A Toronto to Montreal avenue journey is a drive that we take commonly. 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 Ontario’s rolling hills and sprawling farmlands. The drive to Montreal might be a straight shot on the freeway, nonetheless when you want to make a trip out of it, you might uncover small cities and important cities alike, giving us the prospect to find native shops and indulge in regional delicacies. With our avenue journey playlist loaded, we wail to the music as we make our means by Japanese Ontario. It is one among our favorite points to do in life….to drive.
Toronto to Montreal Freeway Journey
Most people who reside in Ontario favor to drive to Montreal nonetheless when you’re visiting city from abroad, there are flights between Toronto and Montreal which could be merely over an hour flying time. Flights depart daily from Billy Bishop downtown or from Pearson Worldwide Airport which can be reached by transit. You may additionally take the bus or put together. They’ve frequent schedules between downtown Toronto at Union Station and downtown Montreal.
Nevertheless, driving is superior and we recommend renting a car. It’s a good choice to see the best of Ontario multi practical shot. Study car rental prices proper right here.
Regarding the Toronto to Montreal Drive
The Toronto to Montreal Drive is filled with points to see and do. Whereas the direct route will take 5 hours, you might merely break it as a lot as stop at a number of of the cities alongside the way in which wherein. It’s simple to point out a five-hour drive proper right into a week-long avenue journey! There are so many sights alongside the way in which wherein, that we commonly end up taking a number of days attending to Montreal from Toronto. If you hit Outdated Montreal, it’s time to immerse throughout the metropolis’s rich custom, uncover its historic web sites, and indulge in its renowned culinary scene.
How Prolonged Does it Take to Drive from Toronto to Montreal? The drive typically takes spherical 5 to 6 hours, counting on guests and avenue circumstances. Basically probably the most direct route is by means of Freeway 401 East, usually referred to as the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway, which is the primary freeway connecting these two cities.
Directions from Toronto to Montreal
- Start 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 in direction of Montreal.
- Proceed on Quebec 20 East and merge onto Autoroute 720 East.
- Take exit 6 for Boulevard Saint-Laurent in direction of Rue Berri.
- Proceed on Boulevard Saint-Laurent to attain downtown Montreal.
Sights Alongside the Method – Toronto to Montreal Drive
Two of Canada’s greatest cities are solely a quick 5-hour drive alongside Freeway 401 (temporary by Canadian necessities) nonetheless they couldn’t be further completely completely different. Toronto is the English-speaking financial hub of the nation with skyscrapers dominating the skyline whereas Montreal is the nation’s cultural center balancing its historic French heritage with modern-day dwelling.
There are so many factors of curiosity alongside the way in which wherein that when taking a avenue journey from Toronto to Montreal, you’ll want to present your self time. Whereas it is solely about 5 hours full, you might stretch it to some days. Listed beneath are some sights you’ll see alongside the way in which wherein from Toronto to Montreal.
Stop 1 – Port Hope
Definitely considered one of your first stops outside of Toronto could be the gorgeous small metropolis of Port Hope about an hour and 20 minutes from Toronto. We used to film loads of interval TV displays in downtown Port Hope, so you might rest assured that it is the definition of charming.
Port Hope is positioned on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario. Alongside the waterfront, you might indulge throughout the serene wonderful thing about the realm by taking a leisurely stroll or having enjoyable with a picnic at widespread spots like Port Hope Conservation Area or East Seashore.
The historic downtown Port Hope is a must-visit, boasting gorgeous construction, quaint shops, and great art work galleries. The Capitol Theatre, considered one of many closing completely operational atmospheric movie theaters in Canada, is a highlight, offering a selection of performances in a singular setting. One different native attraction is the Port Hope Fish Ladder, the place visitors can witness salmon and trout swimming upstream all through their annual migration throughout the fall.
Alternate Route
From Port Hope, you might each get once more on Freeway 401 or when you want to truly take your time, you might drive alongside Freeway 2.
