A Toronto to Montreal highway journey is a drive that we take ceaselessly. As we depart from Toronto, we head north on the DVP, with the CN Tower disappearing behind us. Our journey to Montreal takes us by means of Ontario’s rolling hills and sprawling farmlands. The drive to Montreal generally is a straight shot on the freeway, however if you wish to make a vacation out of it, you possibly can discover small cities and main cities alike, giving us the prospect to discover native retailers and bask in regional delicacies. With our highway journey playlist loaded, we wail to the music as we make our approach by means of Japanese Ontario. It’s one among our favourite issues to do in life….to drive.
Toronto to Montreal Street Journey
Most individuals who dwell in Ontario want to drive to Montreal however if you’re visiting the town from overseas, there are flights between Toronto and Montreal which might be simply over an hour flying time. Flights go away every day from Billy Bishop downtown or from Pearson Worldwide Airport which may be reached by transit. You may as well take the bus or practice. They’ve common schedules between downtown Toronto at Union Station and downtown Montreal.
However, driving is superior and we suggest renting a automobile. This can be a nice strategy to see the better of Ontario multi function shot. Examine automobile rental costs right here.
Concerning the Toronto to Montreal Drive
The Toronto to Montreal Drive is filled with issues to see and do. Whereas the direct route will take 5 hours, you possibly can simply break it as much as cease at a few of the cities alongside the way in which. It’s simple to show a five-hour drive right into a week-long highway journey! There are such a lot of sights alongside the way in which, that we regularly find yourself taking a few days attending to Montreal from Toronto. When you hit Outdated Montreal, it’s time to immerse within the metropolis’s wealthy tradition, discover its historic websites, and bask in its famend culinary scene.
How Lengthy Does it Take to Drive from Toronto to Montreal? The drive sometimes takes round 5 to six hours, relying on visitors and highway situations. Probably the most direct route is through Freeway 401 East, also called the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway, which is the first freeway connecting these two cities.
Instructions from Toronto to Montreal
- Begin on the Gardiner Expressway East from Downtown Toronto.
- Merge onto Freeway 401 East and proceed for about 500 kilometers.
- Take exit 169 for Quebec 20 East towards Montreal.
- Proceed on Quebec 20 East and merge onto Autoroute 720 East.
- Take exit 6 for Boulevard Saint-Laurent towards Rue Berri.
- Proceed on Boulevard Saint-Laurent to succeed in downtown Montreal.
Sights Alongside the Method – Toronto to Montreal Drive
Two of Canada’s best cities are only a fast 5-hour drive alongside Freeway 401 (brief by Canadian requirements) however they couldn’t be extra completely different. Toronto is the English-speaking monetary hub of the nation with skyscrapers dominating the skyline whereas Montreal is the nation’s cultural middle balancing its historic French heritage with modern-day residing.
There are such a lot of sights alongside the way in which that when taking a highway journey from Toronto to Montreal, you’ll need to give your self time. Whereas it is just about 5 hours whole, you possibly can stretch it to a couple days. Listed here are some sights you’ll see alongside the way in which from Toronto to Montreal.
Cease 1 – Port Hope
Certainly one of your first stops outdoors of Toronto would be the beautiful small city of Port Hope about an hour and 20 minutes from Toronto. We used to movie numerous interval TV reveals 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. Alongside the waterfront, you possibly can indulge within the serene great thing about the realm by taking a leisurely stroll or having fun with a picnic at fashionable spots like Port Hope Conservation Space or East Seaside.
The historic downtown Port Hope is a must-visit, boasting lovely structure, quaint retailers, and beautiful artwork galleries. The Capitol Theatre, one of many final absolutely operational atmospheric film theaters in Canada, is a spotlight, providing a spread of performances in a singular setting. One other native attraction is the Port Hope Fish Ladder, the place guests can witness salmon and trout swimming upstream throughout their annual migration within the fall.
Alternate Route
From Port Hope, you possibly can both get again on Freeway 401 or if you wish to actually take your time, you possibly can drive alongside Freeway 2.
Cease 2 – The Huge Apple
The Huge Apple is an establishment alongside the 401 hall nearly 20 minutes previous Port Hope. The Huge Apple is one among Canada’s iconic roadside sights and it’s on the good spot to get out and take a break. Situated almost two hours outdoors Toronto, you’ll be within the temper to get out of the automobile, particularly if visitors is heavy.
Inside you’ll be capable to do some buying and choose up apple pies and apple treats and snacks. There’s a petting zoo, mini putt, and even an remark deck contained in the Huge Apple. Plus, you should use their restrooms and there’s loads of parking.
