You don't need weeks and weeks of vacation time or even an airplane to travel this summer — and that's still true for those of you who are dreaming of incredible waterfront views. Several magnificent road trips from Montreal to the U.S. and Ontario will take you straight to the edge of sparkling turqoise oceans, lakes and rivers, and they're all within five hours of the city.
Picture yourself in the car with your favorite person or a whole crew of your friends, music blasting, as you head for new horizons, only to end your journey with your feet in the sand, followed by a dip in emerald waters: yes, please!
Most of the research has been done for you, so all you have to do is secure your squad, gas up your car and start making memories.
If you want to see where a few hours of driving can take you, now is the time to do so because the sunny days and warm temperatures will be gone before we know it.
Newburyport
Region: Massachusetts, United States
Driving Time From Montreal: 5 hours
Why You Should Go: Newburyport is a charming coastal town in Essex County, attracting tourists with its golden sandy beach, maritime heritage and picturesque allure. During your stay, book a day at Plum Island Beach to swim in the Atlantic Ocean and eat at a snack bar like the Sunset Club.
You can divide the rest of your adventure between the Museum of Old Newbury, whale watching, a bike tour that covers some of the area's most beautiful scenery (including one of the marinas), and seasonal events like the Literary Festival, the Newburyport Spring Festival and the Newburyport Chamber Music Festival.
Lake Willoughby
Region: Vermont, United States
Driving Time From Montreal: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Why You Should Go: For a nature getaway that takes you to a stunning and rejeuvenating paradise, head to Lake Willoughby where you can discover an array of trails offering spectacular views of Vermont.
Hiking fans can add the 6.5-kilometre Mount Pisgah Trail (difficult) and the 8.53-kilometre Mount Hor Trail (moderate) to their bucket lists.
If all you want to do this summer is be on — or by — the water, you can take advantage of the 8-kilometre lake via two public beaches (North Beach and South Beach), which are open to the public for swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding.
Picton
Region: Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada
Driving Time From Montreal: 4 hours
Why You Should Go: You don't have to leave Canada to feel like you're on a Caribbean beach. Sandbanks Provincial Park in Picton, Ontario offers breathtaking scenery and soft sands that will remind you of Cuba.
With three white-sand beaches, extensive dune formations and hiking trails crisscrossing the extraordinary landscape, it's an ideal spot for your summer vacation.
Picton, the city nearest Sandbanks, and the greater Prince Edward County area, is also known for its biking trails, vineyards, food and antique stores. So you can fill your days with sand, sun, activities and discovery.
There's something for everyone, including lovers of oysters for whom a trip to the Sand and Pearl Oyster Bar is a must!
Bowmanville
Region: Ontario, Canada
Driving Time From Montreal: 5 hours
Why You Should Go: A pebble beach with clear, turquoise water for paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing, hiking trails, camping and picnicking — that's what awaits you at Darlington Provincial Park.
When you're not on the water, explore quaint stores and restaurants in the picturesque town of Bowmanville.
Find out more about Bowmanville's Darlington Provincial Park
Gananoque
Region: Ontario, Canada
Driving Time From Montreal: 2 hours
Why You Should Go: Known as the "Canadian Gateway to the Thousand Islands," Gananoque is one of Ontario's most beautiful waterfront communities.
During the summer season, there are many must-sees and must-dos, such as the dockside Thousand Islands Playhouse Theatre, the 1000 Islands History Museum, the Thousand Islands Boat Museum, and the impressive Boldt Castle, which sits on Heart Island in the U.S. and is accessible from the small town.
You can also enjoy Joel Stone Beach, Landons Bay and Grass Creek Park, or simply stroll through the charming streets, reminiscent of a bygone era.
Portsmouth
Region: New Hampshire, United States
Driving Time From Montreal: 4 hours, 45 minutes
Why You Should Go: This port city invites tourists to partake in boat trips, ferry excursions, lighthouse and whale watching, as well as to relax by the half-dozen beautiful beaches in the area.
What's more, with its glorious flower garden and pontoon bridge leading to the river, Prescott Park is yours to discover. It's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy life.
Ogunquit
Region: Maine, United States
Driving Time From Montreal: 5 hours
Why You Should Go: Maine is a classic for relishing in the "beach life" without hours and hours of driving. To discover a community where cars are unnecessary thanks to the ease of getting around on foot, and to enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery, head to Ogunquit. You can stay on the waterfront at the Norseman Resort, which offers guests access to a swimming pool, tennis court, sauna and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean.
To savour all the pleasures of this idyllic little town, visit a boutique to indulge in sea salt candies, sample seafood at one of the local restaurants, and explore the lighthouse and harbour at Perkins Cove.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
This article was originally published in French on Narcity Québec. It was adapted from the article "7 road trips à 5 h et moins de Montréal pour des vacances paradisiaques au bord de l'eau" which was originally published by Noémi Lincourt.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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