Stop 2 – The Large Apple
The Large Apple is an institution alongside the 401 corridor almost 20 minutes earlier Port Hope. The Large Apple is one among Canada’s iconic roadside factors of curiosity and it is on the superb spot to get out and take a break. Positioned virtually two hours outside Toronto, you’ll be throughout the mood to get out of the car, significantly if guests is heavy.
Inside you’ll be able to do some buying and determine up apple pies and apple treats and snacks. There is a petting zoo, mini putt, and even an comment deck contained within the Large Apple. Plus, you need to use their restrooms and there’s a great deal of parking.
Stop 3 – Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Heading east alongside Freeway 2 for yet one more 20 minutes takes you to Presqu’ile Provincial Park, located near Brighton. My sister used to reside there! It is a excellent stop on a avenue journey from Toronto to Montreal. The park is known for its gorgeous seashores, scenic woodlands, and varied wetlands. Its rich biodiversity makes it a hotspot for birdwatching, significantly all through the spring and fall migrations.
It offers a selection of leisure actions, along with mountaineering, swimming, and fowl watching inside its lush inexperienced areas. There are fairly a number of trails that wind by the park, providing options to find the various ecosystems inside its boundaries.
Dave and I’ve gone to a maple syrup farm proper right here and throughout the winter there could also be cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is an outstanding stop on a avenue journey from Toronto to Montreal providing the correct break any time of the 12 months.
Optionally out there – Nationwide Air Strain Museum
My sister was throughout the Air Strain and he or she was based in Trenton years up to now sooner than transferring to Germany after which working for NATO. Nonetheless, whereas she was in Trenton, we visited her often on the bottom and a method which you’ll be able to see what they do in Trenton is to go to the Nationwide Air Strain Museum of Canada, located at 220 RCAF Rd, Astra, ON K0K 3W0, Canada, on the grounds of the Canadian Forces Base Trenton, the largest Royal Canadian Air Strain base.
The museum boasts an in depth assortment of airplane, artifacts, and memorabilia that span the entire historic previous of the Royal Canadian Air Strain. From historic planes utilized in World Battle II to modern-day jets, the museum provides a whole take a look at Canada’s navy aviation historic previous.
Stop 4 – Prince Edward County
Recognized for its wineries, charming small cities, and pleasant seashores Prince Edward County is one different good stop on a Toronto to Montreal avenue journey. Also called merely “The County,” Prince Edward County is made up of quite a lot of picturesque Ontario Cities along with Picton, Bloomfield, Wellington, and the townships of Ameliasburgh, Athol, Hallowell, Hillier, North Marysburgh, Sophiasburgh, and South Marysburgh.
Prince Edward County is dwelling to larger than 40 vineyards producing a number of of probably the most fascinating wines in Canada. Friends can take guided excursions, participate in tastings, and examine regarding the wine-making course of from educated native vintners.
Prince Edward County could be a haven for meals fanatics, with a selection of consuming selections that commemorate native produce and culinary traditions. There are fairly a number of consuming locations, cafes, and meals automobiles serving delicious farm-to-table meals. The world could be very well-known for its cheese, with quite a lot of artisanal cheese makers offering tastings and excursions.
The place to Maintain in Prince Edward County
There are fairly a number of galleries, studios, and workshops showcasing the work of native artists and artisans. That’s often a weekend getaway in its private correct so you may must hold in a single day proper right here.
Prince Edward County’s mountaineering trails and biking trails attraction to outside lovers whereas historic previous buffs will love visiting the outdated farmhouses, lighthouses, and completely different historic buildings that inform the story of The County’s agricultural and maritime heritage.
Stop 5 – Sandbanks Provincial Park
Stopping at Sandbanks Provincial Park is a ravishing and refreshing break. The park is dwelling to some of probably the most gorgeous seashores in Ontario and is thought for its expansive delicate sandy seashores and towering dunes.
You probably can experience its pure magnificence take a break from driving stretch your legs whereas respiration throughout the modern air. There are a selection of trails throughout the park that take you through completely completely different ecosystems, along with wetlands, forests, and dunes, allowing you to find the various pure wonderful thing about the realm.
