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7-Day Road Trip: Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City

15 Jun 2026Updated last time

7-Day Road Trip Overview: Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City

This 7-day road trip links three of eastern Canada’s most rewarding urban destinations while leaving room for scenic detours, memorable food stops, and distinctive overnight stays. Begin in Montreal, where historic streets, lively neighborhoods, world-class dining, and a strong French-English cultural mix create an exciting start to the journey. Spend time exploring Old Montreal, Mount Royal, local markets, and the city’s café culture before heading west toward Ottawa.

In Ottawa, enjoy a different atmosphere shaped by grand national institutions, elegant government buildings, and relaxing waterfront paths. Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and major museums make the capital ideal for a balanced day of sightseeing. From there, continue through charming stretches of Quebec toward Quebec City, one of North America’s most atmospheric destinations. Its fortified old town, cobblestone lanes, river views, and landmark architecture give the city a distinctly European feel.

To make the route even more special, consider adding stops such as Mont-Tremblant for nature and mountain scenery or Trois-Rivieres for history and local culture. Along the way, you can enrich the experience with unusual restaurants and distinctive hotels, turning the drive into more than simple city-hopping. Altogether, this itinerary offers a strong mix of culture, heritage, gastronomy, architecture, and scenic road travel, making it an ideal one-week adventure.


Recommended Activities

  • 1

    Montreal

    Montreal is a vibrant city known for its rich culture, historical architecture, and diverse culinary scene. It is home to numerous festivals and events, making it a lively destination year-round.
  • 2

    Mont-Tremblant

    Famous for its ski resort and beautiful landscapes, perfect for outdoor activities.
  • 3

    Ottawa

    As the capital city of Canada, Ottawa offers a wealth of national museums, landmarks like Parliament Hill, and beautiful waterfronts. It provides a blend of historical and contemporary attractions.
  • 4

    Trois-Rivières

    Known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, including museums and festivals.
  • 5

    Quebec City

    Quebec City is renowned for its well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a charming European feel with cobblestone streets and historic landmarks like the Château Frontenac.

Restaurants

  • O.Noir - Montreal, QC

    124 Rue Prince-Arthur E, Montréal, QC H2X 1B5, Canada
    Experience dining in total darkness, enhancing taste, and aroma, while supporting visually impaired staff.
    4.6
    $$$$
  • La Binerie Mont-Royal

    4167 R. Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M7, Canada
    A Montreal institution since 1938, offering traditional Quebecois cuisine in a cozy and nostalgic setting.
    4.5
    $$$$
  • Atelier

    540 Rochester St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M1, Canada
    Located in Ottawa, Atelier offers an inventive 12-course tasting menu with molecular gastronomy elements.
    4.7
    $$$$
  • Chez Muffy

    10 Rue Saint-Antoine, Québec, QC G1K 4C9, Canada
    Housed in a historic maritime warehouse in Quebec City, this restaurant offers a seasonal, farm-to-table dining experience.
    4.5
    $$$$
  • Le Cloche Penche

    203 Rue Saint-Joseph E, Québec, QC G1K 3B1, Canada
    A Quebec City bistro known for its brunch and unique vintage décor, blending tradition with creativity.
    4.8
    $$$$

Hotels

  • Hotel de Glace

    2280 Bd Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC G0A 4S0, Canada

    4.6
    An enchanting ice hotel near Quebec City, offering a unique winter experience with ice sculptures and themed rooms.
  • Hotel 71

    71 Rue Saint-Pierre, Québec, QC G1K 4A4, Canada

    4.6
    Located in a former bank building in Quebec City, this boutique hotel features contemporary art and a chic atmosphere.
  • The Fairmont Château Montebello

    392 Rue Notre Dame, Montebello, QC J0V 1L0, Canada

    4.5
    5-star hotel
    The world's largest log cabin offers rustic luxury and a full range of outdoor activities in Montebello.
  • Le St-Martin Hôtel Particulier

    980 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Rue Metcalfe, Montréal, QC H3A 1M5, Canada

    4.3
    4-star hotel
    A luxurious boutique hotel in downtown Montreal offering elegant rooms and a tranquil outdoor pool area.
  • The Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market

    325 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7G1, Canada

    4.5
    4-star hotel
    A stylish hotel featuring contemporary design and panoramic views of Ottawa from its rooftop lounge.

