Montreal to Montérégie Road Trip: Food, Views & Hidden Gems

If you’re dreaming of a summer escape that perfectly blends vibrant city life with serene countryside charm, this Montreal and Montérégie road trip is made for you. From bustling patios and world-class restaurants in Montreal’s diverse neighbourhoods to quaint small towns nestled along scenic rivers and rolling hills, this journey invites you to indulge in Quebec’s rich flavours and laid-back summer spirit. Whether you’re craving unforgettable meals, stunning views, or hidden gems waiting to be discovered, join me as we explore the best spots to eat, stay, and play on an unforgettable summer weekend getaway.

You might be interested in these Quebec adventures.

Why You Need to visit Montreal and Montérégie

Montreal is captivating in every season, but summer breathes a unique, electric energy into the city. The air is alive with endless festivals waiting to be discovered, vibrant patios, and quaint neighbourhoods bursting with character. One of my absolute favourite things is to wander through the streets, letting the city reveal its hidden gems and delightful surprises around every corner.

Montreal’s culinary scene is nothing short of spectacular. Boasting over 4,000 restaurants, the city proudly celebrates a mosaic of global flavours—ranging from secretive, cozy bars tucked away in narrow alleys to renowned Michelin Guide establishments offering unforgettable dining experiences. 

It was my first time exploring Montérégie in summer, and I can confidently say that it is pure summer magic. Montérégie is a scenic, sun-soaked region bursting with life, flavour, and charm. Known as the green belt of Montreal, this beautiful area is dotted with sprawling vineyards, fragrant orchards, sparkling waterways, and quaint small towns that invite you to slow down and savour the season. Whether you’re paddling on calm rivers, cycling through scenic trails, exploring farmers’ markets bursting with fresh produce, or sipping beer on a sunny patio, Montérégie offers an authentic taste of Quebec’s countryside with a vibrant summer vibe. It’s the perfect place to escape the city buzz, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories in a picturesque setting.

How To Get to Montreal and Montérégie

A quick 2-hour drive from Ottawa makes Montreal an incredible summer road trip destination. Montreal is the perfect weekend getaway or longer if you have time. 

The region of Montérégie starts across the bridge in the South Shore of Montreal. It extends towards Bromont. The charming towns I explored in this post were 10 to 30 minutes from Montreal, making them easy locations to add to your trip. 

Do You Need To Speak French?

No, everywhere we explored, we could speak in English or French. My French is a work in progress, but I’ve always been met with friendly locals welcoming me to the region. If you speak French, it’s definitely appreciated, but not a requirement. 

Day One in Montreal: Best Places to Eat, Stay & Explore

Lunch at Le Richmond Marché Italien

Fuel up after your drive in with a meal at Le Richmond Marché Italien. They offer a variety of Italian specialties and treats, including pizza, pasta, and cannoli. The restaurant boasts a chic, industrial-style setting that is cozy, with unique touches including chandeliers. 

Browse Unique Art at Arsenal Contemporary

Take a stroll through Arsenal Contemporary and immerse yourself in thought-provoking artwork. The gallery showcases an eclectic mix of innovative creations made from unusual materials that challenge your imagination. The artwork is hosted in a former 19th-century shipyard.

A few standout pieces truly caught my eye from the mirrors that give the illusion of moving with you, to one piece that appears soft but is made entirely of toothpicks. 

Stay at Alt Hotel

Check into Alt Hotel, nestled in the hip and vibrant Griffintown neighbourhood. Griffintown itself is a lively, artistic district, perfectly positioned within walking or biking distance to historic Old Port and the scenic Lachine Canal.

Relax in your modern, comfortable room with stunning city views. My favourite part? Their rooftop terrace happy hour, where we had the entire patio and its city views all to ourselves. Be sure to allow time to enjoy happy hour here. 

Walk Along the Lachine Canal

The Lachine Canal is a bike and walking path along the water. Enjoy the sites like the Farine Five Roses sign to people kayaking by. It’s alive in the summer with locals out catching some sunshine on the path or a picnic in the grass. It’s a great place to spot local life in Montreal.

The Lachine Canal is a national historic site managed by Parks Canada. Keep an eye out for the red chairs that will give you the best view! 