Stop 6 – Kingston
Chances are high you may want to interrupt up up the drive for a day or two and spend a night in Kingston. It is the superb place to stop being the halfway stage between the cities. That’s an superior metropolis that has some great factors of curiosity. It was as quickly because the earlier capital metropolis of Canada and it has the distinctive designation of being located on Lake Ontario, The Rideau Canal, and the St. Lawrence River.
You probably can go to the Historic locks on Rideau Canada, and take a ship cruise alongside its waterways. That’s one very pretty metropolis with considered one of many elementary factors of curiosity being Queen’s School which has historic buildings which could be merely able to be photographed
Dwelling to the historic Fort Henry, a Nineteenth-century British navy fortress, the infamous Kingston Penitentiary, and a ton of historic web sites, there are numerous points to take care of you occupied. Nonetheless it’s the meals scene that makes Kingston stand out. A school metropolis, this metropolis has further consuming locations per capita than any metropolis in Canada. Study further: The Ultimate Kingston Ontario Weekend Itinerary
Stop 7 – Thousand Islands
After Kingston, you’ll be leaving Lake Ontario and persevering with alongside the St. Lawrence River. The St. Lawrence River spans between Kingston and the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Quebec, so that you just’ll have a great deal of time to benefit from its magnificence.
One of many widespread factors of curiosity is the Thousand Islands. They’re actually a gaggle of larger than 1,800 small islands that stretch for about 50 miles, straddling the border between the USA and Canada. They start from {the japanese} fringe of Lake Ontario and stretch downstream in direction of the Atlantic Ocean. The islands differ in measurement, from over 40 sq. miles to smaller islands occupied by a single residence, or uninhabited outcroppings of rocks.
You probably can take a ship tour from downtown Kingston that may take you through the quite a few islands or you may even e e-book a helicopter tour to see them from above. We’ve carried out every and my vote is the helicopter tour.
Stop 8 – Thousand Islands Parkway
As you proceed east alongside the St. Lawrence River, you’ll come as a lot because the Thousand Islands Parkway. As you wind alongside the scenic route, you are dealt with to breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, beautifully adorned with an entire lot of picturesque islands.
The clear blue waters and plush greenery current a tranquil backdrop to your journey. Alongside the way in which wherein, the parkway offers ample options for recreation, with fairly a number of spots for mountaineering, boating, fishing, and swimming. The Thousand Islands Nationwide Park, accessible from the parkway, is a treasure trove of distinctive ecosystems and varied wildlife, promising an journey that is every tutorial and pleasurable. Briefly, driving the Thousand Islands Parkway is not nearly reaching a trip spot, nonetheless fairly, an invitation to find, settle down, and create lasting recollections in one among Canada’s most gorgeous areas.
Stop 9 – Brockville
Oh, Brockville how we love you. We used to scuba dive usually throughout the St. Lawrence River at Brockville. Whereas our diving days are over, we nonetheless love this metropolis.
Brockville, usually referred to as the “Metropolis of the 1000 Islands,” is an enthralling metropolis on the shores of the St. Lawrence River and offers an array of actions that make it an outstanding stop on a avenue 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 find Coronary coronary heart Island and Boldt Fort.
The 1000 Islands span as a lot as Brockville and taking a 1000 Islands boat tour is among the many excessive points to do. You’ll see gorgeous islands, historic castles, and the rich wildlife of the realm.
The opulent Fulford Place is a historic mansion that tells the story of Senator George T. Fulford and his family. The home is filled with distinctive furnishings and artifacts and offers a glimpse into the way of living of Canada’s elite all through the early twentieth century.
Stroll by city’s downtown area and uncover the shops, cafes, and art work galleries that line the streets. It is dwelling to among the Instagram-worthy stops in Ontario at Canada’s oldest railway tunnel. We beloved drift diving the shipwrecks that litter the bottom of the Saint Lawrence.
Stop 10 – Increased Canada Village
A gratifying stop on a avenue journey with family is Increased Canada Villages. Step once more in time as a result of it transports you once more to the Nineteenth century, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the people dwelling in Increased Canada all through that time. The village is meticulously reconstructed, with historic buildings, furnishings, and costumed interpreters who carry historic previous to life.
