On this NYC to Montreal road trip, you will get the chance to explore museums, hike in the mountains, visit farms and wineries and go rafting down the Hudson River.
This unforgettable NYC to Montreal road trip will take you from city to city, from the US to Canada, and give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty along the way. On this route, you will pass through the Catskill and Adirondack mountains and have plenty of time to hike and explore. Passing by Lake George will give you the chance to kayak or take a boat trip. Reward yourself at the end of the trip by indulging in all the great restaurants that Montreal has to offer.
Stops
1. New York City
2. New Haven, CT
3. Woodstock, NY
4. Lake George, NY
5. Burlington, VT
6. Montreal
Info at a glance
- A 10-day trip
- Type of route: Nature
- 6 stops along the route
- 489 miles of driving
Highlights
- Marvel at the many works of art at the Guggenheim in New York City.
- Wander around an Ivy League campus in New Haven, Connecticut.
- Go white-water rafting down the Hudson River.
- Take a steamboat ride and enjoy a fireworks show.
- Wander along cobblestone streets in Old Montreal.
Getting to the start
This road trip begins in New York. To fly in, you can choose either La Guardia, JFK, or Newark airports. All of them are well-connected to the city center. For the train, Grand Central has lines to the New York suburbs, Connecticut and New Jersey. There is also an Amtrak which serves many locations throughout the US. For your time in New York, we suggest walking or taking public transportation, as driving and parking in the city can be a hassle.
When to Visit
This road trip is best enjoyed in the spring, summer or fall. It’s best to avoid this trip from November to February, as winter weather can be unpredictable. There are several stops in the mountains and near lakes, so be sure to bring good hiking shoes and a swimsuit. Also, because the last stop, Montreal, is in Canada, make sure you have your passport.
Driving tips
The speed limit on most New York highways is 65 miles per hour. This road trip crosses into Canada, so be prepared for potential long waits at the border crossing. Also note that Canada uses the metric system, so their speed limits will be posted in kilometers per hour. Most cars display both measurement systems on the speedometer. Finally, because Quebec is a French-speaking province, be aware that the road signs when you cross into Canada will be in French.
What to know about the route
This family-friendly road trip has a little bit of everything. Beginning in New York City, you will have several days to explore the museums, bars, and restaurants. Next, you will head to New Haven, Connecticut. In this town along Long Island Sound, you can visit museums and tour the Yale University campus. Then, make your way to Woodstock, NY, a small town located in the Catskill Mountains. Enjoy the live music scene in a town made famous by the music festival held there in 1969. After that, you’ll wind through the Catskills to the town of Lake George. This stop is all about the great outdoors. It has great places for camping and lots of water sports to enjoy. Next up is Burlington, Vermont, a city with a small-town feel. Here you can enjoy some great farm-to-table cuisine and even visit the farms themselves. Then, you’ll make your way to your final stop in Montreal. In this culturally rich city, you will explore the architecture, eat the local foods and listen to local bands. For this trip, we recommend an SUV or 4-wheel drive vehicle, as part of it goes through the mountains.
New York City
New York consists of five boroughs, each of which has a different, distinct vibe. Plan your stay according to what you want to see and do; this will eliminate long subway journeys and expensive taxi fares and save you time so you can see more.
Points of interest
Visit the Top of the Rock observation deck for incredible views of the city. Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry for a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Go for a picnic or a walk through Central Park. Marvel at the architecture and large collection of art at the Guggenheim Museum.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Live like a local and try an apartment rental instead of a hotel. You can choose anything from a trendy loft in Manhattan to a historic brownstone in Brooklyn. For dinner, grab some authentic cuisine in Chinatown or Little Italy. For a night on the town, check out the bars of Soho.
Sixt Insider Tip
If you are looking for a unique dining experience, take the (free) ferry to Enoteca Maria on Staten Island. This restaurant invites grandmothers from countries across the globe to come and cook their most loved recipes. You will get to experience different cuisines and get a home-cooked meal made with love.
From New York to New Haven (80 miles)
Traffic is likely to be heavy during this part of the trip since it passes through the city. Take your time and drive slowly. As you leave New York, you will take Interstate 95 alongside the Long Island Sound passing several beaches. Stop at Sherwood Island State Park for a swim or a walk along the beach.
New Haven, CT
New Haven offers a perfect mix of history and innovation. We suggest spending 2 or 3 days here to really take it all in. You can explore the history of the area through walking tours or by visiting the museums. Visit the small galleries in the area to get a feel for the local art scene.
Points of interest
Walk in the shoes of an Ivy League student and take a guided tour of the Yale University campus. Explore ancient history at the world-renowned Yale Peabody Museum. Enjoy the Quinnipiac River on a boat trip or rent a kayak. And to relax, listen to live music at Firehouse 12 bar and music venue.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
For a downtown experience, check out the New Haven Hotel or The Blake Hotel. If you’re looking for a more quiet, relaxing getaway, look into one of the many bed and breakfasts in the area. To experience a number of different foods, eat your way along the 5.4-mile loop of the street food district.
Sixt Insider Tip
For a relaxing experience on the farm, take a trip just 13 miles north of town. Here you will find the family-owned Bishop’s Orchard where you can pick your own strawberries or pumpkins. Not far away at Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery, you can enjoy a glass of wine in the countryside.
