A Toronto to Montreal street journey is a drive that we take steadily. 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 may discover small cities and main cities alike, giving us the possibility to discover native retailers and bask in regional delicacies. With our street journey playlist loaded, we wail to the music as we make our method by means of Jap Ontario. It’s considered one of 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 will be reached by transit. You can too 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 technique to see the most effective of Ontario multi function shot. Evaluate automobile rental costs right here.
In regards to the Toronto to Montreal Drive
The Toronto to Montreal Drive is stuffed with issues to see and do. Whereas the direct route will take 5 hours, you may simply break it as much as cease at a number of the cities alongside the best way. It’s straightforward to show a five-hour drive right into a week-long street journey! There are such a lot of sights alongside the best way, that we frequently 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 When you hit Outdated Montreal, it’s time to immerse within the metropolis’s wealthy tradition, discover its historic websites, and bask in its famend culinary scene.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 site visitors and street situations. Essentially the most direct route is by way of Freeway 401 East, also referred to as 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 achieve 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 heart balancing its historic French heritage with modern-day residing.
There are such a lot of points of interest alongside the best way that when taking a street journey from Toronto to Montreal, you’ll need to give your self time. Whereas it’s only about 5 hours complete, you may stretch it to some days. Listed here are some sights you’ll see alongside the best way from Toronto to Montreal.
Cease 1 – Port Hope
Considered 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 plenty of interval TV exhibits in downtown Port Hope, so you may relaxation assured that it’s the definition of charming.
Port Hope is located on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario. Alongside the waterfront, you may indulge within the serene great thing about the world by taking a leisurely stroll or having fun with a picnic at in style spots like Port Hope Conservation Space or East Seaside.
The historic downtown Port Hope is a must-visit, boasting stunning structure, quaint retailers, and beautiful artwork galleries. The Capitol Theatre, one of many final totally 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 may both get again on Freeway 401 or if you wish to actually take your time, you may 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 considered one of Canada’s iconic roadside points of interest and it’s on the good spot to get out and take a break. Situated practically two hours outdoors Toronto, you’ll be within the temper to get out of the automobile, particularly if site visitors is heavy.
Inside you’ll have the ability to do some buying and decide up apple pies and apple treats and snacks. There’s a petting zoo, mini putt, and even an commentary deck contained in the Huge Apple. Plus, you need to 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 street journey from Toronto to Montreal. The park is understood for its stunning seashores, scenic woodlands, and various wetlands. Its wealthy biodiversity makes it a hotspot for birdwatching, particularly through the spring and fall migrations.
It presents a spread of leisure actions, together with mountaineering, swimming, and fowl 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 good cease on a street journey from Toronto to Montreal offering the right break any time of the yr.
Non-compulsory – Nationwide Air Pressure Museum
My sister was once within the Air Pressure and she or he was once based mostly 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 usually on the base and a method that you may 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 biggest Royal Canadian Air Pressure base.
The museum boasts an in depth 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 have a look at Canada’s navy aviation historical past.
Cease 4 – Prince Edward County
Identified for its wineries, charming small cities, and exquisite seashores Prince Edward County is one other nice cease on a Toronto to Montreal street 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 residence to greater than 40 vineyards producing a number 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 commemorate native produce and culinary traditions. There are quite a few eating places, cafes, and meals vans serving scrumptious farm-to-table meals. The world is very 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 usually 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 entice outside lovers whereas historical past buffs will love visiting the outdated 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 an exquisite and refreshing break. The park is residence to a number of the most stunning seashores in Ontario and is known for its expansive mushy sandy seashores and towering dunes.
You possibly can expertise its pure magnificence take a break from driving stretch your legs whereas respiration 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 world.
Cease 6 – Kingston
You might need to break 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 points of interest. 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 possibly can 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 important points of interest being Queen’s College which has historic buildings which might be simply ready to be photographed
Dwelling to the historic Fort Henry, a Nineteenth-century British navy fortress, the notorious Kingston Penitentiary, and a ton of historic websites, there are numerous issues to maintain you occupied. But it surely’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 vital in style points of interest is the Thousand Islands. They’re truly a gaggle of greater than 1,800 small islands that stretch for about 50 miles, straddling the border between the US and Canada. They begin from the jap fringe of Lake Ontario and stretch downstream towards the Atlantic Ocean. The islands differ in dimension, from over 40 sq. miles to smaller islands occupied by a single residence, or uninhabited outcroppings of rocks.
You possibly can take a ship tour from downtown Kingston that can take you thru the numerous islands or you may also ebook a helicopter tour to see them from above. We’ve performed 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 lots of of picturesque islands.
The clear blue waters and luxurious greenery present a tranquil backdrop to your journey. Alongside the best way, the parkway presents 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 fulfilling. Briefly, driving the Thousand Islands Parkway is not only about reaching a vacation spot, however moderately, an invite to discover, chill out, and create lasting reminiscences in considered one of Canada’s most stunning areas.
Cease 9 – Brockville
Oh, Brockville how we love you. We used to scuba dive usually within the St. Lawrence River at Brockville. Whereas our diving days are over, we nonetheless love this city.
Brockville, referred to as the “Metropolis of the 1000 Islands,” is an enthralling metropolis on the shores of the St. Lawrence River and presents an array of actions that make it a superb cease on a street journey from Toronto to Montreal. Guide 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 Fort.