The interpreters at Increased Canada Village shouldn’t solely sporting interval costumes, nonetheless moreover they perform the duties and crafts of the Nineteenth century, akin to blacksmithing, baking, and weaving. Friends to Increased Canada Village might even participate in a number of of the actions making it an immersive experience.
Increased Canada Village hosts a selection of specific events and functions all yr lengthy, such as a result of the Pumpkinferno throughout the fall, the place a whole lot of hand-carved pumpkins mild up the evening time, and the Alight at Evening time competitors all through the holiday season.
Positioned in Morrisburg, Increased Canada Village is a fascinating dwelling historic previous museum that gives a singular and immersive experience, making it a unimaginable stop on a avenue journey from Toronto to Montreal.
Stop 11 – Prolonged Sault Parkway
That’s one among our favourite drives on our avenue journey that we stumbled upon between dives years up to now. The Prolonged Sault Parkway is a group of causeways and bridges connecting islands of the St. Lawrence River. The Prolonged Sault Parkway is larger than solely a avenue; it’s a trip spot that ensures a rich and fulfilling experience for every buyer.
These picturesque landscapes current a really perfect backdrop for a leisurely drive with ample options for picnicking, swimming, and mountaineering. This area is dotted with gorgeous seashores and useful boat launch areas, catering to every relaxation and journey.
Prolonged Sault Parkway is 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Ingleside to Cornwall working between the Canada US border.For these wanting to extend their hold, the Prolonged Sault Parkway could be dwelling to quite a lot of campgrounds, each offering a singular tenting experience surrounded by the wonderful thing about the realm.
Ontario-Quebec Border
Merely earlier Bainsville, you’ll cross the Ontario-Quebec border. Freeway 401 turns into the A20 and in addition you’ll uncover indicators become French. There is not a official border crossing, so you may not even uncover. After you cross the border its merely over an hour to Montreal, so get capable of settle down.
Final Trip spot – Montreal
If you attain Montreal there are so many points to do that you may wish to spend in any case two days throughout the metropolis. , immerse your self throughout the metropolis’s vibrant custom and rich historic previous with these must-visit factors of curiosity: The place to Maintain in Montreal – A Info To The Best Places and Neighborhoods
- Outdated Montreal: A historic district recognized for its charming cobblestone streets, gorgeous construction, and lively surroundings. Certainly one of many elementary factors of curiosity in Outdated Montreal is Notre Dame Cathedral, be sure that to go inside.
- Montreal Museum of Efficient Arts: Certainly one of many largest and most excellent art work museums in Canada, that features quite a lot of artworks from quite a few time intervals and cultures.
- Mount Royal: An enormous hill located throughout the coronary coronary heart of city, offering panoramic views of Montreal and a selection of outside leisure options.
- Study further: 29 Best Points to Do in Montreal, Canada
Ensure that to stay downtown to be inside strolling distance of the entire factors of curiosity. Montreal is a extremely walkable and historic metropolis so that you just’ll should be correct throughout the coronary coronary heart of the movement.
The place to Maintain in Montreal
Looking out for a spot to stay in Montreal? Ensure that to confirm our info of The place to Maintain and What to Do in Montreal!
- Outdated Montreal – Basically probably the most historic (and touristic) part of Montreal. That’s the place a number of the sightseeing throughout the metropolis is located.
- Downtown – Skyscrapers, museums, and the hustle and bustle of being correct throughout the coronary coronary heart of all of it.
- Le Plateau-Mont-Royal – Hipster haven, that is recognized to have prime quality espresso shops, boutique outlets, avenue art work, and an abundance of cyclists. Very Francophone.
- Mile End – Identical to the Plateau nonetheless further up and coming. Stylish, artsy, multicultural. The place you’ll uncover the best bagels throughout the metropolis.
- The Village – Vibrant neighborhood with good nightlife that has been gentrified currently. Certainly one of many largest gay communities in North America.