Cease 3 – Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Heading east alongside Freeway 2 for one more 20 minutes takes you to Presqu’ile Provincial Park, situated 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 lovely seashores, scenic woodlands, and various wetlands. Its wealthy biodiversity makes it a hotspot for birdwatching, particularly throughout the spring and fall migrations.
It gives a spread of leisure actions, together with mountaineering, swimming, and chicken watching inside its lush inexperienced areas. There are quite a few trails that wind by means of the park, offering alternatives to discover the various ecosystems inside its boundaries.
Dave and I’ve gone to a maple syrup farm right here and within the winter there’s cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is a superb cease on a highway journey from Toronto to Montreal offering the right break any time of the yr.
Optionally available – Nationwide Air Pressure Museum
My sister was within the Air Pressure and he or she was primarily based in Trenton years in the past earlier than transferring to Germany after which working for NATO. Nevertheless, whereas she was in Trenton, we visited her typically on the base and a approach which you can see what they do in Trenton is to go to the Nationwide Air Pressure Museum of Canada, situated at 220 RCAF Rd, Astra, ON K0K 3W0, Canada, on the grounds of the Canadian Forces Base Trenton, the most important Royal Canadian Air Pressure base.
The museum boasts an intensive assortment of plane, artifacts, and memorabilia that span your entire historical past of the Royal Canadian Air Pressure. From historic planes utilized in World Battle II to modern-day jets, the museum offers a complete take a look at Canada’s army aviation historical past.
Cease 4 – Prince Edward County
Recognized for its wineries, charming small cities, and exquisite seashores Prince Edward County is one other nice cease on a Toronto to Montreal highway journey. Sometimes called merely “The County,” Prince Edward County is made up of a number of picturesque Ontario Cities together with Picton, Bloomfield, Wellington, and the townships of Ameliasburgh, Athol, Hallowell, Hillier, North Marysburgh, Sophiasburgh, and South Marysburgh.
Prince Edward County is dwelling to greater than 40 vineyards producing a few of the most interesting wines in Canada. Guests can take guided excursions, take part in tastings, and be taught in regards to the wine-making course of from educated native vintners.
Prince Edward County can also be a haven for meals fanatics, 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 realm is particularly well-known for its cheese, with a number of artisanal cheese makers providing tastings and excursions.
The place to Keep in Prince Edward County
There are quite a few galleries, studios, and workshops showcasing the work of native artists and artisans. That is typically a weekend getaway in its personal proper so you could need to keep in a single day right here.
Prince Edward County’s mountaineering trails and biking trails appeal to 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.
Cease 5 – Sandbanks Provincial Park
Stopping at Sandbanks Provincial Park is a phenomenal and refreshing break. The park is dwelling to a few of the most lovely seashores in Ontario and is legendary for its expansive smooth sandy seashores and towering dunes.
You may expertise its pure magnificence take a break from driving stretch your legs whereas respiratory within the contemporary air. There are a number of trails within the park that take you thru completely different ecosystems, together with wetlands, forests, and dunes, permitting you to discover the various pure great thing about the realm.
Cease 6 – Kingston
You might need to cut up up the drive for a day or two and spend an evening in Kingston. It’s the good place to cease being the midway level between the cities. That is an superior city that has some wonderful sights. It was as soon as the previous capital metropolis of Canada and it has the distinctive designation of being situated on Lake Ontario, The Rideau Canal, and the St. Lawrence River.
You may go to the Historic locks on Rideau Canada, and take a ship cruise alongside its waterways. That is one very fairly city with one of many essential sights being Queen’s College which has historic buildings which might be simply ready to be photographed
Residence to the historic Fort Henry, a Nineteenth-century British army fortress, the notorious Kingston Penitentiary, and a ton of historic websites, there are various issues to maintain you occupied. Nevertheless 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. Learn extra: The Final Kingston Ontario Weekend Itinerary
Cease 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 crucial fashionable sights is the Thousand Islands. They’re truly a bunch of greater than 1,800 small islands that stretch for about 50 miles, straddling the border between america and Canada. They begin from the jap fringe of Lake Ontario and stretch downstream towards the Atlantic Ocean. The islands fluctuate in dimension, from over 40 sq. miles to smaller islands occupied by a single residence, or uninhabited outcroppings of rocks.
You may take a ship tour from downtown Kingston that can take you thru the numerous islands or you too can e book a helicopter tour to see them from above. We’ve achieved each and my vote is the helicopter tour.
