Transit Weekend Getaways

Montreal's excellent public transit connections make car-free weekend adventures surprisingly accessible and affordable. VIA Rail connects Gare Centrale to Quebec City in under 3 hours for cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and French-Canadian culture with the Chateau Frontenac dominating the skyline. Continue to Old Quebec for European charm within North America. Ottawa sits just 2 hours away by train offering Parliament Hill tours, national museums including the Canadian Museum of History, and ByWard Market for local food and crafts. The Rideau Canal becomes the world's longest skating rink in winter. Megabus and Orleans Express coaches connect Montreal to the Eastern Townships including Magog and Bromont for wine country exploration, lake activities, and mountain hiking without car rental costs. Coaches depart from Berri-UQAM station multiple times daily. Vermont's Burlington reaches via Greyhound in 2.5 hours providing Lake Champlain waterfront, Church Street Marketplace for shopping and dining, and ferry connections to upstate New York. Mont-Tremblant becomes accessible via Galland bus service from Berri-UQAM station reaching the pedestrian village with skiing in winter and hiking in summer, all within walking distance of the bus stop. The Laurentians Express operates weekend services during peak seasons connecting multiple mountain towns. Train travel to Kingston provides 19th-century limestone architecture, Fort Henry National Historic Site, and Thousand Islands boat tours departing from downtown marinas. Book VIA Rail tickets 2-4 weeks early for best prices with Tuesday departures often 30% cheaper than Fridays. Download the Rome2Rio app for real-time transit connections and alternative routing options across multiple carriers. Pack light with backpacks instead of wheeled luggage for easier navigation on buses and trains especially during peak travel times.