Montreal Road Trip Itinerary: 3 Perfect Days from Ontario via Ottawa
Looking for an easy and unforgettable Canada travel getaway from Ontario? This Montreal road trip itinerary is the perfect 3-day escape for families, couples, or anyone craving a mix of history, food, and beautiful city walks. We drove from Richmond Hill to Montreal, explored the charm of Old Montreal, enjoyed famous local stops like Crew Collective Café and the iconic Orange Julep, then visited Ottawa travel highlights on the way home.
What makes this trip special is how much you can experience in just one long weekend. From stunning architecture and lively public squares to classic Quebec flavors and Canada’s capital city, this route packs multiple travel destinations into one memorable journey.
If you’re planning a short Montreal travel adventure with practical driving routes, family-friendly ideas, and real travel experiences, this guide will help you make the most of every stop.
Why This Montreal Road Trip Itinerary Is Worth It
If you are searching for an easy yet rewarding Canada travel experience, this Montreal road trip itinerary is one of the best options for a long weekend getaway from Ontario. In just three days, you can combine scenic highway driving, historic neighborhoods, famous food spots, and two of Eastern Canada’s most iconic cities.
What makes this route especially appealing is the balance between adventure and convenience. Instead of rushing through attractions, we were able to enjoy a slower and more family-friendly pace while still experiencing some of the top travel destinations in both Ontario and Quebec.
From the charming cobblestone streets of Old Montreal to the lively atmosphere of downtown Ottawa, every stop offered something unique. At the same time, staying in Laval helped make the trip easier, especially when traveling with kids.
Whether you are planning your first Quebec travel experience or looking for new Ontario road trips, this itinerary offers a memorable mix of culture, food, architecture, and relaxing family moments.
Trip Overview
| Route | Approximate Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Richmond Hill to Laval | 6.5 to 7.5 hours |
| Laval to Downtown Montreal | 25 to 35 minutes |
| Montreal to Ottawa | Around 2.5 hours |
| Ottawa to Richmond Hill | Around 4.5 hours |
Best Time for This Montreal Road Trip
We did this trip in October, and honestly, it was one of the best times for Montreal travel and Quebec travel. The weather was cool and comfortable, while the autumn colors made the drive even more scenic.
Fall is particularly beautiful in Eastern Canada because you get:
- Crisp temperatures for walking
- Gorgeous fall foliage
- Fewer crowds compared to summer
- Comfortable road trip weather
If you enjoy seasonal scenery and cozy city vibes, autumn is a fantastic time for this road trip.
Day 1: Richmond Hill to Laval, Quebec
1.1. Starting Our Montreal Road Trip from Ontario
Our family adventure officially began in Richmond Hill, just north of Toronto, as we started the long drive toward Quebec for this exciting Montreal road trip itinerary.
Since the drive from the Toronto area to the Montreal region takes most of the day, we planned for a relaxed pace with flexible stops along the way. Rather than rushing, we wanted the journey itself to feel like part of the experience, especially for a family-friendly Canada travel getaway.
The drive east through Ontario was smooth and straightforward, with long highway stretches, changing scenery, and plenty of service stops available throughout the route. As we continued farther toward Quebec, the atmosphere gradually started to feel different, adding even more excitement to the road trip.
1.2. Quick Stop at Quinte Mall
At around 4:00 PM, we stopped at Quinte Mall for a short break.
After spending many hours on the road, this stop was exactly what we needed. We stretched our legs, relaxed for a bit, and grabbed some snacks before continuing the drive toward Montreal.
For families traveling with kids, taking breaks during long Ontario road trips makes a huge difference. Not only does it help everyone recharge, but it also makes the overall drive feel much more comfortable and enjoyable.
The stop also gave us a chance to slow down for a moment before the final evening stretch into Quebec.
1.3. Arriving in Laval Near Montreal
Later that evening, we finally arrived in Laval, specifically the Chomedey area, at around 8:20 PM.
For this trip, we stayed at Comfort Inn Laval for two nights while exploring the Montreal region.
Choosing Laval instead of staying directly in downtown Montreal turned out to be a great decision for our family trip. The area felt quieter and less stressful after a full day of driving, while still offering convenient access to major Montreal travel attractions.
Another advantage was easier parking and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busy downtown core. For families planning a similar Quebec travel itinerary, staying near Montreal in Laval can be a smart and practical option.
After checking into the hotel and settling in for the night, we finally got some much-needed rest before our full day exploring Montreal the next morning.
Day 2: Exploring Montreal and Local Food Stops
2.1. Discovering the Charm of Old Montreal
The second day was definitely the highlight of our Montreal road trip itinerary.
In the morning, we drove into Montreal and headed straight to the historic district of Old Montreal.
Almost immediately, the atmosphere felt completely different from Ontario. The cobblestone streets, old European-style buildings, and charming cafés create a unique character that makes Montreal travel so memorable.