Once more to Toronto
Should you’re not a resident of Toronto, you’ll must spend some time in Canada’s largest metropolis sooner than you embark in your avenue journey. Toronto was our hometown (we’ve moved merely an hour away now) and now now we have quite a lot of articles showcasing the best points to see and do in Toronto. Nevertheless to get you started, listed below are quite a lot of highlights of the best Toronto factors of curiosity.
- CN Tower: Toronto’s iconic landmark, offering breathtaking views of city from its comment deck.
- Royal Ontario Museum: A world-renowned museum that features a varied range of reveals from pure historic previous to world cultures.
- Toronto Islands: A gaggle of small islands located linked by ferry from Toronto offering a peaceful escape from city.
- Distillery District: That may be a super neighborhood throughout the metropolis that is all strolling streets, boutiques, microbreweries and eateries.
- Kensington Market: Positioned throughout the coronary coronary heart of Chinatown, Kensington Market is the hippest neighborhood in Toronto with basic outfitters, neutral boutiques, art work galleries, and varied meals selections that mirror the multicultural materials of city. The world has a bohemian, laid-back surroundings that is not to be missed.
- Uncover out further about Toronto – 50 Best Points to do in Toronto Canada
The place to Maintain in Toronto
Lodging has become pricey in Toronto and our go-to place currently is One King West Lodge. It has an expensive actually really feel whereas being fairly priced and actually central. We have got a whole article about the best areas to stay in Toronto proper right here.
Taking the Apply from Toronto to Montreal
Taking the put together is my favourite alternative as a result of it takes us to and from the middle of 1 metropolis to a unique. Plus when taking the put together, we don’t have to worry concerning the value of parking downtown and we don’t ought to fight the heavy guests leaving city day-after-day.
It might actually end up being further cost-efficient to take the put together to Montreal fairly than driving. For vacationers, it saves on the costs of car leases or the difficulty of standing in prolonged strains at airports. Via Rail is Canada’s nationwide passenger railway.
From Toronto Union Station
Trains depart in Toronto at Union Station. Union Station is a Grand Outdated Station relationship once more to the 1920’s. The precept entrance is an outstanding hall with vaulted ceilings and marble flooring. There’s a great deal of buying, consuming and places to decide on up snacks for the expertise.
In 1975 Union Station was designated a nationwide historic web page attributable to its gorgeous Beaux-Arts mannequin construction. It is considered considered one of many greatest put together stations constructed all through the 20th century.
Value of Apply to Montreal from Toronto
The value of put together journey has come down masses currently. Escape Tickets from Toronto to Montreal start as little as $76 a way.
- The other programs of put together journey on Via Rail are:
- Monetary system
- Monetary system Plus
- Enterprise Class
- Enterprise Plus
The Escape class offers no refund or change. Monetary system Plus offers free exchanges or refunds. If it have been the an identical value as a result of the Spring sale all 12 months spherical, I am constructive that further Canadians would look to educate journey as an option to journey by this big and fabulous nation.
Via often offers gives. We booked our ticket all through their Spring Seat sale for 50% off. You probably can maintain a be careful for deals here. There are moreover gives each Tuesday when reserving for the following week at Discount Tuesday here.
Montreal Apply Station
Montreal Apply Station is located downtown and is certainly accessible to Outdated Montreal and St. Catherines Avenue. Like Union Station, it is the central Metro hub of city and it is simple to attach with anyplace it’s essential go. I do know that we’re going to make our summer time season journey plans and Via Rail will doubtless be an unlimited part of it in the event that they’ve their spring sale as soon as extra.
A avenue journey from Toronto to Montreal offers the correct different to find the various communities of Japanese Ontario. As you journey from the bustling streets of Toronto to the colorful, history-rich metropolis of Montreal, you’ll experience the wonderful thing about Ontario’s countryside, the attract of small cities, and the enjoyment of metropolis services.
Alongside the way in which wherein, indulge in regional delicacies, uncover native shops, and immerse your self throughout the distinctive surroundings of each trip spot. So pack your baggage, hit the open avenue, and put together for an unforgettable journey that mixes the best of metropolis and nation, modernity and historic previous, multi practical unbelievable journey.
