A Toronto to Montreal highway 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 via Ontario’s rolling hills and sprawling farmlands. The drive to Montreal could be a straight shot on the freeway, however if you wish to make a vacation out of it, you’ll be able to 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 means via Japanese Ontario. It’s certainly one of our favourite issues to do in life….to drive.
Toronto to Montreal Highway Journey
Most individuals who reside in Ontario desire to drive to Montreal however in case you are visiting the town from overseas, there are flights between Toronto and Montreal which can be simply over an hour flying time. Flights depart day by day from Billy Bishop downtown or from Pearson Worldwide Airport which will be reached by transit. You may also 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 approach to see the better 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 filled with issues to see and do. Whereas the direct route will take 5 hours, you’ll be able to simply break it as much as cease at a number of the cities alongside the best way. 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 best way, that we frequently find yourself taking a few days attending to Montreal from Toronto. When you hit Previous 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 usually takes round 5 to six hours, relying on site visitors and highway circumstances. Probably the most direct route is by way of Freeway 401 East, often known 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 Manner – Toronto to Montreal Drive
Two of Canada’s biggest cities are only a fast 5-hour drive alongside Freeway 401 (quick 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 sights alongside the best way that when taking a highway journey from Toronto to Montreal, you’ll need to give your self time. Whereas it’s only about 5 hours complete, you’ll be able to stretch it to some days. Listed below are some sights you’ll see alongside the best way from Toronto to Montreal.
Cease 1 – Port Hope
One in every 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 loads of interval TV exhibits in downtown Port Hope, so you’ll be able to relaxation assured that it’s the definition of charming.
Port Hope is located on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario. Alongside the waterfront, you’ll be able to indulge within the serene great thing about the realm by taking a leisurely stroll or having fun with a picnic at standard 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 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’ll be able to both get again on Freeway 401 or if you wish to actually take your time, you’ll be able to drive alongside Freeway 2.
Cease 2 – The Large Apple
The Large Apple is an establishment alongside the 401 hall nearly 20 minutes previous Port Hope. The Large Apple is certainly one of Canada’s iconic roadside sights and it’s on the excellent spot to get out and take a break. Positioned 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 be capable of do some purchasing and decide up apple pies and apple treats and snacks. There’s a petting zoo, mini putt, and even an statement deck contained in the Large Apple. Plus, you should utilize their restrooms and there’s loads of parking.
Cease 3 – Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Heading east alongside Freeway 2 for an additional 20 minutes takes you to Presqu’ile Provincial Park, situated close to Brighton. My sister used to reside there! This is a wonderful cease on a highway journey from Toronto to Montreal. The park is thought 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 provides a spread of leisure actions, together with climbing, swimming, and chicken watching inside its lush inexperienced areas. There are quite a few trails that wind via the park, offering alternatives to discover the varied 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 12 months.
Non-compulsory – Nationwide Air Power Museum
My sister was within the Air Power and she or he was 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 typically on the base and a means which you could see what they do in Trenton is to go to the Nationwide Air Power 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 Power base.
The museum boasts an in depth assortment of plane, artifacts, and memorabilia that span the whole historical past of the Royal Canadian Air Power. From historic planes utilized in World Struggle II to modern-day jets, the museum supplies a complete have a look at Canada’s army 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 highway journey. Also known as 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 be a haven for meals lovers, 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 typically a weekend getaway in its personal proper so you might need to keep in a single day right here.
Prince Edward County’s climbing trails and biking trails entice out of doors 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 a lovely and refreshing break. The park is residence to a number of the most stunning seashores in Ontario and is known for its expansive gentle sandy seashores and towering dunes.
You’ll be able to expertise its pure magnificence take a break from driving stretch your legs whereas respiratory within the recent 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 varied pure great thing about the realm.
Cease 6 – Kingston
Chances are you’ll need to break up up the drive for a day or two and spend an evening in Kingston. It’s the excellent 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’ll be able to 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 principal sights being Queen’s College which has historic buildings which can be simply ready to be photographed
Dwelling to the historic Fort Henry, a Nineteenth-century British army fortress, the notorious Kingston Penitentiary, and a ton of historic websites, there are numerous 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 get pleasure from its magnificence.
One of the crucial standard sights is the Thousand Islands. They’re really a gaggle of greater than 1,800 small islands that stretch for about 50 miles, straddling the border between america and Canada. They begin from the japanese fringe of Lake Ontario and stretch downstream towards the Atlantic Ocean. The islands range in measurement, from over 40 sq. miles to smaller islands occupied by a single residence, or uninhabited outcroppings of rocks.
You’ll be able to take a ship tour from downtown Kingston that can take you thru the numerous islands or you may as well e book 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 a whole lot of picturesque islands.