Explore the Atwater Market

The Lachine Canal will bring you to the Atwater Market, a Montreal staple that’s been in operation since 1933. The market is housed in an art deco-style building that’s considered a Montreal architectural gem. Inside you’ll find a mix of gourmet products, seasonal fruits and veggies, food vendors and more. I always make time to visit when I’m in Montreal. I love browsing the different seasonal offerings. A few ideas I recommend:

• Grab items for a picnic that you can enjoy along the Lachine Canal
• Visit one of their vendors like Satay Bros for Southeast Asian specialties 
• Cool off with a mixed soft serve ice cream from Ca Lem 

Drinks in a Floating Bar at Canal Lounge

This spot is a must for your summer weekend getaway in Montreal. For a truly unique experience, sip cocktails at Canal Lounge, a charming floral-decorated floating bar along the Lachine Canal. This spot is a summer must, perfect for classic Aperol spritzes or one of their original concoctions.  They don’t take reservations so I recommend going earlier. We arrived around 6 pm, and it was perfect timing. 

Dinner at a Michelin Guide Restaurant

Vin Papillon is a Michelin Guide restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere and an equally amazing menu. Enjoy dining on their lush patio full of greenery. Their menu is full of inventive dishes and creative takes on classics that are accompanied by an impressive wine list to tie the flavours together. Their focus on simple, fresh ingredients truly lets each flavour shine.

I highly recommend trying their chilli and sesame eggplant dish. I have never raved about eggplant until this dish. I would also recommend one of their specials of the night. We got a goat cheese and sweet pea tartlette. Our server shared that the peas were first of the season. The dish sounds simple, but the flavours were incredible. Our server shared that their ham and parmesan in a hazelnut butter was one of their most popular dishes, so we had to try it! It was also the dish we saw served the most at tables. 

Nightcap in a Speakeasy

Enjoy a drink in one of Montreal’s best bars with a speakeasy vibe, Atwater Cocktail Club. Walk down the alleyway and through the curtain entrance, and you’ll step into a fabulous lounge with an impressive cocktail list. 

The bartenders craft imaginative drinks that perfectly balance flavour and flair. I adored the Don Alphons, a whisky sour with a tropical mango twist. For something both delicious and Instagram-worthy, try the Smoke Show cocktail.

Day Two: Scenic Exploring and Travelling the World in Montreal

Fuel up with Brunch

Start your day with a sweet and salty mix at Barley. Our server recommended sharing the crème brûlée french toast and halloumi plate and they were 10/10. I would go back and order this exact same pairing. From the flavours on the halloumi plate to the crisp edges on the french toast, the dishes were perfection! I would put this on the list of the best brunches in Montreal. 

Explore Jean Drapeau Parc

Jean Drapeau Parc is a popular spot for festivals and events from Osheaga to the F1 races. We visited for the Jardin des Floralies garden that is free to visit. From the lagoon to willow trees to gardens, its a gorgeous spot to have a picnic or wander through. You can also see the life-size sculptures, mosaïcultures spread throughout the gardens. Jean Drapeau Parc is an easy bike or subway ride away.

Transport to Rome at Mano Cornuto 

Another culinary highlight is Mano Cornuto, where authentic Italian flavours transport you straight to Italy’s heart. We couldn’t resist the creamy pistachio burrata. We asked our server what dish we couldn’t miss, and she said they are known for their bolognese or pesto pastas. We went with the pesto and it was bursting with fresh herbs and flavour. 

Explore Old Port

I love exploring Old Port every time I’m in Montreal and getting lost in the charming cobblestone streets. Enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up at the popular Le Petit Dep coffee shop. Explore highlights like the patios, Ferris wheel and Port of Montreal Tower. Strolling through Old Port is the perfect addition to your summer weekend getaway in Montreal. 

In the summer, there are often festivals to stumble upon, ranging from foodie festivals to fireworks. Check the event calendar to see if your visit aligns with the schedule. 

Dinner with Mediterranean Vibes 

Feel like you have been transported to the Mediterranean with the decor and menu at Bazart Montreal. Enjoy a menu packed with flavour, featuring their mezzes and charcoal-grilled dishes. We got the tzatziki, muhamara, and octopus, and all were delicious.

I absolutely loved the vibe and bohemian decor, from hanging lanterns to the bar with orange decorations. Take some time to walk around and see the different chill zones. At night, everything becomes illuminated with red light. 

Day Three: See the Sights by Bike

One of the best ways to see Montreal is by bike. The city is extremely bike-friendly. There are over 1000 km to explore. On our bike day, we wandered across the bridges to the South Shore to dive deeper into some gems. I would say I’m a casual biker, and my husband is a triathlete, and both of us loved this adventure, all skill levels welcome! You can get our full bike route on Ride with GPS here. 

