpreters who bring history to life.
The interpreters at Upper Canada Town are not just worn duration outfits, however they likewise carry out the jobs and crafts of the 19th century, such as blacksmithing, baking, and weaving. Visitors to Upper Canada Town can even take part in a few of the activities making it an immersive experience.
Upper Canada Town hosts a variety of unique occasions and programs throughout the year, such as the Pumpkinferno in the fall, where countless hand-carved pumpkins illuminate the night, and the Alight during the night celebration throughout the holiday.
Found in Morrisburg, Upper Canada Town is a remarkable living history museum that uses a special and immersive experience, making it a wonderful stop on a journey from Toronto to Montreal.
Stop 11– Long Sault Parkway
This is among our preferred drives on our trip that we came across in between dives years back. The Long Sault Parkway is a series of causeways and bridges linking islands of the St. Lawrence River. The Long Sault Parkway is more than simply a roadway; it’s a location that guarantees an abundant and satisfying experience for every single visitor.
These attractive landscapes offer an ideal background for a leisurely drive with adequate chances for picnicking, swimming, and hiking. This location is dotted with gorgeous beaches and practical boat launch locations, accommodating both relaxation and experience.
Long Sault Parkway is 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Ingleside to Cornwall running in between the Canada United States border.For those wishing to extend their stay, the Long Sault Parkway is likewise home to numerous camping sites, each using a special outdoor camping experience surrounded by the appeal of the area.
Ontario-Quebec Border
Simply previous Bainsville, you’ll cross the Ontario-Quebec border. Highway 401 develops into the A20 and you’ll observe indications end up being French. There is no main border crossing, so you might not even observe. After you cross the border its simply over an hour to Montreal, so prepare to unwind.
Last Location– Montreal
When you reach Montreal there are many things to do that you will wish to invest a minimum of 2 days in the city., immerse yourself in the city’s dynamic culture and abundant history with these must-visit tourist attractions: Where to Remain In Montreal– A Guide To The Very Best Places and Areas
- Old Montreal: A historical district understood for its captivating cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture, and dynamic environment. Among the piece de resistances in Old Montreal is Notre Dame Cathedral, make certain to go within.
- Montreal Museum of Art: Among the biggest and most popular art museums in Canada, including a large range of art work from different period and cultures.
- Mount Royal: A big hill situated in the heart of the city, using scenic views of Montreal and a variety of outside leisure chances.
- Learn More: 29 Finest Things to Do in Montreal, Canada
Ensure to remain downtown to be within strolling range of all the tourist attractions. Montreal is a really walkable and historical city so you’ll wish to be ideal in the heart of the action.
Where to Remain In Montreal
Trying to find a location to remain in Montreal? Ensure to examine our guide of Where to Stay and What to Do in Montreal!
- Old Montreal — The most historical (and touristic) part of Montreal. This is where the majority of the sightseeing in the city lies.
- Downtown — Skyscrapers, museums, and the pressure of being ideal in the heart of everything.
- Le Plateau-Mont-Royal — Hipster sanctuary, that is understood to have quality cafe, shop shops, street art, and an abundance of bicyclists. Extremely Francophone.
- Mile End — Comparable to the Plateau however more up and coming. Trendy, artistic, multicultural. Where you’ll discover the very best bagels in the city.
- The Town — Vibrant community with great night life that has actually been gentrified recently. Among the biggest gay neighborhoods in The United States and Canada.
Back to Toronto
If you are not a citizen of Toronto, you’ll wish to invest a long time in Canada’s biggest city before you start your trip. Toronto was our home town (we have actually moved simply an hour away now) and we have numerous posts showcasing the very best things to see and carry out in Toronto. However to get you began, here are a couple of highlights of the very best Toronto tourist attractions.
- CN Tower: Toronto’s renowned landmark, using spectacular views of the city from its observation deck.
- Royal Ontario Museum: A world-renowned museum including a varied variety of displays from nature to world cultures.
- Toronto Islands: A group of little islands situated connected by ferryboat from Toronto using a tranquil escape from the city.
- Distillery District: This is a remarkable community in the city that is all strolling streets, stores, microbreweries and dining establishments.
- Kensington Market: Found in the heart of Chinatown, Kensington Market is the hippest community in Toronto with classic clothes shops, independent stores, art galleries, and varied food offerings that show the multicultural material of the city. The location has a bohemian, easygoing environment that is not to be missed out on.
- Discover more about Toronto– 50 Finest Things to do in Toronto Canada
Where to Remain In Toronto
Lodging has actually ended up being expensive in Toronto and our go-to location nowadays is One King West Hotel. It has a high-end feel while being budget-friendly and really main. We have a whole short article about the finest locations to remain in Toronto here.
Taking the Train from Toronto to Montreal
Taking the train is my preferred alternative as it takes us to and from the heart of one city to another. Plus when taking the train, we do not need to stress over the expense of parking downtown and we do not need to combat the rush hour leaving the city every day.
It can really wind up being more cost-effective to take the train to Montreal instead of driving. For travelers, it minimizes the expenses of vehicle leasings or the inconvenience of standing in long lines at airports. Via Rail is Canada’s nationwide guest train.
From Toronto Union Station
Trains leave in Toronto at Union Station. Union Station is a Grand Old Station going back to the 1920’s. The primary entryway is a fantastic hall with vaulted ceilings and marble floorings. There is a lot of shopping, dining and locations to get treats for the trip.
In 1975 Union Station was designated a nationwide historical website due to its gorgeous Beaux-Arts design architecture. It is thought about among the best train stations constructed throughout the 20th century.
Expense of Train to Montreal from Toronto
The expense of train travel has actually boiled down a lot recently. Escape Tickets from Toronto to Montreal begin as low as $76 one method.
- The other classes of train travel on Via Rail are:
- Economy
- Economy Plus
- Company Class
- Company Plus
The Escape class uses no refund or transfer. Economy Plus uses complimentary exchanges or refunds. If it were the very same cost as the Spring sale throughout the year, I make certain that more Canadians would want to train travel as an alternative to take a trip through this huge and fantastic nation.
Via typically uses offers. We scheduled our ticket throughout their Spring Seat sale for 50% off. You can watch out for offers here. There are likewise deals each Tuesday when scheduling for the following week at Discount Rate Tuesday here.
Montreal Train Station
Montreal Train Station lies downtown and is quickly available to Old Montreal and St. Catherines Street. Like Union Station, it is the main City center of the city and it is simple to link to anywhere you wish to go. I understand that we will make our summer season itinerary and Via Rail will be a huge part of it if they have their spring sale once again.
A trip from Toronto to Montreal uses the best chance to check out the varied neighborhoods of Eastern Ontario. As you take a trip from the busy streets of Toronto to the dynamic, history-rich city of Montreal, you’ll experience the appeal of Ontario’s countryside, the appeal of villages, and the enjoyment of city centers.
Along the method, delight in local specials, check out regional stores, and immerse yourself in the distinct environment of each location. So load your bags, struck the open roadway, and prepare for a memorable experience that integrates the very best of city and nation, modernity and history, all in one extraordinary journey.