Cease 8 – Thousand Islands Parkway
As you proceed east alongside the St. Lawrence River, you’ll come as much as 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 tons of of picturesque islands.
The clear blue waters and luxurious greenery present a tranquil backdrop to your journey. Alongside the way in which, the parkway gives ample alternatives for recreation, with quite a few spots for mountaineering, boating, fishing, and swimming. The Thousand Islands Nationwide Park, accessible from the parkway, is a treasure trove of distinctive ecosystems and various wildlife, promising an journey that’s each academic and pleasurable. In brief, driving the Thousand Islands Parkway isn’t just about reaching a vacation spot, however quite, an invite to discover, calm down, and create lasting recollections in one among Canada’s most lovely areas.
Cease 9 – Brockville
Oh, Brockville how we love you. We used to scuba dive repeatedly within the St. Lawrence River at Brockville. Whereas our diving days are over, we nonetheless love this city.
Brockville, generally known as the “Metropolis of the 1000 Islands,” is an enthralling metropolis on the shores of the St. Lawrence River and gives an array of actions that make it a superb cease on a highway journey from Toronto to Montreal. E-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 Coronary heart Island and Boldt Citadel.
The 1000 Islands span as much as Brockville and taking a 1000 Islands boat tour is likely one of the high issues to do. You’ll see lovely 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 full of unique furnishings and artifacts and gives a glimpse into the approach to life of Canada’s elite throughout the early twentieth century.
Stroll by means of the town’s downtown space and discover the retailers, cafes, and artwork galleries that line the streets. It’s dwelling to one of the crucial Instagram-worthy stops in Ontario at Canada’s oldest railway tunnel. We cherished drift diving the shipwrecks that litter the ground of the Saint Lawrence.
Cease 10 – Higher Canada Village
A enjoyable cease on a highway journey with household is Higher 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 individuals residing in Higher 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 Higher Canada Village are usually not solely wearing interval costumes, however in addition they carry out the duties and crafts of the Nineteenth century, akin to blacksmithing, baking, and weaving. Guests to Higher Canada Village may even take part in a few of the actions making it an immersive expertise.
Higher Canada Village hosts a spread of particular occasions and applications all year long, such because the Pumpkinferno within the fall, the place hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins gentle up the evening, and the Alight at Evening competition throughout the vacation season.
Situated in Morrisburg, Higher Canada Village is a captivating residing historical past museum that gives a singular and immersive expertise, making it a unbelievable cease on a highway journey from Toronto to Montreal.
Cease 11 – Lengthy Sault Parkway
That is one among our favorite drives on our highway journey that we stumbled upon between dives years in the past. The Lengthy Sault Parkway is a collection of causeways and bridges connecting islands of the St. Lawrence River. The Lengthy 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 mountaineering. This space is dotted with lovely seashores and handy boat launch areas, catering to each leisure and journey.
Lengthy Sault Parkway is 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Ingleside to Cornwall working between the Canada US border.For these wanting to increase their keep, the Lengthy Sault Parkway can also be dwelling to a number of campgrounds, every providing a singular tenting expertise surrounded by the great thing about the area.
Ontario-Quebec Border
Simply previous Bainsville, you’ll cross the Ontario-Quebec border. Freeway 401 turns into the A20 and also you’ll discover indicators turn into French. There isn’t a official border crossing, so you could not even discover. After you cross the border its simply over an hour to Montreal, so get able to calm down.
Ultimate Vacation spot – Montreal
When you attain Montreal there are such a lot of issues to try this it would be best to spend no less than two days within the metropolis. , immerse your self within the metropolis’s vibrant tradition and wealthy historical past with these must-visit sights: The place to Keep in Montreal – A Information To The Finest Locations and Neighborhoods
- Outdated Montreal: A historic district identified for its charming cobblestone streets, lovely structure, and energetic ambiance. One of many essential sights in Outdated Montreal is Notre Dame Cathedral, ensure to go inside.
- Montreal Museum of Advantageous Arts: One of many largest and most distinguished artwork museums in Canada, that includes a variety of artworks from varied time durations and cultures.
- Mount Royal: A big hill situated within the coronary heart of the town, providing panoramic views of Montreal and a spread of outside leisure alternatives.
- Learn extra: 29 Finest Issues to Do in Montreal, Canada
Make certain to remain downtown to be inside strolling distance of all of the sights. Montreal is a really walkable and historic metropolis so that you’ll need to be proper within the coronary heart of the motion.
The place to Keep in Montreal
In search of a spot to remain in Montreal? Make certain to verify our information of The place to Keep and What to Do in Montreal!