Walking through the area felt relaxing and exciting at the same time. Around every corner, there seemed to be another beautiful building, lively street scene, or photo opportunity.
For anyone interested in Quebec travel, Old Montreal is absolutely a must-visit.
2.2. Visiting Notre-Dame Basilica
One of the biggest highlights of the morning was visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal.
The basilica is stunning both inside and outside, and even after seeing many churches during our travels, this one still felt incredibly impressive.
The detailed interior, dramatic lighting, and grand architecture created a peaceful yet awe-inspiring atmosphere. It quickly became one of our favorite stops during this Canada travel experience.
If you are planning your own Montreal itinerary, this landmark deserves a top spot.
2.3. Coffee Break at Crew Collective & Café
After walking around Old Montreal, we stopped at Crew Collective & Café for coffee.
This café is famous for its breathtaking interior inside a former bank building, and honestly, it lived up to the hype.
The combination of historic architecture and modern café culture gave the place a unique atmosphere that felt both elegant and cozy. Even if you are not a huge coffee lover, the interior alone makes it worth visiting.
For travel creators and photographers, this is also one of the most Instagram-worthy locations in Montreal.
2.4. Walking Around Place Jacques-Cartier
Next, we continued exploring the lively Place Jacques-Cartier area.
The square was full of energy, with restaurants, tourists, performers, and outdoor seating creating a vibrant atmosphere. Compared to the quieter streets earlier in the morning, this area felt much more lively and social.
At the same time, it remained very walkable and family-friendly, which made the experience enjoyable with kids.
2.5. Trying the Famous Orange Julep
Later in the day, we drove to one of Montreal’s most iconic roadside food spots, Gibeau Orange Julep.
The giant orange-shaped building instantly stood out and gave the place a nostalgic roadside vibe.
We tried:
- Their famous orange drink
- Hotdogs
It was a simple stop, yet it added a fun and classic local experience to our Montreal travel adventure.
Sometimes, these smaller food moments become some of the most memorable parts of a road trip.
Relaxing Afternoon Near the Hotel
After a busy day of sightseeing and walking, we spent the afternoon at a nearby mall close to our hotel.
Traveling with kids often means balancing sightseeing with downtime, and honestly, this slower pace made the trip much more enjoyable. Instead of trying to pack too many attractions into one day, we had time to relax and recharge before the drive home.
Day 3: Ottawa Stop on the Way Back to Ontario
3.1. Visiting Ottawa During the Return Drive
On the final day of our trip, we left Quebec and headed toward Ottawa before returning to Richmond Hill.
Adding Ottawa to the itinerary was a great decision because it allowed us to experience another major Canada travel destination without requiring extra hotel nights.
The downtown area felt clean, scenic, and easy to explore for a short stop. We spent time walking around the central tourist areas, taking photos, and enjoying the atmosphere of Canada’s capital city.
Even though the stop was relatively short, it added another memorable layer to the overall road trip experience.
3.2. Driving Back to Richmond Hill
After exploring Ottawa, we continued the drive back to Richmond Hill and arrived home at around 5 p.m.
Although the trip lasted only three days, it genuinely felt packed with experiences. Between the historic charm of Montreal, the relaxed stay in Laval, the fun food stops, and the Ottawa detour, this journey became one of our favorite family road trips in Eastern Canada.
Tips for Planning This Montreal Road Trip
1. Stay in Laval for Easier Parking and a More Budget-Friendly Option
Downtown Montreal parking can be stressful and expensive. Staying in Laval offers a more relaxed experience while still keeping you close to the city. Especially, Comfort Inn Laval can be one of the best budget choices for accommodation.
2. Start Driving Early
Since the first day involves a long drive, leaving early helps reduce stress and allows more flexibility for stops along the way.
3. Prepare for Quebec Weather
The weather in October can change quickly, so layering clothes is important, especially for family travel. It’s better to prepare umbrellas or waterproof coats.
4. Bring Snacks for Kids
Long Ontario highway stretches can feel repetitive for children, so having snacks and entertainment ready makes a huge difference.
5. Allow Time for Walking
Old Montreal is best explored slowly on foot. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
Final Thoughts on This Montreal Road Trip Itinerary
This 3-day journey proved that you do not need a full week to enjoy an exciting Canada travel experience. In just one trip, we explored the historic streets of Montreal travel, tasted iconic local food, stayed conveniently in Laval, and added a rewarding Ottawa travel stop before returning home.
If you want a road trip that feels efficient, scenic, and full of variety, this route is one of the best short getaways from Ontario. Whether it is your first time visiting Quebec or you are returning for another adventure, this Montreal road trip itinerary is a smart and memorable way to experience some of Eastern Canada’s top destinations.
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Khoi Nguyen
Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.
28 Comments
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Khoi Nguyen
Montreal really does make such a perfect weekend getaway from Toronto. Every visit feels a little different too, there’s always another neighborhood, café, or hidden corner waiting to be explored.