Welcome to Montérégie

Crossing the bridge leads you into Montérégie, Quebec—a lush region dotted with charming small towns, serene waterways, wineries, and cideries. Known as Montreal’s “green belt,” its fertile soil nurtures an abundance of fruits and vegetables, inspiring an impressive array of local producers. It’s the ideal blend of pastoral beauty and quaint community life. 

We rented e-bikes from Voyager Vélo, who also offer a handy luggage and car transport service if you want to fully embrace the 235 km Véloroute Gourmande, a gourmet cycling route connecting Montreal and Sherbrooke filled with delicious food stops, charming attractions, and cozy accommodations. Our route was a round-trip across two stunning bridges from Montreal, but you could also continue on the Véloroute Gourmande and add to your journey. 

Cross the Champlain Bridge

Our bike ride began along the Lachine Canal, leading to the Champlain Bridge. Montreal has a fantastic bike culture and dedicated bike paths, making this journey smooth and safe. Take extra time to pause and soak in the breathtaking views along the way. From the Champlain Bridge, you’ll see Montreal’s skyline meets the vast St. Lawrence River and the scenic Seaway.

Exploring Vieux Saint Lambert

Continuing along Le Riveraine, we arrived at the charming village of Vieux Saint-Lambert. Reflecting on my many trips to Montreal, I was amazed to discover this hidden treasure so close by. Its main street buzzes with lovingly curated local shops, all fostering a strong sense of community. Tucked behind a peaceful garden is a picturesque fountain and an inviting seating area. It was the perfect spot to enjoy an iced coffee from Le Riverside Café. 

Lunch at La Buvette Saucette

For lunch, we indulged in a wine and cider pairing at La Buvette Saucette, which showcases small producers crafting in the most natural ways. Their carefully curated selection spans delicate whites, vibrant orange wines, sparkling bubbles, and more. We paired our drinks with house-made hummus and charcuterie featuring Quebec cheeses, artisan sausages, and fresh bread from a local bakery. Chatting with the owners, you can quickly tell how passionate they are, and it flows into every product they carry. This charming spot is a must-visit. 

From here, you can continue along the Véloroute Gourmande or bike back to Montreal like we did.

Journey back to Montreal

We continued our adventure and headed to IÎle Notre-Dame – Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. It was crazy to think we were biking in the same spot where the F1 takes place! 

On our way back, we made a final stop at Parc de Dieppe, where you can get a wonderful skyline view of Montreal with Old Port as the focus. We packed up and made our way to a new town. 

Chambly, Quebec

Only 30 minutes from Montreal, you’ll find the charming town of Chambly. This Montérégie gem gives major beach town vibes with its access to water adventures and charming main street. I felt like I was in a summer book or movie as we explored. It felt like the kind of spot where the best summer memories are made. I couldn’t believe this fantastic small town was so close to Montreal. 

Founded around the 17th-century French military settlement, Chambly is the center of the Richelieu Touristic Route. This picturesque town is known for its heritage sites, restaurants, access to the water, and more. 

Stay in a Floating Chalet

First order of business, checking into Eau Villa, a floating chalet on the Bassin de Chambly. The chalet has everything you need for a comfortable chalet stay, including a kitchenette, bedroom, upstairs patio, spa and more. The best part is the 24/7 water views. I loved seeing everyone enjoy the water from boats, paddle boards, and seados!

Eau Villa also comes with paddleboards, so we hit the water to enjoy it for ourselves. We caught the perfect sunset and could admire Fort Chambly in the background.

What to Do in Chambly, Quebec: Boardwalks, Breweries & Floating Chalets

We spent some time exploring the town before dinner. The summer spirit was alive as we walked through the town. Here are some of the best things to do in Chambly: 

• Chambly Canal National Historic Site, a lock system with some great water views. You can cross the locks at specific points
• Quai Chambly, a scenic boardwalk
• Bike or walk the pathway by the water. See it illuminated with twinkle lights at night. There are also rest stations and picnic tables along the way where you can watch the boats pass by. 
• Explore the town’s’ breweries, including Delires et Delices, Bedondaine & Bedons Ronds, La Croisée des chemins
• Grab an ice cream at La Croisée des chemins

Dinner at Nord Laboratoire Culinaire

For dinner, we savoured a culinary adventure at Nord Laboratoire Culinaire. Chef Raphaël Podlasiewicz crafts bold, inventive dishes bursting with flavour. I won’t spoil the surprising ice cream dessert flavour, but trust me—it’s unforgettable! Opt for the tasting menu to sample a variety of delights.