The clear blue waters and plush greenery present a tranquil backdrop to your journey. Alongside the best way, the parkway provides ample alternatives for recreation, with quite a few spots for climbing, 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 instructional and pleasing. In brief, driving the Thousand Islands Parkway is not only about reaching a vacation spot, however quite, an invite to discover, chill out, and create lasting reminiscences in certainly 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 provides an array of actions that make it a superb cease on a highway 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 Fortress.
The 1000 Islands span as much as Brockville and taking a 1000 Islands boat tour is likely one of the prime 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 provides a glimpse into the approach to life of Canada’s elite through the early twentieth century.
Stroll via the town’s downtown space and discover the retailers, cafes, and artwork galleries that line the streets. It’s residence to some of the 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 day by 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 deliver historical past to life.
The interpreters at Higher Canada Village should not solely wearing interval costumes, however in addition 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 packages all year long, such because the Pumpkinferno within the fall, the place 1000’s of hand-carved pumpkins gentle up the night time, and the Alight at Night time pageant through the vacation season.
Positioned in Morrisburg, Higher Canada Village is an interesting residing historical past museum that provides 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 certainly one of 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 climbing. 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 working between the Canada US border.For these wanting to increase their keep, the Lengthy Sault Parkway can be residence to a number of campgrounds, every providing a singular tenting expertise surrounded by the fantastic 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 any official border crossing, so you might not even discover. After you cross the border its simply over an hour to Montreal, so get able to chill out.
Ultimate Vacation spot – Montreal
When you attain Montreal there are such a lot of issues to do this you’ll want to spend a minimum of 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
- Previous Montreal: A historic district recognized for its charming cobblestone streets, stunning structure, and energetic ambiance. One of many principal sights in Previous Montreal is Notre Dame Cathedral, make certain to go inside.
- Montreal Museum of Fantastic Arts: One of many largest and most distinguished artwork museums in Canada, that includes a variety of artworks from numerous time intervals 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
Ensure 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
On the lookout for a spot to remain in Montreal? Ensure to verify our information of The place to Keep and What to Do in Montreal!
- Previous 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 recognized to have high quality espresso retailers, boutique shops, avenue artwork, and an abundance of cyclists. Very Francophone.
- Mile Finish – Much like the Plateau however extra up and coming. Trendy, artsy, multicultural. The place you’ll discover the perfect bagels within the metropolis.
- The Village – Colourful neighborhood with good nightlife that has been gentrified in recent times. 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 a number of articles showcasing the perfect issues to see and do in Toronto. However to get you began, listed here are just a few highlights of the perfect Toronto sights.
- CN Tower: Toronto’s iconic landmark, providing breathtaking views of the town from its statement 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: Positioned 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 mirror the multicultural cloth of the town. The world has a bohemian, laid-back ambiance that’s not 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 expensive in Toronto and our go-to place lately is One King West Lodge. It has a luxurious really feel whereas being inexpensive and really central. Now we have a whole article in regards to the finest areas to remain in Toronto right here.
Taking the Prepare from Toronto to Montreal
Taking the practice is my favorite possibility 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 should combat the heavy site visitors leaving the town each day.
It might really 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 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 Previous Station courting again to the 1920’s. The principle entrance is a superb corridor with vaulted ceilings and marble flooring. There’s loads of purchasing, eating and locations to choose up snacks for the experience.
In 1975 Union Station was designated a nationwide historic web site as a result of its stunning Beaux-Arts type structure. It’s thought-about one of many biggest practice stations constructed through the twentieth century.
Price of Prepare to Montreal from Toronto
The price of practice journey has come down rather a lot in recent times. Escape Tickets from Toronto to Montreal begin as little as $76 a technique.
- The opposite courses of practice journey on By way of Rail are:
- Financial system
- Financial system Plus
- Enterprise Class
- Enterprise Plus
The Escape class provides no refund or switch. Financial system Plus provides free exchanges or refunds. If it have been the identical worth because the Spring sale all 12 months spherical, I’m positive that extra Canadians would look to coach journey as an choice to journey via this huge and fabulous nation.
By way of typically provides offers. We booked our ticket throughout their Spring Seat sale for 50% off. You’ll be able to 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 Prepare Station
Montreal Prepare Station is situated downtown and is well accessible to Previous Montreal and St. Catherines Road. Like Union Station, it’s the central Metro hub of the town and it’s simple to hook up with wherever you need to go. I do know that we’ll 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 highway journey from Toronto to Montreal provides the right alternative to discover the varied 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 fantastic 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 ambiance of every vacation spot. So pack your luggage, hit the open highway, and prepare for an unforgettable journey that mixes the perfect of metropolis and nation, modernity and historical past, multi function unimaginable journey.