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Brill
The food, culture, and history are all incredible. This sounds like such a great getaway, Adding Ottawa on the return trip makes the itinerary even more worth it. Definitely saving this for a future long weekend trip!
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Khoi Nguyen
I completely agree, the mix of food, culture, and history makes Montreal such a memorable city. Adding Ottawa on the way back gave the trip a really nice balance and made the drive feel even more worthwhile.
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Amber Myers
This sounds like the best road trip! I hope I can make it to Canada one day. my son is actually visiting there now, but he’s in Vancouver and loving it.
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Khoi Nguyen
I hope you get to visit Canada someday too, it really has so many incredible places to explore. Vancouver is amazing as well, your son must be having such a wonderful time there.
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BEth
I absolutely love Montreal. We went to visit family there a few years ago, and I’ve been tryin to get back every since!
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Khoi Nguyen
Montreal definitely has that effect on people, it’s hard not to want to return. There’s just something about the atmosphere, food, and charm that stays with you long after the trip.
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Ben
I’ve seen Montreal so many times on travel shows, and it’s always really interested me. Following along with this itinerary really makes me want to plan a trip.
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Khoi Nguyen
Montreal really does have that kind of charm that draws you in, even before visiting. I’m so glad the itinerary helped bring the city to life a little more, I hope you get the chance to experience it in person someday.
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Ebony
This was such a lovely guide. I appreciate travel itineraries that balance sightseeing with opportunities to actually enjoy the energy and personality of a city. Beautifully put together!
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Khoi Nguyen
Thank you so much for the kind words. I always try to balance sightseeing with slower moments, because those are often the memories that make a trip feel most meaningful.
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Catalina
The mix of Montreal and Ottawa sounds perfect for a short family road trip. Old Montreal honestly looks like such a beautiful place to walk around slowly!
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Khoi Nguyen
It really worked so well for a family road trip. Old Montreal especially is one of those places where slowing down and simply wandering becomes part of the experience.
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Alejandra
I’ll visit Montreal in a few months and this is so helpful! I’ve been waiting the city for a long time!
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Khoi Nguyen
That’s so exciting, your trip is coming up soon! I hope you have an amazing time in Montreal, it’s such a vibrant and enjoyable city to explore.
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MayPal
That’s how we did it too when our kids were young and we traveled! We didn’t always do stuff. We took time to settle down and enjoy some downtime. I mean, that’s what vacations are for anyway. If we had to run after our kids all the time, that wasn’t always fun. And it’s not because of the kids per se, but because there are certain expectations we set whenever we travel, and when those expectations aren’t met, our excitement gets replaced with frustration. Having downtime allows us to regroup and simply be in the moment.
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Khoi Nguyen
I completely relate to this perspective. Slowing down and allowing space for downtime really changes the whole travel experience, especially with kids, and often creates the most meaningful moments together.
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Karen M
Montreal always looks like such a fun city to wander around. I’d definitely overpack snacks though.
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Khoi Nguyen
Haha, overpacking snacks is honestly a smart move for any city adventure. Montreal is such a fun place to wander, especially when you can take your time and stop whenever something catches your attention.
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jerry godinho
Your Montreal road trip itinerary feels warm, practical, and adventurous. Every stop invites readers to explore Quebec with curiosity and joy. I love ottawa
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Khoi Nguyen
Thank you so much, that’s such a lovely way to describe the itinerary. Ottawa added such a calm and beautiful contrast to the trip, I’m glad you love it too.
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Andreia
MontMontreal is such a beautiful place. ThThere are so many beautiful places to visit and see. I’d love toI’d love to visit Ottawa someday.
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Khoi Nguyen
Montreal really is full of beautiful places and experiences. I hope you get to visit Ottawa someday as well, it has such a peaceful charm and lovely atmosphere.
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Barbie R
The fall foliage sounds beautiful for sure. When I was a kid, we would travel to Canada a lot. We lived in Ohio, and it wasn’t that far. Always had a great time.
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Khoi Nguyen
That sounds like such a special childhood memory. Canada in the fall really is beautiful, especially with all the changing colors and scenic drives.
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Sonia Seivwright
Crew Collective & Café and the Orange Julep stop completely sold me on this one. I always love road trip posts that include the little food moments as much as the famous landmarks, because those are usually the parts that stay with you most. This felt fun, realistic, and very easy to picture.
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Khoi Nguyen
Thank you so much! I completely agree, those little food stops often become some of the most memorable parts of a trip. Crew Collective & Café and Orange Julep were both such unique experiences, and I’m glad they helped make the itinerary feel realistic and easy to imagine. 😊
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Emily
I haven’t been to Montreal in so long, but it’s one of my favourite weekend trips from Toronto! This has made me realize that there’s still quite a bit that I haven’t seen – I need to go back and visit again!