We ordered different courses to share, and every dish was a contender for favourite—from salmon tartare with dill, zucchini with labneh and chilli, beef carpaccio, chive pancakes, lobster pasta, and beyond. This restaurant was another reminder of Quebec’s incredible food scene. 

Day Four: Exploring Charming Small Towns 

We woke up in Eau Villa and soaked in the views of the calm water before we embarked on Day Four. It was all about diving deeper into Montérégie’s small towns and the gems to explore along the way. Fun fact: between the 3 Montérégiennes’ hills of Yamaska, Rougemont and Saint-Hilaire, there are more than 30 vineyards, cidreries and distilleries. 

Fort Chambly

Fort Chambly is a historic site located along the Richelieu River. Originally built in the 17th century to defend New France from attacks, the stone fort you see today dates back to the early 1700s and played a key role in major events.

Now managed by Parks Canada, it offers engaging exhibits, guided tours, and interactive activities that bring over 300 years of history to life. We admired the view from the outside and explored inside to learn more about this historic fort. 

Cidérie Michel Jodoin

We hit the road and head to our next stop, Cidérie Michel Jodoin, one of the excellent producers who is part of the Monterégie Cider Route.

Jodoin has been selling apples on Rougemont Hill for over five generations. Jodoin learned the craft of cider making in Europe, and he was granted one of the first permits to make cider in Quebec. Today, they have award-winning ciders and wines and a gorgeous orchard that you can enjoy paired with charcuterie. 

The cidery is at the base of Rougemont Hill. Embark on a hike to the peak for a panoramic view of the cidery and the surrounding valley. We chose the 3.2km hike (versus the 4.6 km slower hike) to reach the top. Pay for your hike entrance at the cidery, and they will also give you a map to guide your hike. There are some beautiful forest views along the way with large rock formations. 

Domaine Inselberg

Next stop, visiting a Montérégie winery, Domaine Inselberg, a stunning orchard and vineyard tucked into the slopes of Mont Rougemont. It’s a perfect countryside escape for wine and cider lovers. You can stroll through rows of apple trees and grapevines, enjoy curated tastings of their signature white wines and ciders, or simply relax with a picnic while soaking in the views of nearby Mont Saint-Grégoire. The grounds are gorgeous and the perfect spot to enjoy a wine flight. 

Relax at Strom Spa

After days full of adventure, unwind at Strøm Spa Nordique in Mont-Saint-Hilaire. This spa is a dreamy wellness escape surrounded by forest and mountain views. This Scandinavian-inspired spa invites you to slow down and unwind with its outdoor thermal circuit—including hot and cold baths, saunas, steam rooms, and cozy relaxation areas. You can treat yourself to a massage, try their signature salt exfoliation ritual, or enjoy a gourmet meal at the on-site restaurant featuring local, seasonal ingredients. I love moving between the thermal circuit of warm pools and cold plunges. I usually chicken out of cold plunges, but the warm weather and their cold plunge with a waterfall was the perfect refresh. Only 25 minutes from Montreal, this could also be a fantastic day trip on its own. 

Explore Beloeil, Quebec

Beloeil is a charming riverside town in Montérégie, just 30 minutes from Montreal, known for its scenic views of Mont-Saint-Hilaire and its laid-back vibe. As soon as we arrived in Beloeil, I couldn’t get over the mix of river and mountain views. It reminded me of landscapes abroad! Stroll through its historic old town lined with quaint cafés, galleries, and restaurants, or explore the riverside paths full of incredible views. It was another stop that felt like the perfect summer town! We go there just in time to see the sunshine turn into gold hour for a magical view.

Canons! Wine & Gourmet Cuisine

Enjoy dinner with a view at Canons! Wine & Gourmet cuisine. We enjoyed their tasting menu while soaking in the views and watching boats pass by. They have a superb selection of Quebec wines and a delicious menu with favourites like beef carpaccio, scallop crudo, duck and more. It was the perfect meal to end a wonderful trip. 

This road trip was the perfect way to savour Quebec’s incredible food scene while uncovering the best-kept local treasures, from vibrant Montreal neighbourhoods bursting with flavour and culture to charming small towns that feel worlds away, yet lie just a short ride from the city. Each stop offers its own unique summer vibe, inviting you to slow down, explore, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or simply craving a refreshing escape, this journey through Montreal and Montérégie promises an experience that will leave you longing to return. It’s time to visit for yourself and discover the magic waiting just around the corner.

A huge thank you to Bonjour Quebec for sponsoring this post. I had a fantastic time on this trip and can’t wait for you to explore it for yourself. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.