From New Haven to Woodstock (111 miles)
After leaving New Haven, you will pass back into New York and drive north along I-84. You will begin to drive through the countryside into the Catskills. There are several parks to stop at and enjoy along the way, like Wonder Lake State Park. You can explore the trails here before continuing your drive.
Woodstock, NY
This small town’s name became famous when, in 1969, a farmer lent his land to some hippies wanting to have a music festival. The Woodstock Music Festival was born and has lived on in infamy. You can visit the site of the music festival and catch some of the local musicians from today.
Points of interest
Hunt for vintage treasures and unique gifts at the shops on Tinker Street. Go for a tour and meditation lesson at Karma Tryana Dharmachakra, a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. And don’t miss the chance to explore the beautiful Catskills and go for a hike on the Overlook Mountain Trail.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
This small town is best experienced in one of the local bed and breakfasts. The Woodstock Inn on the Millstream offers both deluxe rooms and cozy cottages and has a great restaurant. Enjoy some plant-based cuisine at Garden Cafe on the Green. Hungry for breakfast? Try the seasonal, locally sourced menu at Shindig.
Sixt Insider Tip
Woodstock became a household name when, in 1969, a music festival was held here. You can visit the original site, located about a 1.5-hour drive away. Here, you can explore the Museum at Bethel Woods and be transported back to the ‘60s.
From Woodstock to Lake George (113 miles)
Just outside of Woodstock, as you get onto I-87, you will pass through Saugerties, home to Opus 40, a nonprofit sculpture park and museum. Artist Harvey Fite created all the sculptures by hand from bluestone that he harvested on-site. Opus 40 is open only a few days a week and tickets should be purchased ahead of time.
Lake George, NY
Lake George is a great place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. We suggest a stay of 3 or 4 days here to take advantage of the mountains, lakes and rivers in the area. Take a family-friendly tour or romantic dinner date on one of the boat cruises.
Points of interest
The lake is the main selling point of this area, and you can see it in style on a steamboat. Go on a Thursday to get a great view of the fireworks during some parts of the year. Adventure seekers can take a rafting trip down the Hudson River. Visit the largest marble cave entrance in the east at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Lake George is a prime location for camping. There are many private campgrounds and some are located on the waterfront. If you’re looking for a little more comfort, check out the rustic cabins at Lake Vanare Cabins & Lodge. For more luxury, stay at The Sagamore Resort. For a great steak and seafood dinner, visit Caldwell House Restaurant.
Sixt Insider Tip
For a memorable experience in the Adirondacks, check out the Revolution Rail Co. This one-of-a-kind tour takes you through some remote parts of the mountains on a pedal-powered railbike. It is open from spring to fall and has set starting times. It’s best to buy tickets in advance.
From Lake George to Burlington (90 miles)
From Lake George, you will take the scenic route along NY-9 north. This highway winds along the banks of the lake. Not far out of town, you will pass through some areas with hiking trails. Then, you will cross into Vermont and enjoy more scenic driving before arriving in Burlington.
Burlington, VT
Burlington may be Vermont’s biggest city, but it still has a relaxed vibe and welcoming atmosphere. Its location on Lake Champlain makes it a great destination for both outdoor and city activities. You can easily spend 3 or 4 days soaking in all that this city has to offer.
Points of interest
Lake Champlain is the main attraction here. Take a stroll along the waterfront or go for a boat cruise. Go shopping at the Church Street Marketplace, a car-free zone where you can get a bite to eat and watch street performers. For a peek at the local art scene, visit the Burlington City Arts Center, located in a former firehouse.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Stay in an artistic and trendy room at Made INN Vermont. For a more cozy, historic feel, check out the Sunset House B&B located in a Queen Anne-style home. To sample a local beer, visit one of the many breweries like Magic Hat.
Sixt Insider Tip
Just outside of the city, you can experience a working farm, Shelburne Farms. It is a 1,400-acre farm, nonprofit education center and National Historic Landmark. They offer tours that teach about sustainable farming and even show you how to make cheese!
From Burlington to Montreal (95 miles)
After heading north on I-89, you will then follow US-2 west for a more scenic drive. This route will take you over the South and North Hero islands. Knight Point State Park is a great place to stop for a picnic and a walk along the water. Then, you will continue north and head into Canada.
Montreal
Montreal is located in the heart of Quebec and French is widely spoken there. But, don’t worry, English is an official language as well. Here, you will have to adjust to a new currency, the Canadian dollar, and get acquainted with the metric system. Also, beware that street signs are generally in French.
Points of interest
Climb to the top of Mount Royal Park and enjoy the view. Step back in time and wander along the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. Visit the beautiful basilica of Saint Joseph’s Oratory. It is home to a Rudolf von Beckerath organ, which is one of the most prestigious in the world.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Plan your stay in a stylish eco-friendly hotel, like Alt Hotel. For a unique stay on the outskirts of town, check out Domaine Chateau-Bromont offering beautiful mountain views. Sample a Montreal specialty, poutine, or fries covered in cheese curds and gravy, at La Banquise. For breakfast, stop for a wood-fired bagel at one of the bakeries on Fairmount.
Sixt Insider Tip
If you are visiting Montreal from the months of February to the end of April, you must experience a sugar shack. Quebec is a major producer of maple syrup and sugar shacks are a local tradition. You can enjoy sweet treats, live music and entertainment for the kids.
