A Toronto to Montreal journey is a drive that we take regularly. As we leave from Toronto, we head north on the DVP, with the CN Tower vanishing behind us. Our trip to Montreal takes us with Ontario’s rolling hillsides and stretching farmlands. The drive to Montreal can be a line of sight on the freeway, however if you wish to make a vacation from it, you can check out villages and significant cities alike, offering us the opportunity to check out neighborhood stores and enjoy local specials. With our journey playlist packed, we sob to the songs as we make our means with Eastern Ontario. It is among our favored points to do in life….to drive.
Toronto to Montreal Road Trip
Most individuals that reside in Ontario favor to drive to Montreal however if you are seeing the city from abroad, there are trips in between Toronto and Montreal that are simply over an hour flying time. Flights leave daily from Billy Bishop midtown or from Pearson International Airport which can be gotten to by transportation. You can additionally take the bus or train. They have routine routines in between midtown Toronto at Union Station and midtown Montreal.
But, driving is incredible and we advise leasing an automobile. This is a wonderful means to see the most effective of Ontario done in round. Compare vehicle service rates below.
About the Toronto to Montreal Drive
The Toronto to Montreal Drive has plenty of points to see and do. While the straight path will certainly take 5 hours, you can conveniently damage it up to quit at a few of the communities in the process. It’s very easy to transform a five-hour drive right into a week-long journey! There are numerous views in the process, that we frequently wind up taking a number of days reaching Montreal from Toronto. Once you strike Old Montreal, it’s time to involve in the city’s abundant society, discover its historical websites, and enjoy its distinguished cooking scene.
How Long Does it Take to Drive from Toronto to Montreal? The drive commonly takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending upon website traffic and roadway problems. The most straight path is by means of Highway 401 East, additionally referred to as the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway, which is the key freeway attaching these 2 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 departure 169 for Quebec 20 East towards Montreal. Continue on Quebec 20 East and combine onto Autoroute 720 East. Take departure 6 for Boulevard Saint-Laurent towards Rue Berri. Continue on Boulevard Saint-Laurent to get to midtown Montreal.
Sights Along the Way – Toronto to Montreal Drive
Two of Canada’s biggest cities are simply a fast 5-hour drive along Highway 401 (brief by Canadian criteria) however they couldn’t be much more various. Toronto is the English-talking monetary center of the nation with high-rise buildings controling the horizon while Montreal is the nation’s social facility stabilizing its historical French heritage with modern living.
There are numerous destinations in the process that when taking a trip from Toronto to Montreal, you’ll wish to provide on your own time. While it is just around 5 hours complete, you can extend it to a couple of days. Here are some views you’ll see in the process from Toronto to Montreal.
Stop 1 – Port Hope
One of your initial quits beyond Toronto will certainly be the charming town of Port Hope concerning an hour and 20 mins from Toronto. We made use of to movie a great deal of duration television programs in midtown Port Hope, so you can feel confident that it is the interpretation of lovely.
Port Hope is positioned on the stunning coasts of Lake Ontario. Along the waterside, you can enjoy the tranquil elegance of the location by taking a leisurely walk or appreciating an outing at prominent areas like Port Hope Conservation Area or East Beach.
The historical midtown Port Hope is a must-visit, flaunting stunning style, enchanting stores, and charming art galleries. The Capitol Theatre, among the last completely functional climatic theater in Canada, is an emphasize, providing a series of efficiencies in a unique setup. Another neighborhood tourist attraction is the Port Hope Fish Ladder, where site visitors can witness salmon and trout swimming upstream throughout their yearly movement in the autumn.
Alternate Route
From Port Hope, you can either come back on Highway 401 or if you wish to truly take your time, you can drive along Highway 2.
Stop 2 – The Big Apple
The Big Apple is an organization along the 401 passage practically 20 mins previous Port Hope. The Big Apple is among Canada’s renowned roadside destinations and it goes to the excellent place to venture out and pause. Located virtually 2 hours outdoors Toronto, you’ll remain in the state of mind to leave the vehicle, particularly if website traffic is hefty.
Inside you’ll have the ability to do some buying and grab apple pies and apple deals with and snacks. There is a stroking zoo, miniature putt, and also a monitoring deck inside the Big Apple. Plus, you can utilize their washrooms and there’s lots of auto parking.
Stop 3 – Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Heading eastern along Highway 2 for an additional 20 mins takes you to Presqu’ile Provincial Park, situated near Brighton. My sis made use of to live there! This is a superb quit on a trip from Toronto to Montreal. The park is recognized for its stunning coastlines, breathtaking timberlands, and varied marshes. Its abundant biodiversity makes it a hotspot for birdwatching, particularly throughout the springtime and drop movements.
