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15 Jun 2026Updated last time

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

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

Day 2
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    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.
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Day 3
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    Mont-Tremblant

    Famous for its ski resort and beautiful landscapes, perfect for outdoor activities.
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Day 5
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    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.
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Day 6
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    Trois-Rivières

    Known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, including museums and festivals.
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Day 7
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    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.
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Restaurants

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    O.Noir - Montreal, QC

    4.6
    $$$$

    O.Noir - Montreal, QC

    Experience dining in total darkness, enhancing taste, and aroma, while supporting visually impaired staff.
    4.6
    $$$$
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    La Binerie Mont-Royal

    4.5
    $$$$

    La Binerie Mont-Royal

    A Montreal institution since 1938, offering traditional Quebecois cuisine in a cozy and nostalgic setting.
    4.5
    $$$$
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    Atelier

    4.7
    $$$$

    Atelier

    Located in Ottawa, Atelier offers an inventive 12-course tasting menu with molecular gastronomy elements.
    4.7
    $$$$
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    Chez Muffy

    4.5
    $$$$

    Chez Muffy

    Housed in a historic maritime warehouse in Quebec City, this restaurant offers a seasonal, farm-to-table dining experience.
    4.5
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    Le Cloche Penche

    4.8
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    Le Cloche Penche

    A Quebec City bistro known for its brunch and unique vintage décor, blending tradition with creativity.
    4.8
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Hotels

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    Hotel de Glace

    4.6

    Hotel de Glace

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

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

    4.5

    The Fairmont Château Montebello

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

    4.3

    Le St-Martin Hôtel Particulier

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

    4.3

    The Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market

    A stylish hotel featuring contemporary design and panoramic views of Ottawa from its rooftop lounge.
    4.3
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Local Events & Happenings

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

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

    18 ans et + 4 juin: artiste 1 Bar le Shevas (Dans la Plaza Repentigny)
    Map IconPlaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Jun 2026
    Picture for MÉLO AFTERPARTY [4 juin 23h, 18+]: Fleau Dicaprio & Lary Kidd
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    Mélo Festival - Jeudi 4 juin [Fredz.AliciaMoffet.DeadObies.LaF.Na$T]

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

    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...
    Map IconPlaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Jun 2026
    Picture for Mélo Festival - Jeudi 4 juin [Fredz.AliciaMoffet.DeadObies.LaF.Na$T]
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    MELO AFTERPARTY: 3 jours - 4,5,6 juin 2026 23h, 18+

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

    18 ans et +
    Map IconPlaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Picture for MELO AFTERPARTY: 3 jours - 4,5,6 juin 2026 23h, 18+
  • Event Icon

    Mélo Festival - Passe 3 Jours

    Mélo Festival - Passe 3 Jours

    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...
    Map IconPlaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Picture for Mélo Festival - Passe 3 Jours
  • Event Icon

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

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

    18 ans et + 5 juin: Daddy Long Legs Bar le Shevas (Dans la Plaza Repentigny)
    Map IconPlaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Jun 2026
    Picture for MÉLO AFTERPARTY [5 juin 23h, 18+]: Daddy Long Legs
  • Event Icon

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

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

    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...
    Map IconPlaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Jun 2026
    Picture for Mélo Festival - Vendredi 5 juin [JoshRoss.VinceLemire.Trudy.BrittanyKe
  • Event Icon

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

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

    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...
    Map IconPlaza Repentigny in Repentigny (21.61 mi)
    Calendar Icon6 Jun 2026
    Picture for Mélo Festival - Samedi 6 juin [Elderbrook.LesLouanges.Ekkstacy.MarieCe

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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  • Reddit Icon

    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...

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    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....

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    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...

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    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...

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    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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    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...

    /r/AskACanadian
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    D1- Full day at Toronto D2 - Toronto / Niagara daytrip (is it worth staying Niagara overnight?) D3 - Head out of Toronto in the morning, spend the day in Kingston / Thousand I...

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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.

    Short Road Trip in Canada - Montreal and Toronto - Ottawa?

    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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    Toronto/Ottawa/Montreal Travel Recommendations? Hello everyone! My boyfriend and I are planning a road trip to Central Canada for Mid-July. We are coming from Pennsylvania and...

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