- Outdated Montreal – Probably the most historic (and touristic) a part of Montreal. That is the place a lot of the sightseeing within the metropolis is situated.
- Downtown – Skyscrapers, museums, and the hustle and bustle of being proper within the coronary heart of all of it.
- Le Plateau-Mont-Royal – Hipster haven, that’s identified to have high quality espresso retailers, boutique shops, avenue artwork, and an abundance of cyclists. Very Francophone.
- Mile Finish – Just like the Plateau however extra up and coming. Fashionable, artsy, multicultural. The place you’ll discover the perfect bagels within the metropolis.
- The Village – Colourful neighborhood with good nightlife that has been gentrified lately. One of many largest homosexual communities in North America.
Again to Toronto
In case you are not 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’ve got a number of articles showcasing the perfect issues to see and do in Toronto. However to get you began, listed here are a number of highlights of the perfect Toronto sights.
- CN Tower: Toronto’s iconic landmark, providing breathtaking views of the town from its remark deck.
- Royal Ontario Museum: A world-renowned museum that includes a various vary of displays from pure historical past to world cultures.
- Toronto Islands: A bunch of small islands situated linked by ferry from Toronto providing a peaceable escape from the town.
- Distillery District: That is an incredible neighborhood within the metropolis that’s all strolling streets, boutiques, microbreweries and eateries.
- Kensington Market: Situated within the coronary heart of Chinatown, Kensington Market is the hippest neighborhood in Toronto with classic clothes shops, impartial boutiques, artwork galleries, and various meals choices that replicate the multicultural material of the town. The realm has a bohemian, laid-back ambiance that isn’t to be missed.
- Discover out extra about Toronto – 50 Finest Issues to do in Toronto Canada
The place to Keep in Toronto
Lodging has turn into dear in Toronto and our go-to place as of late is One King West Lodge. It has a luxurious really feel whereas being reasonably priced and really central. We have now a whole article in regards to the greatest areas to remain in Toronto right here.
Taking the Practice from Toronto to Montreal
Taking the practice is my favorite choice because it takes us to and from the guts of 1 metropolis to a different. Plus when taking the practice, we don’t have to fret about the price of parking downtown and we don’t must struggle the heavy visitors leaving the town day-after-day.
It might truly find yourself being extra cost-efficient to take the practice to Montreal quite than driving. For vacationers, it saves on the prices of automobile leases or the effort of standing in lengthy strains at airports. Through Rail is Canada’s nationwide passenger railway.
From Toronto Union Station
Trains depart in Toronto at Union Station. Union Station is a Grand Outdated Station relationship again to the 1920’s. The principle entrance is a superb corridor with vaulted ceilings and marble flooring. There’s loads of buying, eating and locations to choose up snacks for the experience.
In 1975 Union Station was designated a nationwide historic web site attributable to its lovely Beaux-Arts fashion structure. It’s thought of one of many best practice stations constructed throughout the twentieth century.
Value of Practice to Montreal from Toronto
The price of practice journey has come down lots lately. Escape Tickets from Toronto to Montreal begin as little as $76 a technique.
- The opposite lessons of practice journey on Through Rail are:
- Economic system
- Economic system Plus
- Enterprise Class
- Enterprise Plus
The Escape class gives no refund or switch. Economic system Plus gives free exchanges or refunds. If it had been the identical value because the Spring sale all yr spherical, I’m certain that extra Canadians would look to coach journey as an choice to journey by means of this huge and fabulous nation.
Through typically gives offers. We booked our ticket throughout their Spring Seat sale for 50% off. You may hold a watch out for offers right here. There are additionally offers every Tuesday when reserving for the next week at Low cost Tuesday right here.
Montreal Practice Station
Montreal Practice Station is situated downtown and is well accessible to Outdated Montreal and St. Catherines Road. Like Union Station, it’s the central Metro hub of the town and it’s simple to connect with anyplace you need to go. I do know that we’ll make our summer season journey plans and Through Rail might be an enormous a part of it if they’ve their spring sale once more.
A highway journey from Toronto to Montreal gives the right alternative to discover the various communities of Japanese Ontario. As you journey from the bustling streets of Toronto to the colourful, history-rich metropolis of Montreal, you’ll expertise the great thing about Ontario’s countryside, the appeal of small cities, and the thrill of city facilities.
Alongside the way in which, bask in regional delicacies, discover native retailers, and immerse your self within the distinctive ambiance of every vacation spot. So pack your baggage, hit the open highway, and prepare for an unforgettable journey that mixes the perfect of metropolis and nation, modernity and historical past, multi function unbelievable journey.