Local Events & Happenings

  • Picture for MÉLO AFTERPARTY [4 juin 23h, 18+]: Fleau Dicaprio & Lary Kidd

    MÉLO AFTERPARTY [4 juin 23h, 18+]: Fleau Dicaprio & Lary Kidd

    Plaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)4 Jun 2026
    18 ans et + 4 juin: artiste 1 Bar le Shevas (Dans la Plaza Repentigny)
  • Picture for Mélo Festival - Jeudi 4 juin [Fredz.AliciaMoffet.DeadObies.LaF.Na$T]

    Mélo Festival - Jeudi 4 juin [Fredz.AliciaMoffet.DeadObies.LaF.Na$T]

    Plaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)4 Jun 2026
    Votre billet sera accessible sur votre téléphone. Si jamais un problème survient le jour du festival, merci de vous présenter à la billetterie à l?entrée du site et nous pourrons vous assister. Stationnement: À l'approche du festival nous allons mett...
  • Picture for MELO AFTERPARTY: 3 jours - 4,5,6 juin 2026 23h, 18+

    MELO AFTERPARTY: 3 jours - 4,5,6 juin 2026 23h, 18+

    Plaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)N/A
    18 ans et +
  • Picture for Mélo Festival - Passe 3 Jours

    Mélo Festival - Passe 3 Jours

    Plaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)N/A
    Votre billet sera accessible sur votre téléphone. Si jamais un problème survient le jour du festival, merci de vous présenter à la billetterie à l?entrée du site et nous pourrons vous assister. Stationnement: À l'approche du festival nous allons mett...
  • Picture for MÉLO AFTERPARTY [5 juin 23h, 18+]: Daddy Long Legs

    MÉLO AFTERPARTY [5 juin 23h, 18+]: Daddy Long Legs

    Plaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)5 Jun 2026
    18 ans et + 5 juin: Daddy Long Legs Bar le Shevas (Dans la Plaza Repentigny)
  • Picture for Mélo Festival - Vendredi 5 juin [JoshRoss.VinceLemire.Trudy.BrittanyKe

    Mélo Festival - Vendredi 5 juin [JoshRoss.VinceLemire.Trudy.BrittanyKe

    Plaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)5 Jun 2026
    Votre billet sera accessible sur votre téléphone. Si jamais un problème survient le jour du festival, merci de vous présenter à la billetterie à l?entrée du site et nous pourrons vous assister. Stationnement: À l'approche du festival nous allons mett...
  • Picture for Mélo Festival - Samedi 6 juin [Elderbrook.LesLouanges.Ekkstacy.MarieCe

    Mélo Festival - Samedi 6 juin [Elderbrook.LesLouanges.Ekkstacy.MarieCe

    Plaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)6 Jun 2026
    Votre billet sera accessible sur votre téléphone. Si jamais un problème survient le jour du festival, merci de vous présenter à la billetterie à l?entrée du site et nous pourrons vous assister. Stationnement: À l'approche du festival nous allons mett...
  • Picture for MÉLO AFTERPARTY [6 juin 23h, 18+]: Choses sauvages & Virginie B

    MÉLO AFTERPARTY [6 juin 23h, 18+]: Choses sauvages & Virginie B

    Plaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)6 Jun 2026
    18 ans et + 6 juin: Choses Sauvage et Virginie B Bar le Shevas (Dans la Plaza Repentigny)
  • Picture for SARA LANDRY - Stade olympique Montréal

    SARA LANDRY - Stade olympique Montréal

    Stade olympique in Montreal (33.99 mi)30 May 2026
    LOUDxCLEAR x THIS IS HOUSE x INFLUX Present: Sara Landry @ Olympic Stadium Montreal / LOUDxCLEAR x THIS IS HOUSE x INFLUX présentent : Sara Landry au Stade olympique de Montréal. Support: ALEX FARELL, CALLUSH, KAAI, KRIS TIN, JOG MODE, DEROZ Salle: H...
  • Picture for Khalid: It's Always Summer Somewhere Tour