It provides a series of leisure tasks, consisting of walking, swimming, and bird seeing within its rich eco-friendly rooms. There are various tracks that wind with the park, offering possibilities to check out the varied environments within its borders.
Dave and I have actually mosted likely to a syrup ranch below and in the winter season there is cross-country winter sports and snowshoeing. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is a wonderful quit on a trip from Toronto to Montreal offering the excellent break whenever of the year.
Optional – National Air Force Museum
My sis made use of to be in the Air Force and she made use of to be based in Trenton years ago prior to moving to Germany and afterwards benefiting NATO. However, while she remained in Trenton, we saw her frequently at the base and a manner in which you can see what they perform in Trenton is to go to the National Air 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 Air Force base.
The gallery flaunts a comprehensive collection of airplane, artefacts, and souvenirs that extend the whole background of the Royal Canadian Air Force. From historical aircrafts made use of in World War II to modern jets, the gallery offers a thorough take a look at Canada’s army aeronautics background.
Stop 4 – Prince Edward County
Known for its vineyards, lovely villages, and stunning coastlines Prince Edward County is an additional wonderful quit on a Toronto to Montreal journey. Often described as just “The County,” Prince Edward County is comprised of numerous picturesque 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 greater than 40 wineries generating a few of the finest red wines in Canada. Visitors can take assisted trips, join samplings, and find out about the wine-making procedure from educated neighborhood vintners.
Prince Edward County is additionally a place for food lovers, with a series of eating choices that commemorate neighborhood fruit and vegetables and cooking practices. There are various dining establishments, coffee shops, and food vehicles offering tasty farm-to-table dishes. The location is particularly renowned for its cheese, with numerous artisanal cheese manufacturers providing samplings and trips.
Where to Stay in Prince Edward County
There are various galleries, workshops, and workshops showcasing the job of neighborhood musicians and craftsmens. This is frequently a weekend break vacation in its very own right so you might wish to remain overnight below.
Prince Edward County’s treking tracks and biking tracks bring in outside enthusiasts while background aficionados will certainly like seeing the old farmhouses, lighthouses, and various other historical structures that inform the tale of The County’s farming and marine heritage.
Stop 5 – Sandbanks Provincial Park
Stopping at Sandbanks Provincial Park is an attractive and revitalizing break. The park is home to a few of one of the most stunning coastlines in Ontario and is renowned for its large soft sandy coastlines and looming dunes.
You can experience its all-natural elegance pause from driving stretch your legs while breathing in the fresh air. There are numerous tracks in the park that take you with various environments, consisting of marshes, woodlands, and dunes, permitting you to check out the varied all-natural elegance of the location.
Stop 6 – Kingston
You might wish to break up the drive for a day or 2 and invest an evening in Kingston. It is the excellent area to quit being the middle in between the cities. This is an outstanding community that has some incredible destinations. It was when the previous resources city of Canada and it has the one-of-a-kind classification of being situated on Lake Ontario, The Rideau Canal, and the St. Lawrence River.
You can go to the Historic locks on Rideau Canada, and take a watercraft cruise ship along its rivers. This is one really rather community 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 army citadel, the well known Kingston Penitentiary, and a lots of historical websites, there are lots of points to maintain you inhabited. But it’s the food scene that makes Kingston attract attention. A university community, this city has even more dining establishments per head than any type of city in Canada. Read much more: The Ultimate Kingston Ontario Weekend Itinerary
Stop 7 – Thousand Islands
After Kingston, you’ll be leaving Lake Ontario and proceeding along the St. Lawrence River. The St. Lawrence River extends in between Kingston and the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Quebec, so you’ll have lots of time to appreciate its elegance.
One of one of the most prominent destinations is the Thousand Islands. They are really a team of greater than 1,800 little islands that go for around 50 miles, straddling the boundary in between the United States and Canada. They begin with the eastern side of Lake Ontario and stretch downstream towards the Atlantic Ocean. The islands differ in dimension, from over 40 square miles to smaller sized islands inhabited by a solitary home, or unoccupied protrusions of rocks.
You can take a watercraft trip from midtown Kingston that will certainly take you with the lots of islands or you can additionally reserve a helicopter trip to see them from over. We’ve done both and my ballot is the helicopter trip.
Stop 8 – Thousand Islands Parkway
As you proceed eastern along the St. Lawrence River, you’ll come near the Thousand Islands Parkway. As you wind along the breathtaking path, you are dealt with to impressive sights of the St. Lawrence River, magnificently decorated with thousands of stunning islands.
