- What’s the distance between Toronto and Montreal?
- Tips for a Road Trip from Toronto to Montreal
- Overview-Road-Trip-from-Toronto-to-Montreal
- Route Planning: Recommended Stops and Attractions
- Port Hope: A Peaceful Escape
- Prince Edward County: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
- Gananoque: Home to 1000 Islands
- Brockville: A Mix of History and Scenery
- Upper Canada Village: Perfect for History Buffs
- Montreal: Your Final Stop
If you’re driving to Montreal from Toronto, you’re in for a treat. The route between these two Canadian cities runs along the shores of Lake Ontario the St. Lawrence River, making this a bucket list item. Pick up your car rental in Toronto from places like the airport or downtown and start the drive from Toronto to Montreal.
Whether you’re planning to explore some of the best lakes in Canada or learn some history, this is a great road trip for you. Let’s explore some tips to make your road trip from Toronto to Montreal memorable.
What’s the distance between Toronto and Montreal?
The distance between Toronto and Montreal is about 336 miles. If you’re driving from Toronto to Montreal without stopping, you can make it there in about 5 hours and 30 minutes. When you factor in a few stops, you could easily make the trip in about two days.
Tips for a Road Trip from Toronto to Montreal
To get the most out of your Toronto to Montreal road trip, we recommend extending it to about five days or more. This will give you enough time to truly experience each stop without rushing to your next destination.
Your itinerary, of course, will depend on your preferences. If you’d rather spend more time at the beach, plan for extra time in Prince Edward County. Or, if you’re visiting during winter, you could even add a stop at one of the best ski resorts in Canada.
Overview: Road Trip from Toronto to Montreal
| Destination | Distance from Previous destination | Drive time | Route | Highlights |
| Port Hope | 65.9 miles | 1 hour 10 minutes | ON-401 E | Historical architecture, Port Hope Marina |
| Prince Edward County | 67.7 miles | 1 hour 15 minutes | ON-401 E | Sandbanks Provincial Park |
| Gananoque | 67.1 miles | 1 hour 10 minutes | ON-401 E | Thousand Islands National Park, Boldt Castle |
| Brockville | 31.4 miles | 35 minutes | Thousand Islands Parkway and ON-401 E | Brockville Railway Tunnel |
| Upper Canada Village | 41.9 miles | 45 minutes | ON-401 E | Living history museum |
| Montreal | 88.2 miles | 2 hours | ON-401 E | European architecture, diverse art and cultural scene |
Route Planning: Recommended Stops and Attractions
Spend some time exploring Toronto before you head out. Attractions like the iconic CN Tower and the diverse St. Lawrence Market are must-visits, but the real adventure awaits once you hit the road.
Once you’ve had your fill of Toronto (and packed a few goodies from the market), head toward your first destination on the drive to Montreal from Toronto.
Port Hope: A Peaceful Escape
After a scenic drive along the coast of Lake Erie, you’ll reach the small town of Port Hope. This picturesque area is known for its historical architecture. With more than 270 heritage buildings and the best preserved Main Street in Ontario, Port Hope offers a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of Toronto.
Prince Edward County: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Continuing along the same road, you’ll next reach Prince Edward County. This area has so much to see and do that you may want to plan for two or more days here. There are plenty of small towns to see, and the region is known for its wine. In our opinion, though, the main attraction is Sandbanks Provincial Park.
This natural oasis is situated along the shores of Lake Ontario near the town of Picton, and it has some of the best sandy beaches in Ontario. It’s also home to the world’s largest formation of baymouth barrier dunes.
Gananoque: Home to 1000 Islands
A short drive up the St. Lawrence River is Gananoque, a small town that packs a big punch. The city is home to Thousand Islands National Park, a collection of almost 2000 islands in the middle of the river that straddles the Canada–US border. The natural scenery is unmatched, and tourists flock here in the summer for Thousand Islands cruises.
You’ll also want to visit Boldt Castle, situated just across the US border in New York. This attraction is only accessible by boat, so find a cruise that stops here.
Brockville: A Mix of History and Scenery
Drive the scenic Thousand Islands Parkway on your way to your next stop: Brockville. The parkway will eventually lead you into 401 E, which will take you the rest of the way there. Situated on the edge of the national park, Brockville offers the perfect mix of scenery and history.
Brockville is well-known for the Brockville Railway Tunnel: the first rail tunnel ever to be built in Canada in 1860. Originally used as a freight port offering access to the harbor, it’s now a free attraction. When you come back above ground, head to the waterfront for beautiful gardens and gorgeous scenery.
Upper Canada Village: Perfect for History Buffs
Your last stop before Montreal is the historic Upper Canada Village. This town is a living history museum that depicts what life was like here in the late 1800s, complete with actors in costume and horse-drawn carriages. The heritage village is home to many historic buildings, and the shops sell products like yarn and grain that were actually made on site.
More of an educational stop than anything else, this is the perfect road trip destination for families with kids and curious history buffs alike. Take a tour through the village or hop into a carriage and enjoy your brief trip back in time.
Montreal: Your Final Stop
After a final jaunt up the St. Lawrence River, you’ll reach Montreal, the largest city in Quebec. Heavily influenced by French culture, this diverse city offers something different than anything else you’ve seen on your road trip. With architecture reminiscent of European capitals alongside modern North American buildings, a stroll through the city is fascinating.