    Khalid: It's Always Summer Somewhere Tour

    Place Bell in Laval (35.36 mi)26 May 2026
    The event will take place at Place Bell in Laval.
  • Picture for The Guess Who - Takin' It Back

    The Guess Who - Takin' It Back

    Place Bell in Laval (35.36 mi)29 May 2026
    The event will take place at Place Bell in Laval.
  • Picture for Josh Groban with special guest Jennifer Hudson

    Josh Groban with special guest Jennifer Hudson

    Place Bell in Laval (35.36 mi)3 Jun 2026
    The event will take place at Place Bell in Laval.
  • Picture for Amyl and the Sniffers

    Amyl and the Sniffers

    Place Bell in Laval (35.36 mi)6 Jun 2026
    The band would like to share this message with all their fans: This venue has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual assault and harassment. Please report any incidents immediately to security. Offenders will be ejected from the show.
  • Picture for Triumph: The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour

    Triumph: The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour

    Place Bell in Laval (35.36 mi)11 Jun 2026
    The event will take place at Place Bell in Laval.
  • Picture for Cirque Extrême Canadien - Passe VIP CXC - 13H00

    Cirque Extrême Canadien - Passe VIP CXC - 13H00

    Place Bell in Laval (35.36 mi)27 Jun 2026
    Le CXC, Cirque Extrême Canadien pour une première fois à Laval! Un spectacle pour toute la famille mettant en vedette: Freestyle motocross avec l'équipe du Milot Land Tour. Freestyle BMX avec les meilleurs riders au Canada. Ainsi que plusieurs autres...
  • Picture for Yeat: The LOVE/LYFE Tour

    Yeat: The LOVE/LYFE Tour

    Place Bell in Laval (35.36 mi)22 Jul 2026
    The event will take place at Place Bell in Laval.
  • Picture for Mon Laferte - Femme Fatale Tour

    Mon Laferte - Femme Fatale Tour

    Place Bell in Laval (35.36 mi)25 Jul 2026
    The event will take place at Place Bell in Laval.
  • Picture for The Red Clay Strays

    The Red Clay Strays

    Place Bell in Laval (35.36 mi)5 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Place Bell in Laval.
  • Picture for Deep Purple with Special Guest Kansas

    Deep Purple with Special Guest Kansas

    Place Bell in Laval (35.36 mi)17 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Place Bell in Laval.
  • Picture for Myles Smith - My Mess, My Heart, My Life Tour

    Myles Smith - My Mess, My Heart, My Life Tour

    Place Bell in Laval (35.36 mi)19 Aug 2026
    The event will take place at Place Bell in Laval.

Travel Gems from Reddit

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    Ottawa: Following Toronto, we will head to Ottawa, where we plan to stay for 2 days. We are interested in knowing whether the drive directly to Ottawa is recommended or if the...

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    Our initial plan is: 3 Days in Toronto 1 Day in Ottawa 2 Days in Quebec City 3 Days in Montreal Would this give us enough time to see everything and is this too much driving f...

  • Tips for Winnipeg - Ottawa - Montreal - Quebec City road trip for next ...

    /r/Winnipeg

    Tips for Winnipeg - Ottawa - Montreal - Quebec City road trip for next summer ( 2 adults + 2 kids) Hello, We are going to hit the road next summer for the road trip to Quebec....

  • Quebec/Ontario Roadtrip for a first-timer in Canada

    /r/canadatravel

    Depending on the flexibility of your schedule, Id actually recommend starting in Quebec City for 2-3 nights, then continuing on to 2-3 nights in Montreal, 1-2 in Ottawa, and 2...

  • I'm going on vacation in the beginning of May. I'd like to see Montreal ...

    /r/AskACanadian

    You can easily drive to Ottawa in the morning, explore the city, and drive back to Montreal by the evening. If youre spending 7 days in Canada, I would say spend 3 days in Mon...

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    /r/canadatravel

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    Ottawa is Canadas capital city, full of history and the home of many national museums and monuments. Its absolutely worth stopping to visit and learn more about Canada.

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