The clear blue waters and rich plant offer a relaxing background to your trip. Along the means, the parkway provides sufficient possibilities for leisure, with various areas for treking, boating, angling, and swimming. The Thousand Islands National Park, obtainable from the parkway, is a gold mine of one-of-a-kind environments and varied wild animals, assuring an experience that is both academic and pleasurable. In short, driving the Thousand Islands Parkway is not practically getting to a location, however instead, an invite to check out, kick back, and produce enduring memories in among Canada’s most stunning areas.
Stop 9 – Brockville
Oh, Brockville just how we like you. We made use of to scuba dive consistently in the St. Lawrence River at Brockville. While our diving days more than, we still like this community.
Brockville, referred to as the “City of the 1000 Islands,” is a lovely city on the coasts of the St. Lawrence River and provides a variety of tasks that make it a superb quit on a trip from Toronto to Montreal. Book this 1000 Islands trip where you’ll set out for a half day cruise ship from Gananoque where you’ll reach check out Heart Island and Boldt Castle.
The 1000 Islands extend as much as Brockville and taking a 1000 Islands watercraft trip is among the leading points to do. You’ll see stunning islands, historical castles, and the abundant wild animals of the area.
The luxurious Fulford Place is a historical manor that informs the tale of Senator George T. Fulford and his family members. The home is full of initial home furnishings and artefacts and provides a look right into the way of life of Canada’s elite throughout the very early 20th century.
Stroll with the city’s midtown location and check out the stores, coffee shops, and art galleries that line the roads. It is home to among one of the most Instagram-deserving drop in Ontario at Canada’s earliest train passage. We liked drift diving the shipwrecks that clutter the flooring of the Saint Lawrence.
Stop 10 – Upper Canada Village
An enjoyable quit on a trip with family members is Upper Canada Villages. Step back in time as it transfers you back to the 19th century, offering a look right into the day-to-days live of individuals residing in Upper Canada throughout that time. The town is carefully rebuilded, with historic structures, home furnishings, and costumed interpreters that bring background to life.
The interpreters at Upper Canada Village are not just worn duration outfits, however they additionally do the jobs and crafts of the 19th century, such as blacksmithing, cooking, and weaving. Visitors to Upper Canada Village can also join a few of the tasks making it an immersive experience.
Upper Canada Village holds a series of unique occasions and programs throughout the year, such as the Pumpkinferno in the autumn, where hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins illuminate the evening, and the Alight at Night celebration throughout the holiday.
Located in Morrisburg, Upper Canada Village is a remarkable living background gallery that provides a unique and immersive experience, making it a great quit on a trip from Toronto to Montreal.
Stop 11 – Long Sault Parkway
This is among our much-loved drives on our journey that we came across in between dives years earlier. The Long Sault Parkway is a collection of embankments and bridges attaching islands of the St. Lawrence River. The Long Sault Parkway is greater than simply a roadway; it’s a location that guarantees an abundant and satisfying experience for every single site visitor.
These stunning landscapes offer an excellent background for a leisurely drive with sufficient possibilities for picnicking, swimming, and walking. This location is populated with stunning coastlines and practical watercraft launch locations, dealing with both leisure and experience.
Long Sault Parkway is 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Ingleside to Cornwall running in between the Canada United States boundary.For those intending to expand their remain, the Long Sault Parkway is additionally home to numerous camping sites, each providing a unique outdoor camping experience bordered by the elegance of the area.
Ontario-Quebec Border
Just previous Bainsville, you’ll go across the Ontario-Quebec boundary. Highway 401 becomes the A20 and you’ll discover indicators come to be French. There is no main boundary going across, so you might not also discover. After you go across the boundary its simply over an hour to Montreal, so prepare to kick back.
Final Destination – Montreal
Once you get to Montreal there are numerous points to do that you will certainly wish to invest at the very least 2 days in the city. , submerse on your own in the city’s vivid society and abundant background with these must-visit destinations: Where to Stay in Montreal – A Guide To The Best Places and Neighborhoods
Old Montreal: A historical area recognized for its lovely rock roads, stunning style, and vibrant ambience. One of the piece de resistances in Old Montreal is Notre Dame Cathedral, see to it to go within. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: One of the biggest and most noticeable art galleries in Canada, including a vast array of art work from different period and societies. Mount Royal: A big hillside situated in the heart of the city, providing breathtaking sights of Montreal and a series of outside leisure possibilities. Read much more: 29 Best Things to Do in Montreal, Canada
Make certain to remain midtown to be within strolling range of all the destinations. Montreal is an extremely walkable and historical city so you’ll wish to be appropriate in the heart of the activity.
