Montreal Scenic Drives is a city with an undeniable pull, a vibrant urban core that offers world-class dining, culture, and entertainment. But for every Montreal Scenic Drives, there comes a time when the call of the open road becomes too strong to ignore. The good news? Just beyond the city limits lies a vast and diverse landscape, offering some of the most beautiful and accessible scenic drives in North America.

From the rolling hills of the Eastern Townships to the rugged peaks of the Laurentian Mountains and the historic routes along the St. Lawrence River, Montreal Scenic Drives countryside is a road-tripper’s paradise. This guide will take you on a journey, revealing the top 10 scenic drives near Montreal and the hidden gems you’ll find along the way. So, fill up your tank, pack a picnic, and get ready to discover the breathtaking beauty that awaits just a short drive from the city.

The Eastern Townships Wine Route

Just over an hour’s drive from Montreal, the Eastern Townships Montreal Scenic Drives are a patchwork of rolling hills, charming villages, and sparkling lakes. The Wine Route is the perfect way to explore this region, offering a taste of Quebec’s blossoming wine industry.

The Drive: This drive is less about a single road and more about a network of scenic country roads that connect over 20 vineyards. As you meander through the countryside, you’ll pass picturesque farmlands and small, historic towns. The route is particularly stunning in the fall when the leaves change into a fiery spectacle of red, orange, and gold.

Hidden Gems:

Vineyards and Cidreries: Stop at vineyards like Vignoble de L’Orpailleur in Dunham or Vignoble de la Bauge in Granby to sample local Montreal Scenic Drives. Don’t forget to check out a cidrerie for a taste of Quebec’s excellent apple ciders.

Bromont: This town is famous for its mountain biking, but it also has a charming village core with great restaurants and shops.

Magog and Lake Memphremagog: This Montreal Scenic Drives town offers a beautiful waterfront promenade, perfect for a stroll or a picnic. The view of the lake framed by the surrounding mountains is a must-see.

The Laurentian Montreal Scenic Drives

A classic for a reason, the drive north to Mont-Tremblant offers a taste of true wilderness and a vibrant resort town. This is a perfect all-season drive, with each season offering a unique view.

The Drive: Head north on Autoroute 15, and as you leave the city’s sprawl, the scenery will quickly transform into rolling mountains and dense forests. For a more scenic route, take a detour off the main highway onto smaller roads that wind through towns like Saint-Sauveur and Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. These two-lane roads offer plenty of twists, turns, and Montreal Scenic Drives vistas.

Hidden Gems:

Saint-Sauveur: This charming village is a destination in its own right, with boutique shops, art galleries, and an endless array of restaurants. It’s an excellent place for a coffee break or a hearty meal.

Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts: Take a moment to walk along the promenade of Lac des Sables and admire the tranquil lake and mountain views. It’s a peaceful alternative to the busier Montreal Scenic Drives Village.

Mont-Tremblant National Park: Beyond the resort, this national park offers breathtaking hiking trails, canoe routes, and stunning viewpoints. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers.

The Historic Chemin du Roy

For history buffs and those who appreciate a slower pace, the Chemin du Roy (Route 138) is the perfect alternative to the faster Autoroute 40. This scenic route is one of the oldest roads in North America, connecting Montreal and Montreal Scenic Drives City.

The Drive: The Chemin du Roy runs along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. As you drive, you’ll pass through a string of charming, well-preserved historic villages, each with its own unique character. You’ll see beautiful old churches, picturesque farmlands, and breathtaking views of the river.

Hidden Gems:

Berthierville: A stop here offers the chance to visit the Gilles Montreal Scenic Drives Museum, dedicated to the legendary Formula 1 driver, a true Quebec hero.

Trois-Rivières: The second-oldest French-speaking city in North America, Trois-Rivières is a perfect halfway point with a historic core, a charming waterfront, and the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières.

The River Views: The best part of this drive is simply pulling over at one of the many roadside parks or belvédères (lookouts) to take in the majestic St. Lawrence Montreal Scenic Drives.

 The Outaouais Region to Parc Oméga

If you’re looking for a wilder adventure, head west into the Outaouais region. While it’s a bit of a longer drive, the destination is truly unique.

The Drive: Take Autoroute 50 West towards Montebello. The drive is a mix of farmlands and winding forest roads. The closer you get to your destination, the more rural and scenic the landscape becomes.

Hidden Gems:

Parc Oméga: This is the ultimate hidden gem for a family or a wildlife Montreal Scenic Drives. Parc Oméga is a drive-through safari park where you can see Canadian wildlife like moose, bison, bears, and wolves from the comfort of your car. You can even feed some of the animals, like deer and elk, from your window!

Fairmont Le Château Montebello: Even if you’re not staying there, the world’s largest log cabin, this historic hotel is a sight to behold and a great place for a quick walk or a coffee.