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 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 stuffed with unique furnishings and artifacts and presents a glimpse into the life-style of Canada’s elite through 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 residence to one of the vital Instagram-worthy stops in Ontario at Canada’s oldest railway tunnel. We liked drift diving the shipwrecks that litter the ground of the Saint Lawrence.
Cease 10 – Higher Canada Village
A enjoyable cease on a street 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 folks residing in Higher Canada throughout that point. The village is meticulously reconstructed, with historic buildings, furnishings, and costumed interpreters who convey historical past to life.
The interpreters at Higher Canada Village aren’t solely wearing interval costumes, however additionally they carry out the duties and crafts of the Nineteenth century, similar to blacksmithing, baking, and weaving. Guests to Higher Canada Village may even take part in a number 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 1000’s of hand-carved pumpkins gentle up the evening, and the Alight at Night time pageant through the vacation season.
Situated in Morrisburg, Higher Canada Village is an interesting residing historical past museum that gives a singular and immersive expertise, making it a unbelievable cease on a street journey from Toronto to Montreal.
Cease 11 – Lengthy Sault Parkway
That is considered one of our favorite drives on our street journey that we stumbled upon between dives years in the past. The Lengthy Sault Parkway is a sequence of causeways and bridges connecting islands of the St. Lawrence River. The Lengthy Sault Parkway is greater than only a street; 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 stunning seashores and handy boat launch areas, catering to each rest and journey.
Lengthy Sault Parkway is 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Ingleside to Cornwall operating between the Canada US border.For these wanting to increase their keep, the Lengthy Sault Parkway can also be residence 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 change 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 chill out.
Last Vacation spot – Montreal
When you attain Montreal there are such a lot of issues to try this you’ll want 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 points of interest: The place to Keep in Montreal – A Information To The Greatest Locations and Neighborhoods
Outdated Montreal: A historic district identified for its charming cobblestone streets, stunning structure, and full of life environment. One of many important points of interest in Outdated Montreal is Notre Dame Cathedral, be sure to go inside. Montreal Museum of Effective Arts: One of many largest and most outstanding 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 Greatest Issues to Do in Montreal, Canada
Be sure that to remain downtown to be inside strolling distance of all of the points of interest. 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
Searching for a spot to remain in Montreal? Be sure that to verify our information of The place to Keep and What to Do in Montreal!
Outdated Montreal – Essentially the most historic (and touristic) a part of Montreal. That is the place many 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, road artwork, and an abundance of cyclists. Very Francophone. Mile Finish – Just like the Plateau however extra up and coming. Trendy, artsy, multicultural. The place you’ll discover the most effective 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
If you’re not a resident of Toronto, you’ll need to spend a while in Canada’s largest metropolis earlier than you embark in your street journey. Toronto was our hometown (we’ve moved simply an hour away now) and we’ve a number of articles showcasing the most effective issues to see and do in Toronto. However to get you began, listed below are just a few highlights of the most effective Toronto points of interest.
CN Tower: Toronto’s iconic landmark, providing breathtaking views of the town from its commentary deck. Royal Ontario Museum: A world-renowned museum that includes a various vary of reveals from pure historical past to world cultures. Toronto Islands: A gaggle 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, unbiased boutiques, artwork galleries, and various meals choices that mirror the multicultural cloth of the town. The world has a bohemian, laid-back environment that’s not to be missed. Discover out extra about Toronto – 50 Greatest Issues to do in Toronto Canada
The place to Keep in Toronto
Lodging has change into dear in Toronto and our go-to place nowadays is One King West Lodge. It has a luxurious really feel whereas being reasonably priced and really central. We’ve got a complete article about the most effective areas to remain in Toronto right here.
Taking the Practice from Toronto to Montreal
Taking the practice is my favorite possibility because it takes us to and from the center 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 site visitors leaving the town daily.
It could truly find yourself being extra cost-efficient to take the practice to Montreal moderately than driving. For vacationers, it saves on the prices of automobile leases or the trouble of standing in lengthy strains at airports. By way of 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 good corridor with vaulted ceilings and marble flooring. There may be loads of buying, eating and locations to choose up snacks for the trip.
In 1975 Union Station was designated a nationwide historic web site on account of its stunning Beaux-Arts type structure. It’s thought of one of many best practice stations constructed through the twentieth century.
Price of Practice to Montreal from Toronto
The price of practice journey has come down so much lately. Escape Tickets from Toronto to Montreal begin as little as $76 a technique.
The opposite lessons of practice journey on By way of Rail are: Financial system Financial system Plus Enterprise Class Enterprise Plus
The Escape class presents no refund or switch. Financial system Plus presents free exchanges or refunds. If it have 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.
By way of usually presents offers. We booked our ticket throughout their Spring Seat sale for 50% off. You possibly can preserve an eye fixed 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 Avenue. Like Union Station, it’s the central Metro hub of the town and it’s straightforward to connect with wherever you need to go. I do know that we are going to make our summer season journey plans and By way of Rail might be a giant a part of it if they’ve their spring sale once more.
A street journey from Toronto to Montreal presents the right alternative to discover the various communities of Jap 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 best way, bask in regional delicacies, discover native retailers, and immerse your self within the distinctive environment of every vacation spot. So pack your baggage, hit the open street, and prepare for an unforgettable journey that mixes the most effective of metropolis and nation, modernity and historical past, multi function unimaginable journey.