Where to Stay in Montreal
Looking for an area to remain in Montreal? Make certain to examine our overview of Where to Stay and What to Do in Montreal!
Old Montreal – The most historical (and touristic) component of Montreal. This is where a lot of the sightseeing and tour in the city lies. Downtown – Skyscrapers, galleries, and the stress of being appropriate in the heart of everything. Le Plateau-Mont-Royal – Hipster sanctuary, that is recognized to have top quality coffeehouse, store shops, road art, and a wealth of bikers. Very Francophone. Mile End – Similar to the Plateau however much more up and coming. Stylish, artistic, modern. Where you’ll discover the most effective bagels in the city. The Village – Colorful community with excellent night life that has actually been gentrified in recent times. One of the biggest gay areas in North America.
Back to Toronto
If you are not a homeowner of Toronto, you’ll wish to invest a long time in Canada’s biggest city prior to you start your journey. Toronto was our home town (we’ve relocated simply an hour away currently) and we have numerous short articles showcasing the most effective points to see and perform in Toronto. But to obtain you began, below are a couple of highlights of the most effective Toronto destinations.
CN Tower: Toronto’s renowned site, providing impressive sights of the city from its monitoring deck. Royal Ontario Museum: A world-renowned gallery including a varied series of exhibitions from nature to globe societies. Toronto Islands: A team of little islands situated connected by ferryboat from Toronto providing a serene getaway from the city. Distillery District: This is an incredible community in the city that is all strolling roads, stores, microbreweries and dining establishments. Kensington Market: Located in the heart of Chinatown, Kensington Market is the hippest community in Toronto with vintage apparel shops, independent stores, art galleries, and varied food offerings that mirror the modern material of the city. The location has a bohemian, easygoing ambience that is not to be missed out on. Find out even more concerning Toronto – 50 Best Things to do in Toronto Canada
Where to Stay in Toronto
Accommodation has actually ended up being costly in Toronto and our best area nowadays is One King West Hotel. It has a deluxe feeling while being economical and really main. We have a whole write-up concerning the most effective locations to remain in Toronto below.
Taking the Train from Toronto to Montreal
Taking the train is my much-loved alternative as it takes us to and from the heart of one city to an additional. Plus when taking the train, we don’t need to bother with the expense of auto parking midtown and we don’t need to deal with the rush hour leaving the city each day.
It can really wind up being much more inexpensive to take the train to Montreal instead of driving. For visitors, it minimizes the prices of vehicle leasings or the inconvenience of standing in lengthy lines at flight terminals. 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 entry is a wonderful hall with vaulted ceilings and marble floorings. There is lots of buying, eating and locations to grab treats for the trip.
In 1975 Union Station was marked a nationwide historical website because of its stunning Beaux-Arts design design. It is taken into consideration among the best train terminals constructed throughout the 20th century.
Cost of Train to Montreal from Toronto
The expense of train traveling has actually boiled down a whole lot in recent times. Escape Tickets from Toronto to Montreal begin as reduced as $76 one means.
The various other courses of train traveling on Via Rail are: Economy Economy Plus Business Class Business Plus
The Escape course provides no reimbursement or transfer. Economy Plus provides cost-free exchanges or reimbursements. If it coincided cost as the Spring sale throughout the year, I make certain that even more Canadians would certainly seek to educate traveling as an alternative to take a trip with this large and incredible nation.
Via frequently provides offers. We reserved our ticket throughout their Spring Seat sale for 50% off. You can watch out for offers below. There are additionally deals each Tuesday when scheduling for the adhering to week at Discount Tuesday below.
Montreal Train Station
Montreal Train Station lies midtown and is conveniently obtainable to Old Montreal and St. Catherines Street. Like Union Station, it is the main Metro center of the city and it is very easy to link to anywhere you wish to go. I recognize that we will certainly make our summer season itinerary and Via Rail will certainly be a large component of it if they have their springtime sale once more.
A journey from Toronto to Montreal provides the excellent possibility to check out the varied areas of Eastern Ontario. As you take a trip from the dynamic roads of Toronto to the vivid, history-rich city of Montreal, you’ll experience the elegance of Ontario’s countryside, the appeal of villages, and the exhilaration of metropolitan facilities.
Along the means, enjoy local specials, check out neighborhood stores, and submerse on your own in the one-of-a-kind ambience of each location. So pack your bags, struck the open roadway, and prepare for a memorable experience that incorporates the most effective of city and nation, modernity and background, done in one extraordinary trip.