The Route of Navigators (Route des Navigateurs)

For a different perspective on the St. Montreal Scenic Drives, take the south shore route, known as the Route des Navigateurs (Route 132). This drive is a perfect blend of history, culture, and coastal views.

The Drive: Starting from the outskirts of Montreal, this route follows the southern bank of the St. Lawrence all the way to the Gaspé Peninsula. For a day trip, focus on the section from Montreal to the Quebec City area. You’ll pass through historic towns and witness the impressive waterway from a new angle.

Hidden Gems:

Fort Chambly National Historic Site: Located along the Richelieu River, this historic fort is a great stop to learn about the region’s military past and enjoy a walk along the Montreal Scenic Drives.

The Lighthouse Trail: As you get further east, you’ll find charming towns with a maritime feel and a number of historic lighthouses, perfect for a photo opportunity.

The Montérégie Cider Route

The Montérégie region, southeast of Montreal, is famous for its apple orchards and is a perfect fall destination. The Cider Route is a delightful drive through this agricultural heartland.

The Drive: The drive is a series of picturesque roads winding through orchards and farmlands. The route is especially beautiful in late September and Montreal Scenic Drives during apple picking season, with the trees laden with fruit and the scent of apples in the air.

Hidden Gems:

Apple Orchards: Stop at one of the many vergers (orchards) to pick your own apples, enjoy a warm donut, and buy fresh cider.

Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno: This national park, centered around a small mountain, offers a network of easy hiking trails and is a perfect spot for a scenic walk.

The Granby Zoo: A great stop for families, the Granby Zoo is one of the largest in Canada and is a fun diversion from the scenic driving.

Rigaud’s Scenic Mountain Drive

Just 45 minutes west of Montreal, Mont Rigaud offers a surprisingly beautiful, but short, scenic drive. This is an ideal trip for when you don’t have a full day to spare but still want a taste of nature.

The Drive: Drive west on Autoroute 40 and take the exit for Rigaud. The road leading up the mountain is winding and tree-lined, offering a beautiful canopy in the summer and vibrant colors in the fall.

Hidden Gems:

Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes: A stunning religious grotto nestled into the side of the mountain, this is a beautiful and peaceful spot for a quiet moment.

Parc Chartier-De Lotbinière: Located at the base of the mountain, this park offers walking trails and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs before or after the drive.

The Lanaudière Forest Route

The Lanaudière region, northeast of Montreal Scenic Drives, is known for its rugged wilderness, lakes, and rivers. This drive is for those who want to get away from it all and immerse themselves in nature.

The Drive: Take Autoroute 40 East and then head north on smaller highways. The roads will take you deep into the forest, with a mix of paved and unpaved sections. You’ll pass countless lakes and small villages, making you feel a world away from the city.

Hidden Gems:

Parc Régional des Sept-Chutes: This regional park is a hidden gem for hikers, with trails leading to stunning waterfalls and impressive lookouts.

Saint-Michel-des-Saints: This town is a hub for outdoor activities, especially ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts, and it offers a genuine taste of a remote Montreal Scenic Drives town.

The Lachine Canal Scenic Drive

You don’t even have to leave the island of Montreal for this one! The drive along the Lachine Canal is a beautiful urban journey that offers a unique perspective on the city’s history and waterways.

The Drive: The road that runs along the Lachine Canal is a mix of industrial history and modern urban revitalization. You’ll see the old factories that powered the city’s growth, now converted into lofts and businesses, alongside beautiful parks and bike Montreal Scenic Drives. The route offers great views of downtown Montreal from a distance.

Hidden Gems:

Lachine Canal National Historic Site: Stop at one of the locks to watch boats pass through or learn about the canal’s rich history at the visitor center.

The Old Port (Vieux-Port) and Lachine Marina: The drive culminates in the bustling Old Port or the peaceful Lachine Marina, both perfect spots for a walk, a meal, or a coffee.

The Rive-Sud (South Shore) River View

For a quick, easy, and spectacular drive, head to the South Shore for a view of the Montreal skyline from across the St. Lawrence River.

The Drive: Take Autoroute 10 East towards the South Shore. For the best view, take the first exit for Parc Jean-Drapeau and continue along the shoreline. Alternatively, drive across the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and take the first exit on the South Shore for a spectacular view of the skyline.

Hidden Gems:

Parc de la Voie Maritime: Located in Saint-Lambert, this park offers a magnificent view of the city skyline, the St. Lawrence River, and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic or to watch the sunset.

Jacques-Cartier Bridge: A drive across this iconic bridge, especially at night when its lights are on, is an essential Montreal experience.

Montreal is a city that loves to Montreal Scenic Drives, and for good reason. The roads that fan out from its core are a gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes in Canada. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful country drive, a historic journey, or an adventurous outing, these top 10 scenic drives and their hidden gems offer something for every kind of road-tripper. So, turn up the music, roll down the windows, and let the adventure begin!